Tired of Sand & Sediment in Your Water?
Fed up with sand and grit in your water? We can identify the cause and help you find the right solution.
Tired of Sand & Sediment in Your Water?
Fed up with sand and grit in your water? We can identify the cause and help you find the right solution.
Better Water Starts with the Right Answers
Whether you’re dealing with hard water, iron stains, unpleasant tastes, odors, or drinking water concerns, we’ll identify what’s affecting your water and help you solve it the right way.
How Can We Help?
Choose the option that best describes what you need.
How Can We Help?
Choose the option that best describes what you need.
Prefer to speak with someone?
Find answers.
Explore solutions.
Start with the water problem you’re experiencing, or browse by system type if you already know what you’re looking for. We’ll help you understand your options and find the right path forward.
Find answers.
Explore solutions.
Start with the water problem you’re experiencing, or browse by system type if you already know what you’re looking for. We’ll help you understand your options and find the right path forward.
Browse by
Water Problem
Browse by
Water Problem
Find information about common water problems and the solutions that can help.
Find information about common water problems and the solutions that can help.
Browse by
System Type
Browse by
Water Problem
Find information about common water problems and the solutions that can help.
Explore water treatment systems, what they do, and which problems they’re designed to solve.
Browse by
System Type
Learn about our water treatment systems and how they work to improve your water.
Get the right system.
Right from the start.
The best water treatment starts with understanding your water. We’ll identify the problem, recommend the right solution, and professionally install it, often on the same visit.
Schedule Your Water Evaluation
Choose a convenient appointment below.
Not Ready to Schedule Yet?
Start with a conversation.
Send us a message and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Just shopping around?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll send you an estimated price range based on your needs.
Need Something Else?
Choose another way to get started.
Know what’s wrong.
Know what to do next.
If your existing water treatment system isn’t working like it should, our $29 System Check-Up gives you a clear place to start. We’ll test your water, inspect your equipment, identify what’s causing the problem, and explain what we recommend before any maintenance or repairs are performed.
What’s Included?
Your System Check-Up begins with professional on-site testing to better understand the water entering your home and how it may be affecting your plumbing, fixtures, appliances, laundry, and drinking water.
We evaluate important water quality characteristics such as hardness, iron, pH, total dissolved solids, chlorine, and other common concerns. The testing performed will depend on whether your home uses municipal water or a private well.
Our technician will also ask about any problems you have noticed, including:
- Orange or brown stains
- Hard water scale
- Metallic taste
- Unpleasant odors
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Dry skin or hair
- Rusty laundry
- Sediment in fixtures
- Reduced water pressure
Professional water testing helps identify the likely source of the problem so that recommendations are based on your actual water conditions rather than guesswork.
Some health-related contaminants, including bacteria, arsenic, nitrates, lead, and certain chemicals, may require certified laboratory testing. When additional testing is appropriate, we will explain the available options and help you understand the next step.
Whether your Central Ohio home has city water or well water, you will receive clear information about your water and practical guidance about what, if anything, should be done next.
Our technician will perform a detailed inspection of your existing water treatment equipment, regardless of the brand, age, or company that originally installed it.
We inspect and service many types of residential water treatment systems, including:
- Water softeners and water conditioners
- Iron and sulfur filters
- Whole-house water filters
- Reverse osmosis drinking water systems
- Carbon filtration systems
- Cartridge filters
- Ultraviolet water treatment systems
- Acid neutralizers
- Sediment filters
- Specialty contaminant filters
- Brine tanks
- Control valves
- Bypass valves
- Drain lines
- Related plumbing connections
During the inspection, we look for leaks, worn components, restricted water flow, incorrect programming, salt bridging, drainage problems, pressure concerns, exhausted filter media, and other signs that the equipment may not be operating properly.
We also compare the performance of the system with your current water conditions. Water quality can change over time, especially in homes supplied by private wells. Equipment that was properly sized or programmed years ago may no longer be addressing the same conditions.
Our goal is to determine whether your current system is working properly, needs routine maintenance, can be repaired, requires new filter media, or should be adjusted to provide better performance.
