If you live in a home with hard water, you may not realize it. Water that is “hard” is enriched with excess calcium and magnesium. Its negative impact can be felt around the home, from the condition of your plumbing fixtures to the texture of your laundry. Installing a water softener can help you resolve many of these issues. If you’ve just moved into a new home or aren’t sure about the type of water you have, here’s how to tell if you’re dealing with hard water.

How to Tell if Your Home Has Hard Water

1. Your Laundry Appears Dull

If your water is soft, your washed laundry will be soft to the touch, appear vibrant, and maintain its condition for a long time. However, if you wash your clothes with hard water, your clothing’s texture can easily lose its integrity. This is because detergent doesn’t dissolve as effectively in mineral-rich water. By installing a water softener, you’ll notice that your clothes feel softer and less scratchy, and that they’re less likely to fade with repeated washings.

2. You Notice Mineral Buildup

The excessive calcium and magnesium content in the water will eventually build up on fixtures, like water faucets and showerheads. This is unsightly, and it can take away from the otherwise pristine appearance of your living spaces. More importantly, accumulation of minerals can also clog the fixtures and affect water flow significantly. If water appears to sputter or drip instead of flowing cleanly, it could be due to deposits clogging the fixtures.

3. You Find Excessive Soap Scum

Installing a water softener can even help you save time. If you’re constantly wiping soap scum from your shower walls, the inside of the dishwasher, and the sink bowls, it’s likely because you have hard water in your home. When the minerals and soap make contact, the soap doesn’t dissolve fully. This is similar to what happens inside the washing machine when you do laundry.

Are you seeking a reliable plumber to install a quality water softener in your home? Turn to the team at A. Stevens Plumbing & Heating Inc. to resolve your hard water concerns. Based in Orange County, NY, the company offers a variety of services, including sewer drain cleaning, heating and cooling repairs, and well pump service. Visit them online for information or call them at (845) 496-5903 to schedule an appointment.