Badger Water is family owned and operated. We have been in business for over 35 years. We are proud to provide service within 24 hours, if not immediately. Badger Water employees provide prompt, efficient and friendly service. Contact Badger Water today for a water analysis and the lowest prices for all your water needs.
"Fast! Very knowledgable."
Kevin H on November 2024
Badger Water is family owned and operated. We have been in business for over 35 years. We are proud to provide service within 24 hours, if not immediately. Badger Water employees provide prompt, efficient and friendly service. Contact Badger Water today for a water analysis and the lowest prices for all your water needs.
"Fast! Very knowledgable."
Kevin H on November 2024
We specialize in plumbing services, repairs, installations, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today! Plumbing - Water Heaters - Water Softeners -
"It went well. He came in and got right to work. He finished quickly. We are loving our new faucet."
garry k on April 2025
We specialize in plumbing services, repairs, installations, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today! Plumbing - Water Heaters - Water Softeners -
"It went well. He came in and got right to work. He finished quickly. We are loving our new faucet."
garry k on April 2025
We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. 7 days a week. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
"Kurt was fantastic. Our entire building was suffering with no hot water on a cold winters day. I found Kurt recommended by the maker of our water heaters. I called a bit frantic, recieved a return call within minutes, got great advice, honest folks helped us get things back up and running when most would have let us wait and possibly charged us for something we could do ourselves. We are so glad to find a trustworthy service group, and wouldn't go anywhere else unless they refer us. You simply don't find this type of honest often, I'm proud of them and quite grateful."
Greg K on February 2025
We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. 7 days a week. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
"Kurt was fantastic. Our entire building was suffering with no hot water on a cold winters day. I found Kurt recommended by the maker of our water heaters. I called a bit frantic, recieved a return call within minutes, got great advice, honest folks helped us get things back up and running when most would have let us wait and possibly charged us for something we could do ourselves. We are so glad to find a trustworthy service group, and wouldn't go anywhere else unless they refer us. You simply don't find this type of honest often, I'm proud of them and quite grateful."
Greg K on February 2025
Since 1984, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has provided the Sun Prairie, WI and the surrounding area with exceptional Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing services. We offer professional technicians, same-day installations and 24-hour emergency service. We believe we are the right choice for any of your HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical needs. Call today to schedule your next appointment!
"This was my first time using Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning, and it was a fantastic experience. I received a phone call asking me if I wanted to schedule my annual air conditioning check, and when I said yes, the scheduler informed me that she could have a technician come out that day. The technician arrived within a couple of hours and did a thorough check. Everything checked out, and I am ready for the hot summer months."
Janet S on April 2025
Since 1984, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has provided the Sun Prairie, WI and the surrounding area with exceptional Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing services. We offer professional technicians, same-day installations and 24-hour emergency service. We believe we are the right choice for any of your HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical needs. Call today to schedule your next appointment!
"This was my first time using Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning, and it was a fantastic experience. I received a phone call asking me if I wanted to schedule my annual air conditioning check, and when I said yes, the scheduler informed me that she could have a technician come out that day. The technician arrived within a couple of hours and did a thorough check. Everything checked out, and I am ready for the hot summer months."
Janet S on April 2025
Mad city small engines specializes in repairing and tuning up all items ranging from snow blowers and lawn mowers to pressure washers and chainsaws. Locally operated and owned with fast service and affordable rates we come to you to start your engines.
"Owen gave instructions through phone and came in few hours later to take a look at the furnace. He accurately diagnosed it, got a new part, installed it and fixed my furnace! Works like a charm again."
Maarit S on April 2022
Mad city small engines specializes in repairing and tuning up all items ranging from snow blowers and lawn mowers to pressure washers and chainsaws. Locally operated and owned with fast service and affordable rates we come to you to start your engines.
"Owen gave instructions through phone and came in few hours later to take a look at the furnace. He accurately diagnosed it, got a new part, installed it and fixed my furnace! Works like a charm again."
Maarit S on April 2022
Chris Elke is a full service master plumber serving the Madison area. Fully insured. No trip charge.
"Chris has worked on several plumbing-related renovations at our home, from simple toilet installations to reconfiguring our laundry room and mechanicals space to installing a new tankless water heater. Each time he has been knowledgeable, professional and personable. His work has been on the mark and true to estimate every time. We feel fortunate to have met Chris and he’s the first person we think of anytime we have a plumbing-related job under consideration. We whole-heartedly recommend Chris’ services."
Kathleen F on December 2020
Chris Elke is a full service master plumber serving the Madison area. Fully insured. No trip charge.
"Chris has worked on several plumbing-related renovations at our home, from simple toilet installations to reconfiguring our laundry room and mechanicals space to installing a new tankless water heater. Each time he has been knowledgeable, professional and personable. His work has been on the mark and true to estimate every time. We feel fortunate to have met Chris and he’s the first person we think of anytime we have a plumbing-related job under consideration. We whole-heartedly recommend Chris’ services."
Kathleen F on December 2020
We specialize in residential remodeling.
We specialize in residential remodeling.
Master Plumber owned business
Master Plumber owned business
We specialize in providing quality services to our customers. We offer complete water filtration systems to residential and commercial customers. Our products are cost effective reliable.
We specialize in providing quality services to our customers. We offer complete water filtration systems to residential and commercial customers. Our products are cost effective reliable.
30 years plumbing experience, 16 years as licensed master plumber, Small self employed insured business, Owner performs the work,Free estimates, No job to small, Very competative and reasonible pricing
30 years plumbing experience, 16 years as licensed master plumber, Small self employed insured business, Owner performs the work,Free estimates, No job to small, Very competative and reasonible pricing
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.