What Is Water Hardness?
Water hardness comes from dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals affect water quality and can create water problems in plumbing, appliances, and cleaning.
Testing water hardness gives you a clear number measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Signs You May Have Hard Water
- Soap scum builds on sinks, tubs, and dishes.
- White spots form on glassware and shower doors.
- Limescale clogs faucets and showerheads.
- Laundry feels stiff and looks dull.
- Appliances lose efficiency, sometimes lowering water pressure.
Easy DIY Ways to Test Water Hardness
There are simple water hardness tests you can do at home. These give quick results before deciding if professional testing is needed.
1. Soap Bottle Test
Fill a bottle two-thirds with tap water. Add a few drops of pure liquid soap. Shake well.
If fluffy bubbles form and the water below looks clear, you likely have soft water.
If little foam forms and the water looks cloudy, dissolved minerals may be high. This test is easy, but you may want a water hardness test kit to confirm results.
2. Test Strips and Home Kits
A test kit includes strips or digital readers. Dip the strip into your home water and match the color to a chart.
Digital kits display hardness measured in grains per gallon or milligrams per liter. These tests also show other values like pH, iron, or chlorine. They give useful numbers but are less precise than lab testing.
3. Boil Test (for Calcium Deposits)
Fill a pot with local water and boil it. If calcium carbonate is present, deposits will remain on the sides after the water evaporates. This shows hardness but does not give exact measurements.
Professional Testing Options
Professional testing gives reliable numbers and a full picture of your water quality.
4. City Water Reports
If you have city service, review your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). It lists calcium and magnesium levels along with other details about local water.
This report gives averages, but hardness in your home water may differ.
5. Certified Laboratory Testing
A lab can run a full water analysis. They measure hardness, iron, nitrates, chlorine, and more.
Lab testing costs more and takes time, but results are accurate. It is a good choice if you need detailed information about water problems.
6. In-Home Professional Testing
Technicians can perform a free water hardness test in your home. They use tools that measure hardness, dissolved minerals, and other contaminants.
Results link directly to treatment options like a water softener or conditioner.
Understanding Water Hardness Measurements
Testing gives a number, but you need to know how to read it.
Grains per Gallon (gpg) and Parts per Million (ppm)
Hardness is measured in grains per gallon or converted to milligrams per liter. One gpg equals 17.1 mg/L.
Water Hardness Scale
0–3 gpg: Soft
3–7 gpg: Moderately hard
7–10 gpg: Hard
10+ gpg: Very hard
What To Do If You Have Hard Water
A water softener removes calcium and magnesium, solving many water problems. Salt-based softeners exchange minerals with sodium or potassium.
Salt-free systems reduce scale without chemicals. Whole-home systems protect plumbing and appliances. The cost of ignoring hardness shows up in repairs, high energy use, and shorter appliance lifespans.
Key Takeaways
- Simple DIY tests give quick answers.
- Lab and professional tests provide accuracy.
- Knowing your hardness level helps pick the right solution.
FAQs
What level of hardness is considered “bad”?
Anything above 7 gpg is considered hard water. At this point, water problems become more noticeable in the home.
Is hard water safe to drink?
Yes, hard water is safe. The minerals are natural. The main concern is plumbing and appliance damage, not health.
How often should I test my water?
Once a year is enough for most city water systems. Well owners should test more often since hardness can change over time.
Can hardness change over time in wells?
Yes. Seasonal shifts and groundwater changes affect calcium and magnesium levels.
Do water filters reduce hardness?
Standard filters do not remove hardness. You need a water softener to reduce calcium and magnesium.
Water Softener Solutions With Apollo Plumbing
Hard water does not have to control your home. Apollo Plumbing offers water softener installation and service in Everett, WA and nearby areas.
Our team handles salt-based, salt-free, and whole-home systems. We are your “ready right now plumbers”, bringing fast, professional, and friendly service.
Call Apollo Plumbing today for a water hardness test and find the water softener that fits your home.
