Should I hire a professional or replace a water softener myself?

• <div><p>If your water softener repair is fairly straightforward, like a simple filter replacement, then you can probably do it yourself with little risk. However, anything beyond a simple fix should be addressed by someone with extensive plumbing expertise to avoid costly water softener problems, like leaks. </p><p>That said, even simple problems can be complicated to diagnose, particularly if your water softener is attached to a whole-house treatment system. So, unless you feel absolutely certain that the problem is an easy fix that you can take on yourself, it's probably best to hire a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.</p></div>

Get matched with top water softener pros in Taos, NM

Q: Will a water descaler descale pipes?

• <div><p>No, a water descaler won't descale pipes. The charged water running through the pipes may very slowly dissolve mineral deposits and hold them inside the water, but it's a very gradual process. If your pipes do need descaling, it's much better to get a local plumber to descale your pipes. </p></div>

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: How far away does a tankless water heater need to be from a softener?

• <div><p>A tankless water heater should be at least 10 feet away from a water softener, although the pros you hire for water softener installation can help you determine the correct distance. These two units need to have some distance between them to prevent hot water from the tankless water heater from flowing backward into the water softener when it runs a regeneration cycle.</p></div>

Q: How do I install a water softener system?

• <div><p>You can install a water softener system by turning off the water supply, draining the water, and then connecting your device to the waterline. Next, you&rsquo;ll fill your tank with the recommended amount of salt or brine (whichever your unit calls for; be sure to read the instructions). Turn the water supply on and check for leaks. You can opt to let your water run for a few minutes, then test it using strips. </p><p>The process of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-inspect-your-water-softener.htm">inspecting your water softener system</a> is similar.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your water softener service project in Taos, NM?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Taos, NM

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Taos, NM 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 Taos, NM 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 November 17, 2016

Reviewed in November 2016
We had a new water heater by night fall. The price was right and very pleasant to deal with. ð
Roman Plumbing of Central Florida, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2015
The extended gas pipe installation was shoddy. They used old parts which makes sense since they took off with a valve and cap of mine that was previously there. They also extended a vent line from a furnace. A mess of an installation using duct tape. I had to redo the work myself. Then they...
LMH Plumbing Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2014
We were very dissatisfied with our experience. The staff seemed incompetent, angry and aggressive. They appeared to be looking for a reason to argue rather than serve the customers. We just wanted to park for a week and enjoy our vacation. They lost our reservation and insisted we could fit into...
Taos Valley Rv
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2014
Ihad a broken water pipe under my house. I called at 8:20 am thursday morning and was told a man would come that afternoon. NO SHOW, NO CALL. I called 8:00 am Friday morning. I was told that they had forgot to tell me their men were out on a large job the day before, but the office lady spoke...
Hawk Mechanical
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2013
.The experience could not be any worse. The property was extremely filthy and we spent two weeks with rubber gloves on scraping and scrubbing. We had spent a great deal on moving expenses and were more or less stuck with this. <br /> They also lied to us about the availability of phone and...
Kokopelli Real Estate & Property Management
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2013
The technician arrived sooner than estimated, which was appreciated. They did give a 30 minute call ahead. The technician checked the outdoor unit, attic unit, and interestingly, my hot water heater. He cleaned out the outside unit. All A/C parts were in good working condition. He made some...
Trademark Home Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2012
The hard water problem will need to be fixed with a water softening unit. At first, we were going to buy one from the original plumber, but after everything we went through with this guy so far, I think we're going to shop around this time.
Tracy's Mechanical and Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2012
They are great. I use them all the time when I need to. They come out and do what you need them to. They are reasonable. He is right out there. They did a great job. They did what I wanted. They got it right in. The gas company did not fill the pro tank up and so he came right out to fix it. ....
Magnum Mechanical
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2012
It was hideous. He started taking other jobs on the side before finishing mine. He messed my apartment up by throwing dirt and debris out of the bathroom. They just left and never cleaned up. I thought everything would be done when I came back from vacation. He also looked to see a job at my...
JD Mechanical
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2010
Keith was incredibly reliable and a true lifesaver. The leak in our water main was discovered days before we were scheduled to host the first open house of our home. Keith rearranged his schedule and also managed to acquire the services of a first rate plumber to fix the problem in just a couple...
KW Construction
Request a quote

Find Water softener pros in Taos

Pacific Coast Purification

4.6(

)

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"A veteran-owned business, this company goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Highly recommend!"

