Simple Tests to Determine If You Have Hard Water in Your Home

Hard water is a common issue in many households, leading to limescale buildup and interfering with soap efficiency. Knowing how to identify hard water can be the first step towards addressing the problems associated with it. In this article, we will explore some easy hard water testing methods, some of which you can do entirely yourself without needing any other products, that can help you ascertain the hardness of your water.

Does Your Soap Sud?

The soap test is a simple and straightforward method to identify hard water. By observing the lather formation when soap is mixed with your tap water, you can have a basic understanding of the water hardness. Hard water will produce less lather and form a scum, while soft water will easily produce a rich lather.

Step 1: Fill a clear and clean water bottle 1/3rd of the way with your tap water.

Step 2: Add a few drops of pure liquid soap.
Note: We recommend using a basic soap like Castile, because some soaps are formulated with detergents, which make the soap lather regardless of the type of water you have.

Step 3: Shake the bottle of soapy water vigorously for 15 seconds, then set the bottle down and observe it.

Based on how much this solution bubbles, foams, and suds you will be able to tell whether your water is hard or soft. 

• Hard water will fail to create a lot of foaming and bubbles, meaning that your soap will lather poorly. 
• Soft water will create a lot more suds, resulting in wasting less soap to properly lather when washing your hands, dishes, or anything else.

Hard Water Test Kits

Hard Water Test Kits are readily available and offer a more accurate measure of water hardness compared to the soap test. They usually contain strips that change color based on the mineral content of the water, are easy to use and provide quick results. They typically cost somewhere between $5 and $20 and can be purchased online or at any local home improvement store. These kits vary depending on the brand and quality of the kit. While they may not be as comprehensive as professional testing, these kits typically get the job done on getting you more informed on your household's water hardness.

How to use the hard water test kits: Simply fill a container with a sample of your tap water and immerse the test strip. After a short period, the strip will change color based on the mineral content in the water. This color is then compared to the supplied chart, providing an indication of the water's hardness level, usually measured in grains per gallon (gpg).

Using White Vinegar to Identify Limescale Deposits

White vinegar is an excellent household item to identify limescale deposits, a clear indicator of hard water. By applying white vinegar to areas prone to limescale, such as faucets and showerheads, you can observe the reaction. The presence of white, chalky residue after application indicates hard water.

What To Do if Your Water is Hard