About Our Company
Q: What makes Northern Plumbing and Softening different from other plumbers?
A: As a family-owned business built on faith and integrity, we take a uniquely honest approach to plumbing:
- No commission-based sales or pressure tactics
- Licensed professionals, not salespeople
- Same-day service and quotes
- Fair, transparent pricing for every customer
- Clean, qualified plumbers who respect your home
- Family-owned and operated in the Twin Cities
Q: Are your plumbers licensed?
A: Yes, all our plumbers are fully licensed professionals. We take our license seriously because it's our livelihood, ensuring every job meets or exceeds code requirements.
Q: Do you provide same-day service?
A: Yes, we prioritize quick response times and offer same-day service for most needs. Our trucks come fully stocked to handle most issues in a single visit.
Water Treatment
Q: Why are you exclusively partnered with Hague Water?
A: We proudly partner with Hague Quality Water because they represent the best in American-made water treatment systems:
- 60+ years of manufacturing excellence
- Industry's longest warranties
- WQA and NSF certified products
- Made in Ohio, USA
- Superior efficiency and durability
Q: What does your free water testing include?
A: Our free in-home water test checks for:
- Water hardness
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Iron
- Hydrogen sulfide (sulfur)
- Tannins
- Chlorine
- pH levels
Q: Do you recommend laboratory testing?
A: For specific concerns like radiation, PFAS, or heavy metals, we partner with trusted nonprofits and municipal labs to ensure unbiased, comprehensive testing.
Service & Pricing
Q: How do you determine your pricing?
A: We provide upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden fees:
- Clear quotes before work begins
- No services without your consent
- Same fair pricing for all customers
- No unnecessary upselling
Q: Do you offer warranties?
A: Yes, we stand behind our work:
- Industry-leading warranties on Hague systems
- Extended coverage on parts and labor
- Satisfaction guaranteed on all services
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We proudly serve the entire Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Fridley, MN and surrounding areas
Services
Q: What types of plumbing services do you offer?
A: We provide comprehensive plumbing solutions:
- Water treatment and softening
- General plumbing repairs
- Water heater services
- Drain cleaning
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Commercial plumbing
- Emergency services
Q: Do you handle emergency plumbing?
A: Yes, we provide emergency plumbing services with quick response times. Our trucks are fully stocked to handle most emergencies in a single visit.
Payment & Scheduling
Q: How can I schedule service?
A: You can schedule service through:
- Online booking
- Phone call
- Email request Our office team will connect you directly with a licensed professional.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common water quality questions and learn more about our treatment solutions.
Understanding Water Quality
What is hard water?
Rainwater is naturally soft, but as it travels through Minnesota's ground, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium from rocks and soil. This mineral-rich water is called "hard water" and while safe to drink, it can affect your home and daily life.
What are the signs of hard water?
Common symptoms include:
- White spots on fixtures and dishes
- Scale buildup in appliances
- Dry, itchy skin after showering
- Stiff, faded laundry
- Poor soap lather
- Reduced water pressure
- Higher energy bills
What is in my city water?
Tap water can contain various substances including:
- Chlorine and chloramine (disinfectants)
- Fluoride (dental health additive)
- PFAS (forever chemicals)
- Dissolved minerals
- Sediment and particles
What is in my well water?
Well water often contains:
- Iron and manganese
- Hard water minerals
- Sediment and particles
- Naturally occurring elements
- Potential bacteria
Why does my water smell and leave stains?
- Iron: Causes metallic odor and reddish-brown stains
- Sulfur: Creates rotten egg smell
- Manganese: Produces black or brown stains
- Iron bacteria: Causes foul odors and slimy residue
Water Safety
Is my city water safe to drink?
While EPA standards help ensure basic safety, public water treatment doesn't fully remove all contaminants. Many households choose additional filtration to reduce:
- Chlorine and disinfection byproducts
- PFAS and industrial chemicals
- Lead from old plumbing
- Other potential contaminants
Is untreated well water safe to drink?
Untreated well water requires regular testing and often needs treatment to be safe for consumption. Common concerns include:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Heavy metals
- Chemical contamination
- Naturally occurring elements
Treatment Solutions
How do water softeners work?
Water softeners use ion exchange to remove hard minerals:
- Hard water passes through resin beads
- Calcium and magnesium are captured
- Sodium ions are released instead
- System regenerates using salt
- Process repeats automatically
What are the benefits of soft water?
- Extended appliance life
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced cleaning product usage
- Better cleaning performance
- Softer skin and hair
- Brighter laundry
- Protected plumbing
How does a reverse osmosis system work?
Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants:
- Water passes through pre-filters
- Pressure forces water through membrane
- Contaminants are blocked and flushed away
- Clean water is stored for use
- Final filter polishes taste
What type of filter is best for drinking water?
We recommend:
Reverse Osmosis: Most comprehensive filtration
- Carbon Filters: Excellent for chlorine and taste Choose based on:
- Water source (city vs well)
- Specific contaminants
- Usage needs
- Budget considerations
Maintenance & Service
How often should I change my RO filters?
- Pre-filters: Every 6-12 months
- RO membrane: 3-5 years
- Post filter: Annually Exact timing depends on:
- Water quality
- System usage
- Filter type
How do I maintain a water softener?
Regular maintenance includes:
- Checking salt levels monthly
- Cleaning brine tank quarterly
- Testing water hardness
- Professional service annually
- Adding salt as needed
How long do water treatment systems last?
Average lifespans with proper maintenance:
- Water Softeners: 10-15 years
- RO Systems: 10-15 years
- Carbon Filters: 5-10 years
- Iron Filters: 10-15 years
Equipment Questions
What's the difference between premium and standard softeners?
Premium Softeners (WaterMax):
- Multi-stage filtration
- Higher efficiency
- Better warranty
- Advanced features
Standard Softeners:
- Basic softening
- Modern efficiency
- Standard warranty
- Core features
Why choose professional installation?
Professional installation ensures:
- Proper system sizing
- Correct setup
- Warranty protection
- Expert guidance
- Reliable performance
Need more information? [Schedule a free consultation] with our water treatment experts.
