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Water softeners & filtration
Do You Need a Water Softener in Ann Arbor?
It depends on your water. City of Ann Arbor water averages about 7.4 grains per gallon of hardness; many private wells are harder and may carry iron. We look at your water first, then recommend what makes sense.
- Water softeners
- Filtration
- Well water
- Installation & bypass
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy
Your water
How Hard Is Ann Arbor Water?
The City of Ann Arbor’s 2025 water quality report gives an average hardness of 126 ppm (as calcium carbonate), about 7.4 grains per gallon, with a range of roughly 4.3 to 10.5. The city draws from the Huron River and groundwater wells, and the mix affects hardness.
That level is moderately hard: enough to leave spots on glasses, scale on fixtures and sediment in a water heater. Whether a softener is worth it is a judgment call that depends on your household and your priorities.
Outside the city system, things vary: Ypsilanti-area homes are served by YCUA, and homes on private wells across the county can have much harder water, plus iron.
Options
Water Treatment Options
Water softeners
Remove the calcium and magnesium that cause scale, protecting water heaters, fixtures and appliances.
Iron and well water filters
For wells with iron or other issues that cause staining or odor, matched to a water test.
Drinking water filters
Point-of-use filters at the kitchen sink for taste and specific contaminants.
Installation
What Goes Into a Softener Installation
- Water test and household sizing
- Bypass valve so the softener can be taken offline
- Drain line with a proper air gap
- Outdoor faucets left on hard water where you prefer
- Settings matched to your hardness
A softener also protects a tankless water heater, which is especially sensitive to scale.
FAQ
Water Softener Questions
Do Ann Arbor homes need a water softener?
Not necessarily. City water averages about 7.4 grains per gallon, which is moderately hard. Many households live with it; others soften to protect water heaters and fixtures and for the feel of the water. Homes on private wells are more likely to benefit.
How do I find out how hard my water is?
If you are on City of Ann Arbor water, the annual water quality report gives the figure. For a well or another utility, a water test tells you hardness, iron and more.
Is softened water safe to drink?
Softening adds a small amount of sodium (or potassium, with a potassium-based system). People on low-sodium diets often keep a kitchen tap on unsoftened or filtered water.
Will a softener help my water heater?
Yes. Scale buildup from hard water reduces efficiency and capacity, especially in tankless units. Softened water keeps heat exchangers and tanks cleaner.
How much maintenance does a softener need?
Adding salt regularly and occasional cleaning. Settings may need adjustment if your water source or household changes.
Also helpful
Related Plumbing Services
Problems in one part of the plumbing often point to another. These services go hand in hand.
Water Heaters
Tank water heater repair and replacement, sized for your household and installed to code.
Learn more →Tankless Water Heaters
Endless hot water in a wall-mounted unit, if your gas line, venting and water quality suit one.
Learn more →Toilets, Faucets & Fixtures
Running toilets, dripping faucets, sinks, disposals and shower valves repaired or replaced.
Learn more →24/7 in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Find Out What Your Water Needs
Call (734) 228-7852 to talk through softening and filtration.
Request service
Tell Us What’s Going On
Send a few details and we will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. We answer 24/7: for water running or sewage backing up right now, call (734) 228-7852.
- 24/7 emergency service, nights, weekends and holidays
- $99 diagnostic fee, applied to the repair
- Financing: 25 months same as cash, on approved credit
- The price explained before work starts
- Call(734) 228-7852
- Service areaAnn Arbor & Washtenaw County
- LicensingMichigan plumbing license #A111705
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy