Hard water is water loaded with calcium and magnesium. It won't hurt you to drink, but it quietly damages plumbing, appliances, and skin. Here's how to spot it.
- White, crusty scale on faucets, showerheads, and kettles.
- Spots on glasses and dishes straight out of the dishwasher.
- Soap that won't lather and leaves a film (soap scum) on tubs and tile.
- Dry, itchy skin and dull hair after showering.
- Stiff, scratchy laundry and faded colors.
- Rising energy bills — scale insulates water heater elements, so they work harder.
- Low water pressure from scale narrowing your pipes over time.
The fix
A properly sized water softener removes the minerals causing all of the above. If you also see orange/brown staining or smell rotten eggs, you likely have iron or sulfur and want a filtration system ahead of the softener.
Not sure what size you need? Start with our sizing chart.