Skip to content

Is Hard Water

Damaging Your Home?

Water spots on your dishes? Soap scum in the shower? Dry skin and hair? Hard water may be the cause.
 

Is Hard Water

Damaging Your Home?

Water spots on your dishes? Soap scum in the shower? Dry skin and hair? Hard water may be the cause.
 

Family Owned &
Operated

Kinetico logo featuring a blue abstract water drop shape on the left, with the words Kinetico water systems—leaders in water softeners and conditioning—in black text to the right.

50+

Years in Business

Recognizing the Signs

Have you been noticing water spots on your silverware? Soap scum or mineral stains in your sinks? Maybe while showering, you’ve realized that half your showerhead is clogged by strange white buildup. If any of these descriptions apply in your home, you most likely have hard water.

Hard Water, Explained

What Is Hard Water?

Water that’s considered “hard” contains high amounts of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and, in many cases, iron. Many homes in the Mid-Atlantic region have hard water, whether it’s supplied by a private well or a municipality, due to the types of rocks and other materials beneath the soil, particularly limestone and iron deposits. Dry skin and hair, bathtub rings, spotted glassware and silverware, dull and dingy clothing, weak water pressure, and shortened life expectancy of water-using appliances are all problems frequently caused by hard water.

What Damage Does Hard Water Do?

Health

Hard water doesn’t cause any serious physical harm, but it does dry out hair and skin. This can aggravate eczema, acne, and other conditions.

Plumbing

The dissolved minerals in hard water build up over time. Pipes may clog or corrode, leading to costly repairs or even premature replacement.

Dishware

Hard water’s dissolved minerals solidify on dishes, glasses, and silverware and eat away at their finishes. This is the same buildup you may have noticed on faucets or showerheads.

Laundry

Detergent often fails to rinse away completely in hard water. Over repeated washes, it builds up on fabrics, giving them a rough texture and dingy look.

Treating Your Hard Water

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to treat hard water. The resin beads in a water-softening tank are negatively charged, so the positively charged ions in minerals like calcium and magnesium are pulled away, effectively eliminating them. Martin Water’s certified specialists will diagnose your water and recommend the right treatment system for your home.