We will not automatically recommend replacing equipment that can still be serviced effectively. Whenever possible, we will explain the condition of the system and provide practical options for improving its operation.
Water treatment equipment can collect sediment, mineral buildup, organic material, and stagnant water over time. As part of the System Check-Up, we sanitize the applicable portions of your system to support cleaner operation and proper maintenance.
Depending on the type and condition of your equipment, the sanitization process may include:
- Brine tank cleaning and sanitization
- Resin or media tank sanitization
- Internal water pathways
- Filter housings
- Reverse osmosis components
- Accessible plumbing connections
- Other serviceable treatment components
Our technician will use a sanitization method that is appropriate for your specific equipment. Different systems require different procedures, so the same process is not used for every type of water treatment system.
We will also inspect accessible areas for:
- Salt bridging
- Salt buildup
- Sludge or debris
- Unusual odors
- Sediment accumulation
- Organic buildup
- Signs of bacterial growth
- Cracked or damaged components
If the system requires additional cleaning, replacement filters, new media, repairs, or specialized treatment, we will explain those needs separately before recommending further work.
Routine system sanitization can help promote cleaner operation, reduce unwanted buildup, support consistent water quality, and extend the useful life of properly maintained equipment.
After the water testing, equipment inspection, and applicable sanitization are complete, you will receive a written summary of our findings.
Your System Check-Up report may include:
- Results from the on-site water testing
- A summary of the water concerns identified
- The condition of your existing equipment
- Information about system performance
- Maintenance needs
- Repair recommendations
- Suggested system settings
- Filter or media replacement needs
- Plumbing or pressure concerns
- Options for improving your water
- Recommended next steps
We will clearly distinguish between routine maintenance, optional improvements, necessary repairs, and situations where new equipment may be worth considering.
Our recommendations are based on your home, your water source, your existing equipment, and the concerns that matter most to your household.
When several solutions are available, we will explain the advantages, limitations, expected maintenance, and estimated costs of each option. This allows you to make an informed decision without unnecessary pressure.
You will not be pressured to replace a system that can still be repaired or maintained effectively.
The result is a clear plan, not a confusing sales presentation, backed by a Central Ohio water treatment company serving local homeowners since 1960.
Schedule Your System Check-Up
Choose a convenient appointment below.
Prefer to Have Us Reach Out?
We’re happy to help.
Send us a quick message and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Not sure what’s wrong?
We’ll take care of it.
Water problems can be frustrating, especially when the cause isn’t obvious. We’ll listen to what you’ve been noticing, identify what’s causing it, and explain the best path forward for your home.
Schedule Your Consultation
Choose a convenient appointment below.
Still Have Questions?
We’ll help you figure it out.
Tell us what’s been happening with your water, and we’ll review your information, answer your questions, and help you determine the best next step. Whether you need a repair, a new system, or simply peace of mind, we’re here to help.
