How To Test For Hard Water

Not all water is the same. You may be wondering why there’s a white, chalky residue on faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures. The likely culprit is hard water. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, nearly 85% of homes in the U.S. have hard water. This means the likelihood of having hard water in your home is quite high. Hard water can significantly impact the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, hygiene, and water usage. Fixing the problem can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to test for water hardness and what you can do about it.

How To Test Water Hardness: 4 Easy Hard Water Tests

Simple Soap Test

To conduct this test, you'll need a clean, clear plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid, liquid soap, and some water from your source.

Step 1: Fill the bottle about halfway with the water you want to test. Make sure the bottle is clean and free from any soap residue.
Step 2: Add a few drops of liquid soap to the bottle and shake it vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Step 3: After shaking, observe the contents of the bottle. If the water turns soapy and creates a lot of suds that persist for several minutes, it indicates that the water is relatively soft. On the other hand, if the water remains milky, cloudy and does not produce many suds, or if the suds disappear quickly, it suggests that the water is hard.

Hard Water Test Strips

Hard water testing strips offer a quick and easy way to test your water’s hardness at home. You can purchase these strips at your local hardware store. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Immerse a hard water test strip into the water sample for a few seconds.
Step 2: Remove the test strip from the water sample and shake it gently to remove any excess water.
Step 3: Wait for about 15-60 seconds for the strip to change color.
Step 4: Compare the colors on the test strip with the color chart provided with the test strips. The color chart will indicate the hardness level of the water based on the intensity of the color change.

Send Your Water to a Lab for Testing

This is a more advanced method for testing water hardness. Look for a certified laboratory that specializes in water testing. You can search online or consult your local health department or environmental agency for recommendations. The laboratory will analyze your water sample and provide you with a detailed report of the findings. This report will typically include information about water hardness, mineral content, pH levels, and other relevant parameters.

Call a Professional Plumber to Carry Out Tests

Professional plumbers are usually more than happy to stop by your home and help you test for water hardness. Experienced plumbers are equipped with advanced tools and equipment to conduct accurate and precise testing for water hardness. If you suspect that you may have hard water in your home, you can reach out to a reputable plumbing service for testing.

Let the Experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing Help You Soften Hard Water

If you’re looking for a trusted plumbing service to help you test for water hardness and install a water softener in your home, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are trusted plumbing professionals specializing in water softener installation and water filter installation.