Logo for Any Hour Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air featuring a smiling technician with crossed arms, a stopwatch, and a bold, professional tone.
You are viewing the Arizona site
You are viewing the Utah site

Hard Water, Water Softeners, Water Conditioners. Making Sense of it

Recently, we had a salesman in our home trying to sell us on a water softening system. I was interested because my son and I have eczema: dry, itchy skin that is sensitive to minerals, among other things. But to listen to the pitch, this particular sales guy made it sound like soft water would rid the world of kidney stones and ulcers, eradicate all skin diseases, and even cure cancer. So, before I signed on any dotted lines, I decided to do a little research of my own.

First of all, I had to find out exactly what “hard” water is and whether it’s bad for me and my family. According to water.usgs.gov, “the simple definition of water hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water.” Well, shoot. I used to pay for calcium and magnesium supplements, so can it be bad to drink in my water?

The National Academy of Sciences states that hard water does not pose any health risks; in fact, they suggest that “hard drinking water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium human dietary needs” (water-research.net). So, it’s pretty safe to say that hard water isn’t going to kill us.

So next, I had to figure out if I really had hard water to see if this was a purchase I even needed to make. I get my water from a municipal system, so it was easy to access my local water report and see that, yes, I live in a hard water area with higher levels of calcium and magnesium. If you get your water from a private water supply (such as a well), you can send in a sample of your water to a lab for testing, or purchase testing kits or strips to determine your water’s hardness. Here’s a regional map for additional help:
But at the end of the day, you can determine whether you have hard water in your home by the spots on your dishes, the dryness of your hands, and even the taste of your tap water. As mentioned before, hard water has higher levels of calcium and magnesium; therefore, those minerals will deposit themselves on your skin, in your home’s pipes and water fixtures, and on dishes, glasses, and windows. So, many people will turn to soft water because it doesn’t have the minerals that dry skin or block pores, doesn’t leave mineral deposits on pipes and glasses, and makes soaps and detergents more effective in smaller doses because they can do their job instead of binding to the minerals in your water. So, while a softener could possibly save you money in soap products, it can also help save money on pipe and appliance repairs, save money on skincare products, and save time spent removing unsightly and annoying water spots and calcium deposits.

For me, I decided in the end to go with a water softening system. However, there is something many homeowners should also know. I have a shower with a black tile floor, with a slate-like consistency. I noticed that I was starting to see a white buildup on some of the tiles. I talked to my plumber and found this is common on black or very dark surfaces with tile, rock, or other textured materials. He asked if the residue was easy to clean off and I said it was. He said this is actually caused from sodium deposits, not hard water. So in some certain cases, there may still be residue but it isn’t as stubborn or troublesome as hard water buildup.

Has this convinced you to invest in a water softener yet? Well, before you jump in, there’s one more thing you need to know.

When it comes to treating hard water, there are two different systems out there. One “softens” the water and one “conditions” the water. They are different in important ways and it’s really helpful for anyone considering a hard water treatment system to know the difference and what results they can expect.
1. WATER SOFTENER
Water softeners actually remove calcium and magnesium from the water through a process called ion exchange. Essentially, the water softener’s mineral tank is filled with polystyrene beads that hold a negative charge, which attracts the positively-charged calcium and magnesium ions. Positively charged sodium (salt) ions (or its more expensive counterpart, potassium chloride,) are then flushed through the system, collecting the calcium and magnesium and sending it down the drain. That’s what the bags of salt and brine tanks are for in water softening systems. And this is what gives soft water its slightly salty taste. Some people who don’t prefer the flavor of soft water will install a hard water line for drinking and for watering houseplants. Others will install a reverse osmosis filtration system that will filter out the salty taste, along with other contaminants in the water and install this tap for drinking water. However, because the minerals are removed from the rest of the home’s water, water spots and calcium buildup should disappear, and your soaps and detergents should be more effective.
2. WATER CONDITIONER
Water conditioners do not remove the minerals from your water. One type of water conditioner uses citric acid to slightly change the PH of the water and coat the minerals, preventing them from adhering to your pipes or dishes. Another type of water conditioner is a Poly-Phosphate filter. These methods aren’t as effective at removing spots or keeping pipes as clear as a water softener, since the minerals are still present in the water. But they can definitely help. Additionally, they don’t leave your water tasting salty or leave your hair and skin feeling slippery, as soft water has a tendency to do. They also don’t use all the chemicals and tanks that a water softener requires.
Note: If your water heater is old or you have never opened the valve before or have a plastic valve, there is a chance that it may not close all the way and you could end up with a drip or a leak. In that case, you can get a metal cap from a hardware store and put it on there. Or have a plumber put one on the next time you have one out or have them replace the valve (if nothing else is wrong with the water heater).

