Water Softener

A water softener is a filtration system that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from your home's water supply, preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Hard water can affect everything from your morning shower to your dishwasher's performance and your water heater's lifespan. Whether you're exploring installation options or need maintenance tips, Angi connects you with local pros and helpful guides to keep your water flowing smoothly.

Related to Water Softener Service

Water Softener Service Articles and Advice
Angi  •  Aug 19, 2026
Water Softener Installation: Everything You Need to Know
Tired of hard water ruining your plumbing and skin? Learn about water softener installation costs, benefits, and how to hire the right local pro.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Aug 9, 2026
7 Benefits to Cooking With Soft Water
Learn about the benefits of cooking with soft water before deciding if you need to add a water softener at your home to stop hard water.
Amy Pawlukiewicz  •  Aug 4, 2026
A Water Softener Can Help Your Appliances Last for Years Longer
You want your appliances to last as long as possible, but if you live in an area with hard water, you might consider improving their longevity with a water softener.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Aug 4, 2026
Softened Water Tastes Salty: Common Reasons
Why does my tap water taste salty? Common reasons why softened water tastes salty range from a broken water main in your city's water supply to debris buildup in your brine tank.
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Aug 4, 2026
Water Softener vs. Conditioner: Key Differences and When to Choose Each
Water softeners and conditioners are distinct systems that offer different results. Learn about water softeners versus conditioners and when to choose each.
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  Aug 4, 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Salt vs. Salt-Free Water Softener?​
Learn the features, advantages, and disadvantages of a salt versus salt-free water softener to see which is the better solution for hard water in your home.
Paige Bennett  •  Aug 4, 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Water Softener System and Reverse Osmosis?
Looking to freshen up your home water supply? Consider the pros and cons of a water softener system versus reverse osmosis with this guide.
Allie Ogletree  •  Aug 4, 2026
How to Fix Hard Water in the Shower with DIY-Friendly Hacks
Fix hard water in showers by using acidic cleaners, switching to a shower filter, or installing a water softener. Here’s how to fix hard water in showers.
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Common Water Softener Service Questions

Determining whether you should use potassium chloride versus sodium chloride water softener salts really depends on your budget and personal preferences. If you need to limit sodium intake or have lots of houseplants, it may be worth it to splurge on using potassium chloride in your water softener. Otherwise, sodium chloride costs less and is more efficient.

Yes, you can drink water that’s gone through a salt-free water softener. Salt-free water softeners are especially good to drink from for anyone who has to limit their sodium intake due to health reasons but still wants filtered water. Salt-free water softeners are also great for shower and bath water for people with skin sensitivities. 

Yes, a water softener can remove scale deposits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, after you add a water softener to your home, “gradually the softer water will dissolve limescale scale deposits and remove the problem entirely.” Installing a water softener—or water descaler—will also help prevent new scale deposits from forming.

If your water softener is on the fritz and it's 10 years old or more, then it probably makes more financial sense to replace the water softener rather than spend money to repair it only to find that you need to replace the whole system a year or two later. Water softeners last for between 10 and 15 years, in most cases, so replacing before yours breaks down could end up saving you money. If you’re experiencing the first issue with your system, a repair probably makes sense. For ongoing issues or an older system, replacement is likely better.

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to regenerate your water softener manually, and you might want to do so after adding salt. However, you should refrain from doing it too often, as you’ll be needlessly wasting salt and reducing your water softener’s lifespan if you regenerate too frequently. For most water softeners, the appliance is already set to regenerate automatically, so you don’t need to do it manually unless you just added salt and don’t want to wait for the automatic cycle.