Q&A for How to Determine if You Have Hard Water

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What chemical can be used to test total hardness in place of EDTA ?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

In the absence of EDTA, denatured alcohol can be used to test the total hardness of water.

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My tub faucet and handles have a white film on them. Is this hard water buildup?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

White film on your tub's faucet and handles most likely points to hard water buildup, but don't rule out soap residue as being a factor.

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Will hard water make skin break out?

Community Answer

Showering in hard water can clog the pores and irritate the skin, which could certainly cause breakouts.

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Question

How does hard water effect my system once I drink it?

Community Answer

It actually has some health benefits because it helps satisfy your daily calcium and magnesium requirements.

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We are having a consistent orange tint to the water in the toilets. It is getting worse. How can we repair this issue?

Community Answer

Orange indicates the presence of rust in the pipes. You can ask a plumber to determine if the issue is in the toilets or in the pipes.

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Question

Will PEX or PVC be affected the same as iron or copper plumbing?

Community Answer

I had all of my plumbing lines changed to PEX. It seems that the hard water does not corrode the plastic like it does the metal pipes/fixtures.

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Question

What if it gets suds at the top of the bottle but there’s a slight fog?

Community Answer

Fog or condensation above the suds is an indication of warmer water or possibly your hand heating up the top when agitating the water and soap. Use room temperature or cooler water and try flat palming the cap when mixing. Warm or hot water will always cause "fog" on the plastic or glass.

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