Replenish water softener salt

Why It Matters

Without salt, the softener can't regenerate. Hard water returns and scale builds up in pipes, fixtures, and the water heater.

Tools

• Broom handle or long stick

Materials

• Water softener salt (pellets, crystals, or block, matching your softener's requirement)

How to Do It

1. Check your softener's manual or label to confirm which salt type it requires: pellets, crystals, or block.
2. Open the brine tank lid.
3. Look for a salt bridge, a hardened crust that can form above the water line and block salt from dissolving properly.
4. If a salt bridge is present, break it up with a broom handle or similar blunt tool until the salt is loose.
5. Pour in enough salt to bring the tank to roughly two-thirds full, or to the level marked in your manual.

Related Tasks

• Service water softener Once a year
• Clear sink and shower drain buildup Every 3 months
• Close and reopen the main water shutoff valve Once a year