Water 101
Hard water vs. soft water
What hard water actually is, what it does to your home, what a softener changes — and the trade-offs nobody selling softeners likes to mention.
What makes water “hard”
As water moves through rock and soil, it picks up dissolved minerals — mostly calcium and magnesium. The more of those minerals it carries, the harder it is.
Hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). One grain per gallon is about 17 mg/L. Much of central Indiana falls in the hard to very hard range — but every home is different, which is why we test yours.
How to read a hardness test
- Soft0–1 gpg
0–17 mg/L - Slightly hard1–3.5 gpg
17–60 mg/L - Moderately hard3.5–7 gpg
60–120 mg/L - Hard7–10.5 gpg
120–180 mg/L - Very hard10.5+ gpg
180+ mg/L
Ranges follow the Water Quality Association’s hardness scale.
What you notice around the house
With hard water
- Scale builds up inside your water heater, pipes, and appliances, so they work harder and wear out sooner.
- White crust on faucets and shower heads, and clogged aerators.
- Spots and film on dishes, glass shower doors, and fixtures.
- Soap does not lather well, so you use more of it — and soap scum is left behind.
- Laundry can come out stiff or dingy, and many people notice drier skin and hair.
With softened water
- Far less scale, which helps your water heater and appliances last longer.
- Cleaner fixtures and fewer spots, with less scrubbing.
- Soap lathers easily, so you need less soap, shampoo, and detergent.
- Softer-feeling laundry, and many people find their skin and hair feel better.
- Slightly slippery feel in the shower is normal — it is soap rinsing off without minerals in the way.
The honest part
A softener is a good fix for a real problem. It is not magic, and you should know the trade-offs before you buy one.
Hard water is not a health hazard
Calcium and magnesium are not harmful to drink. Hard water is a problem for your plumbing and appliances, not your health. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.
Softening adds a little sodium
A standard softener trades hard minerals for a small amount of sodium — more the harder your water is. On a low-sodium diet? Ask your doctor. Potassium chloride can replace salt, and a reverse osmosis drinking tap removes most of it.
It needs salt and some upkeep
The softener uses salt and a small amount of water to clean itself. Someone has to keep the brine tank filled — or we can deliver and fill it for you.
A softener is not a filter
It removes hardness. It does not remove chlorine taste, bacteria, lead, or most other contaminants. Those need different equipment, which is why we test first.
Size matters
Too small and it regenerates constantly and wastes salt. Too big and you overpaid. The right size depends on your hardness number and how much water your household uses.
How a softener works, in plain words
- 1
Water flows through resin
The tank is filled with tiny resin beads. As your water passes through, the beads grab the calcium and magnesium.
- 2
Soft water goes to the house
In trade, the beads release a small amount of sodium (or potassium). What comes out the other side is soft water.
- 3
It cleans itself
When the beads are full, the softener rinses them with salty water from the brine tank and flushes the minerals down the drain. Then it starts over.
How hard is your water?
We will test it, show you the number, and tell you honestly whether a softener is worth it for your home.