Water problems
Hard water: scale, spots and stiff laundry
Last updated
The short answer
Hard water carries calcium and magnesium minerals. A water softener removes those minerals; a salt-free scale inhibitor leaves them in the water but conditions them so they are far less likely to stick as scale. Your home's actual hardness is a number a free in-home test gives you in minutes.
What you notice
Signs to look for
- White or chalky scale on faucets and showerheads
- Spots on glasses and dishes after washing
- Soap that does not lather well
- Stiff or faded laundry
- Dry skin and hair
- Crusty deposits inside kettles and water-using appliances
What the record says
Context
What Pittsburgh Water says
Pittsburgh Water's FAQ states plainly: "Water in Pittsburgh is moderately hard," and it credits the calcium and magnesium in the water for the white scale on fixtures. The utility publishes no numeric hardness value in grains per gallon or mg/L; its annual report lists calcium only: 28 ppm in 2025 (range 18–38 ppm). See the hardness section.
Softener or scale inhibitor?
A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium minerals that make water hard, which stops scale and gives you better lather and spot-free rinsing. A salt-free scale inhibitor does not remove those minerals; it conditions them so they are far less likely to stick to pipes and appliances as scale. Inhibitors use no salt and no electricity, while softeners provide complete hardness removal.
How it is treated
Systems that address hard water
True softening (removes hardness)
Ion-exchange systems that remove the calcium and magnesium hardness minerals behind scale, spots and stiff laundry, for every tap in the home.
The Champion
Water's Winning Combination
A powerful softener with integrated carbon filtration in one tank: softer, better-tasting water throughout the entire home. Two sizes available.
See The Champion
The Spartan
Stand Strong Against Hard Water
The smart softener: predictive water usage automatically adjusts cycles to match your habits. High-efficiency design, four sizes available.
See The Spartan
The Sentinel
Tough on Hardness, Easy to Use
Varsity's standard softener: reliable, consistent treated water without overcomplicating your life. Four sizes available.
See The Sentinel
The Infinity
Continuous Soft Water You Can Count On
The twin-tank softener that never waits for regeneration: one tank softens while the other recharges. Three sizes available.
See The InfinitySalt-free scale inhibition (conditions hardness)
These systems condition hardness minerals so they are far less likely to stick to plumbing and appliances as scale. They do not remove hardness the way a softener does.
The Scale Shield
The Salt Free Solution to Hard Water.
The modern, eco-friendly way to prevent limescale: specialized media, on-demand treatment, virtually no maintenance.
See The Scale Shield
The Active Shield
All-Around Defense Against Hardness.
Complete on-demand, salt-free protection: scale reduction media, high-capacity carbon, and IonTech media that reduces bacteria growth in the tank.
See The Active Shield
The Streamline
Filtration that Fits
Customizable cartridge filtration: choose the cartridge that matches your water, from sediment and carbon to a salt-free city water combination.
See The StreamlineQuestions
Hard water: common questions
Is Pittsburgh water hard?
Pittsburgh Water classifies its water as "moderately hard" and publishes no numeric hardness value. Its 2025 report lists calcium at 28 ppm (range 18–38 ppm). Homes on other utilities or on wells will differ, which is why the test measures your own tap.
What is the difference between a water softener and a salt-free scale inhibitor?
A softener removes the calcium and magnesium that make water hard. A salt-free scale inhibitor does not remove those minerals; it conditions them so they are far less likely to stick as scale, with no salt and no electricity.
How do I find out how hard my water is?
Book a free in-home water test. Hardness is one of the factors the test checks, and it is the number that decides whether a softener is worth it for your house.
Free in-home water test
Not sure what is in your water? Find out for free.
One short visit, one honest answer. Book a free in-home water test and know exactly what your home needs, and what it does not.