Water softeners are incredible contraptions, making your residential or commercial water more pure for cleaning purposes. They are also great for preventing it from leaving mineral deposits that can clog plumbing and cause unsightly buildup on tubs, sinks, and tile.

Like any other device, though, water softening systems can inevitably deteriorate over their lifetime, and they eventually will need to be replaced in order to keep your water quality at its best. Many homeowners are unaware of this necessity and fail to realize when their water softeners in their homes are in need of replacement. As a result, they lose the benefits of these devices and, in turn, their water quality is diminished as their water softeners continue to further lose their effectiveness.

Here at Hague Quality Water of Chicago, this is a matter we strive to help all Chicago residents avoid, as having truly clean water is something that everyone should be able to continually enjoy. Not only do we provide world-class commercial water softeners, compact water softeners, and whole-house water treatment systems like the WaterBoss® and more, but we also provide routine maintenance on all systems we install in Chicago, including filter replacements!

In order to help our fellow Chicagoans discern when it’s time to have their water softening systems inspected, below you will find the most common signs of when you should give us a call to have your water softener filters changed or have a new system installed in your home!

Poor Tasting Water

If your water develops a bad taste, it is likely a sign that your water softener needs replacement. Bad tasting water may indicate that your water softener is no longer weeding out minerals and other matter.

Visible Hard Water Spots

If you begin to see spots on your glassware or on your shower door, and you haven’t seen these spots before, chances are your water softener is no longer functioning properly. Build up of scale is a key indicator that hard water is present.

Changes In Water Pressure

If you notice a change in your water pressure, this can be an indicator that your water softening system is not working. A build-up of calcium or other minerals that may occur when hard water runs through pipes can reduce your water pressure.

Showers Feel Different

Anyone who has ever has transitioned from hard water to water treated by a water softener knows what a difference it can truly make for your showers. Soft water helps form soap lather more easily and feels lighter and more pleasant than hard water. If your water just doesn’t feel like soft water anymore, then it may be time to service or replace your water softening system.

Too Much Salt

Older model water softeners relied upon salt to accomplish their task. While this was effective, it required homeowners to regularly monitor the salt levels in their devices and resupply it with salt. Newer devices don’t rely on salt — they use lightweight cartridges instead. These devices are typically more durable than older models and last much longer.


If you’re concerned that your water softeners or filters need replacement, contacting a water treatment company can provide you with expert advice on your needs. Our Chicago water treatment experts can analyze your water and develop a cost-effective solution to provide clear and clean water for your home or business.

Call Hague Water of Chicago today to set up a consultation to find the right solutions for your budget and needs.