Throughout history, plumbing has built a reputation for being expensive. Our goal is to break that trend and offer affordable solutions to every customer. We diagnose your issue and create customized options ranging from economy to premium. We don’t believe in “upselling” services you don’t need, or using high pressure sales tactics. We believe in Expert Quality, and Honest Prices.
"I was totally satisfied with Ruslan's work. He showed up on time. He was very knowledgeable. He did his work in a timely manner and answered all my questions. When I need more work done I will request Ruslan to do the work."
Glenn T on April 2025
Throughout history, plumbing has built a reputation for being expensive. Our goal is to break that trend and offer affordable solutions to every customer. We diagnose your issue and create customized options ranging from economy to premium. We don’t believe in “upselling” services you don’t need, or using high pressure sales tactics. We believe in Expert Quality, and Honest Prices.
"I was totally satisfied with Ruslan's work. He showed up on time. He was very knowledgeable. He did his work in a timely manner and answered all my questions. When I need more work done I will request Ruslan to do the work."
Glenn T on April 2025
A happy, healthy family thrives with pure, chemical-free water and safely functioning plumbing and climate control systems at home and at work. Finken is made up of two sister companies Finken Water Solutions & Finken Plumbing, Heating & Cooling working side by side to bring you whole-home and office climate comfort and clean water solutions. Finken Water Solutions is your premium source for water treatment and bottled water for your family and co-workers — we even deliver coffee and water softener salt to your door! For problem water as simple as hard water to as complex as arsenic and nitrate tainting, Finken has chemical-free filtration solutions to purify even the nastiest water. We even offer financing and rental options so everyone has access to the purest water possible, straight out of their tap, for better drinking, cleaner laundry and squeaky clean skin and hair. When it comes to bottled beverages, Finken has you covered from our five kinds of bottled water to our 100+ varieties of brewed beverages. Finken Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is ready to tackle your home or commercial construction or remodeling projects and repairs. We work with the best builders in the business to create safe comfortable homes and working environments. From new construction to remodeling, cozy homes to comfortable apartments and office complexes, Finken is the go-to choice for plumbing, heating and cooling contracting. Got a serious plumbing or HVAC predicament? Finken is on call for you 24-hours a day. When your furnace, air conditioner or toilet is clinkin’ better think Finken!
"Finkens is amazing! They are easy to get a hold of, appointments are easy to schedule. Great softeners and maintenance! We've used Finkens for years and highly recommend their company!"
Nancy H on May 2020
A happy, healthy family thrives with pure, chemical-free water and safely functioning plumbing and climate control systems at home and at work. Finken is made up of two sister companies Finken Water Solutions & Finken Plumbing, Heating & Cooling working side by side to bring you whole-home and office climate comfort and clean water solutions. Finken Water Solutions is your premium source for water treatment and bottled water for your family and co-workers — we even deliver coffee and water softener salt to your door! For problem water as simple as hard water to as complex as arsenic and nitrate tainting, Finken has chemical-free filtration solutions to purify even the nastiest water. We even offer financing and rental options so everyone has access to the purest water possible, straight out of their tap, for better drinking, cleaner laundry and squeaky clean skin and hair. When it comes to bottled beverages, Finken has you covered from our five kinds of bottled water to our 100+ varieties of brewed beverages. Finken Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is ready to tackle your home or commercial construction or remodeling projects and repairs. We work with the best builders in the business to create safe comfortable homes and working environments. From new construction to remodeling, cozy homes to comfortable apartments and office complexes, Finken is the go-to choice for plumbing, heating and cooling contracting. Got a serious plumbing or HVAC predicament? Finken is on call for you 24-hours a day. When your furnace, air conditioner or toilet is clinkin’ better think Finken!
"Finkens is amazing! They are easy to get a hold of, appointments are easy to schedule. Great softeners and maintenance! We've used Finkens for years and highly recommend their company!"
Nancy H on May 2020
At Northern Plumbing and Softening, we're a family of water treatment experts and licensed plumbers serving our Minnesotan neighbors with honest, professional care for more than 50 years. Built on faith and integrity, our approach is refreshingly different—no commissions, no sales pressure, just licensed professionals who provide same-day service at fair, upfront prices. We solve water treatment and plumbing problems for our customers throughout all seven counties in the Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan area. As the Twin Cities' exclusive Hague dealer, we combine the industry's best water treatment equipment with comprehensive plumbing solutions. Whether you need whole-home water quality solutions or emergency plumbing repairs, our experienced team arrives ready to solve any challenge, using only products that last well beyond their warranty because your family deserves the best! And, of course, that friendly, responsive customer service continues after we leave your home. TRUSTED Plumbers, SMART Solutions!
