Does water softener installation require a license?

<div><p>The license requirements for water softener installation depend on your location. Some municipalities require that the installer hold a plumbing license, some require a permit and an inspection, but no license for the installer, and some require a permit and a license for the installer. Regardless of the local laws in your area, it’s always a good idea to hire a licensed plumber or installer. These pros will install your system properly and have the experience to size the system appropriately. Use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to check your installer’s license status.</p></div>

Is a water softener worth it?

<div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hard-truth-about-water-softeners.htm">Water softeners</a> are worth the money if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water is safe to drink, but it poses serious threats to your plumbing system. The minerals in hard water will gradually build up on the inside walls of your pipes, reducing water flow to your fixtures. The minerals can also gradually corrode your plumbing system, reduce its lifespan, and increase the risk of leaks. Hard water also makes soap and detergent less effective. Water softener systems can solve all these issues, making them a great investment.</p></div>

Can I install a water softener myself?

<div><p>It’s possible to install a water softener yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Water softeners require working with copper pipes and electrical wiring, neither are suitable tasks for most DIYers. Plus, working with water and electricity together is dangerous and could pose a risk to your safety. Water softeners also need to be calibrated so that they don’t make your water too soft, as soft water poses just as many risks as hard water. Overall, it’s well worth hiring a local water softener installer to place your water softener system.</p></div>

What is the average cost to install a water softener?

<div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-water-softener-installation-cost.htm">cost to install a water softener system</a> is <b>$1,500 </b>on average, ranging between <b>$200 and $6,000</b>. The labor for water softener work typically costs between <b>$150 and $1,000</b>, so you can add that to your equipment costs to get an accurate total. Your price will depend on many factors, including the following:</p><ul><li><p>System capacity </p></li><li><p>Home size</p></li><li><p>Water hardness levels</p></li><li><p>Type of water softener</p></li><li><p>Presence of electricity in the installation area</p></li><li><p>Local permit costs</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How big of a water softener do I need?

<div><p>Your water softener size is based on your total household water consumption. In most cases, you can assume the average household member will use around <b>75 gallons per day</b>. Multiply that by the number of people in your home, then multiply by 10 (for the typical grains per gallon). You’ll get a number in grains that should help roughly size your water softener. However, it’s best to hire a professional to install your system and use more exact numbers, like your exact average water consumption per day and starting water hardness.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Water softener pros in Carlsbad, CA

Payless Water Heaters & Plumbing Inc

Payless Water Heaters & Plumbing Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

97 local quotes requested

21 years of experience

Payless Water Heaters provides Same day water heater Installation & Repair services. We also can install a New Tankless Water Heater the same day. We understand how important hot water is to your daily routine - Our team has over 30 years of combined industry-leading experience, which gives us greater insight into locating root problems and providing customized solutions. Unlike some technicians, we carefully survey the unit before starting any repairs. This allows us to accurately address the issue and create lasting solutions. As a Family owned and Locally operated business, we have deep roots in the community. Our mission is simple - provide the ultimate customer experience. This means always being on time, being professional, and being available, With upfront, honest pricing, and no extra charge for nights or weekends - If you're ready to get started, call (888)461-8249 if you need some help.

"It went very well and all the issues were resolved quickly. Adan was very professional and confident service person. We highly recommended Payless water heater and plumbing."

Renato O on July 2025

Payless Water Heaters provides Same day water heater Installation & Repair services. We also can install a New Tankless Water Heater the same day. We understand how important hot water is to your daily routine - Our team has over 30 years of combined industry-leading experience, which gives us greater insight into locating root problems and providing customized solutions. Unlike some technicians, we carefully survey the unit before starting any repairs. This allows us to accurately address the issue and create lasting solutions. As a Family owned and Locally operated business, we have deep roots in the community. Our mission is simple - provide the ultimate customer experience. This means always being on time, being professional, and being available, With upfront, honest pricing, and no extra charge for nights or weekends - If you're ready to get started, call (888)461-8249 if you need some help.

"It went very well and all the issues were resolved quickly. Adan was very professional and confident service person. We highly recommended Payless water heater and plumbing."

