Licensed & insured · Indiana Plumbing Contractor #PC12600309 · Owner on every job · Free in-home water test · Serving Whiteland, New Whiteland, Franklin & Greenwood

Water Softener Installation in Johnson County, Indiana

A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that make water hard. In Johnson County that matters: Indiana American Water's Johnson County system reported average hardness of about 22 grains per gallon (376 ppm, 2020 report), about double the 10.5 grains the U.S. Geological Survey calls "very hard." I install softeners sized to your house, starting at $1,500, after a free in-home water test.

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Water softener system installed by Salty Dog Plumbing

Signs Your Water Is Too Hard

  • White crust on faucets, showerheads and the dishwasher
  • Spots on glasses and shower doors that won't scrub off
  • Soap and shampoo that won't lather
  • A water heater that pops, rumbles or quits early
  • Stiff, dull laundry

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

My water softener installs start at $1,500. Three things move the price:

  • Your hardness. Harder water needs more capacity.
  • Your household. More people means more water, which means a bigger tank.
  • The install spot. A garage with a loop already plumbed is quicker than a basement with no loop.

You get the exact price before any work starts, in writing if you want it. Every price includes installation.

How a Softener Install Works

  1. Free water test at your kitchen sink. I show you your hardness, and check iron and pH too.
  2. I size the softener to your water and your household and give you a written price.
  3. Install day: bypass, drain, loop, salt, and setup. Most installs take part of one day.
  4. I show you how it works and how to add salt.

Living With a Softener

How Often Do I Add Salt?

Check the brine tank once a month and keep it at least a quarter full. A family of four on hard Johnson County water often goes through a bag or two a month.

How Long Does a Water Softener Last?

A good softener commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, longer with yearly service.

Why Does Softened Water Feel Slippery?

That's what water feels like without the minerals. Soap rinses off more easily in soft water, so it feels smoother. It's normal.

Do I Need a Water Softener on City Water in Johnson County?

Most homes do. City water here is treated to be safe to drink, but treatment doesn't remove hardness. Indiana American Water's Johnson County system reported 292 to 450 ppm (about 17 to 26 grains per gallon) in its 2020 report. A free test tells you your number.

What Size Water Softener Do I Need?

It depends on your hardness and how much water your house uses. I size it from your test results and household, so you don't pay for a tank you don't need or run out of soft water.

Do Salt-Free Water Conditioners Work on Indiana Water?

Salt-free conditioners change how scale forms but don't remove hardness. On water as hard as ours, a salt-based softener is what actually removes the minerals. I'll walk you through both.

Can I Keep My Old Softener?

Sometimes. If it's working, I can service it instead of replacing it. I'll tell you honestly which makes sense.

What Warranty Do I Get?

I warranty my labor for 1 year. The softener itself carries the manufacturer's standard warranty.

"Erick is absolutely amazing!! He’s very knowledgeable, punctual and very reasonable in price! He’s a people, person, and handled our conversations with such Grace. I highly recommend him for any of your plumbing and water needs:)"

Laurie C. · Facebook recommendation, Oct 2026

Find out how hard your water is. It's free.

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Sources: Indiana American Water, 2020 Annual Water Quality Report, Johnson County Operations (PWS ID IN5241005). U.S. Geological Survey, "Hardness of Water" (water over 180 mg/L, about 10.5 grains per gallon, is classed as very hard).