Explaining the Water Hardness Scale
If you have hard water, you might want to know just how hard your water is. To do this, you'll need to test the mineral content of your water. Here's a guide to understanding water hardness levels and using the water hardness scale.
What Is Water Hardness?
Water hardness measures the amount of dissolved minerals in water, primarily calcium and magnesium:
Hard Water: Contains high levels of dissolved minerals
Soft Water: Contains low levels of dissolved minerals
What Is the Water Hardness Scale?
The water hardness scale helps determine how hard or soft your water is. This scale is essential for understanding your water's mineral content and deciding if you need a water softener.
Water Hardness Levels:
Soft: Less than 1 grain per gallon (GPG) of dissolved minerals
Moderately Hard: 1-7 GPG
Hard: 7-10 GPG
Very Hard: More than 10 GPG
How to Use the Water Hardness Scale
Test Your Water: Use a water hardness test kit to measure the mineral content
Measure in GPG: The test will tell you the grains per gallon (GPG) of calcium carbonate in your water
Compare to Scale: Match your results with the water hardness scale to determine your water's hardness level
We’re happy to do all of this for you FREE of charge by testing your water. Just reach out:
Tim Beil Plumbing.
“It just makes sense.”
Factors Contributing to Water Hardness:
Natural Sources
Geological Formations: Water picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium from rocks and soil.
Surface Waters: Rivers, lakes, and streams collect minerals from their surroundings.
Human Activities
Agriculture: Fertilizers introduce extra minerals into water bodies.
Industry: Industrial discharges add minerals and metals to water systems.
Why Is Water Hardness Important?
Knowing your water hardness helps you address potential problems, such as:
Mineral Deposits:
Hard water leaves whitish mineral deposits on surfaces and fixtures
Soap Scum:
Forms from minerals reacting with soap, leading to stubborn buildup
Hair and Skin Issues:
Hard water can cause brittle hair and dry skin
Faded Clothing:
Minerals can cause clothes to fade and wear out faster
Addressing Hard Water Concerns
Water Softeners: Remove minerals through ion exchange, softening the water
Salt-Free Water Conditioners: Prevent scale buildup without adding sodium, using methods like template-assisted crystallization
We will test YOUR water for FREE
Understanding your water's hardness is the first step in finding the right solution to maintaining the quality of your hair and skin.
For top-notch water softener and drinking system solutions, Tim Beil Plumbing has been a trusted provider since 1967.
