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
chris pruitt profile picture
chris pruitt
2 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Really great service Kervin the installer totally professional and very knowledgeable thank you. 5 star rating out of 5
Google
Gerald Doster profile picture
Gerald Doster
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Kervin was professional, did a good job.
Google
Jim Mills profile picture
Jim Mills
6 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The service was outstanding as was the technician! He was professional, pleasant, and prompt!
Google
Susan Kern profile picture
Susan Kern
8 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Professional service provided by Duane, Eric and Jason. They are very respectful of the property and they provide attention to detail as if they are installing their own water systems in their own homes. Highly recommend!
Google
Mary Monzo profile picture
Mary Monzo
10 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Our service tec Dwane is pleasant seasoned and clear communicator. He’s been scheduled to our system since we had installed. It’s a good company . Treats their clients and employees well .
Google
David Heron profile picture
David Heron
13 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Martin Water conditioning came out to our location. They added a neutralizer to our water system. Jeff and Wendell were both very professional and we’re very thorough when it came to the details of what had to be done and we are very pleased. We would definitely use them again. Thank you.
Google
Joanne Maschi profile picture
Joanne Maschi
14 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Timely, courteous and excellent work quality.
Google
R P profile picture
R P
15 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Worked with Dan salesman came to the house and went through everything he had Eric. H, do our installation. Eric did a great job of fitting all the equipment in a small space, consisting of a water softener. Neutralizer, filter, UV light and reverse osmosis conditioning system. We were very happy with all the work and the equipment that they put in, they did a great job. And we've been using Martins for a while, and we will continue to use Martins. Thanks again for the job you guys did.
Google
Heather Hooks profile picture
Heather Hooks
15 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I can't say enough good things about Martin Water Conditioning! The service was top quality from start to finish. The team was professional, punctual, and took the time to explain everything. Their products are excellent, and I noticed a real difference in our water right away. What truly sets Martin apart is their customer service. Everyone was friendly, responsive, and genuinely cared about making sure we were happy. Highly recommend Martin Water Conditioning for quality service, great products, and a team that truly values its customers!
Google
Matt Bender profile picture
Matt Bender
15 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Martin Water Conditioning is top notch! Kervin worked at our house all day did an exceptional job with the installation of our full water system. The installation is neat and clean. He was courteous and cleaned up afterwards. Kervin also did a great job explaining the system!!
Google
David Sheaffer profile picture
David Sheaffer
17 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Zach and Johnny were great to work with. We are very satisfied with Martin Water taking care of our water system since they replaced our older system. It was brought to our attention that our water heater will probably need replacing, so that will probably be the next job for Martin to take care of. Thanks for the heads up on that issue, Martin Water.
Google
Colby Stichter profile picture
Colby Stichter
27 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
27 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
28 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
29 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Good work!
Google
Jeff Lotz profile picture
Jeff Lotz
31 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
34 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
35 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
37 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
37 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
38 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
41 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
42 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
42 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
43 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.
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.