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>

Get matched with top water softener pros in Taos, NM

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>

Q: Will a whole-house filter help with hard water?

• <div><p>Yes. Hard water is what causes scale buildup, and a whole-house filter provides numerous benefits beyond water softening. Any water that enters your home will go through the filter, which cleans up all water that you will use for cooking, bathing, and drinking. A whole-house water filter also blocks harmful particles like heavy metals.</p></div>

Q: Can hard water cause hair loss?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s unlikely that hard water on its own could cause substantial hair loss or damage, though it&rsquo;s true that bathing in hard water can cause your scalp to feel itchy or flaky and might dull your hair&rsquo;s natural shine. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner or buying a whole-home water softener can decrease these issues.</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 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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes. Hard water is what causes scale buildup, and a whole-house filter provides numerous benefits beyond water softening. Any water that enters your home will go through the filter, which cleans up all water that you will use for cooking, bathing, and drinking. A whole-house water filter also blocks harmful particles like heavy metals.

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.

It’s unlikely that hard water on its own could cause substantial hair loss or damage, though it’s true that bathing in hard water can cause your scalp to feel itchy or flaky and might dull your hair’s natural shine. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner or buying a whole-home water softener can decrease these issues.

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 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

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Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026
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What’s the Average Life Span of a Water Softener?
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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.
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Water Softener Rental vs. Buying: What You Should Know to Help You Decide
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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Do You Program the Different Settings on a Water Softener?
Need help dialing in your water hardness? Use this handy DIY guide on how to set a water softener to save money and get the best results possible.