"I was going to have some work done to my basement and needed the water heater moved. It was time replace the heater so I asked Northern if they could remove the heater and install the new one the next day. They were fine with that. The workers were very professional and friendly. The installer took the time to explain all the controls and maintenance. Very pleased with results"
Joe R on July 2024
At Northern Plumbing and Softening, we're a family of water treatment experts and licensed plumbers serving our Minnesotan neighbors with honest, professional care for more than 50 years. Built on faith and integrity, our approach is refreshingly different—no commissions, no sales pressure, just licensed professionals who provide same-day service at fair, upfront prices. We solve water treatment and plumbing problems for our customers throughout all seven counties in the Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan area. As the Twin Cities' exclusive Hague dealer, we combine the industry's best water treatment equipment with comprehensive plumbing solutions. Whether you need whole-home water quality solutions or emergency plumbing repairs, our experienced team arrives ready to solve any challenge, using only products that last well beyond their warranty because your family deserves the best! And, of course, that friendly, responsive customer service continues after we leave your home. TRUSTED Plumbers, SMART Solutions!
"I was going to have some work done to my basement and needed the water heater moved. It was time replace the heater so I asked Northern if they could remove the heater and install the new one the next day. They were fine with that. The workers were very professional and friendly. The installer took the time to explain all the controls and maintenance. Very pleased with results"
Joe R on July 2024
Aquarius Home Services is the top home service provider in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Offering expert service in HVAC, Water Softeners, Plumbing and Electrical . Our work is backed by a 100% performance guarantee.
"Nick was waiting for me when I came back from an errand. He was very good at explaining what he was going to do, then did it, then explained what he found. Very professional! Aquarius should tweak their scheduling plan to incorporate windows of when the tech will arrive. The current method of announcing that the tech will be there without stating when is very inconvenient for the homeowner."
Dan F on May 2025
Aquarius Home Services is the top home service provider in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Offering expert service in HVAC, Water Softeners, Plumbing and Electrical . Our work is backed by a 100% performance guarantee.
"Nick was waiting for me when I came back from an errand. He was very good at explaining what he was going to do, then did it, then explained what he found. Very professional! Aquarius should tweak their scheduling plan to incorporate windows of when the tech will arrive. The current method of announcing that the tech will be there without stating when is very inconvenient for the homeowner."
Dan F on May 2025
BWS Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a full-service Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning company that provides a one-stop service experience for the business or home owner. Our team of professionals are among the most courteous and experienced in the Twin Cities. We will provide you with the very best service in a fast, efficient timeline at the most economical prices. We are known in the industry for our specialized service and installation of Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical, and Energy Services. No project is too large or too small for our team.
"I have a home warranty on my recently purchased home. The home warranty company contracts with BWS. The tech, Ryan G, came to my house on 6/24/21 to assess the plumbing issues I discovered after I purchased my home. He told me on 6/24 he would be requesting approval from my home warranty company for the repairs/replacements, then they would need to order parts, and once the parts arrived, would be able to schedule the service. It is 7/8/21. I have been trying to find out from my home warranty company about the delay. I was informed today by my home warranty company "regarding your plumbing request, the technician has not submitted a full diagnosis, but he did call in to advise us that this was a flipper house that was purchased as is and there was no inspection done on the home. I have requested the diagnosis from them. I will follow up with you once it is received." This comes as a HUGE surprise to me as I purchased the home for myself, for me to live in. The housing market is tough right now and many buyers are bypassing inspections so their offers don't get passed-over by sellers. It is definitely a fixer-upper since it was a cat and hoarder house that had been neglected for over 5 years by the previous owner. Someone prior to that owner had done quite a few DIY projects. The house has good bones and needs cosmetic work (flooring, walls, trim). I previously owned and lived in a 110 year old house for over a decade and did many of the renovations myself. I have YEARS of plans to make my new house and yard exactly what I want and need. After the purchase of my house, I had ripped out all of the cat-hair-and-grime-covered flooring, window trim, baseboards, and window treatments. And then I broke my arm. Now most of the projects I had planned are on hold as I cannot use my left arm for anything for at least a few more months. In the meantime, for my home to be ready for me to move in, I need some plumbing issues fixed that I discovered after the purchase of my home. Hence the request for repair through my home warranty that was sent to BWS. While the tech was at my house, I was displeased with his attitude and the way he spoke with me. He treated me as though I were unintelligent, didn't know what I was asking about with my house, didn't know what my home warranty contract covers, and was very dismissive. BWS has not performed any service. They have not followed through with making the request for approval of repair/replacement through my home warranty company. The BWS tech instead took it upon himself to go out of his way to call the home warranty company make false statements to them about me, my house, and my property. I sure hope this is not the type of customer service BWS does for everyone. But then maybe he treated me this way because I am female and have a broken arm."
