Many homeowners use hard and soft water for everyday use. Oftentimes, they also don’t know which kind they have. Since you can’t instantly tell what impurities are in your water, you may want to consider assessing its quality. If you suspect you have hard water running through your faucets, you might be wondering how to test it to find out.
At Shelton’s Water, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge you need to complete a hard water test. Our experts specialize in residential water softening services to boost the quality of your water and drinking systems. A test is simpler than you think — and a solution you can try today!
Hard Water vs. Soft Water
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “water hardness,” you might wonder what the difference between hard and soft water is. Hard water has a higher concentration of minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium and limestone.
In contrast, soft water can have a higher concentration of sodium if impurities are removed with an ion exchange process. Some people who desire soft water will often get a water softener to help reduce the mineral content of the drinking supply in their homes.
Why Is Water Hardness Important?
It’s important to know the quality of your water because of the role it plays in your home. While hard water isn’t a risk to your health, there are some common known drawbacks.
Water with a high mineral content tends to cause issues, such as leaving water stains on dishes or residue buildup on sink taps. It can also cause scalp and skin irritation after showers. If you know how hard your water is, you can take action to prevent these hassles from occurring in your home.
Testing For Hard Water
The great news is that there are a few different ways to test the hardness of your water! You can complete some of these methods in the comfort of your own home.
The Soap Suds Test
You can use soap and water to evaluate your home’s supply. This test is relatively easy and can be done with items every homeowner has on hand. Follow these steps to complete the test:
- Use a plastic bottle or a clean glass that has a tight-fitting cap.
- Fill your bottle with water ⅓ of the way full.
- Add 10 drops of pure liquid soap inside of the bottle.
- Put on the lid and shake the glass or bottle for at least 10 seconds.
- Observe the results.
If the soapy solution foams up quickly with lots of suds and is clear below the bubbles, you probably have softer water. On the other hand, if the solution is not as foamy and creates a small layer of suds with cloudy water beneath it, you likely have harder water.
DIY Hard Water Test Kit
You can buy a home test kit from a home improvement or hardware store to test your water. Be sure to read the kit carefully to ensure the test is for water hardness, as some are made to only detect certain contaminants or overall water safety.
A wet-strip test is likely one of the most common ones you’ll find. To use them, you fill a glass with water and place the wet strip in it, then you’ll compare the colors on the strip to the chart included with the materials. This process will tell you how hard your water is.
Water Softener Services At Shelton’s Water
If you have determined you have hard water in your home, you may want to consider a softening system for your drinking supply! At Shelton’s Water, we specialize in water purification services for your home. If you need a water softener or professional assistance starting the process, contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
