Get matched with top water softener pros in Prattsburgh, NY

Most experts agree there’s not much difference health-wise between hard water versus soft water. That said, hard water is more likely to cause skin dryness and issues that go along with it, like an itchy or flaky scalp. Hard water can also decrease the life span of your household appliances and make it more difficult for soap to do its job.

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.

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.

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.