Homeowners should always be on the lookout for any inconsistencies in their plumbing system. When it comes to determining whether or not you are suffering from hard water, you should look for: Dingy or Dirty Dishes – The easiest ways to tell if you have hard water is to look your dishes, glasses, and cutlery. Do you have stains, fogginess in glasses, and or spots forming that won’t go away? You probably have hard water. Plumbing Issues – Plumbing can be the most expensive problem you will have with hard water. Tubs, showers, and faucets will develop a build-up of solidified minerals deposit (scale). Additionally, piping will also clog with scale which can prevent the flow of water altogether. Itchy Dry Skin & Hair – Elevated Magnesium and calcium in the water can cause less effectiveness of the soaps and shampoos we use. The ability to rinse the soaps and detergents off is reduced drastically. When this residue coating is left on the skin it can cause dry, itchy skin and hair. Damaged Clothing – Hard waters effect on your clothing and other linens are clear to see. White clothing will become grayish; other color clothed may fade and seem less colorful. Your clothing may look worse but even still may feel scratchy and dingy. Detergents can only do so much to keep them soft and vibrant.