Salt level in brine tank does not go down over time; salt appears to form a hard crust.

Safety first: Wear gloves and eye protection when breaking salt bridges. Do not use sharp metal tools that could puncture the tank.

• Probe for bridge: Insert a broom handle straight down into the salt. If you hit a hard layer with empty space below, a bridge is present.
• Break the bridge: Gently push and tap to break the crust so salt falls into the water below.
• Remove excess salt: Avoid filling the tank more than about 2/3 full. Scoop out excess salt if necessary.
• Use better salt: Switch to high-purity pellet salt designed for water softeners to reduce bridging.
• Monitor regularly: Check the brine tank monthly and break any new bridges before they cause hard water issues.