Water Hardness Testing

By Bob Formisano, About.com Guide

The most common water treatment problem found in the home is that having high mineral content such as magnesium and chalky calcium. This condition is commonly known as hard water. Hard water, especially with high levels of calcium, can clog pipes with mineral build up left behind as the water flows through the pipes. It can also build up a scale inside pipes that get hot such as with baseboard hot water heat or your hot water faucet tap or shower doors. It also prevents the full lathering of soap or shampoo.

Hard water can be treated with an appliance known as a water softener. To test and see if you have hard water in your house follow the process outlined on the next page.

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• Home Test for Hard Water
• How To Test for Hard Water
• Tips for Dealing with Hard Water

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