Water softening equipment supplier · Rockford, IL · reviewed since 2015
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%90+57.2Reliability 28%90+25.4Replies to reviews 8%88+7.2Experts Score= 90Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.90SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#13 of 51 backhoe servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 76%
4.9★★★★★553 Google reviews · 14 photos
93%five-star reviews
4.90★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Culligan of Rockford 4.9 out of 5 based on 553 reviews, with the owner responding to 84 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the company for punctual salt deliveries, professional installation of water softeners and filtration systems, and helpful staff who explain options without pressure. Recurring themes include fair pricing and long-term customer satisfaction. However, several low-star reviews criticize front office customer service, noting difficulties with phone communication, refusal to assist with water refills, and unexpected charges for minor repairs.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 553 reviews (93% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 553 Google reviews (311 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 31, 2026.
Service: Backhoe Service serving Rockford, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.
Score profile vs other backhoe services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
Culligan of RockfordBackhoe Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Culligan of Rockford: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 81.A
90
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Culligan of Rockford: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.A
90
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 96.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 92.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Culligan of Rockford: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Culligan of Rockford: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 27.A
88
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
553 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars51693%
4 stars214%
3 stars20%
2 stars31%
1 star112%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 311 written reviews
98%praise
Praise41298%
Complaints92%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude13532%
Quality & results8721%
Speed & response6916%
Communication4210%
Would recommend4110%
Price & value328%
Honesty & trust154%
What customers talk about
We read 311 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Knowledgeable service personnel, fix my unit quickly.”
“Great Job, very happy with the people and install would totally recommend!”
“Water is good but the front office customer service is awful!”
“Always on time, friendly and happy to put bottles on shelf for me.”
“Chris took the time to explain all the options that I could choice from and which budget met my needs.”
“We’re very happy with our experience and would highly recommend working with him if you’re considering Culligan!”
“Always a pleasure to get good drinking water here at a reasonable price”
“It gets pricey if you're not paying attention.”
“Nate answered all of our questions honestly and made sure we felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.”
People customers mention
Chris23 reviews
Bolger15 reviews
Nick6 reviews
Villani5 reviews
Aaron3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Ralph4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
I’ve used Culligan of Rockford for the last 20years and always loved the customer service. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I have to mention the excellent customer service that Chris Bolger provided my family, and also helping me get a new water filtration system installed in my home. Chris took the time…
Karen5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
I’ve used Rock Valley Culligan for well over 10 years for my water softener rental, water filtration and they also deliver my salt every quarter and fill the tank for me. They have always been a pleasure to work with and I have never had any issues with the service. Great people!
Jonatha2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★
This summer was the first time in a few years where the driver who delivers my salt made the delivery experience great. This whole summer the driver I cant remember their name would call the day before that I have a delivery and call the day of letting me know they are finishing up over by edgebrook alpine area and…
LisaLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
Grant was the first person I come in contact with in this company. And he still answers any questions I may have. The men who deliver the salt have all been really nice and accomodating. I couldn't be happier.
AdamLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Service is always great. We have an R/O system that is maintained by Culligan in addition to having our softener salt delivered (driver brings bags down to the basement next to the softener).
RichardLocal Guide · 96 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 months ago★★★★★
The Staff is excellent. Very responsive, and understanding our needs. The service techs are terrific.
I’ve used Culligan of Rockford for the last 20years and always loved the customer service. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I have to mention the excellent customer service that Chris Bolger provided my family, and also helping me get a new water filtration system installed in my home. Chris took the time to explain all the options that I could choice from and which budget met my needs. I will continue to use Culligan of Rockford for years to come.
Response from the owner · Edited a week ago
Everyone at our dealership is thankful for this great review, Ral! Our top priority is to provide all customers with high quality water and service, so if you have any questions or suggestions for us in the future, please feel free to get in touch anytime. Thanks again.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Karen Shull5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Karen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve used Rock Valley Culligan for well over 10 years for my water softener rental, water filtration and they also deliver my salt every quarter and fill the tank for me. They have always been a pleasure to work with and I have never had any issues with the service. Great people!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you for your review, Karen. We're glad to hear you've had a positive experience with our water softener rental, filtration, and salt delivery services over the years. If you ever need anything, please let us know. Thank you for your loyalty!
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Benjamin Wilken12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Benjamin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Benjamin, we really appreciate your kind review! Providing a great experience for our customers is always our goal. Thank you for choosing us!
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Dan Albrecht1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Knowledgeable service personnel, fix my unit quickly.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for your five-star review, Dan. Professional, knowledgeable service is a top priority, and we want to continue providing that for you. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Jonatha M.2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jonatha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This summer was the first time in a few years where the driver who delivers my salt made the delivery experience great. This whole summer the driver I cant remember their name would call the day before that I have a delivery and call the day of letting me know they are finishing up over by edgebrook alpine area and gave me 5mins ahead time. Would fill my softner carrying 2 to 3 bags at a time never once complained or didn't look irritated carrying those heavy bags. Very friendly and professional and enjoyed making the delivery. Even tested my water to show me whether its soft or hard water which past few different drivers never did. And would let me know my next delivery date before leaving. Very satisfied.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for your review, Jonatha. We're glad to hear that your delivery experience this summer was great and that our driver provided friendly and professional service. If you ever need anything, please let us know; we're here to help!
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Lisa ClarkLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Grant was the first person I come in contact with in this company. And he still answers any questions I may have. The men who deliver the salt have all been really nice and accomodating. I couldn't be happier.
Response from the owner · Edited 2 months ago
Thank you for your five-star review of our dealership, Lisa. It’s our job to do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. We strive to provide convenient, professional service to all of our customers and are happy to do so.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Adam CrawfordLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Service is always great. We have an R/O system that is maintained by Culligan in addition to having our softener salt delivered (driver brings bags down to the basement next to the softener).
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you for your review, Adam. We're glad to hear you're pleased with our service and the maintenance of your R/O system, as well as the convenience of our salt delivery. If you ever need anything, please let us know.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Richard ThravesLocal Guide · 96 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Richard has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Staff is excellent. Very responsive, and understanding our needs. The service techs are terrific.
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback, Richard. We are thrilled to hear that our team was able to provide you with friendly and helpful service. We appreciate your business and look forward to providing you with the same standard of care we're known for. Thank you for choosing us!
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Jeff Thompson2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Everything from start to finish........top notch.......thanks
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for your review, Jeff. We're glad to hear you had a top-notch experience from start to finish. If you ever need anything, please let us know.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
Cathy FilesLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cathy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very professional. Reasonably priced. We are enjoying our R/O water system and water softner.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for your review, Cathy. We're glad to hear you're enjoying your R/O water system and water softener at a reasonable price. If you ever need anything, please let us know.
Best,
Mike Nihan
General Manager of Culligan of Northern Illinois
(815) 968-7511
[email protected]