Renato O on July 2025

Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air

Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air

Customers say: Super punctual

969 local quotes requested

47 years of experience

Need a licensed and efficient plumbing, drain, heating or air conditioning professional? San Diegans have trusted their homes to us for over 40 years! We have the experience, training and tools to expertly detect and fix leaks, clear drains, repair sewer lines, and to repair, service and install all brands of heating and AC systems. We stand behind our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and "Nobody wows clients like we do!" Before you decide who gets your business, there are a few more things you should know about us: - We are Licensed and Insured - We are a woman-owned, family business. We take pride in our policies and procedures that ensure you get the extra care your family deserves. - We want you to be safe in your home. We conduct some of the strictest background checks in our industry. We even do a personality profile test on every employee... making sure we have the right person for the job. - We offer the strongest guarantees in the industry ... always in writing! - We believe in paying it forward. We support a number of local non-profits such as Susan G. Komen - San Diego, the USO, Girl Scouts and many more. How can we make you smile today?

"Service was fine."

Michael D on May 2025

Need a licensed and efficient plumbing, drain, heating or air conditioning professional? San Diegans have trusted their homes to us for over 40 years! We have the experience, training and tools to expertly detect and fix leaks, clear drains, repair sewer lines, and to repair, service and install all brands of heating and AC systems. We stand behind our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and "Nobody wows clients like we do!" Before you decide who gets your business, there are a few more things you should know about us: - We are Licensed and Insured - We are a woman-owned, family business. We take pride in our policies and procedures that ensure you get the extra care your family deserves. - We want you to be safe in your home. We conduct some of the strictest background checks in our industry. We even do a personality profile test on every employee... making sure we have the right person for the job. - We offer the strongest guarantees in the industry ... always in writing! - We believe in paying it forward. We support a number of local non-profits such as Susan G. Komen - San Diego, the USO, Girl Scouts and many more. How can we make you smile today?

"Service was fine."

Michael D on May 2025

Point Loma Electric & Plumbing

Point Loma Electric & Plumbing

Customers say: Quality work

397 local quotes requested

37 years of experience

Book online: https://pointlomaelectric.com/schedule-online Proudly serving San Diego since 1988, Point Loma Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned company specializing in residential electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. With over 36 years of experience, we've built a reputation for top-rated, honest service - especially in older homes. Our licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians are experts in their fields and committed to providing reliable, long-lasting solutions with integrity. We offer a full range of electrical services including outlet repairs, panel upgrades, lighting installation, EV charger installation, and whole-home rewiring. On the plumbing side, we handle everything from drain cleaning, sewer repairs and repiping to tankless water heater and water purification installation. We've recently expanded to include HVAC maintenance, repair, and system installation, helping San Diego homeowners stay comfortable year-round. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction, and we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We're A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and proud of the hundreds of 5-star reviews we've earned across multiple platforms. Meet the Owner Jamie Hunley leads the company with a strong focus on customer care and employee support. Under her leadership, Point Loma has grown into a trusted home services provider with a loyal customer base and a team that truly cares. Whether it's your first service or your fifth, we look forward to providing you with 5-star service every time.

"Very competent"

Peter H on April 2025

Book online: https://pointlomaelectric.com/schedule-online Proudly serving San Diego since 1988, Point Loma Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned company specializing in residential electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. With over 36 years of experience, we've built a reputation for top-rated, honest service - especially in older homes. Our licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians are experts in their fields and committed to providing reliable, long-lasting solutions with integrity. We offer a full range of electrical services including outlet repairs, panel upgrades, lighting installation, EV charger installation, and whole-home rewiring. On the plumbing side, we handle everything from drain cleaning, sewer repairs and repiping to tankless water heater and water purification installation. We've recently expanded to include HVAC maintenance, repair, and system installation, helping San Diego homeowners stay comfortable year-round. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction, and we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We're A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and proud of the hundreds of 5-star reviews we've earned across multiple platforms. Meet the Owner Jamie Hunley leads the company with a strong focus on customer care and employee support. Under her leadership, Point Loma has grown into a trusted home services provider with a loyal customer base and a team that truly cares. Whether it's your first service or your fifth, we look forward to providing you with 5-star service every time.

"Very competent"

Peter H on April 2025

Personal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Personal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Customers say: Super punctual

259 local quotes requested

25 years of experience

We are your local plumbing and hvac experts. We specialize in service and repair while offering a unique approach to your individual plumbing needs. We offer a free in home inspection and registration of all your plumbing fixtures as well as hvac systems to ensure a good working condition. We provide a no hassle repair for future services of these products. Call to set up your free in home consultation today!

"Great thanks"

Claudia S on May 2025

We are your local plumbing and hvac experts. We specialize in service and repair while offering a unique approach to your individual plumbing needs. We offer a free in home inspection and registration of all your plumbing fixtures as well as hvac systems to ensure a good working condition. We provide a no hassle repair for future services of these products. Call to set up your free in home consultation today!

