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 Is Essential for Your Home

May 2, 2025

When you turn on your faucet, clear water flows into your glass, sink, or tub. It looks clean and safe. But water carries many things you cannot see. Some of these things are natural minerals that won't harm you. Others might be chemicals or metals that could affect your health or damage your home's pipes and appliances.

Regular water testing is essential for your home because it identifies harmful contaminants that may be present in your water supply but invisible to the naked eye. Testing reveals problems like bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, and mineral content that can affect both your family's health and your home's plumbing system before they cause serious issues.

Most homeowners think about water testing only when they notice strange tastes, smells, or stains. But many water problems have no obvious signs. By the time you notice something wrong, you may have been drinking contaminated water for months or years. Regular testing helps catch problems early and keeps your family safe.

Common Water Problems in Central Indiana Homes

Hard Water Issues

Central Indiana sits on limestone-rich soil. This means our water picks up lots of minerals as it flows through the ground. These minerals make our water "hard." Hard water isn't usually harmful to drink, but it causes many household problems.

Signs of hard water include:
White spots on dishes and shower doors
Soap that doesn't lather well
Stiff, scratchy clothes after washing
Scale buildup in pipes and appliances
Dry skin and hair after bathing

These problems aren't just annoying. The scale buildup can shorten the life of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. You might spend more on soap products too, since hard water makes them less effective.

Testing shows exactly how hard your water is. This helps you choose the right water softener for your home's needs.

Bacteria and Viruses

Well water users face special risks from bacteria. After heavy rains or floods, surface water can carry bacteria into your well. City water systems add chlorine to kill these germs, but well owners must check their own water.

Common bacteria in water include:

E. coli
Coliform bacteria
Giardia
Cryptosporidium

These can cause stomach problems, diarrhea, and more serious health issues. Young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems face the highest risk.

Testing for bacteria is simple and affordable. If tests find bacteria, solutions like UV light systems or chlorination can make your water safe again.

Chemical Contamination

Farms and factories dot the landscape across Indiana. These can sometimes leak chemicals into groundwater. Old gas stations might have leaking underground tanks. Even lawn chemicals can seep into well water.

Common chemical contaminants include:

Nitrates from fertilizers
Pesticides from farms and lawns
Industrial solvents
Petroleum products
PFAS ("forever chemicals")

Many of these chemicals have no taste or smell, even at harmful levels. Only testing can find them. Different water filters target different chemicals, so knowing exactly what's in your water helps you choose the right solution.

Heavy Metals

Older homes often have copper or lead pipes, or pipes with lead solder. These metals can slowly dissolve into your water, especially if your water is acidic. Other metals like arsenic or chromium might be naturally present in your groundwater.

Heavy metals to watch for include:

Lead
Copper
Arsenic
Chromium
Mercury

Even low levels of some metals, especially lead, can cause health problems over time. Children are most at risk. Testing is the only way to know if metals are in your water.

When Should You Test Your Water?

Annual Testing for Everyone

All homes should test their water at least once a year for basic safety. This yearly check looks for common problems like bacteria and nitrates. It also checks pH levels and hardness. Annual testing catches problems early before they affect your health or home.

Special Times That Call for Testing

Some situations call for extra water tests:

When you notice changes: If your water suddenly tastes, smells, or looks different, test right away. Changes often signal new problems.
After major plumbing work: New pipes or repairs can introduce bacteria or debris into your system.
Before buying a home: Always test the water before buying a house, especially one with a private well.
After flooding: Heavy rains or floods can wash contaminants into wells or overwhelm city treatment plants.
If family members get sick: Unexplained stomach illnesses could come from your water.
When expecting a baby: Infants are more sensitive to certain contaminants like nitrates.

Testing at these times adds an extra layer of protection for your family.

DIY Tests vs. Professional Water Testing

Home Testing Kits

Many stores sell water test kits you can use yourself. These kits use test strips or drops that change color when certain things are in your water. They're affordable and give quick results.

DIY kits work well for basic checks like:

Water hardness
Chlorine levels
pH balance
Iron content

However, these kits have limits. They might not detect low levels of harmful substances. They also don't test for everything that might be in your water.

Professional Water Analysis

Professional testing offers a more complete picture of your water. Water treatment companies like Puresoft Water Treatments use advanced equipment to find even tiny amounts of contaminants.

