Phoenix Metro Area
Water Softener & Reverse Osmosis
Say Goodbye to Hard Water—and Hello to Clean, Filtered Water
Tired of spots on dishes, dry skin, or mineral buildup on your fixtures? A water softener or reverse osmosis system might be exactly what your home needs. Schedule your water treatment consultation with Yellowstone Plumbing today and let our team help you find the right solution for your home.
“If you want fair pricing, punctual, and professionalism, call Yellowstone Plumbing & Drains !!! Joshua was on time, My wife and I explained what we wanted done, he gave us an estimate for repairs, We approved them, he got started, as each task was done, he cleaned up the area he was working on, just a great experience! I will recommend Yellowstone!”
— Ken P.
It’s a good idea if you have hard water.
Hard water means there’s a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, which can:
Leave spots on dishes and glass
Clog pipes and reduce appliance efficiency
Dry out your skin and hair
Wear out clothes faster in the wash
How to check?
You can test your water hardness with a simple home test kit or check with your city’s water report. If it’s above 3–5 grains per gallon (gpg), a softener is worth it.
Should I Get a Water Softener?
Common Water Softener Issues
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Possible Issues to Check:
Too Small of a Unit
If the softener is undersized for your household water usage, it’ll regenerate more often, burning through salt quickly.
Questions to ask yourself:
- How many people live in the house- What's your water hardness level?
- What’s the grain capacity of the softener?
High Water Hardness
If your water is very hard (15+ gpg), the system will use more salt to keep up. This is normal—but a larger unit may be more efficient.Frequent Regeneration Setting
Check how often the system regenerates. Most should run every 3–7 days or based on usage. Daily regeneration is often too much.Salt Bridging or Channeling
Salt can build up in the brine tank, appearing full but not functioning properly. Bridging or channeling can lead to inefficient regeneration and excess salt use.Leaky Toilet or Faucet
Constant water usage (like a running toilet) can make the system think you’re using more water, triggering unnecessary regeneration cycles.
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No Salt Use = Possible Issues
Salt Bridge in the Salt Tank
A hard crust can form above the water, making it look like there's salt when there’s a hollow space underneath. Check it by pushing a broom handle into the tank—if it breaks through a surface, you've got a bridge.Clogged Injectors
Injectors pull brine into the resin tank during regeneration. A clog here means the system may cycle but not actually soften water—and won’t use salt.System Not Regenerating
Could be due to electrical issues, timer malfunctions, or an open bypass valve. If the system isn’t regenerating, it won’t use salt and you’ll likely notice hard water.Water Softener Is in Bypass Mode
Check the bypass valve. If it's open, water flows around the system—so the softener doesn’t function.
Signs It’s Not Working:
Soap doesn’t lather well
White spots on dishes and glass
Dry skin/hair
Scale buildup on fixtures
From busy households to commercial properties, Yellowstone Plumbing provides expert water softener and reverse osmosis solutions across the Phoenix metro area.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Which Reverse Osmosis system is best for your home?
It depends on your household’s specific needs. Here’s how to choose:
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Know what’s in your water. Use a home water test kit or get your city’s water quality report.
Common contaminants removed by RO systems:
Lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride
Nitrates, PFAS, heavy metals
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Basic systems: 3–5 stages (carbon + sediment + RO membrane)
Advanced systems: 6–7+ stages (UV sterilization, remineralization, alkaline filters)
If your water has bacteria or viruses, look for UV sterilization.
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Make sure the system's gallons-per-day (GPD) rating matches your family’s usage. 50–100 GPD is standard for most homes.
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Traditional RO systems waste 3–5 gallons for every 1 gallon filtered. Look for low-waste models.
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Check replacement frequency and cost of filters—this affects long-term value.
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Look for:
NSF/ANSI 58 (for RO performance)
WQA Gold Seal (independent quality assurance)
Filter Maintenance Guide
How often should you replace your reverse osmosis filters?
Keeping your RO system maintained ensures clean water and long life. Here’s a general timeline:
Sediment Filter (Stage 1)
Every 6–12 months
Protects the rest of the system by trapping dirt and rust.Carbon Filters (Stages 2 & 3)
Every 6–12 months
Removes chlorine and chemicals that damage the membrane.RO Membrane (Stage 4)
Every 4–6 years
Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids. Lifespan depends on water quality and filter changes.Polishing/Post Carbon Filter (Stage 5 or 6)
Every 12 months
Gives your water that crisp, clean taste.Sanitizing Your RO System
Once a year during filter changes to eliminate bacteria and biofilm.
How to tell if it’s time sooner:
Water tastes or smells off
Drop in water pressure
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) rising above 50 ppm (if using a TDS meter)
Need help tracking filter changes or want annual maintenance? We’ve got you covered.
Salt-Free Water Systems
Do no-salt water softeners work? They do—but it depends on your goals.
What They Do:
Salt-free systems (a.k.a. conditioners or descalers) use TAC or electromagnetic fields to change the structure of calcium and magnesium so they don’t stick to pipes and appliances.
What They Don’t Do:
Don’t remove minerals from the water
Water still tests as “hard”
Don’t improve soap lather or reduce dryness
Don’t help with iron or sulfur issues
So Do They Work?
Yes, for scale prevention. Not for true water softening.
When Salt-Free Might Be a Good Fit:
Water hardness is under ~10 gpg
You want to protect appliances but don’t care about “soft” feel
You’re avoiding salt or prefer low-maintenance systems
You have septic system concerns or sodium intake restrictions
When It’s Not Ideal:
Hardness over 12–15 gpg
You want soft-feeling water
You need to remove iron or sulfur
Not sure what’s right for you?
We can help you choose the best system based on your water quality, household size, and goals.