how do i know if i need a water softner, or that i have "hard" water?
Answers:
You know you have hard water if you have get a white calcium build up when you leave water sit in a glass for a while. Looks like a white powder. The orange spots are probably from rust/iron oxide in the water. Get an iron filter to help with the iron oxide in the water. You may have some iron from the pipes probably being old galvanized pipes, but that really won't cause the iron in your water unless you haven't used your water in a while. The pipes should be ok. CLR, Lime-Away or the Works should work on your rust in the tub. You might need a scouring pad to help.
Other answers:
Get your water tested many places do this for free.... sounds like high iron content
Get your water tested many places do this for free.... sounds like high iron content
Hard water typically leaves a white crust inside kettles, WC etc. that feels slightly rough to the touch.
yes ,thats rust CLR =Calcium,Lime,Rust
Take a smallpan of water and boil it down to nothing
see how much minerals are left behind
if your soap doesn't lather up then you've got soft water, hard water tastes gross and often has bits in it
CLR should get the red off yes - the red sounds like rust in which case sounds like someone has placed a steel pipe in your water line. this is not good steel pipes even a section can create rust and be harmful if you drink it. have someone check your lines and relace with copper or PVC (also check the fittings)