Thanks Cometstorm, good information. Besides the obvious damage I see to faucets and water heater, yes I can feel the difference on my skin. I have dry skin and have to use lotion after every shower (TMI? LOL). I could seriously go a week without washing my hair (I don't) and it would not be oily. I think I wrote earlier that I've traveled to places with soft water and a shower feels so different!

I have an excellent plumber and I'm going to ask him to refer me to a company.