Response time9 hrs

37 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mr Rooter Plumbing Of Four Corners

3.7(

)

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The service went very well. I called and asked if a plumber could come and change our expansion tank off of our hot water heater and was told that the plumber would be there between 1 and 3. About 15 minutes before 1, the plumber called and asked if he could come by.
The service at the house went well and he used buckets and towels to make sure he didn't spill water everywhere. The water that did drip on our garage floor was cleaned up before he left.
They accept credit cards and are very professional, I'd use them again!
"

Recommended by73%of homeowners

Request Quote

Texas Water Filtration, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was skeptical at first but there customer service was way up there! I was very pleased with there services!"

Response time30 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Northline Plumbing & Heating, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Taos, NM 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 trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Valverde Energy, Inc.

4.5(

)

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Valverde Energy, Inc., is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity, bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction, is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Precision Service Plumbing & Heating

2.0(

)

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Professional, and on time. Actually saved us money by using seperate part instead of the expensive kit we had previously purchased."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

AAA Backflow Testing & Repair

New to Angi

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality plans/\ndrawings. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects no matter how big or small. We are experts in our trade and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Response time6 hrs

Request Quote

Freddie Suarez

New to Angi

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of plumbing services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

Request Quote

Audey's Plumbing And Heating

New to Angi

Serving Taos, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Audey's Plumbing And Heating is a locally owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience. For any and all of your HVAC needs call us in today.

Request Quote

Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

No, a water descaler won't descale pipes. The charged water running through the pipes may very slowly dissolve mineral deposits and hold them inside the water, but it's a very gradual process. If your pipes do need descaling, it's much better to get a local plumber to descale your pipes.

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.

A tankless water heater should be at least 10 feet away from a water softener, although the pros you hire for water softener installation can help you determine the correct distance. These two units need to have some distance between them to prevent hot water from the tankless water heater from flowing backward into the water softener when it runs a regeneration cycle.

If your water softener repair is fairly straightforward, like a simple filter replacement, then you can probably do it yourself with little risk. However, anything beyond a simple fix should be addressed by someone with extensive plumbing expertise to avoid costly water softener problems, like leaks.

That said, even simple problems can be complicated to diagnose, particularly if your water softener is attached to a whole-house treatment system. So, unless you feel absolutely certain that the problem is an easy fix that you can take on yourself, it's probably best to hire a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.

You can install a water softener system by turning off the water supply, draining the water, and then connecting your device to the waterline. Next, you’ll fill your tank with the recommended amount of salt or brine (whichever your unit calls for; be sure to read the instructions). Turn the water supply on and check for leaks. You can opt to let your water run for a few minutes, then test it using strips.

The process of inspecting your water softener system is similar.

The Taos, NM 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
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
What’s the Average Life Span of a Water Softener?
Water softeners last up to 25 years, but maintenance, usage, and other factors can affect the life span. Learn more about how long water softeners last.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
11 Water Softener Benefits and Advantages You’ll Love
There are many water softener benefits, including better water flow, lower energy and maintenance costs, cleaner dishes, and healthier skin and hair.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
4 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose the Right One
Trying to decide between the different types of water softeners? Our guide will help you choose the right salt-based or salt-free option for your home.
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.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Give Your Water a Gentle Touch With These Efficient Water Softeners
Water softeners remove hard minerals from your tap water, improving plumbing systems and water-using appliances. Here are the most efficient water softeners out there.