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How to Know If You Need a Water Softener

how-to-know-if-you-need-a-water-softener

May 05, 2026
How to Know If You Need a Water Softener

If your drinking water is looking, smelling, or tasting a little, well, unappetizing, then it might be time to look into some water filtration options. A water softener is a specific type of water filtration system. If you are not familiar with the water softener, then you are at the right place. In this brief article, we will go over signs that indicate you may need a water softener as well as how the water softener works. If you know you need a water softener, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey to schedule your water softener installation today. Our dedicated plumbers are experienced, trained, and equipped to get the job done right the first time around.

Schedule Your Water Softener Installation

Are you tired of cleaning that chalky residue off of faucets, silverware, and glassware? If so, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey to schedule a water softener installation. We are happy to give you a free price estimate upfront.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How to Know If You Need a Water Softener

What Is "Hard Water?"

Why does water need to be "softened" anyway? What do we mean by "hard water?" In short, water hardness is defined by the measure of mineral content in the water. Specifically, hard water is water that has high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. Hard water is often formed when water permeates through limestone, chalk, or gypsum deposits.

What Are the Effects of Hard Water?

First and foremost, you will be happy to lea that hard water does not pose a serious health risk. However, there can be minor effects. For example, the minerals can mix with hair products to form a salt. This can keep your scalp from absorbing moisturizer and result in dry scalp and tangled hair. Further, the minerals can prevent shampoo and soap from properly dissolving. This is why you might feel slimy after trying to wash your hands with hard water.

The most visible consequence of hard water happens to appliances, silverware, and glassware. If you have noticed chalky buildup on your shower glass, faucets, showerhead, forks, and cups, then you have witnessed the effect of hard water. That mineral buildup can also happen within the plumbing pipes and appliances such as the water heater. Over time, the buildup can cause blockages and serious damage to your plumbing and appliances.

How a Water Softener Works

You can guess by now that a water softener reduces the amount of minerals in the water supply, but how?

When hard water enters the water softener system, it flows through portions of resin beads in the softener tank. As water passes through, the positively charged minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium) attach to the negatively charged tank. The filtered, or "softened," water continues through the plumbing system and is distributed throughout your building.

Every few days, the water softener draws salt water from the brine tank. This negatively charges the softener tank and releases the positively charged minerals to be flushed out of the plumbing system.

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