Looking for an over-the-counter home testing kit for water hardness

Manuel · 01-02-2024 11:47am #1

Hi,

Would anyone know please if I can get such a thing from a plumbing or hardware outlet?

Many thanks,

/M.

AmpMan · 01-02-2024 11:52am

fish shop. KH

10-10-20 · 01-02-2024 6:26pm

To clarify, pond or fish water quality test kits mostly always include K and H as part of the tests and these represent hardness and carbonate hardness. An example is below, but most pond or ornamental fish shops would have these kits.

https://www.aquaticsrevolution.com/en/ie/API-GH-and-KH-Liquid-Test-Kit/m-2482.aspx?PartnerID=6&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=Ireland&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn-2tBhDVARIsAGmStVnTvxKbO1hBQrgxMyDW_B2R0pTzjmN7ihEeoN8COcPkCz1hjGp2rYUaAmBdEALw_wcB

They might suffice for your needs, but aren't specifically developed for use on drinking water.

Manuel · 02-02-2024 11:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121707006#Comment_121707006

Thanks, I'll try that.

/M.

Manuel · 06-03-2024 12:01pm

Update: I got this product over the counter in my local Screwfix for €9.95. Excellent little kit, exactly what I needed.

10-10-20 · 06-03-2024 12:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121856119#Comment_121856119

Ok, I see. What reading did it give?

Manuel · 06-03-2024 1:08pm

The water from the group scheme I'm on is known to be very hard. I've had a water softener for years and years, working fine. I have Eczema so can't live with hard water. Lately we noticed signs of hard water around the house - showers, dishwasher, my skin. It turned out that the resin in the tank of the softener had basically worn away to nothing or become saturated or whatever happens after so many years. Had the softener serviced and fresh resin applied. After a few weeks I just wanted to confirm that the softener is working away again.

Using the kit, I first tested rainwater, then the mains (group scheme) and then the water in my house after it's come through the softener.

Results as follows:

Rainwater: 0 - 50ppm (Water is soft)

Mains: 300ppm (Extremely hard)

House: 0 - 50ppm (Soft)

We already noticed the improvement around the house, but I wanted to confirm with a hardness test.

Very nice little kit. I find Screwfix very good in general when looking for something you can't find in a hardware or electrical shop.

10-10-20 · 06-03-2024 1:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121856413#Comment_121856413

Alright, good info. Yes the resin does wear out alright, sometimes you can get service-kits for the filters so that you can do it yourself.

Looking for an over-the-counter home testing kit for water hardness

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