Get matched with top water softener pros in Merced, CA

Q: Is hard water healthier than soft water?

• <div><p>Most experts agree there&rsquo;s not much difference health-wise between <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hard-vs-soft-water.htm">hard water versus soft water</a>. That said, hard water is more likely to cause skin dryness and issues that go along with it, like an itchy or flaky scalp. Hard water can also decrease the life span of your household appliances and make it more difficult for soap to do its job.</p></div>

Q: How far away does a tankless water heater need to be from a softener?

• <div><p>A tankless water heater should be at least 10 feet away from a water softener, although the pros you hire for water softener installation can help you determine the correct distance. These two units need to have some distance between them to prevent hot water from the tankless water heater from flowing backward into the water softener when it runs a regeneration cycle.</p></div>

Q: What is better: a water purifier or a water softener?

• <div><p>Water purifiers and water softeners serve different purposes, so the best one will depend on your particular needs. Water purifiers remove contaminants from water (such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals), leaving you with ultra-clean and safe water. However, water softeners remove minerals from your water so that the water doesn&rsquo;t leave stains around your house or cause plumbing problems.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to install a water softener?

• <div><p>The average cost to install a water softener, including the system and labor, is approximately $1,500. However, the total price can range widely from $600 to $6,000. For some complete systems, the cost may be between $800 and $2,500. Labor for the installation typically costs between $150 and $1,000.</p><p>The final price is influenced by several factors, including:</p><ul><li><p>System type, capacity, and complexity</p></li><li><p>Home size and household water demands</p></li><li><p>Water hardness levels</p></li><li><p>Accessibility of the installation site and the extent of plumbing work required</p></li><li><p>Whether new electrical work is needed</p></li><li><p>The professional hired and any local permit costs</p></li></ul></div>

Q: What causes poor water pressure in the shower?

• <div><p>There are many possibilities for why your shower&rsquo;s water pressure is low. It might be a simple-to-fix issue like the water valves being partially turned off, a dirty showerhead or hose, leaks in the plumbing, or an old showerhead. However, low water pressure in the shower could also indicate a larger issue with your home&rsquo;s plumbing system.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Merced, CA

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Merced, CA 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 Merced, CA 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 June 23, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Fixed my water heater same day. Still have to wait and see if it sticks, but Gabriel was polite, patient, and informative. Didn’t try to rip me off. Would recommend.
ALF Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2026
I had a list of things that needed repair. Holes in walls were fixed and textured. Closet doors were rehung and track repaired. Light fixtures were installed. Water filter was replaced in the fridge. I am very pleased and confident in my handyman.
Smith tile and home renovation
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Reviewed in March 2025
Bought a home in Oregon, and needed a new water heater and parts, due to our prior home inspection. Found EAGLE PLUMBING WITH HIGH REVIEWS from previous customers. I called EAGLE PLUMBING, spoke to owner DARIN, was on his game and very polite And concerned about what we needed. Darin came...
Eagle Plumbing Northwest, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2024
Thrilled with the results. Home is 35 years old and had some water damage in rear. The repairs are absolutely invisible. They matched the siding and replaced one back wall. Honestly called to tell me the insulation was perfect and would not need to be replaced. Job finished in less time than...
Crafted Handyman Services
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Reviewed in June 2023
Service was amazing, replaced drywall that had water damage
Mr. Fixer Handyman services
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Reviewed in October 2022
Al and Rico are seriously the nicest guys around! They were patient when they showed up and our well was broken and we had no water. Waited for the well guy to come and worked around all the speed bumps. They explained what they did and how to maintain it. Truly best customer service around.
United Water
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Reviewed in May 2022
This is without a doubt the very best customer service ever. We called them when we had no water and they sent someone over the same day. The next day Dave was here at 7:30 am and had us up and running within 4 hours. We were out of water less than 24 hours. The installer, Dave, upgraded...
Pump 'N Water, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2022
We had our juilet Porch repaired due to years of water damage. Both workers, Gary and Joe were extremely knowledgeable, professional job and very personable. We willbe calling them for future work. The cost for ther service was a fair, exellent value. They were on time and cleaned up before...
Mr. Handyman of Johnson City
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Reviewed in January 2021
They did good work. They were prompt and cleaned up after themselves. I was in a hurry so did not shop the project to others as I have done on several other projects for this property. I think that they overcharged by more than twice the value of the project because I was in a hurry. I should...
Guzman Drywall and Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
They talked me through the pros and cons of how and where my water softener should be located, with great attention to detail, and they initiated this conversation. The final installation is very neatly done and they clearly take pride in their work - they don't rush the job, they do it...
A-1 Water Quality
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Find Water softener pros in Merced

AAA Water Systems

4.8(

)

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Damian Fernandez came out to our home for a consultation and presentation of the Kinetico water softener system. He was very thorough, patient, and friendly, and answered our very many questions with expertise and professionalism. Great customer service."

