Diagnose your water

What's Wrong With Your Water?

Columbus water is hard, chloraminated, and sometimes iron-heavy. Here's what that means for your home — and how to fix it fast.

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Common water problems in Central Ohio

Click any problem to see the cause, the real cost, and the fastest fix — backed by 1,200+ local water tests.

White spots on dishes & glasses

Moderate impact

Calcium and magnesium deposits left behind when hard water evaporates. Columbus averages 18–22 gpg hardness — among the highest in Ohio.

Cause:Hard water (calcium & magnesium)Water softener

DishwasherGlasswareFaucetsShower doors

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Dry, itchy skin after showering

High impact

Hard water minerals leave a film on skin that blocks moisture and strips natural oils. Chloramines in Columbus city water compound the irritation.

Cause:Hard water + chloraminesSoftener + carbon filter

SkinHairScalpEczema sufferers

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Bad taste or smell from tap water

Moderate impact

Columbus uses chloramines (chlorine + ammonia) to disinfect city water. The chemical taste and smell persist all the way to your tap.

Cause:Chloramines (city treatment)Carbon whole-house filter

Drinking waterCoffee & teaCookingIce maker

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Scale buildup on water heater & pipes

High impact

Hard water deposits coat heating elements and pipe walls, reducing efficiency and shortening appliance life. A water heater in hard water areas fails 30–50% sooner.

Cause:Hard water mineral depositsWater softener

Water heaterPipesDishwasherWashing machine

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Stiff, scratchy towels & laundry

Low impact

Hard water minerals bind to fabric fibers, making towels rough and colors dull. Soft water can cut detergent use by up to 50%.

Cause:Hard water in wash cycleWater softener

TowelsBeddingClothingColors & whites

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Spotted, streaky shower glass

Moderate impact

Calcium and magnesium etch into glass over time, leaving permanent haze. Soft water prevents new spots and makes existing glass easier to clean.

Cause:Hard water evaporationWater softener

Shower doorsMirrorsChrome fixturesTile grout

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Not sure which problem you have?

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A free in-home water test takes 20 minutes and measures hardness, iron, pH, chlorine, TDS, and more.

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