How do you know if your water softener is working?

One of the easiest ways to tell if your home's water softening system is working is by taking notice of your skin after bathing or showering. When the water softener is functioning properly, your skin feels soft and moist.

The water may also feel silky during showering and bathing. Water with a functioning softener system generally does not leave stains, spots or corrosion on fixtures, which results in the fixtures being easier to clean. Dishes may come out of the dishwasher cleaner, and hair is generally shinier and easier to brush. Softened water often results in brighter, softer laundry as well.