Does Your Home Need a Water Conditioning System? 6 Signs to Test Your Water Quality

Last Revised: 6/6/2025

Has your dishwasher struggled to keep your dishes clean? Have you noticed stubborn white stains clinging to your faucets and showerheads? These everyday issues could indicate a bigger issue – poor water quality in your home. 

Neglecting to address poor water quality has several consequences, impacting your health, wallet, and daily routine. Water conditioning systems are designed to combat the causes of poor water quality and prevent these household problems. 

Knowing the red flags to look for can help you catch water quality issues early. In this article, we’ll share the six major signs that your home’s water quality may be in question. After reading, you’ll have the foundational knowledge to get your home’s water treatment solution started. 

6 Signs to Test Your Water Quality 

1. Scale Buildup On Faucets and Fixtures

A chalky white or greenish residue on your skins, faucets, and showerheads is most likely sediment (scale) buildup, a byproduct of hard water. Over time, these mineral deposits can cause damage to your plumbing and fixtures, making them less efficient and harder to clean. 

2. Cloudy Dishes and Faded Laundry

If your glasses and dishes emerge from the dishwasher with streaks or spots, and your clothes appear faded after washing, hard minerals in your water are likely to blame. Minerals like calcium and magnesium can hinder the effectiveness of soap and detergent, leaving behind residues that can dull surfaces and fabrics. 

3. Declining Appliance Performance and Efficiency

Hard water doesn’t just affect your dishes and clothes, it can also harm your water-based appliances. Mineral deposits can accumulate in water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, forcing them to work harder over time. The result is a drop in efficiency, a hike in energy bills, and even a shortened appliance lifespan. 

4. Frequent Plumbing Problems

Water with hard minerals or low pH can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. As minerals accumulate inside pipes, they create blockages that can reduce the water flow at your faucet. Acidic water can corrode the pipes themselves, resulting in frequent repairs or replacements. 

If you’ve got your plumber on speed dial, ask them about how a water conditioning system can preserve your plumbing system. 

5. Dry Skin And Hair After Showering

Does your skin feel strangely dry or does your hair seem brittle after a shower? Hard water makes creating a soapy lather challenging, and it strips away the natural oils in our skin and hair, leaving it dehydrated and less healthy. Over time, this can exacerbate conditions like eczema or worsen dandruff. 

6. Off-Putting Water Taste or Smell

If your water has an odd taste or smell, whether it’s metallic, sulfuric, or chlorine-like, it could indicate contaminants. These impurities not only make your water unpleasant to drink but can also pose health risks if left untreated. 

Take a Proactive Approach to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality 

Water quality impacts several parts of your home and daily life – from the way your appliances function to the way your skin feels. If you’ve noticed any of these six warning signs, it might be time to consider a water conditioning system. Book a water quality test with a professional plumber to pinpoint the exact issues and get started on choosing the best solution for your household. 

Investing in a water conditioning system doesn’t just improve your water – it protects your home, extends the life of your appliances, and enhances your overall quality of life. Don’t wait for minor problems to become major repairs – take action for cleaner, healthier water.