Without giving it a second thought, every day, you turn on the faucet to take a shower or wash dishes. But lately, there's been a change in the feel, look, smell, and color of the water. The culprit could be a buildup of iron, magnesium, and other minerals stemming from old pipes and outside groundwater. Commonly known as hard water, the sediment can lead to bacterial growth. Here are several signs that may indicate the presence of hard water.

Hard Water Red Flags

1. Clogged Plumbing

The minerals that accumulate in hard water can cause plumbing clogs. Deposits attach to pipes and restrict the flow of water; the result is clogged drains and backups. Homes with older plumbing systems, rather than those with copper or PVC pipes, are more susceptible to hard water-linked clogs.

2. Brown & Red Stains

If red or brown stains start to appear in your toilet or bathroom sinks, it's likely linked to hard water. That's because the water may contain a proliferation of iron stemming from rusty plumbing. The stains are known to adhere to porcelain and, unfortunately, will continue to resurface if the hard water flow continues.

3. Unusual Taste & Odor

Water should always have a clean, refreshing taste; however, if you've noticed a distinct change in how the liquid tastes or smells, bacteria may have infiltrated the system. Hard water can produce a metallic or dirt taste that’s caused by either iron or algae. Regarding the odor, if there's a smell of rotten eggs, hydrogen sulfide gas or magnesium sulfate may be among the sources.

4. Shower Water Changes

Hard water can also affect how soap lathers on the skin. Because of the high amount of minerals in the water, soap doesn't produce enough lather. It may take longer to rinse the soap off as well. The result can be a feeling of sticky residue on the skin. If the shower head has a layer of mineral deposits, it's likely hard water will continue to flow until the problem is fixed.

The good news about this abnormal change in water is the issues are 100% treatable. Butler Water Systems in Fairfield, OH, specializes in providing professional softener solutions to remove impurities from water systems. If you're a home or business owner and have noticed changes in taste, odor, or appearance, call (513) 867-5700 and a friendly and experienced technician will conduct a thorough inspection. Visit the website for extensive information about hard water and the firm's range of products and services.