“Hard” water is simply water that is high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium carbonate and manganese and is typically not hazardous. It can, however, create deposits in your plumbing, water heater and other appliances that use water and create problems for you. It can also make washing dishes, clothing, skin and hair more challenging.
Below are some indicators that your home has “hard” water:
- Soap and shampoo don’t lather well
- Soap scum forms in your sinks and/or tubs
- Dishes dry with spots on them
- Your bathtub has a ring
- Your laundry is dingy/yellowish in color
- Your coffee maker has scale deposits+
- Buildup (usually white in color) forms on your showerhead
- Pipes clog due to the build-up of minerals
If you think you have “hard” water, you may want to consider a water softener for your home. There are both salt-based and salt-free water softeners available so you’ll want to do your research to determine which water softener makes the most sense for you.
