Test water hardness with a strip from Lowe's, Home Depot or Amazon: dip it, hold it level about 15 seconds, and match the color to the chart on the bottle. 7 grains per gallon (120 mg/L) or more is hard, and that is where I recommend a water softener; over 10.5 grains (180 mg/L) is very hard. Divide mg/L by 17.1 to get grains. For an exact number, use a certified lab test or your city's Consumer Confidence Report.
Test water hardness with a strip from Lowe's, Home Depot or Amazon: dip it, hold it level about 15 seconds, and match the color to the chart on the bottle. 7 grains per gallon (120 mg/L) or more is hard, and that is where I recommend a water softener; over 10.5 grains (180 mg/L) is very hard. Divide mg/L by 17.1 to get grains. For an exact number, use a certified lab test or your city's Consumer Confidence Report.
