It’s possible for water in your home to become hard, meaning it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Though usually not harmful to drink, it can cause multiple issues around the home, affecting everything from appliances to your skin. Fortunately, a water softener can remove unwanted minerals from the supply. Here are some signs you should invest in one.

How to Tell Hard Water Is in Your Plumbing

1. Spots on Dishes & Fixtures

If you find spots on your glasses or faucets, they could be mineral deposits left by hard water. These minerals don’t mix well with soap and leave residue behind.

Not only do these spots make your dishes and fixtures look dirty, but they’ll also be harder to use if the mineral deposits keep building up. You can wash them off, but they’ll keep reappearing until you deploy a water softener. 

2. Affected Clothes & Appliances

Hard water can lead to plumbing issues as the mineral deposits build up in shower heads and hot water tanks. You could even eventually lose your hot water access if the water isn’t softened. As your pipes get partially clogged up by hard water, your appliance will have to work a little more strenuously to get the job done, gradually wearing itself out.

Meanwhile, hard water can affect your clothes in the washer because it stops the detergent from cleaning your clothes, leaving dirt and an unpleasant film behind. 

3. Dry Skin & Hair After Washing

Hard water can cause dry and irritated skin as well. Just as the minerals in hard water don’t mix well with soap, shampoo and hard water also leave a residue behind that sticks to your skin and hair. This residue can lead to dry, frizzy hair and irritated skin. If you’re itching yourself after a shower or washing your hands, you might need to soften your water.

If you’re experiencing these issues and believe hard water is to blame, reach out to Bishop Well & Pump Service, Inc. to solve the problem with a prompt inspection. Based in Tifton, GA, they’ve provided efficient water system services for over 70 years. They’re the trusted professionals when it comes to well drilling, pumps, water softeners, and more. Schedule an estimate today by calling (229) 382-6117 or visit them online to learn more.