Living in Indiana has many advantages. Hard water isn’t one of them.

If you’re one of the countless Hoosiers dealing with the consequences of hard water in your home, you could benefit greatly from a water softener. Unfortunately, not all Hoosiers know how to identify hard water-related issues. 

First and foremost you must understand what having hard water means. 

Water is classified as slightly hard when it contains 0-60 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter, moderately hard when it contains 61-120 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter, and very hard when it contains more than 180 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter. 

If you professionally test your water and it turns out that it is, indeed, hard, you might find that many of the issues you have experienced at home are related to that fact. 

To help you through this process, we put together a list of the top five issues most commonly associated with hard water so you know what to expect. If your water is hard and you’re already struggling with any of the following problems, a water softener might help you save a lot of money in the long run. 

Clogged Pipes, Lower Water Pressure, and Higher Utility Bills

One of the most dangerous consequences of hard water is scale build-up. 

Because of the high concentration of mineral deposits, hard water can increase the buildup of scale or limescale in water heaters and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, as well as your plumbing system. Over time, your water heater will suffer from premature aging, your appliances will become less efficient, your water pressure will suffer, and your pipes will become increasingly clogged. 

Before your wallet suffers due to the increased water and electricity bills prompted by these problems, you might want to get your water professionally tested for hardness.

Dry, Itchy Skin & Other Health Problems

Hard water can leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, and flaky. But that isn’t the only consequence of mineral buildup on the skin. Additionally, minerals can block your skin’s pores, cause inflammation, and prevent the soap from properly dissolving, which could make the removal of bacteria and dirt more difficult. 

Your hair can also suffer thanks to the long-term effects hard water can have on your scalp. 

If you don’t like dry, dull hair, eczema, and similar skin issues, having a water softener may help. 

Faded, Rough Clothes

In addition to shortening your laundry machine’s lifespan due to the mineral buildup, hard water can also cause linen and clothing to develop a dull look and a stiff texture, removing the color from the fabrics and causing items such as towels to become rough. 

Some laundry items can even develop a sour smell due to the residue from the hard water. 

Over time, replacing both the washing machine and your precious clothing items might end up costing you more than you planned on spending — but not if your water system is fitted with a water softener!    

Spotty, Cloudy Dinner and Glassware

One of the many issues associated with scale buildup is that it leaves residue in your dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, teakettles, and other kitchen items. 

The hard, chalky film that you often find on these items after a wash can be quite hard to remove. Over time, the cloudy aspect caused by the dense minerals ends up becoming a nuisance. 

Sink Stains

Part of what makes hard water so damaging is that it often contains dissolved metals in addition to calcium carbonate. Over time, hard water tends to leave white, scaly deposits on your faucets, causing sinks, bathtubs, and toilets difficult to clean. 

While these stubborn stains can be dealt with temporarily with the help of white vinegar and dishwasher detergent, the stains won’t go away until the water is properly treated. 

If this is a problem in your home, a water softener might be just what the doctor ordered!

For more information on how to have your water professionally tested, follow this link.