Get matched with top water softener pros in Sullivan, IL

Q: What's the best way to fix hard water in the shower?

• <div><p>The most effective way to fix hard water in your shower is by installing a whole-home water softening system. This system treats water as it enters your home, removing the minerals that cause hardness before they can reach your shower or any other fixtures. While this is the most comprehensive solution, other methods are often temporary fixes. For a more affordable and shower-specific option, you can install a water-softening showerhead or a shower filter. However, these filters are generally less effective and may not remove all the contaminants that lead to limescale and hard water stains. By implementing a water softening solution, you can expect a reduction in mineral deposits and enjoy the benefits of cleaner-feeling hair and skin.</p></div>

Q: Which areas of the U.S. have hard water?

• <div><p>Most of the U.S. has hard water, especially across portions of the West and Midwest. The areas with the hardest water include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and New York. You&rsquo;ll find soft water in parts of New England, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a license or permit to install a water softener?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s state licensing tool to verify an installer's license status.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a permit or license to install a water softener?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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&rsquo;s state licensing tool to check an installer&rsquo;s license status.</p></div>

Q: What does hard water feel like?

• <div><p>Hard water doesn&rsquo;t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It&rsquo;s also about how your skin feels <i>after</i> bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do&mdash;it&rsquo;s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can&rsquo;t rinse it off completely.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Sullivan, IL

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 December 02, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Go with the other guy!!!! Was getting a water heater replaced for my mother who?s on a fixed income and the price kept rising it went from 1,900 all the way up to 3,800 after talking to several people and what put the icing on the cake if not trying to take advantage of an elderly woman was...
DRF Water Heating Solutions
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Reviewed in August 2025
They are awesome! Had a bathtub removed and a walk in shower installed. Everything was done professionally and efficiently! I’m highly recommend them.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2025
Was surprised to get a response as quickly as I did. Even more surprised that he was able to complete the job the next day. Plumbers in this area are few and far between. We have a lot of iron in our water so this system has a third tank that addresses this issue instead of a small filter that...
Pure Water Solutions
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Reviewed in May 2024
My shower installation project was flawless. Their team of installers worked diligently to ensure everything was done to perfection. I give them high praise.
Perfect Choice Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
IT WENT TERRIBLE!!! I can go on and on and on about how unprofessional this company and Mike himself is. He didn't complete the work he said he would. Told me it would take 2 days and its been 4 weeks. He cut up my concrete patio and re poured concrete that looks like crap! All of my broken...
COOLEY'S HEATING PLUMBING AC
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Reviewed in October 2017
Had this done in June 2017 and have had no water in the basement since. We had a 4" rain in July and the system did it's job. Don and his crew did a great job!
Sure Dry Waterproofing
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Reviewed in August 2017
These guys are amazing! They are going above and beyond to fix our water to our home. 7 pm and these guys are still hard at work. Thank you so much, your service and commitment is very appreciated.
D & M PLUMBING
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Reviewed in January 2017
They are excellent. I am a truck driver and not home very much. I needed my pipes winterized so they wouldn't freeze. The antifreeze is non-toxic. They drained my hot water heaters, put the antifreeze in. He turned off the water and made sure that it was winterized. I could turn the heat off. I...
Rardin Plumbing Heating & A/C
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Reviewed in January 2014
Price was very fair. Duration went long. They used some young workers that did a few dumb things. Stepped on our washer and dryer(denting them) leaving the water hose running for multiple days. Used the water heater relief valve to get water then didn't notice it leaking on the floor for a day....
CALLAHAN CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in June 2013
The work was fine - the bathroom was gutted down to the studs and slowly the bathroom was transformed. We purchased all of the fixtures ahead of time (stool, sink, tile, faucet, lights etc) so these were already on site. The work was concluded on schedule and the finished bathroom was very...
Crispin Residential Remodeling & Repair
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Find Water softener pros in Sullivan

Pure Water Solutions

5.0(

)

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

Serving Sullivan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large, or small the job. Call us today!

Response time1 day

41 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Crawlspace / Basement Waterproofing Solution

4.4(

256

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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

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DelVon Hardaway

New to Angi

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, 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 most effective way to fix hard water in your shower is by installing a whole-home water softening system. This system treats water as it enters your home, removing the minerals that cause hardness before they can reach your shower or any other fixtures. While this is the most comprehensive solution, other methods are often temporary fixes. For a more affordable and shower-specific option, you can install a water-softening showerhead or a shower filter. However, these filters are generally less effective and may not remove all the contaminants that lead to limescale and hard water stains. By implementing a water softening solution, you can expect a reduction in mineral deposits and enjoy the benefits of cleaner-feeling hair and skin.

Most of the U.S. has hard water, especially across portions of the West and Midwest. The areas with the hardest water include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and New York. You’ll find soft water in parts of New England, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.

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.

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.

Hard water doesn’t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also about how your skin feels after bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do—it’s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can’t rinse it off completely.

The Sullivan, 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]
Water softener repair costs can add up, but they’re almost always worthwhile. Use this guide to see what your project is going to cost before you get started.
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
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.