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Water Treatment Services

Whole House Water Softener

Why Do I Need a Water Softening System in My Home?

Many of the Bill Howe Plumbing service calls are to repair pipes and plumbing fixtures damaged by San Diego hard water.  A Bill Howe water softening system is a solution that can extend the life of fixtures and appliances, which helps reduce costly repairs.  San Diego homeowners without a good water softener system can survey their home and find signs of hard water throughout as white spots on dishes, soap scum in tubs, hard scale on faucets, deposits in coffee makers, and buildup around pipes.  Hard water damage can result in leaking faucets, shower valves that are difficult to turn, water heater failures, and broken washing machines or dishwashers.  Additionally, soaps and detergents do not lather well in hard water, leading to the use of more shampoo, laundry, and cleaning products to achieve desired results– yet hair, dishes, and clothing remain dingy even after their cleaning cycle.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is measured in grains per gallon of hardness. For water to be considered hard, it is measured at about 7 grains per gallon. San Diego homeowners may be surprised to discover, according to the most recent City of San Diego Water Quality Report, the public water measures at 30 times the recommended water hardness, which is caused by magnesium and calcium.  Hard water, or water with high levels of grain, poses no health risks, but it does cause other problems. Changes in temperature and pressure will cause minerals such as calcium and magnesium to precipitate from the water to form scale. Scale buildup around the home causes the need for harsh cleaning products and expensive repair or replacement costs.  After long periods of exposure, calcium and magnesium buildup on home plumbing systems can damage dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, faucets, and toilets.

How Do Whole House Water Softeners Help?

Water softening is the only way to remove calcium and magnesium from water.  Water softener systems have two components for efficiency – a tank filled with ion exchange resins and a brine tank where salt is stored. The resins are bathed in a brine solution causing sodium ions to bond to the resins. The brine solution is then removed from the resin tank. Household water then passes through the resin bed where ion exchange takes place removing calcium and magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium ions.  The system will then regenerate approximately twice a month where the whole process starts over again.

The benefits of having a  whole house water softener system installed are:

  • Reduces soap scum in showers and the need for harsh, routine cleaning products
  • Stops calcium build-up on faucets and appliances and helps to maintain the shiny appearance and lifespan of these investments
  • Alleviates dry skin and hair, helping with softer skin and reducing the need for products like lotions and conditioner
  • Eliminates spots and film on dishes
  • Dramatically decreases calcium build-up in valves and piping, requiring less maintenance

Are you ready for water softener installation? For more information on how a whole home softener and softening system can help or to schedule a free estimate, call 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469), visit live chat or book online today. 

What David says about us

Service for new garbage disposal. My ancient garbage disposal quit working, went online to get Bill Howe’s number, immediately received and accepted chat to describe my needs. Prompt call back to schedule an appointment, service tech Allen was out same morning, which was important to fit my work schedule. Job estimate was clear, work done fully to my expectations, area left clean, and price was very fair.
I was not surprised — I have used Bill Howe plumbers for several other tasks in the past. I have always found their staff to be helpful, attentive, and the plumbers very courteous and capable.

January 2020

Plumbing

What Michelle says about us

I have been using Bill Howe since the late 1980’s, their service has always been excellent, plumbing, heating and restoration. I am most impressed by the integrity of their employees, not only do they know their work/skill, they do not waste time, they are so efficient, they are so helpful and they are a true “service”!

February 2020

Plumbing

What Mira says about us

Bill Howe never fails us! We had a drain overflow, and Scott came (on a Saturday) to look at it and offer solution. He was punctual, professional, and extremely helpful. I should also praise the main office for always being helpful and always finding solutions. Very grateful to have you in San Diego!

February 2020

Restoration & Flood

What Ed Gohlich says about us

Cory was our technician on this job. We had a time sensitive repair issue and Bill Howe understood and assisted with getting the job done quickly.
Cory was on time to start the job and finished it quickly. Upon his leaving our home he’s was courteous, very knowledgeable, explaining what the problem was and how he fixed it. Very good communication and this is the way it’s has always been when we use Bill Howe plumbing.
Great company to work with.
Thanks Cory.
Ed

August 2019

Heating & Cooling

What Eric says about us

I had a shower that would not drain. The employee arrived on time and fixed the problem quickly and effectively at a very fair price. I was very happy with everything. Thank you and I highly recommend your plumbing service.

January 2019

Plumbing

What Bridgett says about us

I am extremely happy with the service we received from Bill Howe Plumbing. We were given an incorrect diagnosis of our main sewer line from another vendor, but Bill Howe’s servicemen came out for a second opinion, correctly diagnosed our problem and resolved our back up issues. We will continue to use Bill Howe for all our future plumbing needs!

Thank you Bill Howe Plumbing.

July 2019

Plumbing