When someone calls water soft or hard, they're not talking about its texture. They're describing its mineral content, which can impact your plumbing, appliances, and overall water quality. Knowing what hard and soft water is and which one you have matters.
Keep reading to explore topics such as:
Once you know the difference between hard and soft water, you can take any necessary steps to protect your home.
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What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It's typically found in groundwater, caused by water seeping through the soil and dissolving minerals. Once hard water evaporates, it leaves the minerals behind, which buildup on shower heads or leave splotches on your fixtures.
Signs of hard water include:
- Soap scum in bathrooms: As soap reacts with the minerals in hard water, it leaves soap scum, a white or gray sticky substance, behind. You might see it in your tub or shower, inside your washer or dishwasher, or on dishes that have been left to air dry.
- Scaling on faucets: If you notice what looks like whitish crystals forming on your faucets and showerheads, it's probably mineral buildup from hard water.
- Dry skin after showers: The minerals in hard water can interfere with your skin barrier, making it feel especially dry after showering.
Unfortunately, hard water can be a big problem for appliances and plumbing. The minerals in the water can settle on the inside of water heaters, pipes, dishwashers, washers, and other appliances that rely on water, resulting in a lack of efficiency and reduced water pressure.
What Is Soft Water?
Soft water doesn't have a high mineral content. This makes it gentler on plumbing since there are fewer minerals to build up in your pipes or appliances. It also makes soap easier to use, creating a proper lather instead of soap scum.
Soft water can provide significant benefits, such as:
- Smoother skin
- Shinier hair
- Improved appliance efficiency
Using a water softener can help remove the mineral content from your water, giving you all the benefits of soft water without changing your water source.
Key Differences Between Hard and Soft Water
If you install a water softener, you'll notice some significant changes, including:
- Water composition: Soft water has a much lower mineral content, resulting in a higher water quality.
- Effects on plumbing: Hard water leads to scale buildup, which can eventually clog your pipes. Soft water keeps your pipes cleaner since there's no buildup.
- Impact on appliances: Hard water can reduce the efficiency of your appliances, such as your water heater. As minerals build up, they can impact how your appliances operate and cause damage over time. Soft water is safer for your appliances.
How Water Hardness Affects Your Home and Health
Hard water can cause some significant impacts to your home and health, including:
- Scaling in pipes
- Damage to appliances
- Higher utility bills due to a loss of appliance efficiency
- Dry skin
- Brittle hair
- Soap inefficiency
Installing a water softener can help avoid these issues and provide health benefits to your skin and hair. By addressing the mineral content in your water, you get better comfort and appliance efficiency while reducing your overall maintenance costs.
Choosing the Right Water Treatment Solution for Your Needs
If you're tired of scrubbing soap scum and mineral deposits, it may be time to install a water treatment system. This is the most efficient way to tackle hard water issues, resulting in softer water and all the benefits that come with it.
If you're ready to talk water quality, contact professionals such as Murray Service Co. for a thorough water evaluation and expert treatment advice.
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