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.

How Do I Know If I Have Hard Water in Indiana and What Can I Do About It?

August 31, 2023

Have you noticed a white, chalky film on your faucets, cloudy spots on glasses, or stiff laundry after washing? If so, you may have hard water—a common issue for many Indiana households, from Avon and Carmel to Franklin and Shelbyville.

Hard water minerals aren’t dangerous, but they can be costly and frustrating. They reduce appliance efficiency, leave residue on fixtures, and make skin and hair feel dry. This guide explains what hard water is, how to test for it, and the most effective way to fix it in your Indiana home.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with elevated levels of calcium and magnesium picked up as groundwater moves through mineral-rich rock. While safe to drink, these minerals create limescale deposits and make soaps and detergents less effective.

Common Signs of Hard Water

Before you test, it helps to spot everyday clues. Look for these typical indicators around the house.

White, chalky buildup on taps, showerheads, and kettles
Cloudy or spotted dishes and glassware after washing
Soap that doesn’t lather easily and leaves a film
Stiff, dull clothing out of the washer
Dry, itchy skin and flat, dull hair after showering
If several of these ring true, your home likely has hard water.

How Hard Water Affects Your Home

Hard water isn’t just a nuisance. Over time, it can shorten the life of plumbing and appliances and raise your energy costs.

A close up of a faucet with water running out of it.

Plumbing and Pipes

Mineral deposits slowly narrow pipes and fixtures. This restricts water flow, increases pressure, and can lead to leaks or corrosion if left untreated.

Appliances

Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines accumulate limescale on heating elements. That buildup forces appliances to work harder, wasting energy and wearing them out sooner.

Skin and Hair

Mineral residue can keep soaps and shampoos from rinsing clean. This often leads to dryness, irritation, and dull-looking hair.

Cleaning and Laundry

Minerals react with detergents, reducing their cleaning power. Clothes may look dingy, surfaces can feel filmy, and glassware often stays streaked.

How to Test for Hard Water

If you suspect hard water, there are quick ways to confirm it. Start simple, then move to professional testing for accuracy.

Soap Test
Fill a clear bottle with tap water, add a few drops of liquid soap, and shake. If little foam forms and the water stays cloudy, hardness is likely.
Hardness Test Kit
Affordable kits measure hardness in parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg). Readings above roughly 120 ppm (about 7 gpg) indicate moderately hard water.
Professional Water Analysis
A professional test provides exact hardness levels and recommendations tailored to your home’s usage and plumbing.

How to Fix Hard Water Problems

If your water is hard, there’s a proven solution. The most effective, whole-home approach is a water softener that removes calcium and magnesium using ion exchange. Correct sizing and setup are important to match your family’s water use and your hardness level.

Benefits of Installing a Water Softener

Before choosing a system, it helps to understand the payoff. Homeowners typically see multiple improvements right away.

Smoother skin and softer, more manageable hair

Cleaner, brighter laundry and spot-free dishes
Longer-lasting plumbing and water-using appliances
Lower energy use from more efficient heating
Less time spent scrubbing limescale and soap scum

With a properly maintained softener, your water will feel better, your cleaning will be easier, and your home’s systems will run more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hard water in Indiana?
Indiana groundwater naturally passes through mineral-rich rock. As it does, it absorbs calcium and magnesium, which increase hardness levels in many local water supplies.
Is hard water safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water is generally safe, but it can affect taste and leave scale in kettles and on fixtures. Most concerns are about comfort, cleaning, and appliance wear—not drinking safety.
How can I tell for sure if my water is hard?
Use an at-home hardness test kit for a quick reading, or schedule a professional test for precise results and system recommendations.
Will a water softener remove existing limescale?
Over time, soft water can help dissolve old deposits in pipes and on heating elements, while preventing new scale from forming.
Do water softeners need a lot of maintenance?
Maintenance is simple. Most systems need periodic salt refills and occasional service checks to keep performance and efficiency high.
Will soft water feel or taste different?
Soft water often feels silkier on skin and hair and can taste slightly different, mainly because soaps rinse cleaner and mineral content is reduced.

Conclusion

Hard water is common across Indiana and can quietly drive up energy costs, wear out appliances, and make daily tasks tougher. The good news: it’s easy to identify and straightforward to fix. With the right water softener, you’ll protect your plumbing, improve comfort, and simplify cleaning throughout your home.

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