Overview
Local tap water starts out underground in limestone, so it arrives carrying a heavy load of calcium and magnesium. That load turns into crust on heater elements, tankless exchangers, faucet aerators and dishwasher parts. An ion exchange softener swaps those minerals out at the point where water enters the house.
We test hardness, size the unit for your household, and install it with a bypass valve, a drain with a proper air gap and correct settings. Many newer homes have a softener loop already plumbed in the garage, which simplifies installation. For units that stopped working, we fix control valves, brine problems and spent resin.
How we handle it
Test hardness
At the tap, plus household size and usage.
Install correctly
Bypass, drain with air gap, settings dialed in.
Or repair
Valve, brine tank or resin issues fixed.
What it costs
With an existing softener loop, installation is straightforward. Adding a loop and drain where none exists costs more. Repairs vary by part, from a control valve to a resin replacement. Salt is ongoing and inexpensive.
Good to know
- Use the salt type your softener maker recommends.
- Break up any hard salt bridge in the brine tank with a broom handle.
- Use the bypass valve when watering the lawn to save salt.
Most homes built in the northwest side subdivisions over the last 25 years have a softener loop near the water heater. If yours does, adding a softener is mostly plug and play.
Water softener installation and repair questions
Is a softener really needed here?
Most homes benefit, especially those with tankless water heaters.
Will softened water taste salty?
Not usually. A drinking water filter at the kitchen is an option if you prefer.
How often do I add salt?
Usually every one to two months.
Can I drink softened water?
Most people can. If you are on a low-sodium diet, add a reverse osmosis tap for drinking.