Common Hard Water Issues

When local tap water contains higher-than-normal levels of calcium and magnesium, the water is classified as “hard.” This means there are more minerals in your water than normal, and those extra minerals can cause real problems around the house. 85% of homes in the United States have hard water¹. That means there’s an 85% chance you’re living in an area where your tap water is slowly taking its toll on your body and your home.

Problems hard water can cause

Dry, itchy skin and scalp

Hard water can leave limescale residue on your skin and scalp that can cause a chronically itchy feeling all over.

Dull, tangly hair

The same limescale residue that makes your scalp feel tight and itchy can also weigh down your hair and prevent it from absorbing the moisture it needs.

Soap won’t lather

Hard water doubles the amount of detergent, soap, and shampoo you have to use2. Minerals like calcium and magnesium bind to soap and prevent it from washing away dirt, oils, and germs.

Spots and cloudiness on dishes

With hard water, freshly washed dishes and glassware often dry with spots or that cloudy, not-quite-clean appearance.

Stained or dingy laundry

Hard water can produce rust-colored stains on your clothing (even when the clothing is clean). It also leaves a soapy residue behind, which can make your clothes look less bright and vibrant and even attract more dirt.

White scale stains

Have you ever cleaned your shower fixtures, only to find the white filmy stains returned immediately after drying? Stubborn hard water scale residue requires special cleaners and can add cost and time to your routine.

The costs of hard water

Appliances last half as long

Mineral buildup and film from hard water can reduce the life of your washing machine and dishwasher by 30%, your water heater, faucets, and fixtures by 50%, and your toilets by 70%3.

Towels, clothing, and linens wear out faster

The average family in the U.S. spends $1,800 a year on clothing alone, not counting expensive linens and towels4. Hard water is hard on cloth materials, causing you to have to replace them more quickly.

Special soaps, detergents, and shampoos cost more

Because you can never seem to get squeaky clean skin, hair, and clothing, you’ve likely tried expensive soaps, detergents, and special shampoos and conditioners that you won’t need with soft water.

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Problems that masquerade as hard water

Hard water isn’t always to blame. Many home water issues present similar characteristics to hard water, which makes testing your water extra important. If you have well water, minerals such as iron, manganese, zinc, and more can cause your water to smell, taste, and feel different. Even city water can cause scale and mineral buildup due to old pipes or unbalanced pH levels. Whatever’s causing your water issues, there’s an Aqua Systems solution to get you the water you deserve.

Test your basic water quality for free

Testing your water is always our first step. Our free in-store test only takes a few minutes with samples of the water from the hot and cold side of the bathroom faucet in your home and an untreated outside sample of water. You’ll get results about what’s in your water right away, and we can choose a solution together.

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Ready to be done with hard water for good?

Aqua Systems water softeners remove hardness minerals to make your water easier on you, your appliances, and your clothing. Plus, your system is modular, which means the parts are easy to service and replace. That means your Aqua Systems water softener is the last water softener you’ll have to buy for your home.

1 https://homewater101.com/look-hard-water-across-us
2 https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-qa-why-cant-i-rinse-soap-my-hands-0
3 https://wqa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Article-1-Softened-Water-Benefits-Study-Vol.-VI-Copy.pdf
4 https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/consumer-expenditures/2020/home.htm