Water Softener in Cave Creek, AZ

Signs to watch for

• White crust on faucets and showerheads
• Spots on glass and dark tile
• Scale inside the water heater or a tankless unit's heat exchanger
• An older softener that seems to do nothing

Local conditions in Cave Creek

The Town of Cave Creek Utilities Department runs two systems. The Cave Creek Water System takes Central Arizona Project water piped about 12 miles to the town's own treatment plant, where it goes through conventional treatment plus membrane units; the town says no groundwater wells currently feed that system. The Desert Hills Water System, which the town also owns and which serves parts of unincorporated Maricopa County, relies on groundwater wells supplemented with treated CAP water. The town's report doesn't state a hardness figure, so we won't quote one. A tap test is the way to find out how much a softener would do for you.

Sewer is the bigger local wrinkle. The town operates a sewer collection system and treatment plant, but it says its collection area is very limited and not every area can be served. Many properties are not on municipal sewer and use a private onsite wastewater system. Brine from regeneration needs a plan on those lots, and a high-efficiency, metered valve keeps the discharge volume down.

Cave Creek's homes are mostly from the 1990s and later on larger lots, with a median build year around 1998. Many have the main entering far from the garage, and outdoor lines are best kept on unsoftened water.

What affects the cost

• Your tested hardness and household size
• Discharge planning for homes not on sewer
• Long runs between the main, the drain and power
• Separating irrigation and outdoor spigots
• Carbon or reverse osmosis add-ons

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who covers Cave Creek. Say whether you're on the Cave Creek or Desert Hills system and whether the house is on sewer. For permits, the Town Building Department handles plumbing permit applications.

Expect a hardness test at the tap and a look at where the brine line can drain before any equipment is recommended. If your test shows only mild hardness, the plumber may suggest a smaller unit or a kitchen filter instead of a whole-house system. Equipment placed outdoors on a pad should be shaded from summer sun and protected from the occasional winter freeze.