The softener compartment fills with water ?

Cindy - You didn't bother to say what make and model washing machine you have but, in general, there is some kind of syphon arrangement that drains the softener compartment. Find it, disassemble and clean out the crud. Check out the manual if you can find one or download one from the Internet.

These may help

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/fabric-softener-compartment-full-of-water/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsCF-FdxFz4

Next time, try a Google search for yourself

XXXXX
September 2015