You rely on water every day at home, so it’s important to make sure your water is high-quality. If you frequently experience itchy skin and have a hard time cleaning your dishes or clothes, your plumbing may be dispensing hard water. A water softening system will extend the lifespans of your plumbing while also fixing chemical imbalances in your water. Below are three signs that your plumbing needs water treatment.

How to Tell You Have Hard Water

1. Staining

Stains on your drains and sinks may indicate that you need water treatment. Hard water contains minerals and metals, which lead to staining on sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures that frequently come into contact with. A white, scaly deposit is a sure sign of hard water. For a temporary fix, you can clean up hard water stains by applying white vinegar to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it with a clean cloth.

2. Dryness

Do you have unexplained dry skin? It could be due to hard water if a water softener hasn’t been installed, and especially if it appears alongside other symptoms of hard water. If this is the case, your skin is drying out because your water isn’t nourishing it the way that it should. Minerals from the water can stick to your skin, leaving behind an irritating residue. Hard water can also clog pores in your skin, causing blackheads, acne, and inflammation.

3. Expensive Water Bill

It can be frustrating when you’re trying to conserve water but are dealing with rising water bills. When your pipes are working harder to let the water flow through, you’ll notice an increase in your utility bill. Hard water can also clog appliances and drain energy. Households will lose an estimate of $60 annually on gas and electric use due to hard water because appliances are working to process the mineralized water. With a water softener, households typically save $90 per year on plumbing and appliance repairs.

If you believe you’re experiencing hard water, contact the professionals at Oehler Pump & Well Service in Charlotte, NC. The business has been providing water treatment services since 1970, and its services include installation, service, product sales, and repair. Learn more on their website, and call (704) 875-2209 to discuss your options.