Do I Need a Water Softener: 6 Ways to Tell When It's Really Necessary

Hard water is water that has a high concentration of minerals, usually calcium and magnesium that’s absorbed from rocks and soil it comes in contact with. Water from a well is most likely to be hard because it travels through several layers of rock and soil, but water from the city can be hard even after being treated by your municipality.

Hard minerals in small amounts don’t pose much of a problem, but if allowed to build up can gradually lead to limescale buildup which can reduce water pressure, clog pipes, and damage appliances. Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of soaps and is damaging to your skin and hair.

Homes that rely on well water will almost certainly need a water softener, but you may still need one even if you get water that’s treated by the city because it can still be hard after removing contaminants. The best way to determine if you need a water softener is by testing your water hardness, or you can look around your home for these common signs you need a water softener.

Hard water can leave behind dissolved minerals that look like white, chalky stains on your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. If these stains accumulate quickly and take some elbow grease to go away, it can indicate you have a serious hard water issue that warrants getting a water softener. Check for these stains, and see how long it takes for them to reappear after cleaning them.

You can also see traces of dissolved minerals on your glassware, even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Inspect your dishes and you might find spots or cloudiness in their finish. Hard water can even cause etching or scratches on your dishes and weaken their integrity, making them more fragile over time. Take a look at your dishes to see if there are spots, cloudiness, or scratches after a wash cycle.

Hard water can create scale buildup in your water supply and make it more narrow, resulting in reduced water flow. You might notice a decrease in water pressure while you’re showering or using a faucet, which can indicate a clog in your pipes from scale buildup. Limescale can also build up in your appliances like your kettles, coffee pots, dishwashers, and washing machines. Left unchecked, limescale can reduce the efficiency of your appliances and even shorten their lifespan. If you notice a decrease in water pressure or chalky spots on appliances, a water softener might be needed to prevent further damage.

Hard water causes minor inconveniences in the short-term but major issues long-term. On a day-to-day basis, you might find it annoying to deal with hard water stains, dry skin and hair, and laundry that doesn’t come out as clean as it should. Over time, the bigger issues have more significant costs from higher utility bills, plumbing repairs, and appliances that wear out quickly or don’t work effectively.

Whether you need a softener right away, or at all, depends on the severity of your hard water and how much you’re willing to tolerate these issues. Water that’s soft or only slightly hard might not warrant getting a water softener, while water that’s moderately hard or greater can indicate you should invest in a softener sooner rather than later. Hard water issues get worse over time, so if you need a softener, it’s best to get one as soon as possible.

A water softener isn’t necessary for homes that have soft or slightly hard water, but for moderately hard water or worse — a water softener is the best way to address the issue. We recommend our SimplySoft® Grain Water Softeners for their innovative and adaptable designs. Our water softeners are available in 40,000 and 60,000 grain capacities to ensure a steady supply of softened water for households of all sizes.

Our water softeners address hard water at the source, providing protection for your entire home. Shop our water softeners or contact our water experts to help you make the best decision for your home.