After you’ve adjusted the hardness, salt, time, and cycle, run a manual regeneration. Watch it for a minute. Listen. It should go: gurgle, pause, hiss, then silence. That’s the sound of victory.
Then test the water. Fill a glass. If it’s clear and feels silky, you did it. If it’s still a mineral nightmare, go back and double-check your hardness number. Don’t worry—I’ve messed up three times in a row before. It’s a rite of passage.
One last thing: write down your settings on a sticky note and slap it on the side of the tank. Next time the power goes out or a well-meaning friend “helps” you, you’ll be ready. You’re now the official water softener whisperer. Use your powers wisely.
