Bob Formisano is a certified architect and builder who boasts nearly four decades of expertise in constructing new residences and renovating historic properties. He is particularly skilled in restoring outdated systems from the 1920s, such as galvanized plumbing and knob-and-tube electrical wiring. For over a decade, he has contributed articles on home repairs.
Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 15 minutes
- Overall Duration: 15 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $0 to $25
If you find it challenging to create lather while washing your hands or cleaning dishes, it could be a good idea to check the hardness of your water. Many homeowners frequently express concerns regarding the quality of their water, particularly in relation to hardness. Additional indicators of hard water may include residue on dishes, chalky rings or stains in the sink, and issues with the proper functioning of plumbing or appliances.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water refers to water that has elevated levels of natural minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and various metals. This type of water can lead to issues in plumbing, create chalky residues, and leave unsightly marks on glassware, dishes, and other surfaces.
Hard water itself does not pose health risks; however, it can result in significant scale accumulation in plumbing, boilers, and hot water heating systems. Additionally, hard water struggles to produce lather, which can diminish the effectiveness of shampoos and soaps, often necessitating the use of larger quantities. In general, hard water is less effective for cleaning laundry and dishes compared to soft water.
There are various methods to assess the hardness of water. The most reliable approach involves sending a sample to an independent laboratory, although this option can be costly and may take some time to receive the results. If you’re looking for a quicker and more affordable solution, consider the following methods, which can give you a general idea of your water’s hardness, albeit with less accuracy.
Prior to Starting
If your home is connected to the city or municipal water system, you can reach out to the water utility to request their most recent water quality report. Numerous utilities also make these reports available online. While these documents can be quite technical, they may not accurately represent the water quality at your faucet, as the testing is conducted at the treatment facility. As water travels through the pipes to your home, it can absorb minerals. Nonetheless, these reports can give you an indication of the water hardness in your locality.
Water hardness is typically expressed in terms of calcium carbonate measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Take note of the calcium carbonate concentration and evaluate it against the scale provided by the U.S. Geological Survey:
- Soft water: 0 to 60 mg/L
- Moderately hard water is defined as having a concentration of 61 to 120 mg/L.
- Hard water is classified as having a concentration of 121 to 180 mg/L.
- Extremely hard water: Exceeding 180 mg/L
Requirements for Your Task
Devices / Instruments
Bubble Test
- Transparent bottle with a lid.
Water Testing Strip Kit
- Water container for purification (if not included in the kit)
Materials
Bubble Test
- Liquid detergent for washing dishes
Water Testing Strip Kit
- Testing Kit
Instructions
Methods for Evaluating Hard Water Using a Soap Suds Test
Refill the Container
Ensure that the bottle, whether made of glass or plastic, is thoroughly cleaned and equipped with a secure cap. Pour water from the tap into the bottle until it is one-third full, which should amount to approximately 8 to 10 ounces.
Incorporate dish soap and give it a shake.
Incorporate 10 drops of liquid dish soap; ensure it’s pure soap rather than a detergent, and shake the mixture vigorously for a minimum of 10 seconds. Place the bottle down and watch the outcomes.
Examine the Outcomes
- Soapy outcome: Soft water generally produces the most lather. If the mixture bubbles up rapidly, generates abundant foam, and the water beneath the foam appears relatively clear, it is probably soft water.
- Lack of suds indicates hard water. When a solution fails to produce a good amount of foam, resulting in only a thin layer of bubbles, and the water underneath appears murky, it is probably hard water.
How to Evaluate Hard Water Using a Homemade Testing Kit
Water quality home testing kits can be found in home improvement and hardware stores, as well as through various online retailers. Choose a kit produced by a well-known manufacturer in the water testing industry, and make sure it includes a test for water hardness. While some kits focus solely on particular contaminants, such as radon, others assess the overall quality and safety of the water.
Testing kits vary in their design. Some include a solution that you immerse in water to assess its hardness. The majority utilize wet-strip tests, akin to those used for swimming pools or spas. Here’s an overview of how the most prevalent strip tests function:
Collect a Water Sample
Pour tap water into a clean receptacle. Certain testing kits might come with a designated testing container.
Place the test strip into the designated slot.
Submerge the test strip in the water as directed on the packaging, typically for a duration of a few seconds.
Examine the Outcome
Many testing kits come with a color chart that allows you to match the color of the test strip to the chart. This chart will help you determine the hardness or softness of your water.
Impact of Hard Water
As previously noted, hard water is not considered a health hazard. Research indicates that the calcium and magnesium present in hard water could potentially aid in the prevention of cardiovascular issues and some types of cancer. However, the flavor of hard water is not to everyone’s liking, and it can leave a soapy film on shower surfaces and glassware in the dishwasher.
Hard water can lead to blockages in showerheads and accumulate mineral deposits in appliances such as coffee machines and water heaters, which can diminish their performance. Furthermore, it can result in hair that feels limp and brittle, as well as dry skin, since it is less effective at washing away soap compared to soft water.
Managing Hard Water Issues
A clear option, albeit often expensive, is to set up a water softening system for the entire house. This system is usually placed right after the main water supply enters the home and employs specific salts to neutralize calcium and magnesium. Alternatively, you can opt for a softener on the line leading from your water heater, allowing you to soften only the hot water. This might be a suitable choice if you wish to keep drinking hard water while enjoying softer water for your showers.
If a complete home water softening system isn’t your preference, you can simply opt for white distilled vinegar to tackle mineral buildup. This affordable and efficient solution can effectively remove hard water stains from countertops, fixtures, shower walls, and can even help clear clogged showerheads.
Vinegar can be used in your coffee maker to remove scale buildup, and you can add 1/2 to 1 cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle to reduce the water’s pH. This helps to dissolve minerals, preventing them from accumulating on your clothes.
