Hard water can both smell and taste bad, which leaves you spending a lot of money on bottled water for cooking and drinking. Though some people think water softeners are only used by those living in the country who have well water, many people living in large and major cities use whole home systems. These systems use multiple filters that remove impurities from your water as well as the common minerals found in hard water supplies. Before calling to learn more about water softening equipment Barrington IL residents like yourself may find it helpful to take a look at some of the signs that they need one of these systems.
Film on Skin
A common sign that you might have hard water is when you notice a film on your skin. The next time that you take a shower and dry off, wait a few hours before rubbing your hand across your arm or leg. If you see white flakes coming off your skin, this can be a sign that you have hard water and not dry skin. That film can build up to the point where you see white flakes in your clothing when changing.
Sediment in Water
Whole home systems do a good job of removing the impurities and sediments found in your water. Sediments are fairly common in urban homes that are near major cities like Chicago and Barrington. You might notice tiny pieces of stone and rock coming out of your faucet, and sand and dirt is common too. Checking your water for sediment is easy because you just need a clear glass. Fill that glass with water from your tap, place it near a light and look for any particles in the water. The sediment can drop down to the bottom of the glass because it’s heavier than water.
Foul Taste and Odor
Another sign that you need to invest in one of these systems is when your water has a foul taste and a bad odor. The smell is so bad in some homes that you pick up on a sulfur odor as soon as you turn on the faucet. You may experience just a bad odor or taste, though most tend to experience both at the same time. If you notice any of these problems in your home, you can benefit from a whole house water softener that will fix your hard water problem.