5 signs you might need a water softener

In a nutshell, hard water is rainwater which becomes mineral-rich by soaking through natural deposits made of limestone or chalk before being filtered into the drinking water you get from your tap. 

While perfectly safe to consume, it can cause some annoying problems, such as skin dryness, damaged pipes, and water spots on dishes.

Read on for the signs that hard water could be causing a commotion in your home, and why a water softener could benefit you.

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1. Your water has an unusual taste, smell or look

One of the most noticeable signs of hard water is its peculiar taste and smell, and sometimes its appearance. It might taste metallic or salty, have an unusual musty odour, or look cloudy due to the undissolved chalk.

A filtered water jug may help purify your water and make it taste better, but won't fully remove the minerals causing hard water. To do that, you'll need to install a water softener.

2. You're noticing more limescale build-up and staining

Do you find yourself constantly battling limescale around your taps, showerhead and kettle? Limescale forms when hard water evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits.

Not only is it unsightly, but it can also damage your plumbing and appliances over time, so it's important to deal with it before it becomes a serious problem.

Hard water can also cause brown stains on surfaces where minerals have dried out. You might find these stains appearing as brown rings inside your toilet bowl, shower floor or on your iron. A white vinegar solution or limescale remover should help remove these too.

Constantly having to descale everything can become a bit tedious, so installing a water softener is a good idea if the maintenance becomes too much. 

3. You're suffering from dry skin and eczema more frequently

The minerals in hard water strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and exacerbating issues like eczema, particularly after showering or bathing.

These minerals also impact the behaviour of soaps and shampoos – they may not lather very well or prove difficult to rinse off, irritating the skin further.

Installing a water softener is the most straightforward solution, but you can also keep on top of minor skin issues by staying hydrated and using a gentle moisturiser. Using fragrance-free products can also help lessen skin irritation. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're concerned about any skin condition.

4. There are water spots left on your glassware and dishes

Have you ever pulled a freshly-washed glass out of the dishwasher, only to find it covered in water spots? These unsightly spots are caused by - you guessed it - mineral deposits left behind from hard water.

It's important that the salt used is 100% sodium chloride (NaCl) with no anti-caking agents or other additives, as these can gum up your machine and stop it from converting the hard water into soft water.

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5. Your pipes are constantly clogged or damaged

You might be able to cope with dry skin and water marks on dishes, but when hard water starts to damage your plumbing, you'll want to seriously consider installing a water softener.

Hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate on the inside of your pipes, leading to issues with clogging, low water pressure, and pipe corrosion if left untreated.

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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/signs-you-might-need-a-water-softener-at6rz8T6aGbN