What is the best solution for fixing hard water problems?

The most effective solution is a whole-home water softener. A softener uses a process called ion exchange to physically remove the hardness minerals from your water. This protects your entire plumbing system, extends the life of water-using appliances, reduces soap and detergent usage, and leaves your skin, hair, and dishes feeling cleaner.

What are the signs I have hard water?

Common signs include white or chalky buildup on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware, soap that doesn't lather well, dry or itchy skin after showering, dull or stiff laundry, and reduced water pressure. You may also notice your water heater and appliances failing prematurely due to scale buildup.

How does a water softener work?

A water softener uses a process called ion exchange. Water flows through a tank filled with resin beads charged with sodium ions. As hard water passes through, the calcium and magnesium minerals stick to the beads while sodium ions are released into the water. Periodically, the system regenerates by flushing the beads with salt water to remove the minerals and recharge the resin.

What's the difference between a water softener and a water filter?

Water softeners remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) to prevent scale buildup and improve water feel. Water filters remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, bacteria, and chemicals to improve taste, odor, and safety. Many homes benefit from both systems working together—a softener for the whole house and additional filtration for drinking water.

Do I need a whole-house filter or just a drinking water filter?

It depends on your water quality and concerns. If your municipal water has chlorine taste/odor or you have sediment issues, a whole-house filter improves water throughout your home for bathing and laundry. For drinking water safety and taste, an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system provides the highest level of filtration. We can test your water and recommend the right solution.

How often do water treatment systems need maintenance?

Water softeners need salt refilled regularly (monthly to quarterly, depending on usage) and professional servicing annually. Reverse osmosis systems need filter changes every 6-12 months and membrane replacement every 2-3 years. Whole-house filters vary by type but typically need filter changes every 3-6 months. We offer maintenance plans to keep your systems running optimally.

Will a water softener make my water taste salty?

No. While water softeners use salt for regeneration, the amount of sodium added to softened water is minimal and typically unnoticeable. If you're on a strict low-sodium diet, you can install a reverse osmosis system at your kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water, or opt for a potassium-based softener instead of sodium.

How much does a water treatment system cost?

Costs vary based on the system type and your home's needs. Basic whole-house water softeners start around $1,500-2,500 installed. Reverse osmosis drinking water systems range from $400-1,500. Whole-house filtration systems vary widely from $800-3,000+ depending on features. We provide free water testing and detailed quotes to help you choose the right system for your budget.

Highland Lakes & North Austin

Cleaner, Better-Tasting Water Throughout Your Home

Enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water with our expert filtration services. We install and maintain a full range of solutions, including whole-house systems, reverse osmosis (RO), and under-sink filters.

Licensed & insured · Same-day service · Upfront pricing

(512) 756-9847

Water Filtration services by Brandenburg Plumbing

Highland Lakes & North Austin

Why Brandenburg

Why Homeowners Trust Us for Water Filtration

Providing best-in-class Water Filtration Services in the Highland Lakes & North Austin

29+Years in Business

10,000+Jobs Completed

15+Team Members

4.9★Google Rating

Family-Owned Since 1997: Founded right here in Burnet County, we've been serving our neighbors for over 29 years.
Upfront Pricing: No surprises. We provide detailed estimates before any work begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Licensed & Insured: Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection and peace of mind.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job we complete.

Customer reviews

What customers say about Water Filtration

“Brandenburg Plumbing provided excellent service diagnosing and repairing a water leak for one of my trusted seller clients. The issue was identified quickly, clearly explained, and resolved properly by replacing the leaking valve. Efficient, professional, and done right the first time. Lucas, the owner and master plumber, sets a high standard. His expertise, professionalism, and leadership are evident throughout the process. He takes a methodical, no-nonsense approach and prioritizes quality workmanship. The entire team was professional and respectful, and communication was smooth from start to finish. An honorable mention to Nick McBride, an outstanding journeyman plumber whose skill, attention to detail, and professionalism stood out. For context, I am Chris Cabiya, Founder and Principal Realtor® at Cabiya Realty Group and a local real estate investor serving the Highland Lakes area, including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and Granite Shoals. I hold service providers to very high standards on behalf of my clients. Brandenburg Plumbing met those standards without hesitation. Highly recommended.”
CChris Cabiya4 months ago
“Landon and Nick are the best! We had an emergency plumbing call on a Sunday. Nick was there within an hour and he was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. The major repair was completed the following day due to it being Sunday and parts were unavailable. Expectations were clear and everything that was promised was completed with pride in their work. We also have a young daughter and they were very respectful by not ringing the doorbell but knocking. Overall a great experience and will use them again no questions asked. If you need a plumber go with these guys. Thanks again!”
LLukas Stump5 months ago
“Excellent from the time I called the office to the completion of the job. The job required multiple visits and all of the techs involved were very professional and courteous, the work was done and the room was left as clean as when they arrived. I would call these guy's at my next need for a plumber.”
DDonald Barfielda week ago

FAQ

Common Questions About Water Filtration

Find answers to common plumbing and HVAC questions from our expert team.

