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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.

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.

Experts recommend that you put two to four bags of potassium chloride in your water softener every month. This amount depends on how much is in the bag (40 pounds is most common) and what your water softener manufacturer recommends. For more specific advice, talk to a water softener pro in your area and read the manual that came with your system.