What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter, and which one do I need?

• <div><p>The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.</p><p>To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.</p></div>

What is a good hardness level for drinking water?

• <div><p>A good hardness level for drinking water can vary based on personal preferences, but an ideal level is 3.5 to 7 GPG. This means your water isn’t soft or hard. However, some people prefer the “fresh” taste from the minerals in hard water, while others like the smoother, “slippery” texture of soft water.</p></div>

Get matched with top water softener pros in Surrey, ND

Q: What prevents water spots on glass shower doors?

• <div><p>You can use a commercial water repellent treatment for glass on your shower doors to prevent water spots. Take care to only apply the product to glass. Letting air circulate also helps prevent water spots, as water is less likely to remain on the glass for a long time with good air circulation. Run your vent fan, open a window, and leave the shower door open for about half an hour after using the shower.</p></div>

Q: How does a water softener impact household appliances and fixtures?

• <div><p>Softened water prevents scale deposits, reducing appliance wear, leading to energy savings and longer-lasting household fixtures.</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 Surrey, ND

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Surrey, ND 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 Surrey, ND 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 March 30, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
I have used them since moving to this area for past 8 years from hot water heater replaced, furnace repair/replaced/AC repair/ to toilets replaced and plumbing. I trust them very professional and very responsive on fixing problems as soon as possible. Glad they are in my area.
Absolute Comfort Inc
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Reviewed in February 2020
Very prompt and clean with their work. Excellent job all around. Did not waste any time with getting the project completed. They put down 3400 sq ft (3.16 a) of crawlspace water proofing in 2 1/2 days. Great job.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in February 2017
Corey came by from Minot Plumbing & Heating Co. We could see the leaking valve, but it was way beyond my skill set to repair it. He came by (as scheduled) and fixed it. I've hired them before (for the last 8 years). They have fixed 2 toilets, replaced the kitchen sink, replaced a blocked main...
Minot Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in February 2017
Mike came over (as scheduled) and I found out my water line to the dishwasher was frozen. That was the reason it wasn't working. He even cleaned out the area underneath the dishwasher, he even removed a dead mouse (Yuch !) Great job. I am very satisfied and I am going to hire him the next time...
Mike's Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in January 2015
It was very hard to reach them at first. Once I hired them, we sat down and both signed a contract, and I paid a down payment of $5,000, he requested $1,000 more the next day, he said he didn't have enough for glue. They didn't begin working until 4 days after they were supposed to start....
Harcourt Construction
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Reviewed in February 2014
<p>Within a week of installing the drain tiles, I called and showed them where there were wet spots on top of the cement over one part of the drain tiles. They gave me a lesson on how long it takes cement to cure....</p> <p>Then I called a short time later when I had 2 soaked walls in the...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in July 2013
The roof in my entryway started leaking around the begining of May 2013. The extent of the leak was approximately 80 cups of water during the spring rain. I called Mindt Construction. They sent Jeff and crew to my house while it was still raining to evaluate where the water could be coming...
Mindt Construction
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Find Water softener pros in Surrey

Water Purity, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Surrey, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"He is the most knowledgeable guy that I know in Water Purity."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Surrey, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Serving Surrey, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

FM Water Systems is your locally owned and operated authorized Kinetico Dealer with over 30 years of experience. We take great pride in our prompt response, expertise and superior customer service every time so call today!\n\nCommercial and Residential clients always welcome!

Response time3 days

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.

To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.

You can use a commercial water repellent treatment for glass on your shower doors to prevent water spots. Take care to only apply the product to glass. Letting air circulate also helps prevent water spots, as water is less likely to remain on the glass for a long time with good air circulation. Run your vent fan, open a window, and leave the shower door open for about half an hour after using the shower.

Softened water prevents scale deposits, reducing appliance wear, leading to energy savings and longer-lasting household fixtures.

A good hardness level for drinking water can vary based on personal preferences, but an ideal level is 3.5 to 7 GPG. This means your water isn’t soft or hard. However, some people prefer the “fresh” taste from the minerals in hard water, while others like the smoother, “slippery” texture of soft water.

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 Surrey, ND 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

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