Hard water is common in Northern California, especially in areas that draw groundwater through limestone or mineral-rich soils.
If your home is affected by hard water, you’re probably already familiar with the signs—spotty dishes, dry skin, soap that doesn’t lather well, and mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances. Hard water isn’t just a nuisance; over time, it can cause real damage to your plumbing system and shorten the lifespan of water-using appliances.
Thankfully, there is an easy fix for hard water: water softeners. They eliminate the minerals found in hard water.
We offer professional water softener services throughout Northern California. Our team is here to help you enjoy the benefits of softened water with expert installation, repair, and maintenance services tailored to your home’s needs.
What Is Hard Water—and Why It’s a Problem
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, minerals that can accumulate on plumbing fixtures, clog pipes, and reduce the efficiency of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
Left untreated, hard water can lead to:
- Scale buildup in pipes and fixtures
- Reduced efficiency of water heaters and appliances
- Dry, itchy skin and dull hair
- Stiff, scratchy laundry
- Increased use of soap and detergent
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softeners rely on basic chemistry—positive and negative ions attract and bond—to remove hard minerals from your water. Here’s how the process works in 5 simple steps:
Water from your main supply enters the softener’s main tank, which is filled with resin beads coated with sodium ions. These beads carry a negative charge and are designed to attract positively charged mineral ions.
Your Comfort, Our Priority
Ongaro & Sons is your trusted heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and solar expert—specializing in reliable maintenance and repair services that keep your home running efficiently year-round.
Our certified technicians deliver unmatched expertise with fast, friendly service across Northern California. From HVAC tune-ups to plumbing repairs and electrical upgrades or solar solutions, we focus on energy-efficient performance and long-term comfort. Count on us to maintain the systems that power your home and keep your environment just the way you like it.
PHCC- and NATE-Certified Experts
Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and trained to service all makes and models.
Locally Owned and Operated
Serving the Napa, Marin, and Sonoma communities with personalized, hometown service.
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We respond quickly and get the job done right the first time—no surprises.
Our Water Softener Services: Installation, Repair, and Maintenance
At Ongaro & Sons, we provide complete water softening solutions to ensure your home benefits from clean, soft, mineral-free water. Our services include:
Water Softener Installation
We offer top-of-the-line water softeners from trusted manufacturers, available in a range of capacities to match your household’s water usage. Our team will assess your home’s water hardness, plumbing layout, and usage patterns to recommend the best system for your needs.
Water Softener Repair
If your existing softener isn’t working like it should—whether it’s leaking, not softening properly, or regenerating at the wrong times—we can help. Our technicians can diagnose and repair all major brands and models quickly and accurately.
Water Softener Maintenance
We offer professional inspections, resin bed cleanings, salt level checks, and system testing to ensure your unit is working at its best. Regular maintenance also helps prevent problems before they start, extending the life of your system.
Water Softeners Versus Water Conditioners
You may have heard about salt-free alternatives to water softeners called water conditioners. Water conditioners make the minerals less abrasive but do not remove them all. Although water conditioners can significantly improve your water, scaling is still possible.
If you want to eliminate calcium and magnesium from your water, we recommend installing a water softener.
Some homeowners are interested in water conditioners because they require less maintenance than water softeners. If maintenance is your concern, let our qualified pros at Ongaro & Sons handle the work for you or enroll in one of the Ongaro Maintenance Plans.
Take Steps to Improve Your Water Quality Today
Ready to say goodbye to hard water problems? Let Ongaro & Sons help you protect your home and enjoy the comfort of softened water. Contact us to schedule an in-home assessment—415-741-2820 or request services online.
We’ll guide you through every step, from testing your water to installing the right system, so you can enjoy clean, efficient, and hassle-free water for years to come.
Serving Homes Across Northern California
We proudly provide water softener services to homeowners in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Napa, Glen Ellen, and the surrounding communities of Northern California. Whether you’re looking to install a new system or maintain an existing one, our experienced team is here to help.
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Ongaro Maintenance Plans
Annual maintenance on your home systems provides safeguards and comfort to you and your family. Neglecting your routine checkups can potentially put everyone at risk.
With these annual visits, our experienced technicians use the latest technology to help find unsafe problems before they can become bigger problems.
Maintenance Plan Benefits
Member benefit of 5% discount on repairs and replacements.
Proactive maintenance identifies and addresses issues before they become big problems.
Courtesy reminder calls for scheduled services and appointments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chemical drain cleaners can effectively clear minor clogs but come with risks. They can be harsh on your plumbing, potentially causing damage to pipes over time, especially if used frequently. Additionally, they can be hazardous to handle and may release toxic fumes. Mechanical tools like plungers or drain snakes are safer alternatives.
For persistent or severe clogs, it’s generally more effective to use professional drain cleaning services. These services use methods like snaking or hydro-jetting to clear blockages without the risks associated with chemicals.