JB
Jacci Barnes
★★★★★
Oct 2026
GOOGLE
Freddie and Matthew were very prompt, cleaned up all materials and did a great job installing our automatic water shut off. We would highly recommend Sweetwater plumbing!
Why salt-free
Why we install salt-free systems only.
A traditional water softener trades the hardness minerals for sodium, then flushes salty brine into the sewer every time it recharges. A salt-free system works differently: it changes the hardness minerals so they are much less likely to stick to pipes, water heaters and fixtures as scale.
- No added salt: nothing is added to the water you drink and cook with
- No brine down the drain: there is no recharge cycle, so no salty water goes into the sewer
- The minerals stay: the calcium and magnesium in your water stay in it
- No salt bags: nothing to buy, carry or refill
It also matters locally. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency prohibits installing or replacing salt-based, self-regenerating softeners in Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland, because the brine they discharge makes recycled water harder to reuse. Salt-free systems don’t discharge brine, and they are what we install in every city we serve.
What to expect
What salt-free does, and what it doesn’t.
A salt-free system reduces scale. It doesn’t remove the minerals, so your water won’t feel slippery the way salt-softened water does, and you may still see some spots on glass and dishes, though they wipe away more easily.
What you get is less scale where hard water does the most damage: inside your water heater or tankless unit, in faucets and showerheads, and in the valves and fittings throughout the house.
Signs of hard water
Signs hard water is working on your plumbing.
- White crust on faucets, showerheads and fixtures
- A water heater that pops or rumbles: mineral sediment building up in the tank
- Weak flow at a showerhead or faucet: mineral buildup in the aerator or head
- A tankless heater that needs descaling or shows scale-related error codes
- Spots and film on glass, dishes and shower doors
How we install it
Installed right, on your main line.
- We look first: where your main line enters the house, its size and condition, and the space for the system
- You get options in writing: the systems that fit your home, each with one flat-rate price, before any work begins
- We install it with a bypass valve: so your water can stay on if the system ever needs service
- We check your water pressure: water pressure runs high across Southern California, so we test your pressure regulator while we are there
- We label your shut-offs: every shut-off we find gets labeled, so everyone in the house knows where the main is
Replacing an old salt-based softener? We can remove it and put in a salt-free system. If you live in Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga or Upland, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency offers a removal rebate. Apply before the old unit comes out.
Service Area
Serving 24 cities across the Inland Empire.
Chino · Chino Hills · Claremont · Colton · Corona · Diamond Bar · Eastvale · Fontana · Grand Terrace · Highland · La Verne · Loma Linda · Mira Loma · Montclair · Norco · Ontario · Pomona · Rancho Cucamonga · Redlands · Rialto · Riverside · San Bernardino · San Dimas · Upland
What customers say
Real reviews from real customers.
JA
John Amos
★★★★★
Apr 2026
GOOGLE
Freddy worked his tail off without stopping. Had to dig 4 feet down to find leaking water pipe. Cleaned the bathroom professionally. Never knew he was there after cleaning up.
SP
Sandra Pinela
★★★★★
Dec 2025
GOOGLE
Very professional and Honest! They came on time, check my shower, found the leaked and repaired all with in 4 hours. I am very happy with they service and honestly I highly recommend.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Is a salt-free water softener the same as a regular water softener?
Not exactly. A regular softener removes the hardness minerals and replaces them with sodium. A salt-free system, sometimes called a water conditioner, changes the minerals so they don’t stick as scale. For protecting pipes, water heaters and fixtures, scale is what matters.
Are salt-based softeners allowed in my city?
In Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency prohibits installing or replacing self-regenerating, salt-based softeners. Salt-free systems don’t discharge brine, and they are what we install in every city we serve.
Will salt-free make my water feel soft?
No. Salt-softened water feels slippery; water from a salt-free system feels like regular water. The benefit is less scale buildup, not a different feel.
Do I still need water heater maintenance?
Yes. A salt-free system cuts down scale, but your water heater still benefits from regular maintenance, and we recommend descaling tankless units once a year in our hard water.
Can you remove my old salt-based softener?
Yes. We can remove it and install a salt-free system. If you live in Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga or Upland, ask the Inland Empire Utilities Agency about its removal rebate and apply before the old unit comes out.
How much does a salt-free water softener cost?
We look at the job first, then give you your options in writing before any work begins, each with one flat-rate price. The price you approve is the price you pay. Our customers tell us our pricing is honest and fair.