If you'd rather have someone help you with this, Any Hour Services has plumbers that can do a water heater flush. Book online by clicking button at the top of the screen or call to schedule an appointment.

While it would be more than amazing to have a water treatment solution that could cure cancer, what’s more realistic is finding a water treatment solution that helps keep your dishes clean and helps keep your pipes, appliances, and skin healthy. It’s up to you to decide which is the best for your needs—or whether you actually need one at all. 

Click here for some additional home tests you can perform to see if your water is hard.

Join our email list to get access to weekly emails with helpful videos, educational articles, and DIY home maintenance guides.
Logo for Any Hour Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air featuring a smiling technician with crossed arms, a stopwatch, and a bold, professional tone.

Any Hour Services

1374 West 130 South, Orem, UT 84058

© Copyright 2024 Any Hour Services LLC
© 2024 Any Hour Services LLC

Pricing FAQ

A:

The prices you are quoted come out of our pricing guide. We have looked at the most common tasks we are asked to perform and figured out the average time to perform the task, the cost of the materials, and the cost associated with running a drain business that is able to stand behind that work.

To calculate the cost of your drain project, your plumber will determine the tasks needed. Each task has a price associated with it, which your plumber will add together to arrive at your total. This method allows us to identify and rule out unnecessary tasks, prioritizing fairness and transparency (while saving you money).

Our pricing method is not influenced by the neighborhood someone lives in but is designed to be fair and transparent. When we designed our pricing guide, we asked ourselves, “What does it take to perform this task?” NOT, “How much can we get a person to pay?” This commitment to honest, clear pricing reflects our respect for our clients.

Call Now

A:

When you charge by the hour, you can only give a price after the job is finished. We don’t want you to have to wait until the end of the job to find out how much it costs.

We believe there are too many variables that make “charging by the hour” more of a win for the company than for the homeowner. There are the things that a homeowner has no control over but ends up paying the price for anyway: if a technician has to leave the job to get a part, if technicians work more slowly, if the job takes longer than expected, etc. With “charging by the hour,” there’s no accountability on the plumbing company to have their trucks stocked better, train their technicians better, or run their business more efficiently.

Our commitment to a fair and transparent pricing model is unwavering. We believe in doing right by everyone involved: the homeowner, the technician, and the company. This is not just a business decision, but a moral one, ensuring that everyone is treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.

Call Now

A:

The staff answering our phones and scheduling appointments are not technicians. They do not understand how the plumbing in your home works or how to price the work you need help with.

Our process involves a comprehensive on-site assessment by our technicians to ensure no crucial details are missed. This thorough approach that looks at all variables is how we can provide you with a price that remains unchanged from the start to the completion of the work: the price we give you before the begins is what the cost will be after the work is performed. Here at Any Hour Services, we believe in honest pricing.

Call Now

A:

Requesting a quote is simple. Contact Any Hour Services, and we will assess your needs, providing a transparent estimate for the repairs.

Call Now

A:

Yes, you can request a quote online, and our team at Any Hour Services strives to respond promptly to all inquiries.

Call Now

A:

It costs $269 to inspect your sewer main line with our sewer camera equipment. If you’d like to see what the inside of your sewer line looks like, our sewer supervisors have high-definition cameras to show you a live video of the inside your sewer main line.

Residential, owner occupied special:
$29 drain clear / rooter service. Unclog any drain, including the sewer mainline, as long as it has an easily accessible cleanout.

Call Now

A:

It costs $269 to inspect your sewer main line with our sewer camera equipment. Below you will find a couple internet specials to help you save. If you’d like to see what the inside of your sewer line looks like, our sewer supervisors have hi definition cameras to show you a live video of the inside your sewer main line.

Residential Special:
$149 live camera inspection. High-definition camera is set down your drain so you can inspect the condition of your sewer mainline. Need an easily accessible clean-out.

Call Now

A:

If you are looking to replace your sewer main line, one of our sewer supervisors will come to your home and inspect your sewer main line with a high-definition camera and show you what options are available. The visit doesn’t cost you anything, so call us if you have questions about replacing your sewer main line.

Call Now

A:

Yes, in addition to our coupons, we offer senior discounts and military discounts. You can receive 5% off or any special promotions we may be running, whichever is greater. You can ask your drain technician to show you your savings.

Call Now

A:

No, as long as you live in our service area, our drain technicians can come to your home and help. We service homes from North Ogden, South to Nephi. West from the Tooele/Grantsville area, east to the Park City Heber area.

