Water Softener in Queen Creek, AZ

How hard is Queen Creek's water?

The Town of Queen Creek's water quality report lists total hardness of 110 to 260 mg/L as calcium carbonate, with an average of 206. In grains per gallon, the unit softener valves use, that's about 6.4 to 15.2 grains with an average near 12. All of it is groundwater from the Town's wells, disinfected with chlorine. Because individual wells differ, your tap may sit above or below the average, and a quick test at the kitchen faucet gives the number to program.

Is my home on Town water?

Probably, but not certainly. The Town supplies domestic water to about 40 square miles, and other providers serve some areas; an older Town page names H2O, Inc. for parts of the community. The Town's interactive water service area map answers it by address. If you're served by another provider, use that provider's report for hardness. Town water and sewer customers can reach customer service and after-hours emergencies at 480-358-3450.

What does an install look like in a newer Queen Creek house?

Queen Creek's median home was built around 2011, so most houses have a softener loop near the water heater in the garage, plus a nearby laundry standpipe for the brine line. That makes a typical install a matter of setting the tanks, connecting to the loop with a bypass, routing the drain through an air gap and programming the valve. If the house lacks a loop, the main has to be opened, which takes longer. The Town's building inspectors cover plumbing work such as water pipes and fixtures and can be reached at 480-358-3009 for permit questions.

While the plumber is at the water heater, it's a good time to have the temperature and pressure relief valve looked at. The Town's inspectors specifically warn homeowners never to remove or alter that valve.

One local note

Hose bibs and irrigation are usually best left on unsoftened water. Ask for them to be tied in ahead of the softener. Large lots and landscape watering use a lot of water in Queen Creek, and running that through the softener only burns salt and shortens resin life. If you're not sure how your outdoor lines are plumbed, the plumber can trace them during the visit and tell you which spigots are already on the hard side.