What Your Neighbors Are Saying

Google
Colby Stichter profile picture
Colby Stichter
7 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Kervin installed our new water softener system today and did a great job!
Google
Bill Phillips profile picture
Bill Phillips
7 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Duane G was very good about communicating his arrival time. His service was excellent. He also made some good suggestions about ways to improve our drinking water quality
Google
Patrick Mcgee profile picture
Patrick Mcgee
8 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
​We have been using Martin Water for years to maintain our water filtration system, and they are truly great. Duane came over recently—he is always nice, professional, and takes the time to explain everything he’s doing so we know exactly what to expect. I highly recommend Martin Water for all your water needs!
Google
Pete Scarano profile picture
Pete Scarano
9 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Good work!
Google
Jeff Lotz profile picture
Jeff Lotz
11 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Kervin was awesome! Very experienced, talented, and skilled. Super clean job. Great with our dogs, too. Definitely recommend!
Google
Kelly Smith profile picture
Kelly Smith
14 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had a great installation experience. Kervin was knowledgeable, worked efficiently and with excellence. He explained everything we needed to know very well and left everything in even better shape than he found it. We are highly satisfied with the system and the service we received.
Google
Tim Stahl profile picture
Tim Stahl
15 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very impressed with Martin Water Conditioning! From Loren coming out to test our well water and walking us through and educating us about our options to Kelton and Jaishun handling the installation, the entire process was smooth and easy. The installers were polite, professional, and great to work with. Our well water is no longer acidic, and we finally have soft water again! We’re very happy with the results and highly recommend their team. Amazing job from start to finish, save yourself the trouble and headache and just call these guys.
Google
David Anderson profile picture
David Anderson
17 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Another year has past and we just had our yearly Kinetico Water System serviced, that makes 20 years of fantastic water ! Thank you Zach for the professional service you provided.
Google
Laura Wozniski profile picture
Laura Wozniski
17 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very efficient. My house had no mess. KERVIN WAS POLITE AND EFFICIENT. THANK YOU.
Google
Andy LaFaver profile picture
Andy LaFaver
18 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Eric from Martin Water came to our home and installed a new water softener system. He was fantastic. Got the job completed. No issues and it looks great. He instructed us on how to do basic servicing. I highly recommend this company for your plumbing needs.
Google
Trisha Fittipaldi profile picture
Trisha Fittipaldi
21 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Duane is our Martin tech every year. He explains in easy to understand terms how safe our water is, what the filtration system is doing and how much life is has left, as well as what each filter can do to keep our drinking water safe. As someone who never has well water before I greatly appreciate his clear explanations and thorough work. If you can choose a check choose Duane!
Google
Carl Deitrich profile picture
Carl Deitrich
22 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
All of the Martin businesses are run extremely well and for a few years now we have been using them exclusively for our water conditioner, flooring, and furniture needs. They are very professional and courteous to a fault. Today Kervin came and installed a new neutralizer, softener, salt tub, and RO system. Our previous system was installed by Martin's and we decided to replace it under a deal they were running. They called it an out of warranty replacement. It came with an over $2,000.00 discount / rebate for the old equipment, 0% financing for a year, a 1 year labor warranty, and a 10 year parts warranty. Kelvin was very friendly, efficient, and did a very nice clean install.
Google
Tom Bird profile picture
Tom Bird
22 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dwayne was a great salesman. He explained everything thoroughly and gave us some discounts. Eric and Jason did an excellent job with the installation of the system. Upon completion they reviewed all the components of the system with me. They were very effective, efficient, courteous, and polite.
Google
Nate Snyder profile picture
Nate Snyder
23 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Kevin was awesome. Pipe cracked and there Was water going everywhere the guys over the phone helped me troubleshoot, initial steps and then Kevin swing by and got everything in tiptop.
Google
Mark Devlin profile picture
Mark Devlin
23 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Outstanding communication. Duane was very friendly and informative. He explained what he was doing, and why, status of system, and each piece of equipment, and made recommendations based on his observations with proof to substantiate his statements. All with a smile.
Google
Bruce Gaston profile picture
Bruce Gaston
23 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Zach completed our water system maintenance in a professional manner. Zach detected issues with the home water system that needed immediate attention. Zach scheduled a service appointment to correct the issues. Zach represented Martin Water Conditioning in a very professional manner.
Google
Bob Holland profile picture
Bob Holland
24 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Quick and professional service. Very happy with the service provided.
Google
Dennis profile picture
Dennis
25 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very good installation. The only thing I wished they had done was test rhe water pH after install.
Google
Randy Ringler profile picture
Randy Ringler
25 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always exceptional service from Martin Water. Zach and Jonny were excellent. Very grateful for a company you can trust.
Google
Cathy Witmer profile picture
Cathy Witmer
25 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Zach arrived in the alloted time frame & called before coming. He was very polite & efficient.
Google
Gordon Hammond profile picture
Gordon Hammond
36 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent consultation and service from Duane.
Google
Terrence Breslin profile picture
Terrence Breslin
37 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Luke's exceptional technical service was complimented by his demeanor in providing the best customer service possible. He handled the entire workload himself efficiently & thoroughly and the cleanup afterwards. This is a reflection of all the Martin's techs showing consistency in providing high-quality service. I welcome Luke's service response to any & all future technical service calls.
Google
Lindsay Groves profile picture
Lindsay Groves
45 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
From the initial phone call to the installation, this company shines with professionalism and care. Eric installed our system; he was kind, professional, efficient in his skill, and even paused his work to kill a spider on my front porch for me. If I could give him 1000 stars I would (just for the spider killing.)
Google
Mark Fink profile picture
Mark Fink
47 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
They installed a Kinetico water softener and K5 RO unit in our home + bypassed the outdoor hose bibs. They did a great job -- clean and thorough. System is working great. Highly recommend. The entire experience was smooth and easy; they did everything they agreed to do.
Google
Jewel Greenberg profile picture
Jewel Greenberg
48 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
After purchasing our new home which is on well water, I took water samples to Martin Water Conditioning. Dave (David?) answered many questions for me by phone and in person, then Loren came out to assess our current system and walk us through it since it was new to us, followed by John that same week who came out to update some of our filters and add a UV light. From start to finish, every single person we worked with was fantastic. Dave, Loren, and John were all wealths of knowledge, amenable to answering questions, and thoroughly explained the parts of the system we have, how they work together, and how to maintain them. If you're looking for a company full of knowledgable, professional, and genuinely nice people, Martin Water Conditioning is a great match. Thank you, everyone! We really appreciate the time you took with us. :)
A blue icon of a person wearing a cap running with a briefcase, illustrated simply on a light background, representing swift service in water treatment or water conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Common signs of hard water include white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware, soap that does not lather well, and laundry that feels stiff or looks dull over time.
Over time, mineral buildup (also known as scale) can clog pipes, reduce water pressure, and decrease the efficiency of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. This leads to higher energy bills and shorter appliance lifespans. In some cases, the damage is gradual enough that homeowners don’t notice it until a repair is already needed.
The minerals in hard water leave a residue that makes it harder to rinse soap and shampoo away completely. This can leave your skin feeling dry or irritated after bathing, and your hair looking dull or brittle over time. Healthier skin and hair is one of the most commonly noticed quality-of-life improvements for households that switch to softened water.
Hard water is generally safe to drink and is not considered a health risk. However, it can be a significant nuisance due to its effects on cleaning, personal comfort, and the long-term condition of your home’s plumbing and appliances.
The most common and effective solution is a water softener, which removes calcium and magnesium through a process called ion exchange. Other options include salt-free conditioners or descaling systems, which work differently and may be a better fit depending on your water usage and household preferences. A water test is the best starting point for determining which approach is right for your home.

Contact Us

When you need water conditioning services, trust Martin Water. For your no-obligation water analysis or for more information about our premium products, industry-leading warranties, and reliable service, contact us today!

"*" indicates required fields

1Get Started
2Your Water Concerns
Name*
Email*

*This form does not reach an on-call operator during our closed hours and will not be read until the next business day. If you have an emergency, please call your closest service location and follow the emergency prompts.

Back To Top
Black and white pixelated drawing of a skull and crossbones, resembling a simple digital or 8-bit style warning—perfect for water treatment or water softeners caution signs.

Thank you for contacting us!

A Martin Water Conditioning team member will be in touch with you within 24 business hours.