TRUSTED BY FAMILIES ACROSS CENTRAL OHIO
TRUSTED BY FAMILIES ACROSS CENTRAL OHIO
See Why Homeowners Choose Hague
See Why Homeowners Choose Hague
Excellent4.9136 reviews
4.9Excellent136 reviewsPosted on Google
Brandon43 days agoAustin is who you hope shows up at your house. I know you can’t always tell when people are honest good people but I think I would have bet anyone he was (he was). Hague is a no-brainer because Austin isn’t the first really good person I have dealt with from there. Customer service is most dead. Not at Hague. Thank you AustinPosted on Google
Todd B76 days agoThe installation of our new water softener and iron filter went so smoothly. Austin was very friendly and professional. He explained and went over everything with the new system and checked to make sure nothing leaked.Posted on Google
David H120 days agoProfessionalism and excellence! From the quote and consultation to the install the team was informative and provided guidance that was in the best interest of my family based on our needs and requests. Only a few months after installing the whole house Watermax system we’ve seen a difference in our appliances and conditioning during showers. Additionally, the reverse osmosis drinking system gives us confident in the water we’re drinking. Highly recommend Hague Water Conditioning to anyone in the market wanting to upgrade their water for healthier, clean living.Posted on Google
Miter B136 days agoThe Hague technician/installer, Austin, did an excellent job installing our new water softener and iron filter. He was friendly, explained how everything works, and made sure the system was running perfectly before leaving. Our water quality has improved instantly.Posted on Google
Sharon A139 days agoDarren, just installed a water softener for me. First impressions mean everything to me. He told me what time he would arrive and he was prompt, if not early. He was professional, explained everything to me in detail and was extremely prompt with installation. I highly recommend Darren and Hague!Posted on Google
Greg M183 days agoAUSTIN was very professional, personable and knowledgeable. We are very satisfied with the installation of our water softener and R/O. Thank youPosted on Google
Zachary S196 days agoAustin really knows his stuff. Very professional and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.Posted on Google
Paula M204 days agoAustin installed our full water filtration system and did a wonderful job. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made sure everything was installed correctly and working perfectly. The whole process went smoothly, and we’re very happy with the results. Highly recommend his work!Posted on Google
Shawn M207 days agoAustin did a great job and I am more than satisfied with the work and the softener.Posted on Google
Waylon B231 days agoAustin with Hague Water meet every last expectation. I can say, he is very dedicated to his work! The water softener system works great! Thank you!Posted on Google
Josh B237 days agoAustin showed up on time and ready to go. Replaced my entire softener system quickly and efficiently. Would 100% recommend him as your service tech and Hague as a plumbing company.Posted on Google
Frances M238 days agoAustin did a great job. He was professional and very personable. He answered all of my questions very thoroughly.Posted on Google
Reece T259 days agoQuick service, thanks!Posted on Google
Suz D262 days agoAustin was great. He is very knowledgeable and set us up with the equipment we needed.Posted on Google
Jeff J265 days agoCalled for them to come out and check my water and ended up my old system wasn't working properly and was very old the text that came out was very professional friendly and on time gave me options of three different systems explained each and every one I chose the system less than a week later came and installed the system and two hours very happy and pleased with a total process it was seamless one of the best companies I've worked with job well donePosted on Google
Brooke F275 days agoGreat service and recommendations by Austin!Posted on Google
Scott I283 days agoThe installer, Austin, was fantastic. Very clean and detailed oriented. The finished product looked great!Posted on Google
Tony S296 days agoAustin did a great job installing and explaining how everything works. I recommend him for sure.Posted on Google
David H297 days agoAustin responded quickly to detailed questions on water test results and solutions meeting specific needs with well water whole house treatment systems. He did a great job with the installation and even cleaned up afterwards. Austin was very courteous and did what he said he could do. We are very happy and recommend Hague Water Conditioning.Posted on Google
Dave H321 days agoAustin was really great during the install. Very professional and knowledgeable about the product. Quickly installed the entire unit.Load more
COMMON WATER PROBLEMS
What Have You
Been Noticing?
Many water problems begin with small changes around your home. Here are some of the most common signs homeowners experience.
Recognize Any of These?
Recognize Any of These?
OUR PROCESS
Here’s What to
Expect During a Visit
Every home is different, so every solution begins with understanding your water. From your first conversation to the final recommendation, our goal is to help you make a confident decision.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to Get Started?
WHY BETTER WATER MATTERS
Better Water Benefits
Better Water Benefits
Your Entire Home
Your Entire Home
Water touches nearly everything in your home. Improving it will help protect appliances, reduce energy costs and make everyday life a little easier.
Ready for Better Water?
Ready for Better Water?
Why Homeowners
Choose Hague
For more than 66 years, Central Ohio homeowners have trusted Hague for experienced guidance, quality American-made systems, and dependable service long after installation.
Our mission is simple: Provide clear answers, honest recommendations, and water treatment solutions built to serve your home for years to come.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Water Treatment
Questions, Answered.
Find straightforward answers to common questions about water problems, testing, treatment systems, pricing, installation, and service. Whether you’re researching a problem or comparing your options, this is a good place to start.
