Key takeaways
- Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium that form scale.
- White crust on faucets, spotted dishes and weak showerheads are common signs.
- Scale makes water heaters work harder and can shorten their life.
- Test your water before choosing a treatment.
- A water softener removes the minerals; other devices work differently.
Why Ohio water is hard
Water picks up minerals as it moves through the ground. In much of Ohio, it passes through limestone and glacial deposits that are rich in calcium and magnesium, and that is what makes water hard. Both municipal supplies and private wells can be hard, and the level varies from one part of the state to another and even from one neighborhood to the next.
Hard water is not a health concern in itself, and it does not make the water unsafe to drink. The problem is what happens when it is heated, evaporates or sits in pipes. The minerals come out of the water and form a hard, chalky layer called scale. Over months and years, that scale shows up on surfaces you can see and builds up in places you cannot.
Signs you have hard water
Most people notice hard water long before they think about plumbing. Look for these signs:
- White or chalky crust around faucets, showerheads and drains
- Spots and film on glasses, dishes and shower doors
- Soap that does not lather well, and a film left on skin or in the tub
- Laundry that feels stiff or looks dull
- Showerheads and faucet aerators with clogged holes and uneven spray
- Reduced flow at fixtures over time
- Popping, rumbling or crackling sounds from the water heater
To see scale for yourself, unscrew a faucet aerator or showerhead. A gritty buildup of white or tan mineral is a clear sign. You can soak the part in white vinegar for a few hours to loosen it, then rinse and scrub gently. Check the manufacturer's care instructions first, since vinegar can harm some finishes, natural stone and certain coatings.
If you want a number, a water test kit or lab test reports hardness, usually in grains per gallon. Homes on municipal water can also look at the utility's annual water quality report. Well owners should test the water directly.
What scale does to water heaters and fixtures
The water heater takes the worst of it, because heating pushes minerals out of the water. In a tank heater, scale and sediment settle on the bottom, insulating the water from the burner or element. The heater works harder, takes longer to heat and can make popping or rumbling noises as water bubbles through the layer. Over time, that stress can lead to early failure. Tankless heaters are affected too, since scale forms inside the heat exchanger and narrows the passages.
Flushing a tank water heater from time to time helps clear sediment. Tankless units can be descaled by a plumber. A water heater that is already noisy, slow or leaking may need to be checked before you try a flush, since an old tank can leak once loosened sediment is disturbed.
Scale also shortens the life of faucet cartridges, shower valves, dishwashers, washing machines and ice makers. Pipes can narrow gradually, especially in older homes with galvanized lines. Replacing damaged fixtures is common in homes with long-standing hard water, and treating the water protects the new ones.
Water softener basics
A traditional water softener uses a tank of resin beads to swap the calcium and magnesium in your water for sodium or potassium. The resin eventually fills up, so the system periodically regenerates by flushing with a salt brine and sending the waste water to a drain. You add salt to the brine tank every so often.
Things to know before you buy:
- A softener needs a nearby drain, a power outlet and space, usually in a basement or utility room
- It should be sized to your water hardness and how much water your household uses
- Softened water has a slippery feel that some people notice at first
- Softened water adds a small amount of sodium, so anyone on a sodium-restricted diet should ask their doctor
- Many installers leave an untreated cold line at an outdoor faucet so you are not watering the lawn with softened water
Other products exist, including salt-free conditioners that change how minerals behave so they cling less to surfaces. They work differently from a softener and do not remove the minerals, so results vary. A whole-house filter handles sediment, chlorine or taste, but filters do not soften water on their own. A plumber can help you match the equipment to your test results. See our water treatment page for options, or read the overview in the leaks and pipes guide.
Living with hard water between repairs
If you are not ready to install a softener, simple habits help. Wipe down fixtures after use, clean aerators and showerheads a few times a year, and flush your water heater on a regular schedule. Use a rinse aid in the dishwasher, and follow appliance makers' guidance on descaling.
If you see white crust on exposed pipe joints, rust-colored stains or a drop in flow throughout the house, have a plumber look at the supply lines. These may be signs of corrosion that has nothing to do with hardness. A plumber can test your water, look at your water heater and tell you whether the minerals are the cause of what you are seeing.
Frequently asked questions
Is hard water bad for my health?
Hard water is not considered a health risk and is safe to drink. The issue is the scale it leaves on fixtures, appliances and water heaters, plus its effect on soap and laundry.
How do I know how hard my water is?
Use a test kit from a hardware store, send a sample to a lab, or read the annual water quality report from your municipal supplier. Well owners should test their own water directly.
Will a water softener fix scale already in my pipes?
A softener prevents new scale from forming but will not fully remove heavy buildup that is already there. Fixtures with scale can often be cleaned or replaced, and a plumber can check the condition of your water heater and supply lines.
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