Water softener dilemma

by Janice
(Hermitage PA USA)

I just moved into an older home and a water softener was already installed. It never ran until I learned to manually turn it on. I have to run it that way all the time. I now have black sediment in my water.

I have asked the previous owner what model it is and no one has a clue as to what it is or who took care of it. I called a few prominent business' in the area to see if they had any record of the installment. They do not.

My question... how do I find out what kind of softener it is... NOTHING printed on the tank. The only numbers refer to the motor. Thank you for your help.