If you notice hard water symptoms like scale buildup on fixtures, dry skin and hair, faded laundry, or increased utility bills due to inefficient water heating. Water hardness is often measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm), and levels above 7 gpg (120 ppm) may warrant a softener. The best way to know is by testing your water hardness can confirm the need for a softener.