Start with a test, not a sales pitch
We do not quote a hardness figure for your address, because we have not verified one. Your water utility publishes an annual water quality report, and a test kit or a lab test gives your own tap number. Your water bill names your supplier.
Softeners and filters solve different problems. A softener targets hardness. A carbon filter targets taste and chlorine. A sediment filter catches particles. Buying the wrong one wastes money.
| Goal | Equipment | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce scale on fixtures and heaters | Salt-based softener | Adds sodium, needs salt refills and a drain |
| Improve taste and odor | Carbon filter | Replace cartridges on schedule |
| Remove sediment | Sediment filter | Change when pressure drops |
| Drinking water treatment | Under-sink filtration | Choose a certified model for the contaminant |
Not sure what you need?
Call and describe the symptoms. We will tell you what to test first.
Whole-house or point of use
Whole-house system
- Treats every tap
- Protects the water heater and pipes
- Higher upfront cost
- Needs a drain and electrical outlet nearby
Under-sink filter
- Treats drinking water only
- Lower cost
- Easy to install
- Does not reduce scale in the heater
Scale shortens the life of a tank or tankless heater. Our tankless page explains flushing for units in hard water.
Installation details
- A bypass valve so you can shut the system off for service.
- A drain connection with an air gap for regeneration water.
- An electrical outlet for the control head.
- A location that keeps the unit accessible for salt or cartridge changes.
- Pressure and flow checked after installation.
California limits how some softeners may discharge brine in certain areas, and local rules vary. Ask your sanitary district or city about restrictions. Central San serves Pleasant Hill, and we advise checking with the agency that serves your address.
Signs that point to a water treatment problem
Chalky white buildup
Crust on faucets, shower heads and kettles usually means minerals. Test your tap before you decide.
Spotty dishes and glasses
Mineral spots after the dishwasher run can be a rinse issue as well as hardness.
Chlorine taste or smell
A carbon filter at the sink often fixes taste without any softening.
Brown or cloudy water
Rust particles or sediment need a sediment filter, and persistent discoloration may mean corroding pipe.
If the water looks brown right after work on a main, run a cold tap for several minutes. If it does not clear, call us, since the cause may be pipe corrosion and a filter would only hide it.
What affects softener and filter cost
We give a clear price before work starts. Factors:
Water treatment equipment is not covered by insurance. Ask whether your utility offers any rebate.
Want your real number? Describe the job on the call and we quote it before work starts.
Service area
We install in 94523 and nearby 94519 and 94520 in Concord. See the Concord page for more.
Treatment equipment should carry a recognized certification for the claims it makes, such as those published by NSF International for drinking water treatment, and installation follows the California Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Common questions
Look for chalky buildup. A test kit or your utility's water quality report gives a number.
It depends on the problem. Softeners handle hardness. Filters handle taste, chlorine and particles.
Rules vary by agency. Ask your sanitary district or city before you buy.
Reducing scale can help, particularly for tankless units.
Salt refills and annual checks are typical.
No. Each filter is rated for specific contaminants, so match the filter to the issue.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.