Water Softener

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER SOFTENER FOR YOUR HOME

Choosing the right water softener is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s plumbing system, appliances, and water quality. Hard water is extremely common in Minnesota, and the right softener can prevent scale buildup, protect your fixtures, and improve the overall comfort of your home. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best water softener for your household.

How to Choose the Right Water Treatment System

1. Start With a Water Quality Test

Before choosing an RO system, it’s important to understand what’s actually in your water. A professional water test will identify levels of:

• Dissolved solids (TDS)
• Chlorine
• Fluoride
• PFAS
• Lead or heavy metals
• Minerals like calcium and magnesium

Knowing your water quality helps you pick the RO system with the right number of stages and filters.

2. Choose the Right Number of Filtration Stages

Not all RO systems are built the same. Common options include:

• 3-Stage RO: Basic filtration for improving taste and odor
• 4-Stage RO: Adds deeper contaminant removal
• 5–7 Stage RO: Premium systems that include remineralization, carbon polishing, and added filtration for maximum purity

More stages mean cleaner, safer, better-tasting drinking water.

3. Consider Storage Tank Size & Water Output

RO systems produce filtered water at different rates. When choosing a unit, look at:

• Tank capacity (how much clean water you can store)
• GPD rating (gallons per day the system can produce)

Larger families or homes with high cooking/drinking demand benefit from higher-output systems.

4. Look at Maintenance & Filter Replacement Costs

RO systems require routine filter changes to stay effective. When comparing systems, consider:

• How often filters need to be replaced
• How easy they are to access
• Cost of replacement filters
• Service requirements

Higher-quality systems offer longer-lasting filters and lower long-term costs.

5. Consider Installation Requirements

Reverse osmosis systems typically require:

• Professional installation
• A dedicated faucet
• A drain connection
• Space under the sink for the tank and filters

Professional installation ensures proper water pressure, leak-free connections, and maximum system performance.

6. Choose a High-Quality, Long-Lasting RO System

Premium RO systems use stronger membranes, better carbon filters, and more durable housings—meaning cleaner water and fewer repairs down the road. Investing in a high-quality unit ensures:

• Better-tasting drinking water
• Higher contaminant removal
• Longer membrane lifespan
• Lower maintenance costs

The result is safer, cleaner water for your family every single day.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

At EZ Plumbing & Drains, we install and service high-quality Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water systems for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to purify your drinking water. It uses a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants—giving you fresh, clean, great-tasting water straight from your tap.

RO systems typically use multiple stages of filtration, including:

• Sediment pre-filters to remove dirt and rust
• Carbon filters to eliminate chlorine and chemicals
• RO membrane that removes up to 99% of impurities
• Post-filters for final polishing and taste

The result is high-quality drinking water that removes harmful substances such as lead, arsenic, nitrates, PFAS, and more. Reverse osmosis is also a chemical-free, low-maintenance, long-lasting solution—making it one of the most popular options for families who want the purest water possible.

What Is Iron Filtration?

If your water has a metallic taste, orange staining, or leaves rust marks on sinks, tubs, or laundry, you’re likely dealing with iron in your water. At EZ Plumbing & Drains, we install professional-grade iron filtration systems that remove iron before it enters your plumbing system, helping protect fixtures, appliances, and water quality.

Iron filters work by using special media that traps iron particles as water flows through. There are two main types:

Oxidizing Iron Filters

These systems use oxygen or oxidizing agents to turn dissolved iron into solid particles that can be filtered out.

Catalytic Media Filters

These use a special media that triggers the conversion of iron into filterable particles without the need for chemicals.

Many iron filtration systems also remove:

• Manganese
• Hydrogen sulfide (rotten-egg smell)
• Sulfur
• Sediment

These systems are durable, low-maintenance, and provide cleaner, clearer, better-tasting water throughout your entire home.

Can I Install a Whole-House Sediment Filter Myself?

Technically, some homeowners try—but we strongly recommend professional installation.

A whole-house sediment filter protects your plumbing system from dirt, sand, rust, and debris. However, installing it incorrectly can lead to:

• Leaks
• Water pressure issues
• Damaged pipes
• Health and safety hazards
• Voided warranties

At EZ Plumbing & Drains, we size the filter correctly for your home, install the system on the main water supply line, and ensure proper connection, flow direction, and bypass setup. We also handle ongoing maintenance such as:

• Replacing cartridges
• Cleaning sediment buildup
• Checking pressure and flow

Professional installation ensures your filtration system performs the way it should—and protects your home long-term.

Why a Professional Plumber Is Best for Water Softener Installation

A water softener protects your plumbing system by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard-water scale. These minerals shorten the lifespan of appliances, clog fixtures, reduce water pressure, and leave spots on dishes and shower doors.

Our licensed plumbers ensure your softener is:

• Correctly sized for your home
• Installed to code
• Connected with the proper bypass valves
• Plumbed to a safe drain
• Set up for efficient regeneration

We also help you choose high-quality professional-grade softeners—such as Diamond LinQ systems, which last 3–4 times longer than big-box store units.

Many manufacturers require professional installation to keep the warranty valid, so DIY installation can void coverage.

Does My Home Need Water Filtration?

If you're unsure about your water quality—or notice odors, discoloration, staining, buildup, or an unusual taste—your home may benefit from a water filtration system. Even if your water looks “fine,” it can still contain:

• Bacteria
• Lead
• Nitrates
• Chlorine/chloramines
• PFAS
• Sediment
• Iron or manganese

Filtration systems help protect your health, improve water taste, and extend the life of appliances and plumbing. If your home uses a private well, filtration is even more important since well water is not monitored by city water treatment.

The best first step is a professional water test so we can recommend the right system for your specific needs.

Is Reverse Osmosis the Best Water Treatment Option?

Reverse osmosis is one of the most powerful filtration methods available, removing up to 99% of contaminants. But whether it’s the best option for your home depends on your water quality and goals.

RO is ideal if you want:

• The purest drinking water
• Removal of dissolved solids, heavy metals, and chemicals
• Great taste and odor improvement

However, you may not need a full RO system if:

• Your main concern is chlorine (a carbon filter may be enough)
• Your home already has municipal treatment
• You only want whole-house filtration, not drinking-water purity

Reverse osmosis also produces wastewater during filtration and requires regular filter replacements.

Should you install it yourself?

We don’t recommend it. RO systems require:

• Proper pressure control
• Correct drain line installation
• Dedicated faucet installation
• Under-sink plumbing modifications
• Leak-proof fittings

A professional installation ensures long-term performance and protects your investment.

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