Replace the lid. Turn the water supply back on. Your softener will do its own regeneration cycle in the middle of the night, making a noise like a gargling dinosaur. That's normal. It's just the brine solution flushing through the system, scrubbing away mineral buildup like a tiny, salty janitor.
Check the salt level every month. A good rule of thumb: if you can see the bottom of the tank, it's time to add more. If you have a family of four, you'll go through a bag every four to six weeks. If you live alone and shower once a week (no judgment), a bag might last you through a Netflix binge-watching apocalypse.
One Last Surprising Fact
Here's the truth bomb: you don't actually drink softened water in most cases. Many systems bypass the kitchen sink, so the water you drink is still hard. The softened water goes to your shower, washing machine, and dishwasher. That means your salt-addiction is really about saving your appliances, not your taste buds. But hey, your water heater will last longer, your clothes will smell less like a wet cave, and your glass shower doors won't look like a crime scene of calcium stains. Isn't that worth carrying a 40-pound bag of salt once a month?
So go forth, you glorious home-maintenance warrior. Add that salt. Laugh at your neighbors with cloudy dishes. And remember: you're not just a person; you're a water softener salt whisperer. That's a real thing. I just made it up, but it's true now.
