You can decide whether you need a water softener or water filter based on how your bathing or laundry experience is. If you notice issues like limescale buildup, dry skin, or stains on dishes—all telltale signs of hard water—you'd likely benefit from a water softener. However, if your main concern is over chemicals or bacteria in your tap water filter, and not just comfort, a filter is a better option.

If your ‘do isn’t doing what you want it to do despite using good hair care products, hard water might be to blame. Since hard water can’t rinse soap off as well as soft water can, your hair might grow limp because of the shampoo and conditioner residue that’s left behind. If you color your hair, you might see it fade more quickly or even turn a different shade as the dye reacts with the minerals in the water. You might also experience an itchy scalp, thanks to the dryness that comes from bathing in the hard water.

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.

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