5 signs you might need a water softener

In a nutshell, hard water is rainwater which becomes mineral-rich by soaking through natural deposits made of limestone or chalk before being filtered into the drinking water you get from your tap. 

While perfectly safe to consume, it can cause some annoying problems, such as skin dryness, damaged pipes, and water spots on dishes.

Read on for the signs that hard water could be causing a commotion in your home, and why a water softener could benefit you.

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1. Your water has an unusual taste, smell or look

One of the most noticeable signs of hard water is its peculiar taste and smell, and sometimes its appearance. It might taste metallic or salty, have an unusual musty odour, or look cloudy due to the undissolved chalk.

In the UK, hard water is completely safe to drink – some sources even say the additional minerals like magnesium and calcium might be beneficial to your health – but it's not always pleasant.

A filtered water jug may help purify your water and make it taste better, but won't fully remove the minerals causing hard water. To do that, you'll need to install a water softener.

Make hard water in your home a thing of the past – read our guide on how to buy the best water softener

2. You're noticing more limescale build-up and staining

Do you find yourself constantly battling limescale around your taps, showerhead and kettle? Limescale forms when hard water evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits.

Not only is it unsightly, but it can also damage your plumbing and appliances over time, so it's important to deal with it before it becomes a serious problem.

Limescale can usually be tackled with acidic solutions like white vinegar, which breaks down the calcium in it. We have step-by-step instructions on descaling your kettle and descaling your coffee machine to help you keep limescale at bay.

Hard water can also cause brown stains on surfaces where minerals have dried out. You might find these stains appearing as brown rings inside your toilet bowl, shower floor or on your iron. A white vinegar solution or limescale remover should help remove these too.

Constantly having to descale everything can become a bit tedious, so installing a water softener is a good idea if the maintenance becomes too much. 

Discover the best kettles for hard water, or find out if a boiling water tap might be right for you

3. You're suffering from dry skin and eczema more frequently

Eczema and dry skin can be caused by many things, from genetics to cold weather. But some studies, such as one published in the National Library of Medicine, have concluded that hard water may also contribute to increased skin afflictions.

The minerals in hard water strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and exacerbating issues like eczema, particularly after showering or bathing.

These minerals also impact the behaviour of soaps and shampoos – they may not lather very well or prove difficult to rinse off, irritating the skin further.

Installing a water softener is the most straightforward solution, but you can also keep on top of minor skin issues by staying hydrated and using a gentle moisturiser. Using fragrance-free products can also help lessen skin irritation. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're concerned about any skin condition.

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4. There are water spots left on your glassware and dishes

Have you ever pulled a freshly-washed glass out of the dishwasher, only to find it covered in water spots? These unsightly spots are caused by - you guessed it - mineral deposits left behind from hard water.

Dishwashers need soft water to clean properly and will have their own mechanisms for treating hard water before it hits your plates, but they will occasionally need topping up with rinse aid and dishwasher salt to help keep them running smoothly. If you're noticing water spots after a cycle, it's likely that your salt needs topping up.

It's important that the salt used is 100% sodium chloride (NaCl) with no anti-caking agents or other additives, as these can gum up your machine and stop it from converting the hard water into soft water.

Similarly to cleaning hard water deposits off taps and shower heads, you can buff out water marks using white vinegar or glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth as a short-term solution.

Read our advice on common dishwasher faults and how to fix them

5. Your pipes are constantly clogged or damaged

You might be able to cope with dry skin and water marks on dishes, but when hard water starts to damage your plumbing, you'll want to seriously consider installing a water softener.

Hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate on the inside of your pipes, leading to issues with clogging, low water pressure, and pipe corrosion if left untreated.

You can use the tool below or head to Which? Trusted Traders to find a qualified and reputable plumber to keep your pipework in tip-top shape.