"Great thanks"

Claudia S on May 2025

Customers say: Super punctual

55 local quotes requested

41 years of experience

Customers have been turning to our knowledgeable team of Poway plumbing professionals at Plumbing Plus since 1984. Our company is local, family-owned, and trusted throughout San Diego County. Our team works hard to build long lasting relationships with all of our customers so that they never have to think twice when plumbing problems arise. We have an A rating on Angie’s List for plumbers in San Diego and also an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. With over 100,000 jobs successfully handled and over 80% of our customers being repeats and referrals, it’s easy to see why so many people prefer Plumbing Plus. Call to schedule your service today and see the difference our expert plumbers can make.

"Excellent service! We scheduled Plumbing Plus to replace the hot and cold cartridge's in a sink faucet and a tub pop-up drain and overflow gasket. Jared N. quickly assessed the problems. The faucet was so corroded with water deposits that it could not be dismantled to simply replace the hot and cold cartridge's. So Jared replaced the entire faucet with a high quality replacement. After the tub pop-up drain was replaced, Jared checked for leaks by looking in a 'trap door' in the ceiling below the tub that was left after the tub was replaced in an earlier remodel. Jared discovered that the entire tub drain was leaking and need to be replaced, which he did. He also corrected a problem with the drain pipe left from the previous remodel. Although the job was much more complex than expected, Jared was professional, efficient, and extremely cheerful throughout . We highly recommend Jared and Plumbing Plus"

N A on June 2021

Customers have been turning to our knowledgeable team of Poway plumbing professionals at Plumbing Plus since 1984. Our company is local, family-owned, and trusted throughout San Diego County. Our team works hard to build long lasting relationships with all of our customers so that they never have to think twice when plumbing problems arise. We have an A rating on Angie’s List for plumbers in San Diego and also an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. With over 100,000 jobs successfully handled and over 80% of our customers being repeats and referrals, it’s easy to see why so many people prefer Plumbing Plus. Call to schedule your service today and see the difference our expert plumbers can make.

"Excellent service! We scheduled Plumbing Plus to replace the hot and cold cartridge's in a sink faucet and a tub pop-up drain and overflow gasket. Jared N. quickly assessed the problems. The faucet was so corroded with water deposits that it could not be dismantled to simply replace the hot and cold cartridge's. So Jared replaced the entire faucet with a high quality replacement. After the tub pop-up drain was replaced, Jared checked for leaks by looking in a 'trap door' in the ceiling below the tub that was left after the tub was replaced in an earlier remodel. Jared discovered that the entire tub drain was leaking and need to be replaced, which he did. He also corrected a problem with the drain pipe left from the previous remodel. Although the job was much more complex than expected, Jared was professional, efficient, and extremely cheerful throughout . We highly recommend Jared and Plumbing Plus"

N A on June 2021

John Padilla Plumbing

John Padilla Plumbing

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

113 local quotes requested

Have a clog or a leak? We are the winner of the 2023 Expertise.com Best Plumbers in San Diego Award and we are ready to help you. We were 1 of 3 companies nominated in 2022 by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for Customer First Customer Service Award. Call now to schedule your service!

"Thank you to Julio Valle from John Padilla Plumbing, Inc. After I had a lukewarm shower, I called Padilla Plumbing based on their 5 star reviews on various platforms. They had an opening the next afternoon. The gentleman on the phone gave me an estimate for replacing the water heater if that was necessary & told me their service charge would go toward any repair that they did for me. The next day, a gentleman called to say the plumber was running late & would miss the time window. What would I like to do? I opted to have the plumber come the same day if he could do it in the daylight. Julio arrived about 20 minutes later! Yay!! Julio was very professional & courteous. He tested the in-house faucets (upstairs & down) for water temperature. Then we went down to the water heater in the garage. He adjusted the temp on one of the heating elements as it was much lower than the other one. Again, he tested water temps upstairs & the water was already warmer!! This seems to be a well-run, responsive plumbing company that I will call again when needed. Highly recommend."

Laurene K on December 2022

Have a clog or a leak? We are the winner of the 2023 Expertise.com Best Plumbers in San Diego Award and we are ready to help you. We were 1 of 3 companies nominated in 2022 by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for Customer First Customer Service Award. Call now to schedule your service!

