You’ve probably heard the terms “hard” and “soft” used to describe water before. But what does that mean? When water has a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, it’s considered hard. That’s because as water evaporates, these minerals are left behind as small spots, scale buildup, or white residue. If water has a low concentration of minerals, nothing is left behind after it passes through pipes or evaporates from a glass. Plus, it leaves skin and clothing softer, without the rough, brittle, or dry feeling that hard water causes.
The consequences of hard water can include:
- Damaged pipes and plumbing
- Crusty buildup on fixtures like shower heads and faucets
- Difficult to clean glass showers or spotty dishes
- Reduced efficiency for appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.
This can all come at a high financial cost as you face repairs, energy inefficiency, and time spent combatting the effects. Plus, you may experience extremely dry skin, limp hair, uncomfortable clothing and linens, and dishes that appear unclean.
In New Hampshire, water is generally on the softer side with an average rating of 39 ppm (parts per million). The threshold for water to be considered soft is anything below 60 ppm. However, there is a wide range of hardness measurements depending on exactly where you live. The best way to know where your water lands is to get a water hardness test.
Sign up for a water hardness test to see if you have hard water.
If you’ve noticed some of the symptoms of hard water in your home, or are simply concerned about the possible consequences of having it, you can sign up for a water hardness test to know for sure what your water’s mineral content is. Hard water testing is inexpensive and NH Tap’s professionals are experienced with all types of water issues. We know how to test water hardness and what you can do to combat possible ramifications.
What to expect during your hard water test.
Water hardness testing is a straightforward process, but you must have the right tools. At NH Tap, we know how to test for hard water and can help you get to know your home’s water profile. After you schedule an appointment, one of our water specialists will come to your home to collect a sample and assess your home’s location and layout. Then we’ll send the water hardness test to a lab for analysis and report the results back to you within one week.
Depending on the results, we’ll offer personalized solutions for any problems you’re experiencing. NH Tap offers water hardness testing for free, whether you’re on a public water system or a private well.
Steps to getting the purest water.
With today’s technology, hard water testing provides accurate, timely results and it only takes a few steps.
- Step 1: Schedule an in-home appointment for one of our water specialists to collect a sample.
- Step 2: Receive your hard water test results and analysis within one week.
- Step 3: Find the specific water softener needed for your water.
- Step 4: Enjoy your home’s pure water worry-free.
Homeowners with private wells are especially encouraged to use a water hardness tester because city or state officials are not monitoring water quality for them. If a leak or break occurs in your pipes, sediments may leak into your water supply resulting in higher concentrations of elements like iron and calcium.
Schedule your free water hardness test today!
Say goodbye to uranium in drinking water and ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy with the best water filtration systems in New Hampshire- schedule your uranium water test with NH Tap today!
Helping the New Hampshire community with cleaner water.
Common questions about water hardness testing.
Q: How do we test for water hardness?
A: At NH Tap we test for water hardness by collecting an in-home sample, sending it to an independent laboratory for analysis, and reporting the results to you within one week.
Q: Are there health effects of hard water?
A: The primary health effects of hard water are dry skin and hair, brittle nails, and razor burn. Otherwise, it is not harmful to your health.
Q: How is water hardness affecting NH residents?
A: Although New Hampshire’s average water hardness levels are low, some locations, such as the town of Portsmouth, have higher measurements of water hardness. As a NH resident, you may experience the symptoms of hard water depending on your location and the state of your plumbing.
Q: Can I test water hardness on my own first?
A: You can test water hardness yourself with a water hardness test kit or another DIY approach. However, the more specialized the tools, the better your result. NH Tap offers a low-cost and in depth water hardness testing that doesn’t require significant time and effort from you.
Q: How often should a water hardness test be conducted?
A: We recommend hard water testing every 3-5 years. Changes can occur in your water supply that you don’t know about, such as a leak in your pipes. Even if you’ve had positive results from previous test and feel safe, it’s still good to test periodically, especially whenever your water source or system changes.
Q: Do you offer water hardness testing near me?
A: At NH Tap, we’re proud to offer hard water tests throughout southern New Hampshire. View our list of service areas to check for your city, or reach out. We’d love to help.
Q: How much does a water hardness test cost?
A: NH Tap provides water hardness (calcium) testing for free no matter where you get your water.