ANSWER FIRST
Separate pretreatment from appliance repair
Hardness minerals can deposit in heated-water equipment. A softener may address incoming hardness, but it does not repair a damaged heater or remove all existing deposits. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and have leaks or performance faults evaluated by an appropriate professional.
Do not accept a guaranteed energy saving or extended appliance life without evidence specific to the installation. A proposal should explain the treated plumbing path, bypass arrangements and verification method. Untreated branches may continue to receive hard water.
Three checks before the next step
- 01
Inspect heater condition and maintenance history
- 02
Identify which plumbing branches are treated
- 03
Verify inlet and treated hardness after startup
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Local evidence and its limits
The City 2026 report covers 2025 monitoring. SNWA regional guidance describes the broader water context; public-system results are not a measurement at your tap. Confirm your supplier and relevant property measurements. Sources reviewed 2026-10-18.
City report publication and monitoring period · SNWA home-treatment guidance