Hard Water

HEP PlumbingHard Water

Hard Water | Water Purification | Plumbing | Cowan

Cowan’s beautiful limestone hills may be stunning to look at, but the minerals that seep into the local water supply are far less charming. Hard water leaves stubborn scale on fixtures, clogs pipes, and dulls laundry—slowly eating away at your appliances and your patience. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in turning that mineral-laden flow into crystal-clear refreshment, using advanced filtration and softening systems tailored to your home’s exact needs.

From the first water test to the final faucet check, we handle every step of water purification with hometown care and industry-leading technology. Expect lower energy bills, longer appliance life, and the silky feel of softened water the very same day we install. Ready to say goodbye to scale and hello to spotless glasses? Call HEP today and discover why Cowan trusts us to keep the taps flowing perfectly.

FAQs

How hard is the tap water in Cowan, and why is it a concern for my plumbing?

Cowan’s municipal supply typically tests between 180–210 mg/L of calcium carbonate, classifying it as ‘very hard.’ High mineral content leads to limescale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures, restricting flow, shortening appliance life, and increasing energy bills because heating elements have to work through an insulating scale layer.

What types of water-treatment systems work best for hard water in Cowan homes?

For whole-house protection, an ion-exchange salt-based water softener is the gold standard. It swaps calcium and magnesium ions for sodium or potassium, eliminating scale before the water reaches your plumbing. If you prefer a salt-free option, a template-assisted crystallization (TAC) conditioner can reduce scaling by altering crystal structure, though it doesn’t actually remove hardness minerals. Many customers pair either technology with a carbon or reverse-osmosis filter for taste, odor, and contaminant removal at the kitchen sink.

Will a water softener remove other contaminants like chlorine or lead?

No. Ion-exchange softeners specifically target hardness minerals. While they may take out trace iron or manganese, they do not reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, or organic chemicals. To achieve comprehensive purification, we recommend a dual-system approach: a softener for hardness followed by carbon filtration or reverse osmosis for chemical and heavy-metal reduction.

How often will I need to add salt or service the system?

Most Cowan households with 4 occupants and average water use (250–300 gallons/day) will add 40 lbs of softener salt every 4–6 weeks. Resin media typically lasts 10 years with proper maintenance. We provide annual service plans that include hardness testing, brine-tank cleaning, valve calibration, and pre-filter replacement to keep your warranty intact and your water consistently soft.

Is softened water safe to drink if I’m on a low-sodium diet?

Yes—with proper sizing, softened water adds roughly 20–40 mg of sodium per 8-oz glass, far below daily dietary limits. If you want to eliminate that small amount, place a reverse-osmosis drinking tap at the kitchen sink. An RO membrane removes 95-98 % of sodium as well as fluoride, nitrates, and micro-plastics, giving you ultra-pure water while the rest of the house still benefits from scale-free plumbing.

What is the installation process and typical cost for water softening and filtration in Cowan?

After a free in-home water test, we size a softener (32,000–48,000-grain is common locally) and any add-on filters. Installation usually takes 3–4 hours and involves teeing off the main supply line, running a drain to a nearby standpipe or sump, and programming the control valve. A complete system ranges from $1,500 to $3,200 installed, depending on capacity and whether you add RO or whole-house carbon. Financing and rental plans are available, and all work is covered by our 5-year labor warranty plus the manufacturer’s 10-year tank and valve warranty.

HEP Plumbing
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(423) 228-7696