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 5, 2025

Introduction

Turning on the tap in Plainfield or Shelbyville, most homeowners assume their water is safe. But the truth is, water can look clear and taste fine while still carrying contaminants that affect health, comfort, or home systems.

Regular water testing is the only way to truly know what’s in your water. In this article, we’ll explore why water testing matters, what it reveals, how often it should be done, and what steps you can take to protect your home and family.

Why Regular Water Testing Is Important

Testing your water regularly matters for three main reasons:

Health Protection: Contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS can be invisible but harmful. Testing ensures early detection.
Appliance and Plumbing Care: Hardness, iron, and sediment can shorten the lifespan of dishwashers, water heaters, and pipes.
Peace of Mind: Even if your water appears fine, testing confirms whether it meets safe standards.

Common Contaminants in Plainfield and Shelbyville

While each home’s water is unique, here are common issues seen in Central Indiana:

Hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium): cause scaling and soap inefficiency.
Iron and manganese: cause staining and metallic taste.
Lead and copper: from older plumbing pipes.
Nitrates: linked to agricultural runoff, more common in well water.
Chlorine and byproducts: found in municipal water supplies.
Bacteria or microorganisms: especially a concern in private wells.

How to Approach Water Testing

If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Identify your water source

Municipal water: Plainfield and Shelbyville city water often contains chlorine and hardness.
Private wells: Higher risk for nitrates, bacteria, and iron.

Check for signs of water issues

Stains on sinks, low water pressure, cloudy glassware, odd odors, or unexplained appliance wear.

Use test kits for basic screening

At-home kits can reveal hardness and chlorine levels but don’t detect all contaminants.

Schedule professional testing

Experts can test for a wide range of substances, provide precise readings, and recommend solutions.

Plan regular follow-up testing

At least once a year for wells. Every 1–2 years for municipal water households. Sooner if you notice changes in taste, smell, or appearance.

FAQs

How often should water be tested in Indiana homes?
At least once a year for private wells, and every 1–2 years for municipal water households. Always test if water taste, odor, or appearance changes.

Is municipal water in Plainfield and Shelbyville safe without testing?
Municipal water meets federal standards, but contaminants from aging pipes or local conditions may still affect individual homes. Testing confirms safety at the tap.

What’s the difference between DIY kits and professional testing?
DIY kits check for basic factors like hardness or chlorine. Professional testing covers a broader range of contaminants, with lab-grade accuracy and actionable results.

Does water testing help with hard water?
Yes. Testing reveals hardness levels, which helps determine if a softener is needed and what size or type to install.

What happens if contaminants are found?
Treatment solutions range from water softeners to whole-house filters, iron removal systems, and reverse osmosis drinking water units.

Conclusion

Water in Plainfield and Shelbyville may seem fine, but hidden contaminants, mineral buildup, and aging infrastructure mean regular water testing is a smart step for every homeowner. Testing protects your health, ensures your appliances last longer, and gives you confidence in the water your family uses every day.

With professional water testing and treatment options available from trusted providers in Central Indiana, keeping your home’s water safe and reliable has never been easier.

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