Scale buildup on fixtures, glassware, teakettles, silverware, and coffee pots are all common signs you need a water softener. While these do not cover all of the signs, they tend to be some of the more visible ones a home or business owner associates with hard water. And while hard water is not the focus of this article, it does go hand-in-hand with identifying the need for a water softener. In this article, we hope to address some of the signs you need a water softener, answer common questions, and offer some practical next steps.