Browse By Category
Hardness & Hard Water Basics
Hard water is water that contains elevated levels of naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as groundwater moves through soil and rock before reaching your home. Hard water is generally safe to use, but it can create noticeable problems throughout a home, including white mineral deposits, scale buildup, spotted dishes, soap residue and reduced performance from water-using fixtures and appliances.Hard water is water that contains elevated levels of naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as groundwater moves through soil and rock before reaching your home. Hard water is generally safe to use, but it can create noticeable problems throughout a home, including white mineral deposits, scale buildup, spotted dishes, soap residue and reduced performance from water-using fixtures and appliances.
Hard water is caused primarily by dissolved calcium and magnesium. As water travels through mineral-rich rock and soil, it dissolves small amounts of these minerals and carries them into groundwater, wells and municipal water supplies. Because hardness minerals are dissolved in the water, a standard sediment filter generally will not remove them.
Common signs include white or chalky buildup around faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes and glassware, cloudy shower doors, scale buildup, reduced soap lather and laundry that feels stiff or dull. Some homeowners also notice that their skin or hair feels different after bathing. If several of these symptoms occur throughout your home, a hardness test can determine whether hard water is the cause.
Water hardness is commonly measured in parts per million (PPM), milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (GPG). The U.S. Geological Survey classifies water as soft at 0–60 mg/L (0–3.5 GPG), moderately hard at 61–120 mg/L (3.6–7.0 GPG), hard at 121–180 mg/L (7.1–10.5 GPG), and very hard at more than 180 mg/L (more than 10.5 GPG). One grain per gallon is approximately equal to 17.1 mg/L.
Hard Water in Central Ohio
Hard water is common throughout Central Ohio, although the actual hardness can vary by community, water source and individual well. Both municipal water and private well water can contain significant calcium and magnesium. Testing the water at your home provides the actual hardness level needed to properly evaluate treatment options.
Not necessarily. Both private well water and municipal water can be hard. A well’s mineral content depends heavily on local geology and the aquifer, while municipal hardness depends on the source water supplying the community. Well water may also contain iron, manganese, sulfur, sediment or other constituents that need to be considered alongside hardness.
Yes. Water hardness can vary between communities and even between homes using different water sources. Municipal systems may obtain water from different sources, while private wells can have substantially different chemistry depending on location and depth. That’s why an actual water test is more useful when selecting treatment equipment than relying solely on an area’s average hardness.
Hard Water Problems Around the Home
White, chalky deposits around faucets, showerheads and fixtures are often mineral scale left behind when hard water evaporates. Calcium and magnesium remain on the surface after the water is gone, gradually creating visible deposits. Cleaning removes the existing buildup but does not change the water causing it, which is why the deposits often return.
White spots or cloudy residue on dishes and glassware are frequently caused by minerals in hard water. As water droplets dry, dissolved minerals can remain behind. Dishwasher settings, detergent and rinse aid can affect how noticeable the spotting becomes, but persistent spotting throughout the home can indicate a hardness problem.
Hard water can leave calcium and magnesium deposits on shower glass whenever water droplets evaporate. Those minerals can combine with soap residue and gradually create a stubborn cloudy film. If similar deposits appear on faucets and showerheads, testing the water for hardness can help identify the underlying cause.Hard water can leave calcium and magnesium deposits on shower glass whenever water droplets evaporate. Those minerals can combine with soap residue and gradually create a stubborn cloudy film. If similar deposits appear on faucets and showerheads, testing the water for hardness can help identify the underlying cause.
Yes. Hard water can contribute to mineral scale inside plumbing, valves, fixtures and water-using equipment. The amount and rate of accumulation depend on factors such as hardness, water temperature, plumbing conditions and water usage. Hot-water equipment can be particularly susceptible to scale formation.
Hard water can contribute to scale accumulation on and inside faucets, showerheads, valves and other fixtures. Over time, mineral deposits may restrict small openings, interfere with moving components and make fixtures more difficult to keep clean. Recurring scale or reduced flow should be evaluated rather than automatically attributed to hardness, since other water or plumbing problems can cause similar symptoms.Hard water can contribute to scale accumulation on and inside faucets, showerheads, valves and other fixtures. Over time, mineral deposits may restrict small openings, interfere with moving components and make fixtures more difficult to keep clean. Recurring scale or reduced flow should be evaluated rather than automatically attributed to hardness, since other water or plumbing problems can cause similar symptoms.
