Does a water softener ruin a water heater?

• <div><p>The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.</p><p>Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater. </p></div>

What does hard water feel like?

• <div><p>Hard water doesn’t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also about how your skin feels <i>after</i> bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do—it’s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can’t rinse it off completely.</p></div>

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Q: Should I get a water softener or a water filter?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/water-softener-vs-water-filter.htm">Water softener versus water filter</a>: which one should you choose? If you want to remove minerals, opt for a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, go for a filter. Or, you can install both. </p></div>

Q: Can you drain a water softener into a cleanout?

• <div><p>No. You should never directly drain a water softener into a sewer cleanout. This practice is illegal in many areas because it could allow raw sewage to get into your drinking water and make you seriously ill. Many places have codes requiring a specific seal, pipe, and a large air gap between a water softener and a sewage cleanout. Check out <a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/FLPC2023P1/chapter-6-water-supply-and-distribution#FLPC2023P1_Ch06_Sec608.14.1">Florida's Plumbing Building Code</a> as an example of what these restrictions might look like. </p></div>

Q: What does hard water feel like?

• <div><p>Hard water doesn&rsquo;t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It&rsquo;s also about how your skin feels <i>after</i> bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do&mdash;it&rsquo;s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can&rsquo;t rinse it off completely.</p></div>

Q: What costs are involved with water softener installation?

• <div><p>Costs hinge on system type, household size, professional, and complexity, ranging between $800 and $2,500 for complete systems.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Sand Point, AK

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Sand Point, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Softener Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Softener Service companies in Sand Point, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Softener Service needs.

Last update on November 19, 2025

Reviewed in March 2020
Yes, Robby was great..had a leak under sink (mobil home..older water lines) and he took time to find right fitting to work. He came same day so that we would have hot water. We will be changing all lines under sink and Robby will be called. His name is in my Repair rolo dex for sure!!!
Arctic Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in November 2019
Great he fixed my hot water heater he had to replace my adenoid rod and gas valve
Ravn Handyman Services
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Reviewed in March 2017
Only company in the area who responded to my request for quotes to replace a water heater. Arrived promptly after I scheduled an estimate and within 24 hours I had quotes for two options to replace. Install went exactly as quoted. On the day of the install they arrived on time and after...
Paquette Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2015
Ramon was early and got my water main valve open after it was partially stuck in the closed position.
Pacific Plumbing Co
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Reviewed in June 2014
The water heater was not providing hot water last night. I called and made an appointment for this morning and got advice for interim care. Luke arrived and within short order (approx. 15 minutes) had diagnosed the problem and fixed it. A hose had become clogged, causing the problem, but he...
Anchorage Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in May 2014
Gerardo called ahead and was on time. His work was clean and efficient even though I hovered around while he took the old system out and installed the new one. I've never needed a water softening system before and asked a lot of questions but Gerardo patient ally answered them all and made sure...
American Home Water and Air
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Reviewed in February 2014
Troubleshooting mysterious water leak under the kitchen. Water coming out of the front door jam. Figured it out & repaired with the minimum of expense. Thank you, August West!
August West Construction
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Reviewed in October 2013
Oh these guys are good. I called and left a message, they called me back right within a timeframe one would expect. Anthony asked me the problem, the address, and my name and number. After I got done with a few hours of work, I called my renters to let them know a plumber would be coming...
Lorenzo Enterprises
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Reviewed in September 2013
They leveled and filled in the caved in portions of the driveway and walkway and built it up so that water flows away from the house.
Alaska Infrared Asphalt
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Reviewed in July 2013
Very professional - work was fantastic. He came out, cut and installed the gutters with down spouts, dug under the concrete walkway to put in a drain so the water would move away from the house. Didn't take long and over three years later the gutters are still wonderful!
RICHARDSON ALUMINUM
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Plumbing & Heating Doctor

4.74(

)

Plumbing & Heating Doctor

4.74(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

We are a family owned business with locations in Palmer & Wasilla AK. We service all of the Mat-Su Valley. From repairing your Heating System / Water Heater or replacing them with new equipment, we can solve your problem. We specialize in High Efficiency Units. We also sell and install water treatment systems. Available 24/7 year around, for your plumbing and heating emergencies.

"I called in the morning about a leak under my sink and someone was immediately dispatched to my house! NO WAITING FOR A FEW DAYS! J.D. was very professional and friendly as he fixed the pipe and explained what had caused it. I highly recommend this company!"

Deborah W on November 2023

"I called in the morning about a leak under my sink and someone was immediately dispatched to my house! NO WAITING FOR A FEW DAYS! J.D. was very professional and friendly as he fixed the pipe and explained what had caused it. I highly recommend this company!"

Deborah W on November 2023

Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.

Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater.

Water softener versus water filter: which one should you choose? If you want to remove minerals, opt for a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, go for a filter. Or, you can install both.

No. You should never directly drain a water softener into a sewer cleanout. This practice is illegal in many areas because it could allow raw sewage to get into your drinking water and make you seriously ill. Many places have codes requiring a specific seal, pipe, and a large air gap between a water softener and a sewage cleanout. Check out Florida's Plumbing Building Code as an example of what these restrictions might look like.

Hard water doesn’t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also about how your skin feels after bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do—it’s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can’t rinse it off completely.

Costs hinge on system type, household size, professional, and complexity, ranging between $800 and $2,500 for complete systems.

The Sand Point, AK homeowners’ guide to water softener services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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