Do You Have Hard or Soft Water? Sneaky Signs to Look Out For
It’s not you, it’s your water
Hard water has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
A few signs of hard water include soap scum, water spots, mineral buildup, and discolored laundry.
A DIY at-home water test can indicate whether your water is hard or soft, but many local water softening companies also offer testing services.
Most areas of the country have hard or very hard water.
If your clothes are fading, your hair is flat, and you can’t get your tub and sink to look truly clean, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, try to find out if you have hard or soft water. Hard water, which causes mineral buildup, could be to blame for many of your problems. Here’s how to tell whether you have hard or soft water, including several tests to try.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains significant amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium, which are naturally occurring minerals. Water hardness is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (gpg), with higher numbers indicating hard or very hard water (meaning the water has lots of minerals in it).
| Grains per Gallon (gpg) | Milligrams per Liter (mg/L) | Water Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 0–17 | Soft |
| 1–3.5 | 17–60 | Soft or slightly hard |
| 3.5–7 | 60–120 | Moderately hard |
| 7–10 | 120–180 | Hard |
| Over 10 | 180 and above | Very hard |
Most of the interior of the U.S. has hard water, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. You likely have at least some hard water in your area unless you live in a few places with soft water, such as parts of New England, the Gulf Coast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.
Signs You Have Hard Water
The high concentration of minerals in hard water can affect almost everything in your home, including yourself. If you notice the following, you may have hard water:
Water spots on your dishes
Mineral buildup on your sink and faucet
Stiff or faded laundry
Plumbing problems, including corrosion on your pipes
Soap scum on your tub or shower
Persistent problems with your appliances
Dull, dry hair
Flaky, itchy skin
Signs You Have Soft Water
While it’s rarer to have naturally soft water, it’s not completely unheard of, especially in portions of the Northeast, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest. When your home has soft water, you’ll notice different signs, including:
Slippery feeling when you bathe or wash your hands
Plenty of soap suds, foam, or lather
Crystal-clear glassware
Strong water pressure
Soft, manageable hair
A radiant complexion
Appliances that work properly
How to Test Whether You Have Hard or Soft Water
If you’re still not sure whether you have hard or soft water, you can test your water’s hardness yourself or have it tested by a third-party lab or local water softener company.
Home Soap Test
The easiest way to test your water yourself is by using the soap test. Fill a small lidded container (you finally have a use for that old Mason jar) with water and a few drops of dish soap and replace the lid. Give the container several strong, hearty shakes. Wait 20 seconds for everything to settle and any air bubbles to dissolve. If you have clear water topped by lots of bubbles and suds, you probably have soft water. If you don’t, you likely have hard water.
Store-Bought Test Kit
You can also buy at-home hard water test kits from a home improvement store or online retailer. These tests are easy to use. All you have to do is dip a test strip in water and compare the color result to a chart. Water test kits cost less than $20 and may test for chemicals, bacteria, and alkalinity, too.
Third-Party Test
You can also hire a private water testing service or local water softening company to test the hardness of your water. Some companies will test a sample that you send in, while others will send a technician to your home. Expect water testing services to cost up to $400.
Water Authority Report
It’s also worth checking with your local water authority for the results of their annual water quality testing. The report you request from your water authority should include hardness and may also show the results of testing for regulated and unregulated substances.
If your tests show that you have hard water, installing a water softener can treat the issue. A water softener draws out the calcium and magnesium and sends the softened water throughout your home. A local water softener installation company can help you figure out if you need a water softener and perform the installation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hard water isn’t unhealthy. It’s safe to drink, bathe in, and cook with. However, it can make some skin, hair, and scalp problems, such as eczema, worse by affecting the pH balance of your skin and hair. Additionally, some people don’t like the taste of hard water, but it does contain minerals that are important to your overall health, like calcium.
Most of the U.S. has hard water, especially across portions of the West and Midwest. The areas with the hardest water include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and New York. You’ll find soft water in parts of New England, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.
Installing a water softener is a personal choice, but it may be the right one for you if you’re struggling with mineral buildup in pipes, appliances, and dishes, stiff or fading laundry, and low water pressure. Water softeners are also great for people with well water and people who don’t like the taste of hard water straight from the tap.
- Can Hard Water Ruin Your Appliances?
- What Is Hard Water and What Does It Mean for Your Home?
- What’s the Difference Between Hard Water and Soft Water?
- How to Tell If You Have Hard Water: 10 Telltale Signs
- A Water Softener Can Help Your Appliances Last for Years Longer
- What Is Well Water? Everything You Need To Know
- Water Softener vs. Conditioner: Key Differences and When to Choose Each
- What Does Water Damage Look Like? Key Warning Signs
- 7 Tips to Get the Right Water Treatment System for Your Home
- 9 Tips to Help Increase the Water Pressure in Your House
