Get matched with top water softener pros in Ava, IL

Q: Does a water softener ruin a water heater?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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. </p></div>

Q: Do you need a conditioner with a water softener?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to bathe in yellow water?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How do you get rid of heavy hard water deposits?

• <div><p>It depends on the type of surface. For instance, if you&rsquo;re trying to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains.htm">get rid of hard water deposits</a> on glass, you can spray vinegar onto the surface and wipe it off with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. However, if the deposits are on granite or natural stone, it&rsquo;s better to use baking soda and water rather than vinegar or other acidic cleaners.</p></div>

Q: What are the side effects of drinking hard water?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Ava, IL

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Ava, IL 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 Ava, IL 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 January 11, 2024

Reviewed in January 2024
Great company to work with. Had a water leak under concrete slab which was fixed quickly. We also had two bath and kitchen remodel which they worked with my schedule to complete. Great and very professional to work with. Would recommend to anyone needing plumbing services.
Lyma Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
This is a family run plumbing out fit that used to be known as Kraft Plumbing. Arrived on schedule, provided estimated cost for a new A/O Smith 50 gal water heater and took careful measurements in the furnace closet and had to cut the floor tile to accommodate to the slightly larger heater. ...
A & W Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2014
Every drain, pipe, water source, plumbing issue, sewer issue, flooding toilet, broken water heater, clogged PVC pipe from the second sump pump to the sump pump at the other end of the house, replacing both sump pumps and adding a third that works by water pressure when the electricity is out,...
Absolute Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2013
Plumber who installed water heater would not answer calls for repair. <br /> Second plumber seemed helpful. Took out part to get replacement part. Had me call Reliance to get part ordered. <br /> Reliance was no help at all. Send me an email to flush the water heater. Did send two more...
Baker & Sons Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2013
On SUNDAY, January 13, 2013 I called Blankenship Plumbing to pump our flooded basement. Within one hour he arrived and assessed the problem. The water was so deep he had to leave a pump running for 24 hours to pump out enough water for him to find the drain. The next day he snaked the toilet...
Blankenship Plumbing & Excavating
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Reviewed in March 2012
It was last year after the storm that wiped out the fence I had. I came back home from work that evening and the tree was laying on my fence. It just swiped my house and wiped out the whole fence and all that. It had to be all replaced and when they replaced it, I had them to extend the length...
TERRACE FENCE CO
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Find Water softener pros in Ava

BNS Handyman professional

New to Angi

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

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hello,\nI’m Brian and have been an electrician for 35 years and over the years I have learned other trades and I just understand building and mechanical items and how they work. That promotes the way I take things apart and how they go back together. I look forward to working with you to start and/or complete unfinished projects.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Crawlspace / Basement Waterproofing Solution

4.4(

256

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Terrific experience. Very responsive and professional.
Took care of our foundation crack when they said they would, no drama.
More water came following their work and it all held up to the rain and floods.
So, we were pleased.
We'd have them back....hopefully no more water in the basement though.
They care about their reputation and it shows.
Thanks for your help!

"

+13

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.1(

)

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

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I own a two flat in the city. Today i got a call from one of my tenants telling me that there was a leak. i called mcDonoagh and Sons and within two hours, they ha a Technician come out on st Patrick's day diagnose the problem, get the appropriate parts and fix it. I was very impressed with the responsiveness and the speed of service. He also made helpful recommendations for how to maintain my water heaters.
"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Once I receive the Water Heater I can give a better review."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Not good. The water leaks had caused black mold that had to be repaired. When repairs were completed 3 months later, the valves still leaked from the stem when turned on. It was past 60 days so I had to pay another $100 service fee to have the water leaks fixed. He tightened the packing and quoted $350 to replace the valves. Sheesh."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Basement Seepage Solution Inc

3.6(

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Some water after 1st repair, they came back and fixed it. Now no water!"

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Lohmann Pure Water would like to educate you about your water as well as provide the products and services you will need to keep your water safe and healthy for your family.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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DelVon Hardaway

New to Angi

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

DelVon Hardaway is the professional you are looking for when a home or business energy analysis is required. More and more this is becoming a valuable tool across the country. Everyone needs a current energy audit, so do not hesitate to call DelVon Hardaway for your energy savings analysis.

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Rod Franklin Well Services, Inc.

New to Angi

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

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our water treatment systems and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to working with you.

Request Quote

Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

It depends on the type of surface. For instance, if you’re trying to get rid of hard water deposits on glass, you can spray vinegar onto the surface and wipe it off with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. However, if the deposits are on granite or natural stone, it’s better to use baking soda and water rather than vinegar or other acidic cleaners.

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.

The Ava, IL 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

Haley Nothstein
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does a Water Softener Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does Water Softener Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
How much a water softener costs depends on your home’s size, and the system’s type and capacity. Our expert guide explores all the price factors.
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Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 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
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 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
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 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
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 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.