"Thank you to Julio Valle from John Padilla Plumbing, Inc. After I had a lukewarm shower, I called Padilla Plumbing based on their 5 star reviews on various platforms. They had an opening the next afternoon. The gentleman on the phone gave me an estimate for replacing the water heater if that was necessary & told me their service charge would go toward any repair that they did for me. The next day, a gentleman called to say the plumber was running late & would miss the time window. What would I like to do? I opted to have the plumber come the same day if he could do it in the daylight. Julio arrived about 20 minutes later! Yay!! Julio was very professional & courteous. He tested the in-house faucets (upstairs & down) for water temperature. Then we went down to the water heater in the garage. He adjusted the temp on one of the heating elements as it was much lower than the other one. Again, he tested water temps upstairs & the water was already warmer!! This seems to be a well-run, responsive plumbing company that I will call again when needed. Highly recommend."

Laurene K on December 2022

Element Pros

2515 Camino Del Rio South

2515 Camino Del Rio South

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

32 local quotes requested

Element Pros is the best choice for water softening, filtration, purification and alkaline water equipment. We are a Platinum Puronics Dealer in the Southern California region. With offices in San Diego, Carlsbad and Corona we are only a short drive away! We are a BBB accredited business! Our equipment is EPA, WQA and NSF certified. Made in the USA. Healthy living starts with clean water!

"Element Pros did an awesome job for my whole family installing the most magnificent water purifier as well as an RO alkaline Purification system under the kitchen sink. Not only can we experience the wonderful purified water for the whole house including shower water, all the sinks, laundry all the appliances, and plumbing system being protected but I can also be assured that my whole house family drinking water is purified safe and healthy. Thank you once again element Pros you guys are great, and Lifesavers with wonderful water. I would highly recommend element Pros to my family, friends, and Neighbors. It's quality and customer service that you can trust."

Jordan F on March 2025

Element Pros is the best choice for water softening, filtration, purification and alkaline water equipment. We are a Platinum Puronics Dealer in the Southern California region. With offices in San Diego, Carlsbad and Corona we are only a short drive away! We are a BBB accredited business! Our equipment is EPA, WQA and NSF certified. Made in the USA. Healthy living starts with clean water!

"Element Pros did an awesome job for my whole family installing the most magnificent water purifier as well as an RO alkaline Purification system under the kitchen sink. Not only can we experience the wonderful purified water for the whole house including shower water, all the sinks, laundry all the appliances, and plumbing system being protected but I can also be assured that my whole house family drinking water is purified safe and healthy. Thank you once again element Pros you guys are great, and Lifesavers with wonderful water. I would highly recommend element Pros to my family, friends, and Neighbors. It's quality and customer service that you can trust."

Jordan F on March 2025

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

89 local quotes requested

Looking for reliable plumbing services in San Diego? Look no further! Plumbing Tree is your go-to expert for all your plumbing needs. With our team of skilled professionals, we guarantee top-notch service and customer satisfaction. Contact us today for a hassle-free experience!

"Fire pit. Angel wrapped the new and old pipes in protective putty and tape. Great work!"

James M on November 2024

Looking for reliable plumbing services in San Diego? Look no further! Plumbing Tree is your go-to expert for all your plumbing needs. With our team of skilled professionals, we guarantee top-notch service and customer satisfaction. Contact us today for a hassle-free experience!

"Fire pit. Angel wrapped the new and old pipes in protective putty and tape. Great work!"

James M on November 2024

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

137 local quotes requested

Carini Home Services is a leading 24 hour provider of Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning services throughout San Diego County. We offer Repairs, Installations and Maintenance for residential homes. The company is Licensed, Bonded, Insured and is 100% family owned and operated. Our service areas cover all of San Diego County including Central San Diego, East County, North and South Counties. The company's primary product lines include American Standard, Mitsubishi Ductless Splits, Bradford and White, Navian, Noritz and all other major brands of Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing equipment. All Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing employees undergo extensive training and are background checked upon hire. You can trust Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing to respect your home, your family and provide you with the 5 Star service you deserve.

"Carini installed my mini splits a few years ago and promised me the world with their warranties. Well, turns out they botched something during the install and all of the refrigerant leaked out. They want $2,200 to refill and re-pressurize the line. Since they cross-threaded the screw that led to the leak during installation, this should be covered under the "Lifetime Craftsmanship" guarantee. Instead, they're trying to charging me a full day of labor to fix their mistake. Support on this issue has been dismal. It's been 16 days since they first diagnosed the problem and I still don't have a timeline for when this will get fixed. I chose Carini because of their warranties and their service record, but its all smoke and mirrors. You've been warned."

