Hard water refers to water with a high number of minerals — particularly limestone, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate — that get absorbed into the water before it makes its way into your home. Water with a high mineral content is called “hard” because, along with the minerals make it hard to lather soap, the mineral content can actually cause damage to your plumbing system.
Hard water can be a problem because it forces appliances like washing machines to work harder and it can cause damage to plumbing. Fortunately, hard water can be corrected with the right water softener. Here are 3 tell-tale signs that your home has hard water.
1. White Buildup On Shower Walls & Faucets
Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits on almost everything, including faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and shower walls. No matter how often you clean, you will likely notice a film on your shower walls or bathtub after the water from bathing dries. Faucets in homes with hard water often develop a thick build-up of mineral deposits, or scale, that’s very hard to get rid of. This problem can’t be avoided without treating the hard water problem.
2. Spotty Dishes
Are your dishes cloudy or spotty when you take them out of the dishwasher or leave them to dry overnight? Spots and cloudiness are caused by hard water deposits that are tough to get rid of.
3. Trouble Getting Clothing Clean
Do you find that clothing is still dirty or stained after it’s been washed? Hard water makes soaps less effective and harder to lather. The minerals can cause clothing to become faded, grayish, or less vibrant. Your clothes may also feel scratchy because the minerals create a salt that clings to the fabric.
Hard water is more than an annoyance; it can actually damage your plumbing by leaving scale build-up that eventually leads to clogs and even leaks. If you have signs of hard water, it may be time to consider the benefits of water softening.