Hard Water Issues
Hard Water Issues | Water Purification | Plumbing | Andersonville
Hard water is more than an annoyance for Andersonville homeowners—it clogs pipes, etches glassware, fades laundry, and leaves skin feeling tight and dry. HEP’s licensed plumbers zero in on these stubborn minerals at the source, bringing three decades of Tennessee know-how to every kitchen sink and showerhead they treat. From compact under-sink filters to whole-home conditioners, we design custom water purification solutions that protect your plumbing, appliances, and comfort without sacrificing flow or flavor.
Schedule a free in-home assessment today and see the difference clear, soft water makes overnight. We test, explain, and install on your timeline, and every system is backed by local service that answers the phone 24/7—because life in Andersonville is better when the only thing left behind by your water is peace of mind.
FAQs
What is hard water and how common is it in Andersonville?
Hard water is water that contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium. In Andersonville, municipal water typically tests between 10–14 grains per gallon (gpg), which puts it in the “hard” to “very hard” range according to U.S. Geological Survey standards. That means most households in the neighborhood experience scale buildup, soap scum, and reduced appliance efficiency unless a treatment method is in place.
What plumbing problems can hard water cause in my Andersonville home?
When mineral-laden water flows through your plumbing, calcium and magnesium precipitate out and cling to the inside of pipes, faucets, and appliances. Over time this scale restricts water flow, shortens the life of water heaters and dishwashers, clogs aerators and showerheads, and can even lead to pinhole leaks in copper piping. You may also notice dingy laundry, dry skin and hair, and spotting on dishes and fixtures—all of which trace back to hard water.
How can I tell if I have hard water without a professional test?
Look for tell-tale signs such as white or green crust around faucets, reduced lather when you wash with soap, cloudy glassware, and a film on shower doors. A simple over-the-counter test strip kit from a hardware store can give you a hardness reading in minutes. If the strip turns dark or reads above 7 gpg, your water is considered hard and a softening solution is recommended.
What water purification or softening options do you install?
Our team offers several solutions: • Whole-house ion-exchange water softeners to remove calcium and magnesium. • Salt-free conditioners that prevent scale without adding sodium—ideal for residents on low-sodium diets. • Reverse osmosis (RO) drinking-water systems that remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, including lead, chlorine, and PFAS. • Combination softener + carbon filtration units that address both hardness and taste/odor concerns. We size each system to your home’s water usage, plumbing layout, and local water analysis.
Will a water softener make my water safe to drink?
A conventional ion-exchange softener’s primary job is to remove hardness minerals; it does not filter out bacteria, heavy metals, or chemical contaminants. Softened water is generally safe to consume, but if you want an extra layer of protection or wish to limit sodium added by the softening process, we recommend pairing the softener with a reverse-osmosis faucet or whole-house filtration unit. Our technicians can test your water and design a system that meets both safety and taste goals.
How much maintenance do water softeners and purification systems require?
Maintenance is straightforward. For salt-based softeners, you’ll need to: • Check the brine tank monthly and keep salt pellets at least half full. • Clean the brine tank once a year to prevent bridging. Reverse osmosis systems require filter changes every 6–12 months and membrane replacement every 3–5 years, depending on usage and incoming water quality. We offer annual service plans that include hardness testing, resin inspection, system sanitization, and filter changes so you never have to worry about scheduling upkeep.