Yes, and it’s a really boring mistake. You’ll create a solid, crusty layer that makes the salt useless. It’s called a salt bridge, and it’s the enemy. You’ll think the tank is full, but the water can’t reach the salt. Result? Hard water returns, and your softener cries silently.
Fix it by breaking the crust with a broom handle. No, really—gently poke it. Don’t use metal tools unless you want a puncture and a flooded basement. Plastic handle, gentle love taps. Then add salt slowly, one bag at a time, instead of dumping the whole truckload.
