Hard Water Solutions
Most water supplies contain some level of dissolved minerals and sediment — think calcium, magnesium, or plain old dirt. A good whole-home water softener and filtration system removes these minerals and particles, protecting your pipes, appliances, and your skin.
SCHEDULE YOUR SERVICE
Easily set up an appointment with one of our professionals online!
Understanding Hard Water in the Twin Cities
Hard water is one of the most common water quality concerns for homeowners in Minneapolis and St. Paul. If you’ve noticed spots on your dishes, mineral buildup on faucets, or dry skin after a shower, hard water is likely the reason.
What Makes Water “Hard”?
Water becomes “hard” when it has a higher-than-normal level of dissolved minerals — mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up naturally as water flows through soil and rock. In our region, groundwater and municipal water often test in the moderately hard range (about 5–6 grains per gallon).
How Hard Water Affects Your Home
While hard water is safe to drink, it can cause a few unwanted problems around the house over time:
- Mineral deposits (scale) can build up inside pipes, faucets, and water heaters, reducing flow and efficiency.
- Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines work harder and wear out faster when they have to deal with scale buildup.
- Soap and detergents don’t lather well in hard water, leaving dishes spotty, laundry stiff, and soap scum behind in tubs and showers.
- Many homeowners also notice dry, itchy skin and dull hair, especially during the winter.
Why It’s Worth Paying Attention To
Even if you’re not seeing obvious scale yet, hard water slowly reduces the lifespan of your plumbing and water-using appliances. It can increase energy use too, since water heaters have to work harder when coated with mineral buildup.
In short, hard water isn’t a health risk — but it is a nuisance that can cost more in maintenance and repairs over the long run.
Call Northern at (320) 559-3407 — get your water tested and fix quality problems for good.
Water Issues We Solve
Iron in Water
Does your home’s water have a metallic taste? Is staining occurring in your home’s fixtures and appliances? Too much iron in the water is a common problem. We have the fix for this.
PFAS Forever Chemicals
If your water supply contains PFAS “forever” chemicals, the solution is to include our Brita PRO PFAS Titanium Series filter in your whole-home water treatment system.
Chlorine in Water
Municipal water supplies often include levels of chlorine and chloramine that can affect the taste and quality of your drinking water. We solve this problem with the Brita PRO catalytic carbon water filter.
Particulates in Water
The first stage in your whole-home water filtration system is typically a particulate filter, which removes sediment, a.k.a. dirt. This filter protects all downstream filters, extending system life.
Water Odors
Smelly water coming out of your tap? Not OK! The solution is a Brita PRO whole-home water filtration system, installed and maintained by Northern Plumbing. We fix water problems.
Water Treatment
Even the best water filters need regular care to work properly. Our local water pros provide routine filter checks, cartridge replacements, and full system inspections to keep your water safe and clean year-round. Proper maintenance extends the life of your system and helps you avoid unexpected problems down the road.