Hard water is one of the most common household water issues there is. Hard water refers to water with excess amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can damage your water fixtures, appliances, and pipes over time. Water softeners can bring your water back into balance.
Here are six signs your home needs water softening:
- Limescale buildup – If limescale, a chalky, white residue, suddenly shows up around your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, you most likely have hard water. Water softening reduces the amount of calcium and magnesium in your water which will reduce limescale buildup as well.
- Stiff laundry – Hard water reacts with soap and laundry detergent, making it less effective. Stiff laundry means your detergent isn’t working as it should, and hard water could be the reason.
- Rusty toilet ring – Hard water minerals can cause corrosion and damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances. If your toilet keeps forming a rusty ring around the waterline, you likely need water softeners.
- Increased heating bills – A more subtle sign of hard water, increased heating bills can be caused by HVAC systems having to work harder to heat your home thanks to compromised pipes due to hard water buildup.
- Dry skin and hair – Hard water is also hard on you. If your skin or hair has been feeling extra dry, hard water could be the culprit. Water softening restores a healthy water balance, so it is gentler on your skin and hair.
- Cloudy, spotty glassware – If your glassware is coming out of the dishwasher cloudy and spotty, hard water may be to blame. Mineral deposits in the water can affect the dishwasher’s ability to leave your glasses sparkling and spotless. Water softeners will bring the water levels back into balance to take care of the problem.