Add Salt to Water Softener

Lift the brine tank lid and check the salt level — it should be at least half full at all times. If salt is below the water line, the softener cannot regenerate properly and you'll get hard water. Use the salt type recommended by your manufacturer (pellets, crystals, or blocks). Before adding salt, check for a salt bridge (a hard crust that has formed above the water level). Tap the crust with a broom handle to break it up — a salt bridge prevents the bottom salt from dissolving, fooling you into thinking the tank is full. Add enough salt to bring the level to about two-thirds full. Most households use 25–40 lbs per month depending on water hardness and household size.