Go to your softener. Lift the lid. Is there salt in there? I know, question sounds dumb, but you’d be surprised. Sometimes we forget to refill it. Life gets busy—no judgment.
How do I know if my water softener is working properly?
You should see enough salt to cover the bottom of the tank, preferably a few inches deep. If it’s empty or looks like a desert, your softener is basically a very expensive paperweight. Fill it up, run a regeneration cycle, and watch the magic return.
The Rust Test (For The Squeamish)
Run a bit of hot water into a white bucket or clear glass. Let it sit for a minute. Does it turn rusty or brown? That means your softener is letting iron through. A working system traps it like a bouncer at a fancy club. If you see rust, your resin bed might be exhausted.
Don’t drink it—well, you can, but ew. This is a sign to call a professional or buy a rust-removing resin cleaner. You’re better than brown water.