Whole Home Softener / Filter & Reverse Osmosis System

Compact Kinetico Drinking Water System. NSF 58 Certified to provide high quality drinking water!

Desktop style Kinetico Drinking Water System providing high quality water with NSF 58 certification.

+18

Response time1 day

38 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Excellent Service. Rico installs the water softener and reversal osmosis Purification System in our home, very professional, love to use his service again. I highly recommend Rico."

Response time2 hrs

Response rate96%

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

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AAA Water Systems, Inc.

4.1(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The people at AAA really know their business. From talking to Tony and hearing his advice to the professional installation of our water filtration system everything went perfectly."

Combination System (Whole Home Softener & Filt

Salt Free Conditioner & Scale Reduction System

Response time12 hrs

64 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Lee's Air, Plumbing & Heating

4.5(

109

)

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1981

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"They did a great job replacing my water heater."

Our HVAC pro performing an ac and heating repair

+36

Response time40 mins

Response rate100%

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This is without a doubt the very best customer service ever. We called them when we had no water and they sent someone over the same day. The next day Dave was here at 7:30 am and had us up and running within 4 hours. We were out of water less than 24 hours. The installer, Dave, upgraded everything that was needed for maximum efficiency. Great worker and very informative. We highly recommend this company."

Response time2 hrs

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Living Water Well Drilling

4.6(

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Final project turned out great!""

Response time1 day

29 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We were having problems with our water softener. After calling them for service and the reviewing the work they did, I am completely confident in the work and service they provided. They are knowledgeable and experienced and they are an excellent choice if you are in need of service."

+24

Response time11 hrs

Response rate96%

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Offers commercial services

Here at United Water, we have 35+ years of experience on our staff. We pride ourselves on our diligence and our attention to detail. There is no job too big or too small we can't handle in a timely manner. Please don't hesitate to call today, we look forward to earning your business.

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

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

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent Service from planning through Execution and installation to final fine tuning. The folks communicated well and explained every detail of the step. Got permit and inspection done. It was seamless. Thanks. R."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Merced, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Needed job done ASAP. They were at the residence within 20 minutes and job was started immediately. I was provided with photos and everything looks great. Note: I was not present at the residence."

+44

Response time3 hrs

Response rate99%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Showing 1-10 of 27

Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

Most experts agree there’s not much difference health-wise between hard water versus soft water. That said, hard water is more likely to cause skin dryness and issues that go along with it, like an itchy or flaky scalp. Hard water can also decrease the life span of your household appliances and make it more difficult for soap to do its job.

A tankless water heater should be at least 10 feet away from a water softener, although the pros you hire for water softener installation can help you determine the correct distance. These two units need to have some distance between them to prevent hot water from the tankless water heater from flowing backward into the water softener when it runs a regeneration cycle.

Water purifiers and water softeners serve different purposes, so the best one will depend on your particular needs. Water purifiers remove contaminants from water (such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals), leaving you with ultra-clean and safe water. However, water softeners remove minerals from your water so that the water doesn’t leave stains around your house or cause plumbing problems.

The average cost to install a water softener, including the system and labor, is approximately $1,500. However, the total price can range widely from $600 to $6,000. For some complete systems, the cost may be between $800 and $2,500. Labor for the installation typically costs between $150 and $1,000.

The final price is influenced by several factors, including:

System type, capacity, and complexity
Home size and household water demands
Water hardness levels
Accessibility of the installation site and the extent of plumbing work required
Whether new electrical work is needed
The professional hired and any local permit costs

There are many possibilities for why your shower’s water pressure is low. It might be a simple-to-fix issue like the water valves being partially turned off, a dirty showerhead or hose, leaks in the plumbing, or an old showerhead. However, low water pressure in the shower could also indicate a larger issue with your home’s plumbing system.

The Merced, CA 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.