Why Hard Water Is a Big Deal in Lubbock, Texas (And What You Can Do About It)
If you live in Lubbock, TX, you’ve probably noticed the signs — white crust on your faucets, soap that doesn’t lather, and cloudy dishes fresh from the dishwasher. These are all symptoms of hard water, and in Lubbock, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s a serious plumbing issue that can shorten the life of your pipes, appliances, and even your skin.
At Cotton City Plumbing, we deal with hard water problems every single day. Here’s what you need to know about why Lubbock has such hard water, what it does to your home, and how you can protect your plumbing system from long-term damage.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, which are picked up as water moves through soil and rock. It’s perfectly safe to drink, but over time, it can cause big problems for your home’s plumbing and appliances.
The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM). Anything over 7 GPG is considered “hard” — and in many areas of Lubbock, water hardness levels can reach 12–15 GPG or higher.
Why Lubbock Water Is So Hard
Lubbock’s water comes from a mix of groundwater wells and surface water reservoirs like Lake Alan Henry. West Texas soil is rich in limestone and minerals, and as the water flows through the earth, it absorbs large amounts of calcium carbonate and magnesium — the main culprits behind hard water.
There’s no sign of this changing anytime soon. In fact, hard water is a permanent feature of Lubbock’s water supply unless it’s treated at the source (your home).
How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing and Appliances
Hard water doesn’t just look or feel bad — it actively damages your plumbing over time.
1. Scale Buildup in Pipes
Mineral deposits form limescale, which collects inside your pipes, narrowing the flow of water and increasing pressure. This leads to:
Clogged or slow pipes
Increased risk of leaks or bursts
Higher energy bills from inefficient flow
2. Water Heater Damage
Hard water is especially brutal on tank-style water heaters:
Sediment collects at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency
Can cause popping or rumbling noises
Shortens the lifespan of the unit
Many Lubbock homeowners don’t realize that flushing your water heater annually is essential in hard water areas.
3. Soap Scum & Cleaning Problems
Hard water makes soap less effective, which means:
Soap scum in showers and tubs
Streaky dishes from the dishwasher
Dingy laundry that never feels “clean”
It can also cause dry skin and brittle hair for sensitive individuals.
4. Shorter Appliance Lifespan
Washing machines, dishwashers, and even coffee makers wear out faster when constantly exposed to mineral buildup. You’ll find yourself:
Replacing parts more often
Spending more on energy bills
Buying new appliances sooner than expected
How to Fix Hard Water in Your Lubbock Home
Install a Water Softener System
A whole-home water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply using ion exchange. The benefits include:
Better water pressure
Longer-lasting appliances
Softer skin and cleaner laundry
Lower maintenance on your plumbing system
At Cotton City Plumbing, we install and service residential water softener systems designed specifically for Lubbock’s water conditions.
Let Cotton City Plumbing Help You Beat Hard Water
If you're tired of dealing with the effects of Lubbock’s hard water, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to settle for constant repairs and frustration.
At Cotton City Plumbing, we offer:
Water softener installation & service
Water heater flushing & maintenance
Full-home plumbing inspections
Honest advice tailored to Lubbock homes
Need help with hard water? Book an appointment today and Cotton City Plumbing will get you taken care of!