Hard water contains a high content of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These deposits can affect flavor and cause other household problems. A water softener uses salt to replace the unwanted mineral ions with sodium, resulting in fewer issues with drains, dishes, laundry, skin, and hair. Here are some signs you should have one installed. 

How to Tell if You Need a Water Softener

1. Mineral Deposits

Minerals contained in hard water often leave deposits in places they don't belong. For instance, you might notice a white, chalky substance called scale in sinks and tubs, around faucets, inside your dishwasher, or even on your dishes. Scale is extremely stubborn, and removal makes household cleaning more difficult and time-consuming. 

2. Gray Laundry

The minerals in hard water react with laundry detergent and keep your clothes and linens from getting entirely clean. If your laundry looks gray and faded after being washed, it likely means you have hard water.

Keep your laundry bright by using liquid detergent, which is less reactive to the minerals. Another solution is a softener that will remove the magnesium and calcium content. 

3. Dry Skin or Hair

As with laundry detergent, body soap and shampoo don’t dissolve well in hard water. Therefore, whenever you bathe or shower, you may feel dry skin and brittle hair because they’re collecting a layer of hard minerals the soap can’t remove. Your skin may also feel rough and scaly, and clogged pores may lead to rashes, blackheads, or pimples.

For all your water delivery needs, contact Water Wagon in Fairbanks, AK. They’re family-owned and offer service seven days a week to homes and businesses throughout the region. They deliver supplies for storage tanks, hot tubs, swimming pools, and other household appliances. Learn more about the company on their website, or call (907) 479-4499 to discuss your needs.