Hard Water & Appliances
Yes. Hardness minerals can form scale when water is heated, making water heaters an important concern in homes with hard water. Mineral accumulation can develop on heating surfaces and other components depending on the type of heater. The severity varies with water chemistry, temperature, equipment design and usage.
It can. Hardness minerals may leave deposits inside water-using appliances and can interfere with the performance of soaps and detergents. Homeowners may notice spotting, mineral residue or the need for more detergent to achieve the desired results.It can. Hardness minerals may leave deposits inside water-using appliances and can interfere with the performance of soaps and detergents. Homeowners may notice spotting, mineral residue or the need for more detergent to achieve the desired results.
A properly functioning water softener removes much of the calcium and magnesium responsible for hardness scale before the water travels throughout the home. This can substantially reduce new mineral-scale formation in plumbing fixtures and water-using equipment. Existing scale, however, does not necessarily disappear immediately after a softener is installed.A properly functioning water softener removes much of the calcium and magnesium responsible for hardness scale before the water travels throughout the home. This can substantially reduce new mineral-scale formation in plumbing fixtures and water-using equipment. Existing scale, however, does not necessarily disappear immediately after a softener is installed.
Hard Water, Skin, Hair & Laundry
Hard water can change how water, soap and shampoo behave during bathing. Calcium and magnesium can react with soaps and contribute to residue, while some people notice that their skin or hair feels different when bathing in harder versus softened water. Hard water should not automatically be assumed to cause a medical skin or scalp condition, but water hardness can affect the bathing experience.
Calcium and magnesium in hard water react with traditional soaps, reducing their ability to form an effective lather and contributing to residue commonly called soap scum. This is one reason homes with hard water may use more soap and experience more buildup around sinks, tubs and showers.Calcium and magnesium in hard water react with traditional soaps, reducing their ability to form an effective lather and contributing to residue commonly called soap scum. This is one reason homes with hard water may use more soap and experience more buildup around sinks, tubs and showers.
Yes. Hardness minerals can interfere with soaps and detergents and may contribute to mineral or detergent residue remaining on fabrics. Some homeowners with hard water notice that towels and clothing feel stiffer or look duller. Laundry results are also influenced by detergent, washing-machine settings, temperature and fabric, so hardness is one factor among several.
Testing Water Hardness
Water hardness can be measured with a hardness test that determines the concentration of calcium and magnesium, usually expressed as grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM) as calcium carbonate. Testing is particularly important before selecting a water softener because the actual hardness is one of the primary factors used to properly size and program the equipment.
Grains per gallon, abbreviated GPG, is a common measurement used by the water-treatment industry to describe hardness. One grain per gallon is approximately equal to 17.1 parts per million, or milligrams per liter, expressed as calcium carbonate. For example, water measuring 10 GPG contains approximately 171 mg/L of hardness.
Yes. Hardness can change when the source or composition of the water changes. Private wells can experience changes in water chemistry, and municipal systems may occasionally use different sources or blends. If a softener that previously performed well begins producing different results, testing both untreated and treated water can help determine what has changed.
The correct water softener depends on more than simply knowing that the water is “hard.” The actual hardness level, household water usage, flow requirements and other water conditions all influence equipment selection and programming. Well water should also be evaluated for problems such as iron, manganese and sediment that may affect the recommended treatment approach.
Water Softeners & Hard Water Treatment
For whole-home hardness caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium, an ion-exchange water softener is one of the most established treatment methods. The correct system should be selected based on the home’s actual water chemistry, water usage, flow requirements and plumbing conditions. If other water problems are present, those should be considered when designing the complete treatment solution.
A conventional ion-exchange water softener passes hard water through a tank containing specialized resin. The resin exchanges hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium for sodium or, in some applications, potassium ions. Periodically, the system regenerates with a brine solution that restores the resin so it can continue removing hardness.
