- HEP Plumbing
- Hard-water Scale

Hard-water Scale
Hard-water Scale | Water Purification | Plumbing | Clinton
In Clinton, stubborn mineral deposits don’t just cloud glassware—they shorten the life of pipes, faucets, and water-using appliances. HEP’s hard-water scale specialists combine targeted descaling treatment with state-of-the-art water purification systems that strip out excess calcium and magnesium before they ever reach your fixtures. The result is crystal-clear water that tastes better, cleans better, and keeps your plumbing running at peak efficiency.
From free on-site testing to custom equipment installation and maintenance, the HEP team handles every step with hometown care and industry-leading expertise. Enjoy lower energy bills, fewer soap scum headaches, and the peace of mind that comes from protecting your biggest investment—your home. Call today and feel the difference in every drop.
FAQs
What makes the water in Clinton “hard,” and why does scale form in my plumbing?
Most of Clinton’s municipal and well water contains elevated levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. When this mineral-rich water is heated or allowed to evaporate, the minerals precipitate out and cling to pipe walls, fixtures, and appliances as a white, chalky buildup called limescale. Over time, scale narrows pipe diameter, reduces water-heater efficiency, and shortens the lifespan of dishwashers, washers, and ice makers.
How can a whole-house water softener solve my hard-water and scale problems?
A water softener uses a process called ion exchange. As hard water passes through the softener’s resin bed, calcium and magnesium ions swap places with sodium (or potassium) ions that are harmless to plumbing. The treated water leaves the system “soft,” dramatically reducing or eliminating scale formation throughout the home. Softened water also delivers cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, and uses less soap and detergent.
Will a water softener make my drinking water salty, and are there alternatives?
A properly sized softener adds only a small amount of sodium—about 20–40 mg per 8-oz glass, similar to the sodium in a slice of bread. If you prefer minimal sodium, we can install a potassium-chloride softener or add a dedicated reverse-osmosis (RO) tap in the kitchen. RO removes up to 99% of dissolved salts, heavy metals, and other contaminants, delivering bottled-water quality right at the sink.
How do I know what size softener or purification system my home in Clinton needs?
Sizing is based on two factors: your household’s daily water demand (gallons per day) and the hardness level (grains per gallon) measured with an on-site test. We’ll test your water at no charge, review fixture counts and family size, and then recommend a system with the correct grain capacity and flow rate so you never experience pressure loss or premature resin exhaustion.
What maintenance is required after installation?
For a standard ion-exchange softener, simply keep the brine tank at least one-third full of salt or potassium pellets and check it monthly. The control valve automatically regenerates the resin bed, so there are no filters to change. RO systems typically require annual cartridge/filter changes and a membrane replacement every 3–5 years, depending on usage and local water chemistry. We offer affordable maintenance plans if you’d like us to handle the reminders and service.
How much does a hard-water solution cost, and what long-term savings can I expect?
Installed prices in Clinton start around $1,200 for a basic whole-house softener and $350–$650 for a point-of-use RO system. The payback comes from longer appliance life, up to 30% lower energy bills (water heaters free of scale heat more efficiently), and reduced spending on soaps, detergents, and bottled water. Most homeowners recover the investment within 3–5 years, while enjoying scale-free fixtures and noticeably better water quality every day.