If you’ve lived in Arizona for any amount of time, you know that our water isn’t exactly spring-fresh. Depending on your city, hardness levels around the Phoenix-Metro area vary, but it’s safe to say, that our water is classified as hard. The United States Geological Survey defines water hardness (or softness) as compounds of calcium magnesium, and other metals in our water in milligrams per liter. Here’s how the USGS breaks it down:
- Soft Water – 0-60 mg/L
- Moderately Hard Water – 61-120 mg/L
- Hard Water – 121-180 mg/L
- Very hard – <180 mg/L
The latest City of Phoenix Water Quality measures the total sample results between 148-288mg/L. Keep in mind, that a lot of plumbers and city managers alike, will measure water hardness per gallon. The City of Gilbert, for example, measures in gallons. Their website states their water is at 17.1 grains per gallon. We’ve measured it as high as 19! We’ll spare you the math of what that converts to for mg/L.
The moral of this little science lesson is that this high mineral content in our water supply leads to scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan. It also causes drier skin and hair, which we have a hard enough time fighting in the desert. The solution? You guessed it, a water softener! Water softeners in Arizona aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Let’s look at a recent installation we did and dive into the details of why a water softener is so essential in Arizona.
Real-Life Experience in Gilbert: An Aging Water Softener
A homeowner in Gilbert, AZ recently contacted our master plumber David, who has over 10 years specializing in water softener installations. The client’s existing water softener was nine years old and was no longer performing as it should. David explained that most water softeners typically last between 8-10 years before needing replacement, depending on usage and maintenance. The homeowner had started to notice slight calcium buildup on his faucets and more water spots on dishes than normal, all sure signs of an aging water softener.
Understanding the Water Softener Loop
David had already been to this particular house for another project. So, he knew that there was already a water softener loop in place. A water softener loop is a designated plumbing system that allows treated (softened) water to be distributed throughout the home while bypassing outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. This is important because softened water is great for indoor use—preventing scale buildup and extending appliance life—but it’s not ideal for watering plants or landscaping. Already having a water softener loop saved the homeowner a bit on his final bill. If a home does not already have a loop, David can install one. This extra step will run homeowners about $550 if done outside of a water softener installation but is necessary to make sure that the system is set up for the best water treatment performance.
Addressing Water Pressure and the Pressure Release Valve (PRV)
Another important factor in any water softener installation is ensuring the home’s water pressure is properly regulated. Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and other Phoenix-area cities all have different municipal water pressure levels. Unregulated high pressure can put a strain on plumbing systems and appliances. In Gilbert, for example, water pressure can often exceed 75 PSI, while Chandler and Phoenix may have slightly lower or higher variations depending on the neighborhood.
To protect the homeowner’s plumbing system, David also installed a new Pressure Release Valve (PRV). The PRV helps regulate incoming water pressure, preventing damage to pipes, fixtures, and the new water softener. If a PRV is malfunctioning or not installed, high water pressure can lead to leaks, excessive wear on appliances, and even premature failure of the water softener. By ensuring the homeowner had a properly functioning PR, David helped extend the longevity of the entire plumbing system. Installing a new PRV usually runs between $450-1,400 when done as a stand-alone service, but as with most service calls with Agave Plumbing, when you bundle services, you’ll always receive a discount.
Choosing the Right Water Softener
When replacing a water softener, selecting the right unit is important. David provides his clients with good, better, and best options based on budget, household size, and water usage needs. The price range of these water softener options in Gilbert, AZ runs from $1,500 to $4,000. The customer in this case chose a mid-tier option that balanced affordability with performance. Instead of using a generic big-box store model from Lowe’s or Home Depot, David sources all of his water softeners from a local Arizona supplier that specifically designs for Phoenix’s harsh water conditions. These Arizona-made softeners use high-quality resin beads, which are more effective at removing minerals from our extremely hard water.
More About Arizona’s Water and Why It’s Tougher on Water Softeners
We’ve already established that Arizona is known for having some of the hardest water in the country. The high levels of calcium and magnesium in our groundwater lead to mineral deposits that can clog pipes, stain fixtures, and reduce the efficiency of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. Water softeners work by using a process called ion exchange, where hard minerals are removed and replaced with sodium or potassium ions, preventing scale buildup.
Big-box store water softeners are often designed for moderate hard water, which is fine in many parts of the country. However, in Arizona, extremely hard water requires more durable and efficient resin beads. That’s why here at Agave Plumbing; we prefer to work with local suppliers who understand the unique water conditions and build systems specifically to handle them. Plus, it’s just nice to help our local economy and another local small business.
How a Water Softener Works – The Regeneration Cycle
Once the new softener was installed, David made sure the system was working properly and explained how it operates. If you have a water softener in your home, you may have experienced the loud, perhaps unsettling sound it makes in the wee hours of the night. This is called the regeneration cycle. Lots of homeowners insist something is wrong when this happens. We promise it’s normal! Regeneration is typically scheduled for around 2 AM to avoid disrupting household water use. Here’s how the process works:
- Service Cycle – Hard water enters the softener, where it flows through resin beads that trap calcium and magnesium, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions. This is the stage where the water is softened before it reaches your home’s faucets and appliances.
- Backwash Cycle – The system flushes out accumulated debris and particles from the resin tank.
- Brine Draw & Rinse – A salt solution (brine) is drawn into the resin tank, cleaning the beads by replacing the trapped minerals with fresh sodium or potassium ions.
- Final Rinse – The system flushes out excess brine, ensuring that only clean, softened water is delivered to the home.
- Refill Cycle – The brine tank refills with water, dissolving salt to create a new brine solution for the next regeneration cycle.
Once the system completes this cycle, it’s ready to provide soft water again.
The Benefits of a Properly Installed Water Softener
After the installation, the customer noticed an immediate improvement in their water quality. A properly installed and well-maintained water softener provides several benefits:
- Extends the life of appliances – Soft water prevents scale buildup, which can damage dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
- Reduces soap and detergent usage – Soft water lathers more easily, meaning you use less soap, shampoo, and detergent.
- Prevents dry skin and hair – Hard water can be harsh on skin and hair, while soft water helps retain moisture.
- Protects plumbing and fixtures – No more white, chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads, and sinks.
Need a Water Softener Installed in Gilbert, AZ?
If you’re dealing with the effects of hard water, a professionally installed water softener can make a world of difference. Agave Plumbing specializes in installing high-quality, Arizona-built water softeners that are designed to withstand our region’s unique water conditions. Whether you need a new system or are replacing an old unit, David can recommend the best solution for your home. Reach out today to learn more or schedule an appointment for your new water softener!