First, grab a bag of water softener salt—it’s usually at the hardware store or grocery aisle, and it costs about the same as a nice takeout dinner. You’ll also need a flashlight (to peek inside the brine tank) and a sense of adventure. That’s it. No tools, no gloves, no special skills.
The brine tank is the big, plastic cylinder next to your water softener—usually white or beige, and it might have a lid that screws or snaps off. Lift it gently, like you’re opening a treasure chest, because you’re about to fill it with salty gold.