Andi S on July 2021
BWS Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a full-service Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning company that provides a one-stop service experience for the business or home owner. Our team of professionals are among the most courteous and experienced in the Twin Cities. We will provide you with the very best service in a fast, efficient timeline at the most economical prices. We are known in the industry for our specialized service and installation of Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical, and Energy Services. No project is too large or too small for our team.
"I have a home warranty on my recently purchased home. The home warranty company contracts with BWS. The tech, Ryan G, came to my house on 6/24/21 to assess the plumbing issues I discovered after I purchased my home. He told me on 6/24 he would be requesting approval from my home warranty company for the repairs/replacements, then they would need to order parts, and once the parts arrived, would be able to schedule the service. It is 7/8/21. I have been trying to find out from my home warranty company about the delay. I was informed today by my home warranty company "regarding your plumbing request, the technician has not submitted a full diagnosis, but he did call in to advise us that this was a flipper house that was purchased as is and there was no inspection done on the home. I have requested the diagnosis from them. I will follow up with you once it is received." This comes as a HUGE surprise to me as I purchased the home for myself, for me to live in. The housing market is tough right now and many buyers are bypassing inspections so their offers don't get passed-over by sellers. It is definitely a fixer-upper since it was a cat and hoarder house that had been neglected for over 5 years by the previous owner. Someone prior to that owner had done quite a few DIY projects. The house has good bones and needs cosmetic work (flooring, walls, trim). I previously owned and lived in a 110 year old house for over a decade and did many of the renovations myself. I have YEARS of plans to make my new house and yard exactly what I want and need. After the purchase of my house, I had ripped out all of the cat-hair-and-grime-covered flooring, window trim, baseboards, and window treatments. And then I broke my arm. Now most of the projects I had planned are on hold as I cannot use my left arm for anything for at least a few more months. In the meantime, for my home to be ready for me to move in, I need some plumbing issues fixed that I discovered after the purchase of my home. Hence the request for repair through my home warranty that was sent to BWS. While the tech was at my house, I was displeased with his attitude and the way he spoke with me. He treated me as though I were unintelligent, didn't know what I was asking about with my house, didn't know what my home warranty contract covers, and was very dismissive. BWS has not performed any service. They have not followed through with making the request for approval of repair/replacement through my home warranty company. The BWS tech instead took it upon himself to go out of his way to call the home warranty company make false statements to them about me, my house, and my property. I sure hope this is not the type of customer service BWS does for everyone. But then maybe he treated me this way because I am female and have a broken arm."
Andi S on July 2021
New Construction, Remodel, Residential, Service, Light commercial, RPZ testing and rebuilding Family run licensed, bonded, & insured
New Construction, Remodel, Residential, Service, Light commercial, RPZ testing and rebuilding Family run licensed, bonded, & insured
With experience in water conditioning since 1972, we have the experience, products and services to meet your needs. We are professionals who are dedicated to assisting you by offering high quality products and reliable service. From water softeners and filtration systems to water treatment and salt services, we can help. Call us today!
With experience in water conditioning since 1972, we have the experience, products and services to meet your needs. We are professionals who are dedicated to assisting you by offering high quality products and reliable service. From water softeners and filtration systems to water treatment and salt services, we can help. Call us today!
Here at R & D Plumbing, we are working for you! We are a Father and Son, Full Service, Minnesota Plumbing Company, Owned and Operated since 2005. We are Bonded, Licensed, and Insured. Working out of Savage, Minnesota, and Servicing the Metro Area.
"I called and told him my main water valve wasn't shutting off the water. He asked if I tried both valves, I advised him their was only one, he said there should be one also below the meter, sure enough there it was and I turned it while on the phone with him and it worked. He could of not told me about the second shutoff valve and came out and I wouldn't of known the difference. He didn't make any money, however I will definitely use him for any plumbing issues in the future."
Gilbert B on August 2021
Here at R & D Plumbing, we are working for you! We are a Father and Son, Full Service, Minnesota Plumbing Company, Owned and Operated since 2005. We are Bonded, Licensed, and Insured. Working out of Savage, Minnesota, and Servicing the Metro Area.
