Severely Hard Water

If your water is extremely or very hard, you’ll clear signs around your home. Your sink and bathtub fixtures, as well as your appliances, will suffer from a white, crusty film. You may have had several blocked pipes or clogs due to scale build up.

When you pull your dishes from the dishwasher, you’ll notice water stains, or even cloudy glassware that you can’t seem to clean. The same goes for your laundry — hard water causes clothes to become still and dull over time.

Finally, you’ll notice that soap scum collects in your shower quickly, and your hair and skin will be dry, itchy or irritated after bathing or washing your hands.

Somewhat Hard Water

Moderately hard water may reveal itself in more subtle clues, but they’re just as important! Your sink may clog more than usual, indicating scale, or you may find rings in your bathtub occasionally.

After several washes, your clothes may feel slightly rougher or look dingier. Your glassware might not dry crystal clear but always look slightly dirty. If your soap doesn’t lather very well when bathing, you’ll find yourself using more to achieve the same result. You may also be using more lotion after bathing to smoother that dry skin.

Soft Water

When your home has soft water, none of the above symptoms should be an issue. Your water-using appliances should operate smoothly, including washing machines, dishwashers, coffeemakers and more. The sight of scale should be rare, likely only deep within your plumbing pipes.

Your dishes and glassware will be clean, clear and shiny — just like new! And your hair and skin should feel hydrated, soft and clean after washing. No more dry, scaly irritation!