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
Taylor Freitas  •  May 18, 2026
How to Size a Water Softener Correctly and Banish Hard Water From Your Home
For a water softener to work properly, it needs to be just the right size. If you need help figuring out how to size a water softener, this guide can help.
Jouviane Alexandre  •  May 5, 2026
3 Reasons You Should Turn Off Your Water Softener When On Vacation
Water softener makes living with hard water manageable, but is it necessary while traveling? Here are three reasons to consider turning it off before vacation.
Becca Stokes  •  May 5, 2026
Water Softener Regeneration: A Brilliantly Discreet Method for Removing Hard Water
Water softeners rid your home of hard minerals and, well, soften your water. Even better, the regeneration process is an automatic cycle that works when you’re least likely to use it.
Allie Ogletree  •  May 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.
Paige Bennett  •  May 5, 2026
7 Common Water Softener Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Water softeners can face several problems during their life spans, including blockages, timer problems, and more. Read on to learn about water softener problems.
Audrey Bruno  •  May 3, 2026
How to Fix a Clogged Water Softener: 3 Potential Methods
Knowing how to fix a clogged water softener will help you spot and stop a blockage so that soft, purified water always flows.
Dan Simms  •  May 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.
Taylor Freitas  •  May 3, 2026
Water Softener vs. Water Filter: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Water softeners and filters might sound similar, but they serve different purposes. Here’s what to know when comparing a water softener versus a water filter.
Find Water Treatment Specialists near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
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.