Let the system run through one regeneration cycle (check the manual). You’ll hear it hiss and gurgle like a contented cat. That’s normal. Run a faucet in the house for a minute to flush out any air.
Within 24 hours, you’ll notice the difference. Your skin feels slippery (the good kind of slippery, not the “I forgot to rinse” kind). Your glasses come out of the dishwasher looking like they just had a spa day. The water heater will thank you by living five years longer. It’s a quiet victory, but a real one.
Bonus Cultural Check
Remember in Breaking Bad when Walter White uses a water softener to justify his suspicious spending? It’s a very minor plot point, but it shows that even fictional geniuses need soft water. You’re now part of that club, minus the illegal activities.