Robert B on December 2024

Carini Home Services is a leading 24 hour provider of Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning services throughout San Diego County. We offer Repairs, Installations and Maintenance for residential homes. The company is Licensed, Bonded, Insured and is 100% family owned and operated. Our service areas cover all of San Diego County including Central San Diego, East County, North and South Counties. The company's primary product lines include American Standard, Mitsubishi Ductless Splits, Bradford and White, Navian, Noritz and all other major brands of Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing equipment. All Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing employees undergo extensive training and are background checked upon hire. You can trust Carini Heating, Air and Plumbing to respect your home, your family and provide you with the 5 Star service you deserve.

"Carini installed my mini splits a few years ago and promised me the world with their warranties. Well, turns out they botched something during the install and all of the refrigerant leaked out. They want $2,200 to refill and re-pressurize the line. Since they cross-threaded the screw that led to the leak during installation, this should be covered under the "Lifetime Craftsmanship" guarantee. Instead, they're trying to charging me a full day of labor to fix their mistake. Support on this issue has been dismal. It's been 16 days since they first diagnosed the problem and I still don't have a timeline for when this will get fixed. I chose Carini because of their warranties and their service record, but its all smoke and mirrors. You've been warned."

Robert B on December 2024

American Construction, Plumbing and Electric

American Construction, Plumbing and Electric

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

85 local quotes requested

At American Construction, Plumbing and Electric, we’re a full-service remodeling and construction company proudly licensed in General Contracting, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC. With all trades handled in-house, we provide streamlined project execution from start to finish—eliminating the delays and miscommunication that come with outsourcing. Backed by over 30 years of combined experience between our business partners, we deliver professional, code-compliant work across all phases of residential and light commercial construction. From kitchen remodels to full home renovations, we’re your one-stop solution for quality craftsmanship and reliable service.

"We originally wanted to wait until our spa was fully finished to leave a review, but we just had to rave about Gabe and his team. They have been SO easy to work with—and when you’re opening a second spa location in San Diego, easy is everything. Gabe moved fast (he’ll be done by Monday—EEK!), and for business owners, time is money, so having a contractor who’s in and out efficiently is HUGE. During the project, he discovered some mold in the building. Not only did he notify the property owners immediately, but he also took care of the remediation, followed all proper protocols, and handled it all on his own. We’re forever grateful for how quickly and professionally he resolved it. Honestly, our favorite thing about working with Gabe is how he consistently goes above and beyond—especially in ways we didn’t expect, which meant a lot to us as two female business owners. We never once felt taken advantage of, which sadly can be a rare experience in this industry. To give you an idea of how fast he worked: our space includes five treatment rooms, two storage rooms, a kitchen, an office, and a lobby. He redesigned and completed the whole buildout in just over a month. He’s also a great communicator—sending us frequent updates, photos, and videos of the progress, which gave us so much peace of mind since we couldn’t always be on-site. His pricing is incredibly fair and, in our opinion, makes him unmatched in this industry. His work is impeccable, and it doesn’t break the bank. We truly could not recommend Gabe and his team more!"

Lianna L on June 2025

At American Construction, Plumbing and Electric, we’re a full-service remodeling and construction company proudly licensed in General Contracting, Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC. With all trades handled in-house, we provide streamlined project execution from start to finish—eliminating the delays and miscommunication that come with outsourcing. Backed by over 30 years of combined experience between our business partners, we deliver professional, code-compliant work across all phases of residential and light commercial construction. From kitchen remodels to full home renovations, we’re your one-stop solution for quality craftsmanship and reliable service.

"We originally wanted to wait until our spa was fully finished to leave a review, but we just had to rave about Gabe and his team. They have been SO easy to work with—and when you’re opening a second spa location in San Diego, easy is everything. Gabe moved fast (he’ll be done by Monday—EEK!), and for business owners, time is money, so having a contractor who’s in and out efficiently is HUGE. During the project, he discovered some mold in the building. Not only did he notify the property owners immediately, but he also took care of the remediation, followed all proper protocols, and handled it all on his own. We’re forever grateful for how quickly and professionally he resolved it. Honestly, our favorite thing about working with Gabe is how he consistently goes above and beyond—especially in ways we didn’t expect, which meant a lot to us as two female business owners. We never once felt taken advantage of, which sadly can be a rare experience in this industry. To give you an idea of how fast he worked: our space includes five treatment rooms, two storage rooms, a kitchen, an office, and a lobby. He redesigned and completed the whole buildout in just over a month. He’s also a great communicator—sending us frequent updates, photos, and videos of the progress, which gave us so much peace of mind since we couldn’t always be on-site. His pricing is incredibly fair and, in our opinion, makes him unmatched in this industry. His work is impeccable, and it doesn’t break the bank. We truly could not recommend Gabe and his team more!"

Lianna L on June 2025