The hardness of the water creates a lot of problems. We have summarized some of the major problems caused by hard water below.

Soap Scum

The presence of calcium and magnesium salts makes the water hard. These salts react with fatty acids in soap and shampoo to form an insoluble residue called soap scum.

• Soap scum is easily visible on bathroom floors and walls.
• It is difficult to clean and often requires harsh chemicals.
• Frequent cleaning is cumbersome and harsh cleaners can damage fixtures and harm the environment.

Bad Showering Experience

Soap scum is insoluble and leaves a soapy film on your skin. Hard water also reduces lather and causes deposits that clog shower heads, reducing water pressure.

• Difficulty rinsing soap off the body — leaves a residue.
• Poor lathering makes washing less effective.
• Clogged shower heads reduce flow and pressure, leading to an unsatisfactory shower.

Hair Damage

Hard water can make hair feel dry and frizzy. Mineral deposits reduce cleaning effectiveness and can leave hair looking dull and difficult to manage.

• Hair may feel dry, frizzy and tangled.
• Mineral buildup can make hair appear dull and lifeless.

Rough and Scratchy Laundry

Hard water reduces the effectiveness of detergents, produces insoluble soap scum and causes clothes to look dingy and wear out faster.

• Clothes fade and wear out faster.
• Towels washed in hard water can feel rough and scratchy.

Dry and Irritating Skin

Hard water can strip natural moisture from skin and leave soap residue that clogs pores, potentially causing irritation over time.

• Strips natural oils causing dryness.
• Soap residue can clog pores and lead to irritation.

Reduced Life of Appliances and Fixtures

Heating hard water causes minerals to precipitate as scale. Scale and soap scum can damage washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and other appliances — reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.

• Scale buildup reduces appliance efficiency and life.
• More frequent maintenance and higher utility bills.

A water softener can be a cost-effective and efficient solution to remove hardness from your water and solve many of these problems. If you are planning to buy a water softener, you may find The Ultimate Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Softener for Your Home helpful.