Hard water damages pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time — leaving scale buildup, reduced water pressure, and shorter equipment lifespans in its wake. Ace Pelizon Plumbing installs whole-house water softeners, water conditioners, and filtration systems, plus under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) systems for smaller projects. We're proud to install Halo and Novo systems, and we're one of WaterDrop's mentioned installers in the San Gabriel Valley.
Water Softener vs. Water Conditioner — What's the Difference?
These two terms get used interchangeably, but they solve the hard water problem in very different ways.
Water Softener
A water softener actually removes the minerals (calcium and magnesium) that cause hard water and scale buildup. It does this through an ion exchange process using salt, which means:
- Requires adding salt on a monthly basis
- Periodically backwashes to flush out collected minerals
- Actively removes hardness minerals from your water
- Most effective option for eliminating existing scale buildup
Water Conditioner
A water conditioner doesn't remove the minerals — it alters them chemically so they no longer bond and form scale. This means:
- No salt required — nothing to refill or maintain monthly
- No backwashing or wastewater discharge
- Minerals stay in the water but no longer form scale deposits
- Lower-maintenance option, but does not remove existing hardness
Which one makes sense for your home depends on your water hardness level, your maintenance preferences, and whether you're dealing with existing scale buildup or trying to prevent future buildup. We'll walk you through both options during your in-home evaluation.
Systems We Install
- Halo Water Systems — whole-house filtration and conditioning systems
- Novo Water Systems — salt-free conditioning technology
- WaterDrop Systems — we're one of WaterDrop's mentioned installers in the area
- Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems — ideal for smaller projects focused on drinking water quality at the kitchen sink
What Is a Water Filtration System?
A water filtration system is different from a softener or conditioner. Instead of addressing hardness minerals, a filtration system removes contaminants, sediment, chlorine, and impurities from your water — improving taste, smell, and overall water quality. Filtration doesn't soften or condition hard water on its own; it's a separate stage focused on cleaning the water itself.
Common filtration stages include sediment filters (removing dirt, rust, and particles), carbon filters (removing chlorine, odors, and improving taste), and specialty filters targeting specific contaminants depending on your water source.
Combining Filtration With a Softener or Conditioner
Filtration and softening/conditioning solve two different problems, which is why the best whole-house water treatment setups combine both. A softener or conditioner handles hardness minerals and scale — filtration handles water quality, taste, and contaminants. Installed together, you get water that is both scale-free and clean.
Most of the systems we install — Halo, Novo, and WaterDrop — are built to combine filtration with softening or conditioning in a single whole-house system, rather than requiring separate standalone units. During your in-home evaluation, we'll recommend whether a combined system or separate components make the most sense for your home and your water.
Under-Sink RO Systems
If you're not ready for a whole-house system, an under-sink reverse osmosis system is a smaller, more affordable project that delivers filtered, great-tasting drinking water right at your kitchen faucet. It's a popular starting point for homeowners who want better water quality without a full-house installation.
Our Installation Process
If you've never had a water treatment system before, here's exactly what to expect:
- In-home evaluation — we come to your house and evaluate your water and your plumbing setup.
- Placement planning — we determine the best location for the system based on your home's layout.
- Line rerouting — we reroute water lines as needed to reach the installation location.
- Bypass installation — we install a bypass valve so the system can be serviced or bypassed without shutting off water to your home.
- System installation — we install and fully test your new water treatment system.
Signs You May Need a Water Treatment System
- White scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, or glassware
- Soap and shampoo don't lather well
- Dry skin or hair after showering
- Reduced water pressure from scale buildup in pipes
- Water heater efficiency declining faster than expected
- Spots on dishes after the dishwasher
Why Choose Ace Pelizon for Water Treatment?
With almost 70 years of experience serving Covina and the San Gabriel Valley, Ace Pelizon Plumbing installs water treatment systems the right way — starting with a real in-home evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all sale. We're certified installers for Halo, Novo, and WaterDrop systems, and we'll walk you through the differences between softening and conditioning so you choose the system that's actually right for your home. No dispatch fee within 10 miles during business hours.