For many homeowners, hard water is a nuisance. Unless you have a water softener system, which is designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, it can be damaging for your skin and home fixtures. If you're wondering whether your water is too hard, keep an eye out for the following signs.

When to Get a Water Softener

1. Spotty Dishes

When the water is hard, your dishes will have white spots. It doesn't matter whether you wash them by hand or in the dishwasher; these spots are the residual traces of minerals and appear once the dishes are dry.

2. Mineral Buildup on Faucets & Shower Heads

Another typical spot where you'll see mineral traces are your faucets and showerheads. Since water is continually running through them, it's easy for minerals to accumulate. If there's too much, it could eventually disrupt the water flow.

3. Itchy Skin

Hard water can be a skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin or disorders like eczema. It leaves some mineral traces on a person's skin, but it also hinders how well the soap lathers and cleans. Both combined leave your skin dry and itchy.

4. Soap Scum

Aside from skin, hard water will leave behind mineral and soap residue on showers and tubs. A vinegar-based cleaning solution can help break this up, but if you want to avoid it altogether, get a water softener.

5. Odorous or Strange Tasting Water 

If your tap water has an unpleasant taste or odor that a filter can't fix, you need a water softener. The minerals in the water cause it to take on a metallic flavor, which can affect the foods and drinks that use the water as well.

If you've started to notice these signs and you're eager to avoid them, have Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air install a water softener for your home. For over 60 years, this plumbing and HVAC company in Lincoln, NE, offers honest pricing, friendly customer service, and is proudly family-owned and operated. You can find a full list of their water services online, or call (402) 466-8118 today to schedule an appointment.