Recognizing Common Signs You Need Water Softener Repair When your water softener stops doing its job, your plumbing fixtures and skin are usually the first to tell you. In Utah, where local mineral levels regularly cross the U.S. Geological Survey threshold of 121 milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate, hard water quickly leaves its mark. Paying attention to these early warning signs helps you address minor faults before severe scaling ruins your home's pipes and appliance