Professional tests can check for:

Exact hardness levels
Comprehensive bacteria screening
Heavy metals in small amounts
Pesticides and industrial chemicals
Detailed mineral content

Many companies offer free basic water tests as part of their service. More detailed tests might cost a bit more but provide peace of mind and specific information to guide treatment choices.

Understanding Your Water Test Results

When you get your test results, they might look confusing at first. Numbers and strange terms fill the page. Don't worry - here's what to look for:

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This measures all dissolved content in your water. Higher numbers usually mean harder water.
pH Level: This shows if your water is acidic or basic. The ideal range is 6.5 to 8.5. Water outside this range can damage pipes.
Hardness: Usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG). Water over 7 GPG is considered hard.
Bacteria: Results should show "absent" or "0" for coliform bacteria. Any other result needs attention right away.
Contaminant Levels: These are usually shown in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). Compare these to EPA safety standards.

If you don't understand something on your report, ask the testing company to explain. They want you to understand your water.

Water Treatment Solutions for Common Problems

Whole-Home Water Softeners

Water softeners solve hard water problems throughout your home. They remove calcium and magnesium minerals by swapping them for sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange.

Benefits of water softeners include:

Longer-lasting appliances
Cleaner dishes and laundry
Less soap needed for cleaning
Softer skin and hair
Protection for pipes and fixtures

Modern softeners use computers to track water usage and only regenerate when needed. This saves salt and water.

Drinking Water Filtration Systems

For water with taste or contamination issues, drinking water filters provide clean, safe water at your tap. Different filters remove different contaminants.

Common filter types include:

Carbon filters: Remove chlorine and improve taste
Reverse osmosis systems: Remove almost everything, including lead and arsenic
UV light systems: Kill bacteria and viruses
Specialty filters: Target specific problems like iron or sulfur

The right system depends on what's in your water. That's why testing matters so much - it guides your choice of filter.

Well Water Treatment Systems

Well owners often need multiple treatment stages. A complete well water system might include:

Sediment pre-filter to catch particles
Water softener for hardness minerals
Specialty filter for iron or sulfur
UV light or chlorination for bacteria
Carbon filter as a final polish

These systems work together to address all the common well water issues in central Indiana.

The Cost of Not Testing Your Water

Skipping water tests might save a few dollars now, but cost much more later. Think about these hidden costs:

Shortened appliance life: Hard water can cut your water heater's life in half. Dishwashers and washing machines also break down sooner.
Higher utility bills: Scale-covered heating elements use more energy.
Endless cleaning: Fighting hard water stains takes time and strong cleaners.
Plumbing repairs: Corroded pipes from acidic or mineral-rich water lead to leaks and costly repairs.
Medical bills: Waterborne illnesses cause doctor visits and missed work days.

Most importantly, not testing means not knowing what your family drinks every day. The peace of mind from regular testing is priceless.

Taking the Next Step with Puresoft Water Treatments

At Puresoft Water Treatments, we've helped central Indiana families solve water problems for years. We serve homeowners in Westfield, Carmel, Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield, Martinsville, Mooresville, and surrounding areas.

Our approach starts with thorough water testing to understand exactly what's in your water. Based on these results, we recommend only the treatments you truly need - nothing more, nothing less.

Our services include:

Free basic water testing
Comprehensive water analysis
Water softener installation and service
Whole-home filtration systems
Drinking water purification
Well water treatment
Regular maintenance to keep systems running efficiently

Contact Puresoft Water Treatments today to schedule your free water test. Our friendly experts will help you understand what's in your water and find the right solutions for your home and budget. Clean, safe water is too important to leave to chance.

Remember: You can't fix what you don't know about. Testing is the first step toward better water for your family.

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How to Choose Between Salt-Based and Salt-Free Water Softeners for Indiana Homes

March 15, 2026

Learn the difference between salt-based and salt-free water softeners for Indiana homes. Discover which system best fits your water quality, budget, and maintenance needs.

