Lime-A-Way

Get The Hard Facts About Hard Water

Hard water is found in 85% of the U.S. It causes crusty stains and rings in bathtubs, sinks, showers, toilets and around the base of faucets and fixtures. The tools below will help you find out if you're affected by hard water and learn how LIME-A-WAY® can help you fight back against hard water stains.

Do You Live In a Hard Water Area?

 
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What is Hard Water?



Hard water refers to water that contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and other dissolved minerals.

These minerals can leave unsightly limescale deposits on surfaces, clog showerheads and faucets and make clothes yellow and dingy.

Here is an example of what these stains could look like:
This data represents mean hardness of water based on major-ion chemistry concentrations as measured at various locations. Actual hardness on the scale of individual homeowner property may be different based on a number of factors, including location of water source and presence of treatment facilities, and may not be the same as what is shown here. For more info, see USGS
 

Tell-Tale Signs
Since so much water is used in the bathroom, it's usually the best place to see the effects of hard water.

Look for:
Little or no lather when using soap or shampoo. Hard water prevents soap and detergents from lathering.
Unattractive white or brown, crusty stains or rings in bathtubs, sinks, shower areas, toilet bowls and around the foundations of taps and fixtures.
A thin film of rough powder on glass, plastic and porcelain surfaces (like shower doors, tiles and curtains).
Clogged or slow-flowing showerheads and sink faucets. This is caused by the buildup of hard water deposits, also known as scale.
Red-tinted water or slime. This is usually caused by water with a high iron content.
Blue-green rust on brass or copper fixtures that is very difficult to scrub away.