Get matched with top water softener pros in Calmar, IA

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.

You should not use a water conditioner with a water softener because a water conditioner changes the chemistry of the water and causes the ion exchange in a softener to be ineffective. Choose a water softener if you have hard water or well water, and use a water conditioner if you need to remove certain contaminants.

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.

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.