- HEP Plumbing
- Softening Systems

Softening Systems
Softening Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Townsend
At HEP’s Softening Systems in Townsend, we turn ordinary tap water into a refreshing, mineral-balanced experience. Our licensed plumbers design and install tailor-made softeners, carbon filters, and reverse-osmosis units that target the specific minerals and contaminants common to Townsend’s water supply, protecting your pipes while delivering pure, great-tasting water to every faucet.
Whether you’re tired of scale buildup or simply crave clearer ice and brighter laundry, our team makes water care effortless. Experience seamless water purification today—schedule your free in-home water test with HEP and enjoy softer skin, longer-lasting appliances, and peace of mind with every sip.
FAQs
What exactly does a water-softening system do and how does it work?
A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness by exchanging them with harmless sodium (or potassium) ions inside a resin bed. As hard water passes through the resin tank, the hardness minerals stick to the beads and softened water flows into your plumbing. Periodically the system regenerates by rinsing the resin with a salt brine so it’s ready for the next cycle. The result is water that lathers easily, prevents scale buildup, and extends the life of appliances and piping.
Why are softening and purification especially important for homes in Townsend?
Townsend’s municipal supply averages 10–12 grains per gallon of hardness, and many nearby private wells test even higher. Hard water leaves mineral deposits on fixtures, reduces water-heater efficiency, and shortens the lifespan of dishwashers, coffee makers, and humidifiers. A softener eliminates these issues, while an added purification stage (such as carbon filtration or reverse osmosis) tackles chlorine taste, sulfur odors, iron staining, and possible agricultural or industrial contaminants common to our region’s groundwater.
How can I tell if my water needs softening or additional purification?
Common signs include white scale on faucets, spotted glassware, stiff laundry, dry hair/skin, or a metallic/earthy taste. The most reliable method is a free in-home water analysis, during which our technician measures hardness, iron, pH, TDS, and chlorine levels. From those results we recommend either a standard softener, a softener–filter combo, or a reverse-osmosis drinking system, tailored to your exact water chemistry and household usage.
What upkeep does a water softener require once it’s installed?
Routine care is minimal: keep the brine tank at least one-quarter full of high-purity salt pellets, check for salt bridging once a month, and schedule an annual system check-up. During service we sanitize the resin bed, verify timer/program settings, test hardness at faucets, and inspect valves and seals. Most modern systems regenerate only on demand, so salt and water consumption stay low—typically one 40-lb bag per person every 6–8 weeks in Townsend’s water conditions.
Will a softening system also remove iron, sulfur odor, or lead from my water?
Standard ion-exchange softeners remove small amounts of clear-water (ferrous) iron—up to about 2 ppm—but they are not designed for sulfur odors, bacterial iron, or heavy metals like lead. For those issues we integrate additional filtration: oxidizing iron filters, activated-carbon or KDF media for sulfur and chlorine, and either reverse osmosis or specialty cartridges for lead and other trace metals. Our technicians can combine these units in a single multi-stage system so your whole-house water is both soft and purified.
How much does installation cost and what guarantees come with your systems?
A typical whole-house softener sized for a family of four in Townsend ranges from $1,600 to $2,400 including professional installation, bypass plumbing, and first-year salt. Combination softener/filtration units start around $2,800, while under-sink reverse-osmosis drinking systems average $550–$750. We back every system with a 10-year tank and control-valve warranty, a 5-year parts & labor warranty, and a 100-day satisfaction guarantee. We also handle required plumbing permits and offer 0% financing for up to 18 months for qualified homeowners.