Get matched with top water softener pros in Lansing, IA

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.

A water softener removes minerals from your drinking water and can make your house water softer. These softeners are designed to extend the lifetime of your plumbing system while also making water safer and more palatable for drinking. Hard water, which is water with a heavy amount of suspended particles, can also cause hair damage, skin irritation, and buildup in your pipes.

Whether you need a permit or license for a water softener installation depends on your location, as requirements vary significantly. Some municipalities require the installer to hold a plumbing license, some mandate a permit and an inspection, and others require both. In some areas, no special permit or license is needed at all.

To determine the rules in your area, you can contact your local building department or consult a local water softener installer or plumber. Often, only certified professionals are authorized to pull the necessary permits, and they will typically handle the entire permitting process 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 Angi’s state licensing tool to check an installer’s license status.

Drinking hard water is not known to have any negative health impacts. Using hard water can lead to dry skin and hair, and the minerals in hard water can build up in pipes, faucets, and appliances. Hard water is more of a threat to your plumbing than it is to your health.