Today we are going to show you how you can know if you have a water hardness problem.
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the water softener and plumbing industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
Having hard water can cause a number of issues around your home. We'll show you some ways that will help you determine if you have a hard water problem and explain how you can solve it. So, let's get going.
Do you have a water hardness problem? Learn how to check for yourself
Simple DIY Test to Check for a Water Hardness Problem
The following is a simple test that you can do, with things you have around your home, to check your water hardness level. It won't give you an exact water hardness measurement, but it will give you a very close approximation.
Step 1: Fill a Clear Plastic Bottle with Your Tap Water
Find any clear plastic bottle that can hold 360 ml or more. It's better to use a container that has a lid you can screw on so an empty water bottle works best. Add 360 ml of tap water into the bottle.
Step 2: Add Liquid Soap to Your Container
Next, add 10 drops of liquid soap to your container. Liquid hand soap is usually a better choice for this test as some dishwashing liquids don't react much to hard water. Castile soap actually works the best for this test if you have it, but you can use other types of handsoap as well.
Add 10 drops of liquid soap to your container
Step 3: Shake Your Container
Once you've added your soap, screw the lid on tightly and shake your container for a few seconds. If you don't have a lid for your container, you can stir it up quickly so that the soap is completely mixed into the water.
Step 4: Check for Bubbles
If you have a lot of suds on top of your water then your water is probably very soft. If you only get a few bubbles on top, then continue on to Step 5.
Step 5: Add More Soap - 5 to 10 Drops at a Time
Add 5 to 10 more drops of soap and shake your container again. The number of additional drops will give you a good indication of how hard your water is:
Slightly Hard: 20 drops
Moderately Hard: 30 drops
Hard: 40 drops
Very Hard: 50 drops or more
*Note: If you have soft water, you will notice that the suds will float on the surface of the water and the water below will be quite clear. Hard water on the other hand will create a "scum" and the water will look cloudy instead of clear.
Soft water will be clear with the suds floating on top of your water
Accurate Water Hardness Problem Testing
If you want a more accurate reading of your water hardness level, here are some suggestions.
1. Contact Your Water Company
Your local water company should be able to let you know how hard your water is.
2. Look at a Water Hardness Map - Kitchener Waterloo Residents
The Waterloo region has some of the hardest water in Canada. Hard water contains large amounts of dissolved calcium, magnesium and other minerals.
Water hardness is measured in milligrams per litre (grains per gallon). The higher the number the harder your water is. If your water contains more than 121 mg/litre, then it is considered hard.
You can find out your level of water hardness by looking up your location on a corresponding map of where you live. The following chart will give you a breakdown of the various water hardness ranges.
The water in the Waterloo region ranges from about 148 mg/L (8.7 grains per U.S. gallon) to 958 mg/L (56 grains per U.S. gallon).
Source: Water Softener Facts
3. Get Your Water Tested Free
Many water softener companies will test your water hardness level for you for free. You will need to bring them a sample of your water or they may send you a water hardness test that you can do in your home.
4. Purchase a Water Hardness Testing Kit
You can purchase a water hardness kit online that will accurately tell you if you have a water hardness problem. These tests ususally involve filling a small bottle with your tap water and adding a chemical to it, drop by drop.
The amount of drops necessary to change the colour of your water will indicate your water hardness level. Other kits have a test strip that you dip into a sample of your water. The kits can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 dollars, so getting a free test might be a better choice for you.
Image Source: Amazon
You can test for a water hardness problem with an online kit
Water Hardness Problem Signs
The following are some clear indicators that you can notice around your home that will tell you that you have a water hardness problem. They won't give you the exact water hardness level, but they can let you know that you have hard water.
Unsightly Film: You may notice an unsightly film or thin layer of residual minerals from your hard water that forms on your bathroom and kitchen tiles, fixtures, and hot water appliances.
Decrease in Water Pressure: You may also get a build-up of scale in your pipes that will eventually decrease your water pressure, especially in your hot water pipes.
Increase in Energy Bills: Over time, hard water will leave a scale build up in the hot water heater which will cause it to be less efficient, use more energy, and cost you more in energy bills. This is because scale is a poor conductor of heat.
Spotty Dishes: Hard water also affects your glasses and dishes leaving them with a white film or spots. This film is a thin layer of leftover soap or minerals from your hard water that sticks to your dishes after they have been cleaned.
Dry Skin: Hard water will leave behind a soapy film on your skin after showering which can also leave your skin feeling dry.
Limp and Dull Hair: You may find that your shampoo won't rinse out completely so your hair is left looking limp and dull.
Unpleasant Hot Drinks: Some people don't like the taste of tea or coffee made with hard water. In addition, if you have hard water, you may notice a foggy scum at the bottom of your drink that is quite unpleasant.
You know you have water hardness problems if you see an unsightly white film on your water heating appliances
How WaterSmart Can Help with Your Water Hardness Problem
Because the Waterloo region has particularly challenging hard water issues, it's important to install a water softener that can handle the challenges. Choosing a water softener that has been designed for the hard water of this region is a good investment.
WaterSmart water softeners are specifically designed to handle the hard water issues in Waterloo and the experts at WaterSmart know how to program your new water softener so that it works best to soften your water efficiently.
If you already have a water softener and it is not working as it should, contact WaterSmart. We do water softener repairs to help keep your water softener working longer. Most good quality softeners will last about 10 to 15 years. If you think yours needs to be replaced, contact WaterSmart.
In addition, WaterSmart offers free installation when you purchase a new water softener to help you save even more! Contact WaterSmart today to get your water softener installed.
““I PURCHASED A WATER SOFTENER THROUGH WATERSMART AND I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS. I DID NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT WATER SOFTENERS BUT THE SALESMAN HELPED INFORM ME HOW THEY WORK AND WHICH UNIT WOULD WORK BEST FOR ME. THE INSTALL WENT GREAT WITHOUT ANY SURPRISES AND THE UNIT WORKS GREAT. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE” ”
