Best water softener pros near Mountain Brook, AL

Q: Can I soften hard water?

• <div><p>Yes. To get soft water, you can install a water softening system, which will replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-water-softener-installation-cost.htm">Water softeners cost</a> anywhere from $200 to $6,000, depending on the size and complexity of the system. You can either install a water softener for the whole house or just at your shower heads. If you&rsquo;re sensitive to sodium or potassium, you can install a salt-free water conditioner.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a license or permit to install a water softener?

• <div><p>Whether you need a license or permit for water softener installation depends on your location. Some municipalities require the installer to hold a plumbing license, while others may only require a permit and an inspection. In some cases, both a permit and a licensed installer are necessary, and some areas have no requirements at all. Often, only certified plumbers and electricians are allowed to pull the necessary permits. To find out the specific regulations in your area, you can contact your local building department. Alternatively, a local water softener installer or plumber will be familiar with the requirements and can typically pull the permits for you. Regardless of local laws, it is always recommended to hire a licensed professional to ensure the system is sized and installed correctly. You can use tools like Angi&rsquo;s state licensing tool to verify an installer's license status.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to bathe in yellow water?

• <div><p>Generally, it is safe to bathe in yellow water, as the color is often caused by iron, tannins, or rust, which won't harm your skin. Soap will still clean you effectively, though the water might leave stains. However, if the water has an unusual smell or you suspect contamination, avoid bathing and contact a plumber for an inspection. A professional can also help if you find bathing in yellow water problematic and want to determine how to get your water clear again.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter, and which one do I need?

• <div><p>The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.</p><p>To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Mountain Brook, AL

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Mountain Brook, AL 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 Mountain Brook, AL 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 04, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
I had a great experience with this team. They showed up quickly, were professional and well-presented in uniform, and took the time to clearly explain what they were doing each step of the way. Communication was excellent from start to finish, and they made a stressful situation much easier to...
LPOAL LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Kevin Johnson did a great job and was very polite and efficient. He fixed the condensate clog/leak and installed an emergency switch on the unit so it would shut off completely if the water rose again. I was pleased with his work. My only complaint was the high bill!
Wilbur's Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2024
My gas fireplace now works properly, my water fountain in my office now has a filtration system and I do not have to get large bottles of distilled water from home depot, my fax line now works properly
Turnkey USA Management
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Reviewed in January 2024
Needed my water heater replaced. Brandon did a great job, also, assisted us with a few other repairs we needed. Super nice and professional.
Brandon Baradell
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Reviewed in June 2023
Overall, I had a great experience and would hire Rooter Proxpress again. Someone was able to come out the same day I called. Eric, my technician was very knowledgeable and upfront about the problem. He even provided a quick-fix in order for me to have some hot water that evening and came back...
Rooter ProXpress LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
C&W Dirt Work did a great job correcting a run off issue on our property. The run off had eroded a large portion of our back yard. Grant and his team came up with a solution to fix the issue by removing some trees to reroute the water and installing a rip rap rock wall to prevent the issue from...
C&W Dirt Work and Contracting Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
My back yard had standing water because it would not drain. They repaired existing french drains and also installed new and improved ones and it works better than before. They started on time and finished ahead of schedule. Highly recommend.
PTE Waterproofing & Construction
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Reviewed in August 2020
I think I earned a Masters degree in encapsulation/water-proofing due to all the research I put into the job I needed and who to go with. After having AquaGuard complete our crawlspace I can assure you that they are the best in the business. I was VERY impressed with the professionalism and...
Aqua-Guard Waterproofing, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2020
John and Ray are great They were at my home in 3 hours and fixed my sprinklers and water leak! Great value!
Conserva Irrigation of South Birmingham
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Reviewed in June 2020
We’ve used Jimmy from Coleson Plumbing for years for all of our plumbing projects! Our house was built in 1957 so you can imagine the issues we’ve had over the years. Jimmy and Coleson Plumbing is Honest, Professional, extremely clean, and time after time has always come in at the best price for...
Coleson Plumbing & Gas
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Top-Rated Water softener pros in Mountain Brook - Updated Nov 2026

Aqua Systems of Birmingham

4.5(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They called right away. The person showed up when they said he would and he was able to repair my water softener. He was extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant. I definitely will use again!!"

+100

Response time8 hrs

Response rate89%

39 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Keith The Plumber LLC

4.6(

283

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Water pressure was increased in home but the main issue was in the kitchen where I had very little water pressure. By the time he left we had NO water pressure in the kitchen and now have to replace faucet."

+45

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Brasher Plumbing Solutions LLC

4.9(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or ServiceWell Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2022

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"These men did a great job with repairing my water line. They were very fast and efficient and got the job done. They were also very knowledgeable and answered all the questions I had. I would highly recommend Brasher Plumbing!"

