The Highland Lakes region sits on limestone bedrock, which means the water supply in Marble Falls, Kingsland, Burnet, and surrounding communities carries extremely high levels of calcium and magnesium. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality classifies water hardness above 180 mg/L as “very hard” — most Highland Lakes municipalities consistently exceed that threshold.
What Hard Water Does to Your Pipes
Scale deposits — the chalky white buildup you see around faucets and showerheads — form inside your pipes the same way. Over years, this buildup narrows the interior diameter of your supply lines, reducing water pressure and forcing your water heater and appliances to work harder. In severe cases, scale can completely block a pipe.
Galvanized steel pipes are especially vulnerable. If your home was built before 1990 and still has original galvanized supply lines, hard water scale combined with corrosion may already be restricting your flow significantly.
Water Heaters Take the Worst Hit
Your water heater is the single most expensive victim of hard water. Sediment settles at the bottom of the tank and forms an insulating layer between the burner and the water. The heater has to run longer to reach temperature, driving up your energy bill and accelerating wear on the heating element. A water heater that should last 12–15 years in soft-water areas often fails in 6–8 years in the Highland Lakes.
Tankless water heaters are not immune. Scale buildup on the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and, if left unchecked, can crack the exchanger entirely — a repair that often costs more than a new unit.
Fixtures and Appliances
Dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers, and coffee makers all suffer accelerated wear from hard water. The mineral deposits clog spray arms, damage pump seals, and leave film on dishes and glassware. Faucet aerators and showerheads clog within months rather than years.
The Solution: Whole-House Water Softening
A properly sized whole-house water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions through an ion-exchange process before the water reaches any fixture in your home. The benefits are immediate: softer skin and hair, cleaner dishes, and — most importantly — protection for every pipe, fitting, and appliance in your home.
At Knockout Plumbing Services, we install and service whole-house water softeners sized specifically for Highland Lakes water hardness levels. If you’ve noticed scale buildup, reduced water pressure, or a water heater that’s running constantly, call us at (325) 248-1800 to schedule an assessment.