If you have “hard” water, you may want to consider having a water softener installed. We call water “hard” if it contains a lot of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Ground water acquires these metals by dissolving them from surrounding soil and rock. Hard water causes problems. Dissolved minerals build up on the inside of pipes, faucets, water heaters and water supplying appliances. Mineral scale can build up in pipes and with other products clog them. Hard water reduces soap’s ability to lather, whether in the shower, sink, dishwasher or washing machine, thus requiring you to use more product. It also causes soap/scum build up, which can take a lot of “elbow grease” to remove. De Hart Plumbing, serving Manhattan, Junction City and Wamego.