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Our region's water source, the Trinity Aquifer, flows through vast deposits of limestone, which is rich in these minerals. While safe to drink, this hardness causes the scale buildup that damages appliances and makes cleaning difficult.

Have a question that's not listed here? Give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

Brandenburg One · $19/month

Members save 15% on water filtration

One membership covers plumbing and HVAC. The annual tune-up and drain cleaning alone pays for itself — priority scheduling, 2-year repair warranty, and low trip charges are all included.

Join Brandenburg One →

15% off service, 5% off installs
2-year repair warranty
Priority 2-hour arrival window

Plumbing Services

Our other plumbing services

We offer a full range of plumbing services to keep your home's water flowing — from emergency repairs to whole-house upgrades.

Bathroom Plumbing

Faucets, showers, tubs, and hidden leak repair for every bathroom.

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Clogged Pipes and Drain Cleaning

Hydro jetting and video camera inspection to clear any clog.

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Commercial Services

Licensed commercial plumbing with custom service agreements.

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Emergency Services

24/7 emergency response for burst pipes and major leaks.

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Kitchen Plumbing

Sinks, faucets, garbage disposals, and dishwasher lines.

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Toilets

Same-day toilet repair and high-efficiency replacements.

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Water Heaters

Tank and tankless water heater repair and installation.

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Water Softeners

Beat Hill Country hard water and protect your plumbing.

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Water and Sewer Lines

Trenchless main water and sewer line repair.

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View all plumbing services

Service area

Proudly serving the Highland Lakes & North Austin

Water Filtration near you — find your community:

Burnet Cedar Park Georgetown Granite Shoals Horseshoe Bay Kingsland Leander Liberty Hill Marble Falls Round Rock Spicewood Lampasas

Who shows up

A licensed pro you can put a face to

Austin Brown
Licensed Plumber
Brendan Whitney
Licensed Plumber
Nick McBride
Licensed Plumber

We'll beat any matching bid

Licensed & regulated in Texas

Master Plumber (RMP): Lucas Brandenburg, RMP-42793
LP Gas: 10829
HVAC (TDLR): TACLA00108111E

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Need Water Filtration Service?

Our expert technicians are standing by to help. Get upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

(512) 756-9847

Licensed & insured
Upfront flat-rate pricing
Lifetime labor guarantee

Highland Lakes & North Austin

Cleaner, Better-Tasting Water Throughout Your Home

Licensed & insured · Same-day service · Upfront pricing

(512) 756-9847

Highland Lakes & North Austin

Why Brandenburg

Why Homeowners Trust Us for Water Filtration

Providing best-in-class Water Filtration Services in the Highland Lakes & North Austin

29+Years in Business

10,000+Jobs Completed

15+Team Members

4.9★Google Rating

Family-Owned Since 1997: Founded right here in Burnet County, we've been serving our neighbors for over 29 years.
Upfront Pricing: No surprises. We provide detailed estimates before any work begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Licensed & Insured: Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection and peace of mind.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job we complete.

Customer reviews

What customers say about Water Filtration

“Brandenburg Plumbing provided excellent service diagnosing and repairing a water leak for one of my trusted seller clients. The issue was identified quickly, clearly explained, and resolved properly by replacing the leaking valve. Efficient, professional, and done right the first time. Lucas, the owner and master plumber, sets a high standard. His expertise, professionalism, and leadership are evident throughout the process. He takes a methodical, no-nonsense approach and prioritizes quality workmanship. The entire team was professional and respectful, and communication was smooth from start to finish. An honorable mention to Nick McBride, an outstanding journeyman plumber whose skill, attention to detail, and professionalism stood out. For context, I am Chris Cabiya, Founder and Principal Realtor® at Cabiya Realty Group and a local real estate investor serving the Highland Lakes area, including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and Granite Shoals. I hold service providers to very high standards on behalf of my clients. Brandenburg Plumbing met those standards without hesitation. Highly recommended.”
CChris Cabiya4 months ago
“Landon and Nick are the best! We had an emergency plumbing call on a Sunday. Nick was there within an hour and he was knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. The major repair was completed the following day due to it being Sunday and parts were unavailable. Expectations were clear and everything that was promised was completed with pride in their work. We also have a young daughter and they were very respectful by not ringing the doorbell but knocking. Overall a great experience and will use them again no questions asked. If you need a plumber go with these guys. Thanks again!”
LLukas Stump5 months ago
“Excellent from the time I called the office to the completion of the job. The job required multiple visits and all of the techs involved were very professional and courteous, the work was done and the room was left as clean as when they arrived. I would call these guy's at my next need for a plumber.”
DDonald Barfielda week ago

FAQ