What causes hard water? An excess of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, are the culprit, but water softeners can decrease the problem.
Thomas M.
Very well. Have already used them again to fix hot water heater
Service OlympiansWhat Is Hard Water and What Does It Mean for Your Home?
No, it’s not ice
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Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave your glassware spotted and your skin feeling dry.
Your water's hardness level falls somewhere on a scale from soft to very hard, measured in grains per gallon or milligrams per liter.
You can test your water at home by shaking soapy water in a bottle and checking for bubbles or cloudiness to confirm hardness.
Hiring a local water softener installation professional helps you choose the right system and prevents limescale buildup that shortens your appliances' life spans.
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If you’ve been seeing spots on clean glassware and white stains on faucet heads, you could be living in one of the more than 80% of households in the U.S. that has hard water. While hard water is fine to consume, it can cause other problems, such as dry skin and hair. Aside from it being a good excuse for a bad hair day, let’s dive into what hard water is and what it means for your home.
What Is Water Hardness, Anyway?
It might seem odd to describe any liquid as hard, but hardness or softness refers to the amounts of minerals and even metals found in the water, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and lead. The higher the content, the “harder” the water. Soft water contains only trace amounts of these minerals.
Water Hardness Scale
Below is a water hardness scale that depicts the range of mineral content levels that categorize water as soft or hard. If you decide that you want to treat your water, using a water hardness scale can help you determine what size water softener to buy.
| Hardness Level | Grains per Gallon (GPG) | Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0.9 or less | 0 – 17 |
| Slightly hard | 1.0 – 3.5 | 17.1 – 60 |
| Moderately hard | 3.5 – 7.0 | 61 – 120 |
| Hard | 7.0 – 10.5 | 121 – 180 |
| Very hard | 10.5 or more | 180 or more |
How to Test for Hard Water
To determine the precise level of water hardness or softness in your home, you can purchase a DIY test kit or call a local water softener installation company to test your water.
However, if you want to test your own water in a less-than-official (but much quicker) way to see if it’s hard, follow these steps:
Fill a sealable cup or bottle about halfway (this doesn’t need to be precise) with cold tap water.
Add a few drops of dish soap.
Seal the container and shake it vigorously.
Wait a few seconds for everything to settle.
Review the results.
If your water is soft, you’ll see lots of bubbles floating on top of clear water, but if it’s hard, you’ll only see a few bubbles on top of cloudy water.
Possible Signs of Hard Water at Home
Photo: luchschenF / Adobe Stock
As hard water evaporates from surfaces, it leaves behind a chalky buildup known as limescale. Aside from being unsightly, hard water stains can limit the flow of water through pipes, causing appliances to work harder and potentially have shorter life spans. Here are some other telltale signs that you have hard water in your tap:
Spots on clean dishes
Limescale buildup on faucets and showerheads
Ongoing plumbing or appliance issues due to hard water buildup
Dry skin and hair
Dull, stained, or stiff clothes, even after a fresh wash
Again, while hard water is safe to drink, other drawbacks exist. If you’re concerned about dry skin or aging appliances, call a local water softener installation company to ask about water softener systems and filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water softener services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Michael S.
Did a great job replacing the ice maker and water regulator on my refrigerator. He was quick and thorough, very friendly and professional. If I needed a heart transplant I'd want him to do it!!!
- Maria C.
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
- Brad S.
Scott checked our large crawl space for mold and water infiltration and recommended a viable solution. The crew was efficient and they cleaned up well after the job. The job was expensive but I am confident that I won't have to deal with the problem again. Highly recommend.
AdvantaClean of Dublin - Ann S.
They were the most through inspecting the water system in my house. Even going the extra mile to get the water professionally tested for contamination.
Hague Water Conditioning, Inc. - Diane C.
It went very well. The drain is absorbing all the access water. I had other estimates a year earlier and Hughes was right on. I will use them, again.
Hughes Construction Co - Service Olympians
- Mike B.
The Paul Davis team was very professional and went the extra mile to take care of my water damage. The work was very high quality and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend their services.
Paul Davis Restoration - Gene S.
Honesty is hard to find in business today. GBR met me today at a 3 story building regarding my being told that I needed to tuckpoint the brick because of water leaks. The owners took the time to evaluate the situation and advised me that I did not need their service at all. They pointed me...
GBR Masonry Inc - Stewart W.
They unclogged the drain and sent me a bill for more than 4 times what I paid before. I called the Water Works to ask why the bill was so high and that they should have gotten my authorization before assuming they could make expensive decisions like that on my behalf and for their benefit....
The Waterworks
The homeowners guide to water softener services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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