Water Softener in Fontana, CA

What happens when you call

You are connected with an independent plumber who works in Fontana. Expect a few questions: who your water provider is (it is on your bill), how many people live in the home, whether you have a tank or tankless water heater, and where the main line enters the house. Many plumbers will test a water sample on site so the unit is sized to your actual hardness rather than a guess.

One local detail comes up during installs. Fontana Water Company says the angle stop and meter valve at the meter are company property and asks customers to shut off water at their own gate valve instead. If your house valve is stuck or missing, the plumber may need to replace it before the softener can go in. Have a look at it before the visit if you can find it.

Cost factors

• Your measured hardness and daily water use, which set capacity
• Single-tank, twin-tank or high-efficiency design
• Location: garage wall, side yard or exterior main
• A working house shutoff, or the cost of adding one
• Distance to a drain and an outlet
• Bypass piping for irrigation and hose bibs
• Carbon or drinking water filtration add-ons

Fontana water and homes

Fontana Water Company, a division of San Gabriel Valley Water Company, draws on Lytle Creek surface flow, groundwater from wells in the Lytle, Rialto and Chino basins, and State Water Project water purchased from regional agencies. Supplies like that can differ in mineral content, so the hardness at your tap may not match a neighbor's on a different provider. Each provider's annual report lists its numbers; this page does not quote a figure. If you are not sure who serves your address, the City suggests calling Fontana Water Company first, at (909) 822-2201.

The median Fontana home was built in 1989, so many houses are on their second water heater. Regeneration water flows into the City of Fontana sewer, with treatment by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. Plumbing permits go through Fontana Building & Safety on Sierra Avenue or online through Build Fontana.

Before the plumber arrives

• Find your provider's name on the water bill
• Locate your house gate valve and check that it turns
• Clear space near the main line and the nearest drain
• Note your water heater's age from its label
• Decide whether outdoor spigots should stay on hard water