How to Tell If Your Water Is Too Hard? Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois

If you’ve noticed spots on your faucets or dishes, or if your skin feels dry and tight after a shower, your water could be the reason. Are you wondering whether your water is considered ‘hard’? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, this Pentair water softening contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois is going to explain the everyday signs of hard water.

These are signs that you may have hard water in your home.

When you have hard water in your home, you will probably see a white or chalky buildup on faucets, dishes, or your showerhead. That is limescale and it shows up when water evaporates and leaves hard water minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium) behind. If this keeps happening, it can clog pipes and even impact the performance of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

You might also notice that your hair feels flat or dry because hard water strips away natural oils. It can make your hair harder to manage and easier to break. Even hair products may stop working as well as they should.

Hard water affects your skin as well. Your skin might feel itchy or dry. And if you have eczema or sensitive skin, it could flare up. This happens because hard water minerals stay on your skin and can wear down your skin’s natural protection over time.

Laundry is another place where you will notice the effects of hard water. Your clothes may feel stiff or rough because hard water minerals stop detergent from cleaning properly. Your clothes may not get fully clean and could wear out in a short time.

Do the soap bottle test.

There is a simple visual test to check for hard water at home. You need a clean bottle, tap water, and some real soap (not detergent) for that. Fill the bottle with water, add a few drops of soap, and then shake it.

If the water is hard, it will look cloudy with only a few bubbles. That is a result of hard water minerals reacting with the soap. But if the water is soft, it will stay clear under a thick layer of suds. The soap spreads better and makes more bubbles because no minerals get in the way.

What if you do nothing?

Hard water does not go away on its own. Over time, it builds up in your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. That makes them work harder and use more energy. You pay higher utility bills, and your appliances don’t last as long as they should.

Minerals can also collect in your pipes. That lowers water pressure and can cause damage inside the system. You might end up with leaks or clogs as a result.

A water softener can stop the damage early. A Pentair water softening contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois can install it properly, so you get the full benefit of softened water.

You need a long-term solution.

You can buy a test kit to learn exactly how hard your water is, but the signs are usually clear enough without one. Pentair water softeners are made to effectively remove hard water minerals. With one installed in your home, you get better water, softer skin, softer laundry, and appliances that last longer.

An experienced Pentair water softening contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois will help you find the right softener for your home based on your water usage and your local water source.

Looking for a Pentair Water Softening Contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois?

Are you not sure if your water is hard, or how hard it is? If so, Johnson Water Conditioning is here to help. As the top-rated Pentair water softening contractor in Oak Brook, Illinois, we offer free in-home water analysis and will help you figure out the best solution for your home. Contact us today to begin the process.