We’ve had plenty of customers in Sacramento ask the same thing:

“Do I need a water softener, a filter — or both?”

And the answer?
It depends. On your water, your pipes, your appliances, and even your expectations.

Let’s cut through the sales talk and explain it like it is.

What’s Wrong With the Water Anyway?

On paper, Sacramento water is “safe.” But that doesn’t mean it’s clean, soft, or pleasant to use.
We’ve tested homes with:

• Hard water that leaves white residue on every surface
• Chlorine that makes the whole house smell like a swimming pool
• Sediment that clogs up fixtures and shortens appliance life

And even if you don’t notice it day-to-day, it still takes a toll over time.

Filters vs. Softeners — What’s the Difference?

• Softeners remove minerals like calcium and magnesium — the stuff that causes hard water.
• Filters remove other things: chlorine, dirt, sediment, metals, and weird smells.

If your dishes are cloudy and your shower glass has white streaks? You need a softener.
If your water tastes off or smells strange? You need a filter.
If you’re dealing with both? You probably need both.

You Don’t Need the Biggest System — You Need the Right One

We’ve seen homeowners buy oversized, overpriced water treatment setups because someone sold them the “best” package.
But your home isn’t a commercial car wash. You need a system that fits your plumbing, your lifestyle, and your water source.

That might mean a small under-sink filter. Or a full-house combo. Or something in between.

The point is: it’s not one-size-fits-all. And anyone who says otherwise probably just wants to make a sale.

A Real-World Example

One of our customers had been replacing their coffee maker every six months.
The culprit? Heavy mineral buildup from hard water.
We installed a simple softener, adjusted it for their usage, and two years later — same coffee maker, no issues.

Another family was buying bottled water for everything — drinking, cooking, even rinsing fruit.
We added a dual-stage filter to their kitchen line. The bottles stopped. The water improved. And they’re saving hundreds a year.

What We Actually Do at Golden Valley Plumbing

We don’t just install stuff.
We listen. We test. We look at your home like it’s our own.

If you need something simple — we’ll say that.
If your system is overkill — we’ll tell you why.
And if we do recommend a fix, it’s because we’ve seen it work — not because it’s the most expensive option.

Wondering what your water really needs? Let’s check it out. We’ll give it to you straight — and get your water working for you, not against you.

Your water should taste clean, feel soft, and protect your home —
not wear it down behind your back.

Let’s get it right.