The Most Common Plumbing and HVAC Issues (and How to Avoid Them)
January 10, 2025
Table of Contents
What is Hard Water?
The term hard water originally referred to water that made washing difficult, as it prevents soap from lathering properly. This occurs because the minerals in hard water react with soap, forming an insoluble residue. The effects of hard water can be seen in scale buildup on cookware, clogged pipes, and inefficient water heaters.
The primary culprits behind scaling are calcium and magnesium salts, which can create significant problems in household plumbing, laundry, and personal care.
How Hard is Your Water?
Water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate. According to the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (S-339) and the Water Quality Association (WQA), the hardness levels are classified as follows:
Degree of HardnessGrains per Gallon (gpg)ppm (mg/L)
Common Signs of Hard Water
If you're experiencing any of the following issues, your home may have hard water:
- Stiff, dingy laundry – Clothes lose softness and brightness after washing.
- Mineral deposits on dishes and glassware – White spots and cloudy residue.
- High soap usage & need for fabric softeners – Soap doesn't lather properly.
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp – Hard water strips moisture from the skin.
- Unmanageable hair – Hair feels dry, dull, and difficult to style.
- Soap scum buildup – Extra scrubbing required for bathtubs and shower stalls.
- Higher energy costs – Scale buildup in pipes and water heaters reduces efficiency.
- Scale deposits in sinks, tubs, faucets, and appliances – Visible mineral accumulation.
How to Solve Hard Water Issues
The best way to combat hard water is through water softening solutions. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water, preventing scale buildup and improving water quality for daily use.
Get a FREE Water Test!
Find out what’s in your water today! Contact Finken for a free water test and expert recommendations on improving your water quality.
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3423 Co Rd 74, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Chris Blaskowski
Operations Manager
Chris is a key leader at Finken, running day-to-day operations for top-tier water, HVAC, and plumbing solutions throughout homes and businesses in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With a commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and community-focused service, Chris plays an instrumental role in helping Finken deliver reliable and innovative solutions for water quality, home comfort, and plumbing needs.
