water softener question

need more info, type of softener would help. answers to your questions...
1.. just adding salt will not make the water come back in.
2.. depends on the size of the brine tank

ok thank you not much help though

I recommend using Solar Salt and maintaining the level half way depending the area you live in the humidity may cause the Salt to bridge up
Pellet Salt doesn't dissolve as well as Solar salt and with Pellet Salt cleaning Brine tank once a year and with Solar Salt every 7yrs....
Most units except Eco or GE systems will have 6 to 8 inches of water in Brine tank's .If you have the other water softener units if water rises above 24 inches call your local water treatment company and make sure they have parts to repair unit...if you don't have a marking of unit describe it and give color and if can't go by that move on to another water treatment co.
good luck