The Truth about Hard Water: Causes, Effects, Tests and DIY Treatments

If you’ve ever noticed that your soap doesn’t lather well or there’s a buildup of white residue on your showerhead or faucet, you may have hard water.

85% of the water in America contains high levels of minerals, which causes hard water and can devastatingly affect your hygiene and plumbing.

The most significant effect hard water can have is damage to your plumbing and household appliances. The minerals in the hard water can build up over time and cause blockages. This reduces the efficiency of your appliances and leads to expensive repairs or replacements.

If you suspect that your water is hard, it’s important to identify and treat the problem as soon as possible. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to detect if you have hard water and what you can do about it to keep your home running smoothly.

What is hard water?

Water containing an excessive amount of dissolved minerals (like calcium and magnesium) is referred to as hard water.

These minerals are naturally present in many water sources. But they can accumulate over time, resulting in hard water.

Professionals often measure water hardness in terms of “grains per gallon” (GPG), which refers to the concentration of minerals in the water. Your water is hard if it has a GPG of 3 or higher.

What causes hard water?

Several factors contribute to the development of hard water.

But the most common ones are the geological composition of the land on which your home is built and the type of water source.

For example, groundwater is more likely to be hard compared to surface water. This is because it comes in contact with mineral-rich soil and rocks as it penetrates the ground.

What are the signs of hard water?

You may have noticed them in your home, but several signs can help you know if you have hard water. Some of the physical signs include:

• Soap scum: Hard water prevents soap from lathering properly, resulting in a buildup of soap scum on your sinks, shower walls, and bathtub.
• White residue: If you notice white or yellowish mineral buildup on your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, you may have hard water.
• Stains: Hard water causes brownish or reddish stains on your clothing, dishes, and appliances.
• Rough clothes: Your clothes may look dingy or faded after repeated washings. This is due to mineral deposits sticking to your fabric, making it scratchy and stiff. They weaken your cloth fibers, causing easy tearing.
• Dry skin and hair: The minerals in hard water can strip natural oils off your skin and hair, leaving them dry and prone to irritation.
• Plumbing issues: Hard water can cause scaling and buildup in your pipes, leading to clogs and reduced water flow.

How can I test water for hardness?

If you suspect you have hard water, it’s important to get your water tested to confirm the level of mineral content. To do this, you can follow the DIY methods or have your water professionally tested.

Here are some DIY methods for testing hard water that you can try at home.

• Do the famous soap test: You need to lather soap in your hands or a water container. If the soap lathers easily and produces a lot of suds, your water is likely soft. Your water is probably hard if the soap doesn’t lather well and makes very few suds.
• Do a visual check: Look for mineral buildup on your fixtures, appliances, and clothing. If you notice a white or yellowish buildup on your faucets, showerheads, or dishes, this is a sign of hard water.
• Use a test kit: You can easily purchase one online or at a store. A water hardness test kit can determine the mineral concentration in your water. The kit includes a test strip with a chemically treated pad that changes color when it reacts with water ions. You can determine the mineral concentration by comparing the color on your strip to a printed color chart.
• Send your water sample for professional testing: This is a more accurate and comprehensive test of your water. These tests will provide detailed information about the mineral content of your water and any other contaminants that may be present. Contact a water testing laboratory or a water treatment company to schedule a test.

Regardless of your chosen testing method, it’s important to confirm whether you have hard water. That way, you can take steps to treat the problem and protect your home and family.

How to treat hard water

Once you have confirmed that you have hard water, it’s time to explore your options for treating the problem. Here are some DIY options to consider:

• Purify Your Water by Boiling It: If you need to purify your hard water for drinking, boil it and let it cool down. The minerals will settle to the bottom, leaving purified water at the top.
• Descale Your Appliances with Vinegar Rinses: One easy way to remove solid calcium deposits from your appliances is by using vinegar rinses. The acidity of vinegar dissolves the mineral buildup.
• Remove residue with a Lime or Calcium Removing Spray: You can use a commercial spray or a homemade mixture of lime juice, vinegar, and baking soda to remove stubborn residue from your bathtub, shower, and sinks. Rinse the surface with water after applying the solution, and wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.
• Install a Water Filter: Attaching a water filter to your faucet can help purify your water. Some people find that soft water tastes better than hard water, so many opt for a water filtration system. Installing a filter in your shower can also help protect your skin and hair from the harsh effects of hard water.
• Choose Soothing Products: Using gentle hair, scalp, and skin treatments can help you avoid the negative impact of mineral-heavy water. If you live in a region with hard water, you may also want to avoid sulfate products, as they can dry out your hair and react badly with the minerals in your water.
• Install a Water Softener: Installing a whole-house water softener system can permanently solve your hard water problem. Water softeners remove the minerals from your entire water supply through ion exchange or filtration. Some of them include the following:
• Salt-based system: This involves adding small amounts of salt (sodium chloride) to your water. They require regular maintenance and the addition of salt but are most effective at removing minerals from your water. You can also use potassium chloride, a good alternative for people who cannot have sodium, but it can be problematic for those with kidney issues.
• Salt-free systems: These systems remove minerals via filtration or template-assisted crystallization. They do not require salt or regular maintenance but may be less effective at removing minerals than salt-based systems.
• Reverse osmosis: This process uses a membrane to remove minerals from your water, producing purified drinking water. While it removes minerals effectively, it is typically only used for drinking water, not your entire water supply.

Before choosing a method for treating hard water, consider its cost, effectiveness, and maintenance requirements. This will help you ensure the process continues functioning properly and provide you with high-quality water.

Conclusion

If you suspect you have hard water in your home, taking action is important to prevent the adverse effects of mineral buildup.

You can enjoy high-quality water free of minerals and other contaminants by testing your water, exploring treatment options, and maintaining your water-softening system. With the right knowledge, you can ensure your water is clean, safe, and healthy for you and your family. Do you think you have plumbing issues that may be due to hard water? Contact Knox Solutions to schedule a professional inspection.