Call Now

A:

No, our drain technicians don’t quote a price until they have seen your drain issue. Once they quote a price, it doesn’t change, no matter how long it takes. At any time you want to add more tasks, your drain technician will let you know how much it would cost to perform the extra work.

When it comes to our drain clearing specials, if we can not clear your clogged drain, you don’t pay us.

Call Now

A:

You can pay for the the drain work we perform with cash, check, or any major credit card. We collect, in full, upon completion of the project. If you would like to make monthly payments, we do have many financing options available through 3rd party finance companies, OAC. Your drain technician can talk to you about your options.

Call Now

Pricing FAQ

A:

Our pricing is fair and transparent. It’s based on a fixed-price guide that considers the time, materials, and costs of running a reliable home services business. We don’t charge by the hour or inflate prices based on your neighborhood. We ask ourselves, “What does it take to get the job done?,” not “How much can we charge?”

Before we price your plumbing job, our licensed plumber will perform an in-home assessment to evaluate the tasks required. We only charge for what’s necessary—no fluff, no extra costs. This allows us to pinpoint areas where we can save you money without sacrificing quality.

Call Now

A:

Hourly rates can be unpredictable, leaving you unsure of the final cost until the job is done. We believe in upfront, fixed pricing based on the work itself—not guesswork. You won’t pay for delays or mistakes, and we hold ourselves accountable to ensure there are no surprises.

Call Now

A:

We prefer to price based on the job and not what other companies charge. Hourly rates can lead to unexpected costs for homeowners, making the final price unpredictable. By pricing the work itself, we make sure you’re only paying for what’s actually needed—keeping things fair and efficient.

Call Now

A:

Water heater replacements vary. Often, older units require updates to meet safety standards. Common items missing from many water heaters are flexible gas lines, expansion tanks, earthquake straps, gas sediment trap, upgrade exhaust venting, etc.

For an accurate quote, one of our licensed plumbers will inspect your existing system and provide a FREE estimate.

Call Now

A:

Our phone staff are not licensed plumbers, so they can’t quote prices that would be accurate to your project’s needs. A trained plumber needs to see the job firsthand to give you a clear, upfront price. Quotes over the phone are a guess, and we prefer transparency over uncertainty.

Call Now

A:

Ballpark prices can be misleading. Until we see the job, we can’t quote your final estimate accurately. Other companies may give an estimate range, but that often leads to additional costs and surprises later. Instead, we focus on giving you a fair price once a licensed plumber can assess the job properly.

Call Now

A:

We have a small dispatch fee to send our plumber to your home. Our plumbers will arrive in a truck stocked with thousands of parts. They’ll have everything they need to start your plumbing project while they’re at your home, unless the situation is unusual. They’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your plumbing system and explain what they’ll need to do to complete the work you called for. They’re not going to charge you by the hour, they will give you a total price, with options, before any of the work begins.

Call Now

A:

There are several large plumbing projects that we are willing to show you what options are available and the visit doesn’t cost you anything; basement finishes, water heater install/replacements, water softener installs/replacement, repiping, tankless water heater install/replacement etc. This is not a complete list so call us if you have questions about your project.

Call Now

A:

You will pay a little more to get a plumber to your home after hours but they do not charge more for the work you want them to perform. Our prices come directly from our pricing guide. We do not have a different set of plumbing prices for doing work in the evenings or on weekends. The price for the plumbing work you need done will be the same regardless of the time of day.

Call Now

A:

No, our plumbers run calls on Saturdays and charge the same price as they would any other day of the week. We do not have a different set of plumbing prices for work performed on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.

Call Now

A:

No, as long as you live in our service area, our plumbers can come to your home and help. We service homes from North Ogden, South to Nephi. West from the Tooele/Grantsville area, east to the Park City Heber area. Here is a full list of Utah Cities we service.

Call Now

A:

No, our plumbers don’t quote a price until they have seen your plumbing project. Once they quote a price, it doesn’t change, no matter how long it takes. At any time, you want to add more tasks to your plumbing project, your plumber will let you know how much it would cost to perform the extra work.

Call Now

A:

Yes, in addition to our coupons, we offer senior discounts and military discounts. You can receive 5% off or any special promotions we may be running, whichever is greater. You can ask your plumber to show you your savings.

Call Now

A:

You can pay for your plumbing service with cash, check, or any major credit card. We collect, in full, upon completion of the project. If you would like to make monthly payments, we do have many financing options available through 3rd party finance companies, OAC. Your plumber can talk to you about your options when they give you pricing options for the HVAC work you want completed.

Call Now

Let's text you
that offer!

Enjoy these money-saving offers from Any Hour Services!
consent*