MYTH: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY WASH OUT SOAP USING SOFT WATER

Showering in soft water can make your skin feel 'slippery' and may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo are never truly rinsed away. In fact, by removing the hardness from your water, a softener removes the barrier to the moisturizing agents within soap and shampoo. With hard water, soap residue leaves skin dry, and hair dull. But with soft water, you get to experience your skin and hair how they were always meant to be experienced - shiny and full of life. Clean, soft water is the instant boost your body never knew it needed.

MYTH: SOFT WATER TASTES SALTY

Some believe that because a water softener uses salt to remove water hardness, that the water that comes from a water softener must also taste salty. This is markedly false. In fact, most do not realize how little sodium is in soft water. The average amount of sodium in a quart of water from a water softener is 75 to 100 mg. That's less sodium than a slice of white bread. Another solution? Add a Reverse Osmosis water filter for completely sodium-free drinking water.

MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND WATER

Hague's technological advances in water softeners began in 1960 and are more energy-efficient than most conventional water softeners on the market. With the use of patented technology such as directional flow screens, our systems are fast, use minimal salt and waste little water.

MYTH: SALT-FREE AND SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENERS ARE THE SAME

While many salt-free or saltless water systems do exist, they are almost always 'descalers,' not true water softeners. This means that they only break down the hardness from the water entering your home. They do not help prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and appliances, but all the other benefits of soft water are forfeited.

MYTH: BOTTLED WATER IS MORE CONVENIENT, CHEAPER, AND CLEANER THAN SOFT WATER

Bottled water may be convenient, but it is definitely not cheap. Buying bottled water can result in paying 240 to 10,000 times more per-liter than making the most of your tap water. Not to mention the negative effects on the environment by using and throwing away all those plastic bottles. Bottled water can sometimes be perceived as 'pure water' or 'purified water,' but in most cases, bottled water is no purer than tap water.

Why Regular Water Testing Matters for Homes in Plainfield and Shelbyville

September 6, 2025

Introduction

Turning on the tap, it’s easy to assume your water is safe. But in Plainfield and Shelbyville, even clear water can contain hidden contaminants that affect health, appliances, and overall peace of mind. Regular water testing is the only way to truly know what’s coming into your home.

This article explains why water testing matters, what issues it can uncover, how often to test, and the best way to keep your family and home protected.

Why Regular Water Testing Is Important

Water testing isn’t just a precaution — it’s an essential step in protecting your household. Here are the main reasons it matters.

Health protection: Contaminants like lead, nitrates, and bacteria are invisible but harmful.
Appliance and plumbing care: Hard water minerals, iron, and sediment shorten the life of dishwashers, water heaters, and pipes.
Peace of mind: Even if your water looks fine, testing confirms whether it’s truly safe.

Common Contaminants in Plainfield and Shelbyville

Every home’s water supply can be different, but here are the most common contaminants in Central Indiana:

Hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium that create scale and reduce soap effectiveness.
Iron and manganese that stain sinks and laundry and leave a metallic taste.
Lead and copper that may leach from older plumbing systems.
Nitrates from agricultural runoff, which are especially risky for private wells.
Chlorine and byproducts in municipal water, affecting taste and odor.
Bacteria and microorganisms that are more likely in wells or after flooding.

How to Approach Water Testing

If you’re unsure where to start, follow these simple steps to better understand your home’s water.

Identify your water source
City water is treated but often contains chlorine and hardness. Well water may carry nitrates, bacteria, and iron.
Look for warning signs
Watch for stains on fixtures, cloudy glasses, unusual odors, or frequent appliance breakdowns.
Try a basic kit
At-home kits can reveal hardness or chlorine levels but are limited in scope.
Schedule professional testing
A professional test provides detailed results across a wider range of contaminants and offers recommendations.
Plan for regular follow-up
Well water should be tested once a year. City water should be tested every 1–2 years. Always test if the taste, smell, or appearance of your water changes.

FAQs

How often should I test my water?
Well water should be tested annually. Homes with municipal water should test every 1–2 years or sooner if problems arise.

Is city water in Plainfield and Shelbyville safe without testing?
City water meets regulatory standards, but contaminants can still enter through pipes or distribution systems. Testing confirms safety at the tap.

What’s the difference between DIY and professional testing?
DIY kits only measure a few indicators. Professional testing covers more contaminants with reliable, detailed results.

Can testing show if I have hard water?
Yes. Testing measures calcium and magnesium levels to determine if a water softener is needed.

What happens if problems are found?
Solutions may include water softeners, whole-house filtration, iron removal systems, or reverse osmosis drinking water units.

Conclusion

For homeowners in Plainfield and Shelbyville, water may look fine but still hide contaminants or minerals that cause problems. Regular testing protects your family’s health, extends appliance life, and provides peace of mind.

Professional testing gives you accurate answers and ensures you choose the right solutions. With regular testing, you can feel confident that every drop of water in your home is safe and reliable.

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Why Do Some Whole-Home Water Filters Cost More?

June 7, 2026

Introduction Two whole-home water filtration systems can look similar at first glance yet come with completely different price tags. One system may seem relatively affordable, while another costs significantly more before installation is even included. That difference often confuses homeowners who are trying to compare options. The reality is that whole-home water filters are designed for very different water conditions, property sizes, and treatment goals. Some systems only target basic sediment issues, while others are built to handle chlorine, iron, sulfur, heavy mineral content, or multiple contaminants at the same time. Pricing usually reflects how much treatment work the system is expected to perform. For homeowners researching filtration options, understanding what actually drives those costs makes it easier to compare systems based on long-term value instead of just the lowest upfront number. Not All Whole-Home Filters Solve the Same Problems One of the biggest reasons for price differences is that water quality problems vary widely between homes. Some households mainly want to improve taste and odor. Others are dealing with staining, sediment, well water contaminants, or chemical exposure concerns. The more complex the water issue becomes, the more advanced the filtration system usually needs to be. Basic Sediment Filtration Entry-level systems often focus mainly on sediment removal. These filters are commonly used to reduce: Dirt Sand Rust particles Debris from aging pipes Sediment systems are generally less expensive because they use simpler filtration media and fewer treatment stages. Carbon Filtration Systems Carbon filtration systems usually cost more because they target additional contaminants such as:

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