1. Check the license (Arizona)
In Arizona, water conditioning equipment work falls under its own Registrar of Contractors license classes: R-54 for residential and C-54 for commercial.1,2 Ask for the ROC number and look it up on roc.az.gov. Other states have their own rules, so check with your state's licensing board.
2. Insist on a real water test
A good quote starts with your water's hardness (in grains per gallon) and your household's water use. See Tucson's official hardness numbers.
3. Get it in writing
- The equipment brand and model, not just "our system"
- The installed price, with permits and haul-away
- The warranty: what parts are covered, for how long, and who does the service
- Ongoing costs: salt, filters, membranes
4. Watch for pressure tactics
Be wary of "today only" pricing, quotes that won't name the model, or financing that hides the total. Get at least two or three quotes.
5. Compare like with like
A softener isn't an RO system. Know which one you need before you compare prices.
Ready? Request free quotes or browse dealers by city.
Sources
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors: license classifications
- ROC R-54 Water Conditioning Equipment scope
Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026. This is general information, not professional advice. Confirm figures with your utility and installer.