Yes. Conventional ion-exchange water softeners are specifically designed to reduce dissolved calcium and magnesium—the primary minerals responsible for water hardness. This is different from ordinary sediment filtration, which primarily captures suspended particles.
Most standard water filters do not soften water. Sediment filters capture suspended particles, while activated-carbon filters are commonly used for chlorine, tastes and odors. Neither process normally removes the dissolved calcium and magnesium responsible for hardness. Some homes benefit from both filtration and softening because the two processes address different water-quality problems.
Water softeners should be sized using more than the number of people in the home. Important factors include actual water hardness, household water consumption, peak flow requirements, plumbing size and the presence of other constituents such as iron. Proper sizing and programming help provide adequate treated-water capacity while avoiding unnecessary regeneration.
Yes. Water softeners can be used with both municipal and private well water when hardness is present. However, the complete water chemistry can require different treatment considerations. City water may contain disinfectants such as chlorine, while well water can contain iron, manganese, sulfur or sediment. Testing the actual water supply allows treatment to be selected for that particular home.
Salt consumption varies based on water hardness, household water usage, system capacity, programming and softener efficiency. A properly sized demand-initiated system regenerates according to its available capacity and water usage. If an existing softener suddenly begins consuming substantially more salt than normal, it may need to be tested, inspected or reprogrammed.
Existing Water Softener Problems
Several problems can cause hardness to return. The system may be out of salt, incorrectly programmed, bypassed, unable to regenerate properly or experiencing a mechanical problem. Resin can also become fouled or lose performance over time, and incoming water conditions may have changed. Testing untreated and treated water is one of the fastest ways to determine whether the softener is actually removing hardness.
A functioning softener should produce a significant difference between the hardness measured before and after treatment. You can also watch for returning symptoms such as white mineral deposits, increased spotting or scale around fixtures. Because those symptoms aren’t diagnostic by themselves, testing the raw and softened water provides a more reliable answer.
If the salt level barely changes over an extended period, the system may not be regenerating correctly, its programming may be incorrect or a component involved in the brining process may be obstructed or malfunctioning. Salt can also form a hardened bridge inside the brine tank, making the tank appear full even though the system cannot properly use the salt.
Returning spots or mineral buildup can indicate that the softener is no longer consistently removing hardness. Possible causes include low salt, improper regeneration, resin fouling, incorrect programming, worn components or changing incoming water conditions. It’s also important to distinguish new hardness deposits from existing scale remaining on fixtures. Testing the treated water can quickly determine whether hardness is passing through the system.
There is no single service interval that is right for every water softener or water treatment system. How often your equipment should be inspected depends on factors such as your water chemistry, water usage, system age, equipment type and overall operating conditions. Periodic testing of both untreated and treated water can help identify changes in performance before they become larger problems.
Hague Water Conditioning offers free annual system inspections for Hague customers, making it easy to keep your equipment operating properly and stay ahead of changing water conditions. We also offer a $29 System Check-Up for both Hague and non-Hague equipment, providing an affordable way to get a comprehensive evaluation of your water treatment system, its current performance and your treated water quality.
If you notice returning hardness, unusual salt consumption, leaks, changes in water quality, irregular regeneration or simply aren’t sure how your system is performing, use the Schedule Service option on HagueH2O.com to schedule an inspection or $29 System Check-Up.
Whether a water softener should be repaired or replaced depends on the system’s age, condition, treatment performance, availability of replacement parts and the cost of the repair. A well-built system with a serviceable component may have many useful years remaining, while repeated failures, declining performance or significant deterioration can make replacement the more practical option.
The best first step is to test the water and inspect the equipment before making that decision. Hague Water Conditioning’s $29 System Check-Up is available for both Hague and non-Hague systems and provides a comprehensive look at your equipment, current treatment performance and water quality. Hague customers can also take advantage of free annual system inspections.
If your water softener is not performing like it should, use the Schedule Service option on HagueH2O.com. We’ll evaluate the system and help determine whether a repair, adjustment or replacement makes the most sense. A serviceable water softener should not be replaced simply because it is older.