+27

Response time4 hrs

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by5%of homeowners

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Keith The Plumber, LLC

4.4(

451

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWell Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"The problem: Water heater not making hot water. The plumber installed gas control valve, thermal expansion tank, and installed a new valve for a hose bib. $175 in parts, the rest of the $1,076.00 invoice was labor. The work was done well; the plumber was courteous and explained his work. The owner called after the work was completed. He cares about his reputation and about his customers being satisfied with their service."

+38

Response time2 hrs

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Birmingham

4.4(

239

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Asked for a last minute estimate and recieved a prompt courteous response from the plumber, Shane Mathews. I believe he was thorough and offered a fair price."

Response time10 mins

318 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by86%of homeowners

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Elite Drain Cleaning & Septic Services

4.6(

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went great!! They responded very quickly came out the same day !! Had my tank installed the next day ! The cover up looked wonderful couldn't ask for a better Septic Company than Elite Drain and Septic!!"

+24

Response time8 hrs

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Plus One Heating and Air

4.8(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very thorough and professional. They carefully and clearly explained what we needed done and what they were doing. The left areas they traveled and worked on clean."

Response time1 day

40 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything was good and quick. Didn't leave a mess."

Response time10 hrs

Response rate87%

58 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mr. Rooter Plumbing of South Birmingham

5.0(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or ServiceWell Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1976

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of South Birmingham \nFinding a good plumber is about more than getting a quick fixit's about finding someone who can help keep your plumbing working for years to come. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our plumbers are all licensed, bonded, and insured, so homeowners can feel confident about entrusting their plumbing repairs to us. More importantly, our plumbers are as courteous as they are highly trained, making our service the most stress-free experience you'll ever have with a plumber.

71 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Ford Water Work

New to Angi

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Mountain Brook, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

My name is Mark Ford. I was born and raised in walker county and am looking forward to providing the community with the easiest and efficient option tackling the dirty job no home owner wants to have to worry about

Request Quote

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Water Softeners FAQs, answered by experts

Yes. To get soft water, you can install a water softening system, which will replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions. Water softeners cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000, depending on the size and complexity of the system. You can either install a water softener for the whole house or just at your shower heads. If you’re sensitive to sodium or potassium, you can install a salt-free water conditioner.

Whether you need a license or permit for water softener installation depends on your location. Some municipalities require the installer to hold a plumbing license, while others may only require a permit and an inspection. In some cases, both a permit and a licensed installer are necessary, and some areas have no requirements at all. Often, only certified plumbers and electricians are allowed to pull the necessary permits. To find out the specific regulations in your area, you can contact your local building department. Alternatively, a local water softener installer or plumber will be familiar with the requirements and can typically pull the permits for you. Regardless of local laws, it is always recommended to hire a licensed professional to ensure the system is sized and installed correctly. You can use tools like Angi’s state licensing tool to verify an installer's license status.

Generally, it is safe to bathe in yellow water, as the color is often caused by iron, tannins, or rust, which won't harm your skin. Soap will still clean you effectively, though the water might leave stains. However, if the water has an unusual smell or you suspect contamination, avoid bathing and contact a plumber for an inspection. A professional can also help if you find bathing in yellow water problematic and want to determine how to get your water clear again.

The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.

To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.

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.

The Mountain Brook, AL homeowners’ guide to water softener services

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

See all articles

Paige Bennett
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Is a Water Softener and Is It Right for Your Home?
Water softeners remove minerals from hard water in your home and make your water more pleasant to use. Learn more about how they work here.
Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How a Water Softener Works: Comprehensive Guide
Water softeners work to remove unwanted minerals from hard water through a filtration and recharge cycle. Keep reading to learn how a water softener works.
Taylor Sansano
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
4 Water Softener Alternatives That Ditch the Salt
There are four common softener alternatives available on the market today. We compare and contrast each one to help you find your best-fit solution in this blog.
Becca Stokes
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Water Softener Regeneration: A Brilliantly Discreet Method for Removing Hard Water
Water softeners rid your home of hard minerals and, well, soften your water. Even better, the regeneration process is an automatic cycle that works when you’re least likely to use it.
Dan Simms
•
Aug 1, 2026Aug 1, 2026
How to Inspect Your Water Softener in 9 Simple Steps
Your water softener works overtime to keep your water safe. Use this guide on how to check your water heater for damage or poor performance.
Allie Ogletree
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
Give Your Water a Gentle Touch With These Efficient Water Softeners
Water softeners remove hard minerals from your tap water, improving plumbing systems and water-using appliances. Here are the most efficient water softeners out there.