Water Treatment in Brownsburg, IN

The Impact of Mineral-Rich Water on Your Plumbing Infrastructure

When we talk about water quality in Hendricks County, we often focus on what we can see, like spots on dishes. However, the most expensive damage is often happening where you cannot see it: inside your walls and appliances.

Protecting Pipes from Scale Accumulation

Water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium is abrasive. As it travels through your home's piping, it leaves behind mineral deposits known as scale. Over time, this scale builds up in layers, much like plaque in an artery. In copper and galvanized steel pipes, this accumulation reduces the interior diameter of the pipe, restricting flow and causing a gradual drop in water pressure.

In newer homes with PEX piping, scale may not adhere as easily to the plastic walls, but it still accumulates at the fittings and valves. This can lead to seized valves, stiff faucets, and premature failure of plumbing joints. By implementing a whole-home water treatment strategy, you stop this accumulation before it starts, preserving the integrity of your home’s infrastructure.

Preserving the Efficiency of Major Appliances

Your water heater is usually the first casualty of untreated water. As water heats up, minerals precipitate out of the liquid and solidify faster.

• Tank Water Heaters: Scale settles at the bottom of the tank, creating a thick layer of rock between the burner and the water. This forces the heater to run longer to achieve the same temperature, driving up utility bills and causing the tank to overheat and eventually leak.
• Tankless Water Heaters: These units rely on narrow heat exchangers. Even a thin layer of scale can block these distinct passages, leading to error codes, inconsistent temperatures, and expensive repairs.

Dishwashers and washing machines are also at risk. The abrasive nature of the minerals wears down rubber seals and pumps, shortening the lifespan of these expensive investments.

Comprehensive Water Treatment Solutions We Offer

There is no "one size fits all" approach to water quality. Cornwell Plumbing analyzes your specific situation to recommend the system that provides the most value. We focus on proven technologies that deliver consistent results.

Whole-House Water Softening Systems

The most effective defense against mineral buildup is a water softener. These systems utilize a process called ion exchange. As hard water passes through a resin tank, charged resin beads attract and hold onto calcium and magnesium ions, exchanging them for sodium or potassium ions.

The result is water that is chemically "soft." It no longer deposits scale in your pipes; in fact, over time, soft water can even help dissolve existing scale buildup. We install high-efficiency softeners that monitor your water usage and regenerate only when necessary, saving you money on salt and water.

Carbon Filtration for Taste and Odor

While a softener handles minerals, it does not typically remove chemicals. If you notice a strong chlorine smell when you turn on the tap, a carbon filtration system may be the answer. Municipal water treatment plants use chlorine to keep water safe from bacteria during transport, but once it reaches your home, that chlorine is no longer needed.

Carbon filters absorb chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This improves the taste of your water for drinking and cooking and prevents the drying effects of chlorine on your skin and hair.

Reverse Osmosis Drinking Systems

For those who want bottled-water quality straight from the kitchen sink, a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is the gold standard. These systems push water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, nitrates, fluoride, and dissolved solids. An RO system is often installed under the kitchen sink and is perfect for drinking water, ice makers, and cooking.

The Science of Soft Water: How It Changes Your Daily Routine

Installing a water treatment system does more than save your pipes; it fundamentally changes your interaction with water. The benefits are noticeable in almost every household task.

Elevated Personal Care and Wellness

Hard water is notorious for drying out skin and hair. The minerals in the water react with soap to form a curd—a sticky film that clings to your skin and prevents moisture from penetrating. This can exacerbate conditions like eczema and leave hair feeling straw-like and unmanageable.

With treated water, soaps and shampoos rinse away completely. Your skin’s natural oils are preserved, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Many of our customers report a significant reduction in the amount of soap, shampoo, and lotion they need to use, which is an added financial saving.

Simplified Cleaning and Maintenance

Housekeeping becomes significantly easier with treated water.

• Sparkling Surfaces: You can say goodbye to the endless scrubbing of soap scum rings in the bathtub and shower. Soft water does not leave these deposits, meaning your fixtures stay shiny with a simple wipe-down.
• Cleaner Laundry: Minerals in hard water trap dirt and detergent in fabric fibers. This causes whites to yellow and colors to fade prematurely. Soft water allows detergent to work effectively, resulting in brighter, softer clothes that last longer.
• Spot-Free Dishes: If you are tired of drying off your glasses only to find them covered in spots, a water softener is the solution. These spots are simply dried mineral deposits. Soft water allows your dishwasher to rinse dishes clean, letting them air dry without streaks.

Recognizing the Signs of Hard Water Intrusion

You might be living with the effects of hard water without realizing that a solution is available. If you recognize these symptoms in your home, it is time to investigate water treatment options.

1. Faucets with Low Flow: If you have to clean the aerators on your faucets frequently because they are clogged with white grit, you have a sediment issue.
2. Soap That Won't Lather: If you struggle to get a good foam when washing your hands or hair, the minerals in your water are neutralizing the soap.
3. Premature Appliance Failure: If you have had to replace a water heater or dishwasher sooner than the manufacturer’s expected lifespan (typically 10-12 years), water quality is likely the culprit.
4. Stiff Laundry: Towels that feel scratchy and stiff coming out of the dryer are a classic sign that mineral residue is being left in the fabric.
5. Etched Glassware: If your favorite glasses look permanently cloudy and cannot be polished clear, they have been etched by the abrasive minerals in your dishwasher water.

Professional Installation vs. DIY Solutions

With the availability of big-box store systems, some homeowners consider DIY installation. However, water treatment is a precise science that requires professional expertise.

Proper Sizing is Critical

A system that is too small for your home will exhaust its capacity quickly, leading to "bleed-through" of hard water and frequent regeneration cycles that waste water and salt. Conversely, a system that is too large can lead to channeling and ineffective treatment. Our technicians calculate your precise hardness level, water usage, and peak flow rate to size the system perfectly.

Integration with Plumbing

Installing a whole-home system requires cutting into your main water line. Improper installation can lead to leaks, pressure drops, or cross-connections. Cornwell Plumbing ensures that your installation meets all Brownsburg building codes and that the system is integrated seamlessly with your existing plumbing loop. We also ensure proper drainage for the regeneration cycle, protecting your home from potential water damage.

Ongoing Support

When you buy a system off the shelf, you are often on your own for troubleshooting. When you partner with Cornwell Plumbing, you have a team of experts ready to assist with maintenance, salt delivery, and any questions that arise. We stand behind our work and the products we install.

Maintenance and Service for Longevity

Once your system is installed, minimal maintenance is required to keep it running at peak performance. For salt-based softeners, the primary task is keeping the brine tank filled with high-quality salt. We recommend using high-purity salt pellets to prevent "bridging," where a hard crust forms in the tank and prevents the salt from dissolving.

Annual check-ups are also recommended. During a service visit, we check the valve settings, test the water hardness to ensure the resin is still effective, and inspect the system for any signs of wear. This proactive approach ensures your system protects your home for decades.