"I called and told him my main water valve wasn't shutting off the water. He asked if I tried both valves, I advised him their was only one, he said there should be one also below the meter, sure enough there it was and I turned it while on the phone with him and it worked. He could of not told me about the second shutoff valve and came out and I wouldn't of known the difference. He didn't make any money, however I will definitely use him for any plumbing issues in the future."
Gilbert B on August 2021
Since 1989 Sowada & Barna Plumbing has provided world class plumbing supplies and services to the Twin Cities area. We use premium supplies and fixtures and are an authorized dealer of Delta, Kohler and Moen products. Last year we were awarded 2010 Plumbing Contractor of the Year by the PHCC. We are an accredited BBB business and we pride ourselves on our knowledge, innovation and application of technological advances in the plumbing industries. Call us for a free estimate.
Since 1989 Sowada & Barna Plumbing has provided world class plumbing supplies and services to the Twin Cities area. We use premium supplies and fixtures and are an authorized dealer of Delta, Kohler and Moen products. Last year we were awarded 2010 Plumbing Contractor of the Year by the PHCC. We are an accredited BBB business and we pride ourselves on our knowledge, innovation and application of technological advances in the plumbing industries. Call us for a free estimate.
Air conditioning contractor , Electrician, HVAC contractor, Heating contractor, Furnace repair service, Insulation contractor, Air duct cleaning service, Air conditioning repair service
"Worst company that I have ever worked it. In my experience, plain dishonest. They have not only made a terrible job on my furnace installation (which replacement need was questionable - my mistake of agreeing to it), they also damaged my perfectly working AC. Now, they are giving me the run around for 4 months to refund the AC damage. I've been calling multiple time per week and also went in person to their office. Before wasting your hard-earned money, pay them a visit at 9609 Girard Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431 and get inside the office, then make your decision."
Marcelo H on August 2024
Air conditioning contractor , Electrician, HVAC contractor, Heating contractor, Furnace repair service, Insulation contractor, Air duct cleaning service, Air conditioning repair service
"Worst company that I have ever worked it. In my experience, plain dishonest. They have not only made a terrible job on my furnace installation (which replacement need was questionable - my mistake of agreeing to it), they also damaged my perfectly working AC. Now, they are giving me the run around for 4 months to refund the AC damage. I've been calling multiple time per week and also went in person to their office. Before wasting your hard-earned money, pay them a visit at 9609 Girard Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431 and get inside the office, then make your decision."
Marcelo H on August 2024
Water softeners consist of three main components: a mineral tank, a brine tank, and a control valve. In some smaller units, the mineral tank and brine tank are combined into one cabinet.
Professionals install whole-home systems at the point of entry of the main water line. Smaller units are installed under sinks or near a washer—these units only soften the water for that fixture, not the entire home.
Mineral Tank: Hard water passes into the mineral tank through resin beads, and an ion exchange occurs. Magnesium and calcium ions are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions from the brine tank.
Brine Tank: The brine tank contains sodium or potassium to recharge the resin.
Control Valve: The control valve determines when to clean the resin beads.
Choosing between a salt-based or potassium-based water softener depends on your priorities. Salt-based systems effectively remove hard-water minerals, regenerate efficiently, and are cost-effective. However, they may not be ideal for individuals on low-sodium diets. Potassium-based systems neutralize minerals without removing them and regenerate more frequently. They are more expensive but offer a healthier and more environmentally friendly option. If sodium levels are a concern and cost isn't a major factor, a potassium system may be the better choice.
To calculate your water softener's capacity, determine your grains per gallon (GPG) number by:
Multiplying the number of people in your home by 90. The average number of gallons used per person for washing, drinking, and cooking ranges from 80 to 100 gallons per day.
Multiplying that result by the hardness of your water. The average grains per gallon in the United States is 10 but can range from 0 to 17. You can find your GPG number by purchasing an at-home water testing kit.
Installing a water softener takes between two to four hours on average. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the unit and whether additional plumbing or electrical work is required. If modifications to existing pipes are necessary, installation may take longer. Preparing the installation area by clearing any obstructions can help streamline the process.
Water softeners can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance and care. The lifespan depends on the type and quality of the unit you choose. Single-tank electric water softeners may last around 12 years, while higher-quality models tend to last longer. Regular maintenance, such as routine inspections and timely replacement of salts or potassium, helps extend the life of your system. Most water softeners require minimal repairs over their lifespan.