Protecting Your Well Water: Treatment Options for Indiana Homes

March 12, 2026

Introduction For many Indiana homeowners, private wells are the main source of household water. Unlike city water, well water isn’t treated or monitored by local utilities — meaning the responsibility for safety and quality falls entirely on the homeowner. While well water can taste fresh and natural, it can also contain iron, manganese, sulfur, bacteria, and even trace contaminants like nitrates or arsenic. Over time, these impurities can damage plumbing, stain fixtures, and impact health if left untreated. This guide explores the most effective treatment options for Indiana well water , helping you protect your home, your appliances, and your family. Understanding Well Water in Indiana Why Well Water Requires Special Attention Indiana’s geology includes layers of limestone, shale, and sand — materials that naturally leach minerals into groundwater. That’s why homes across Johnson, Morgan, and Brown counties often experience high hardness levels and metal content. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells don’t have chlorine disinfection or centralized filtration. That means: There’s no automatic testing or regulation . Water quality can change seasonally after rain or drought. Contaminants like bacteria or iron can enter through soil or aging well components. Routine testing and treatment are essential to ensure safety and performance. Common Issues Found in Indiana Wells Before discussing treatment systems, here are the most frequent problems homeowners in Franklin and surrounding areas encounter: Hard Water: High calcium and magnesium causing scale buildup. Iron and Manganese: Staining sinks, laundry, and fixtures. Sulfur Odor: “Rotten egg” smell from hydrogen sulfide gas. Bacteria or Coliform Contamination: Unsafe for consumption without disinfection. Sediment and Cloudiness: From sand or clay infiltration. Nitrates and VOCs: Often from agricultural runoff or nearby industrial areas. Understanding which of these affect your water is the first step to finding the right solution. Best Treatment Options for Indiana Well Water Every well is unique — but the following systems address the most common problems found across Indiana homes. 1. Water Softeners for Hardness and Iron Hard water is nearly universal in Indiana. A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, and small amounts of iron using an ion exchange process. This prevents scale buildup in pipes, improves soap efficiency, and protects water heaters and fixtures. Best for: Hardness levels above 7 grains per gallon (gpg) or visible scaling. Maintenance tip: Check salt levels regularly and schedule system servicing once a year. 2. Iron and Manganese Filtration Systems If you notice orange or black stains, your water likely contains dissolved metals. Filtration systems with oxidation media or air injection convert these metals into solid particles that are then trapped and flushed away. Best for: Moderate to high iron or manganese content. Example system types: Birm or Katalox Light filters Air-oxidizing iron filters Chlorine injection with carbon filtration for severe contamination 3. Activated Carbon Filtration for Odors and Chemicals Activated carbon filters are excellent for improving taste and removing chemical contaminants like chlorine, VOCs, or pesticides. While wells don’t typically have chlorine, carbon filters are ideal for eliminating musty or metallic tastes and sulfur smells. Best for: Odors, discoloration, or chemical runoff from agricultural areas. Maintenance tip: Replace carbon media every 6–12 months depending on use and water quality. 4. UV Disinfection Systems for Bacteria Even a small crack in your well casing can introduce bacteria or coliform organisms into the water supply. Ultraviolet (UV) systems disinfect water using light instead of chemicals, effectively neutralizing harmful microorganisms without altering taste. Best for: Homes with recurring bacteria problems or no chlorination. Important note: UV systems require clear water — pair with a sediment or carbon filter for best performance. 5. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems for Drinking Water For the purest water possible, reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, including nitrates, arsenic, and lead. RO units are typically installed under the kitchen sink or as part of a point-of-use system. Best for: Households concerned about chemical contaminants or heavy metals. Added benefit: Ideal for cooking and baby formula preparation. 6. Sediment Filters for Clarity and Equipment Protection Sediment filters trap sand, rust, and silt before they reach your home’s main plumbing. These filters are inexpensive and extend the life of other treatment systems by preventing clogging. Best for: Homes drawing from shallow wells or older wells prone to sediment infiltration. How to Protect and Maintain Your Well Water Even the best treatment systems need proper maintenance to stay effective. Follow these key steps to ensure consistent water quality year-round. Schedule Annual Testing The Indiana Department of Health recommends testing private wells at least once per year for bacteria, nitrates, and metals. Seasonal flooding or construction nearby can change your water composition quickly. Inspect and Clean the Well Cap Ensure the cap is sealed, secure, and free from debris. A compromised seal can allow insects or surface runoff to contaminate your water. Service Filtration Equipment Regularly Filters, softeners, and UV bulbs all have service intervals. Partnering with a local Franklin water treatment professional ensures these components are replaced and calibrated properly. Keep Records of Water Tests and Maintenance Tracking results over time helps identify trends and anticipate issues before they affect your home. Frequently Asked Questions