DIY Hard-Water Test

Simple way to test your home's water for elevated levels of minerals

Hello and welcome to Joe Shows How! I read a surprising stat recently: 85% of U.S. homes have hard water, according to homewater101.com. So, chances are your home might, too. But what exactly is hard water?

Hard water is water that has elevated levels of dissolved minerals, specifically magnesium and calcium. And while these minerals don’t affect the taste, smell or potability of water, they can be problematic just the same.

Hard water prevents soaps, shampoos and detergents from lathering up, resulting in dry skin, limp hair and dingy laundry. And in extreme cases, crusty mineral deposits can build up around faucets, showerheads and other plumbing fixtures.

Here’s how to conduct a rudimentary hard-water test: Take a clean 16-ounce water bottle, add 1/2 cup of tap water and 10 drops of liquid dish soap. Tighten the cap and vigorously shake the bottle for about 20 seconds. If a thick head of lather forms on top of the water, then your water is probably not hard. However, if the water turns cloudy with very little lather, then the water likely contains elevated mineral levels and you should have the water professionally tested at a lab. And if ultimately you discover that the water is hard, consider installing a water softener.

Hope you find this tip helpful and thanks, as always, for your support!