Many people take for granted the water that flows easily into their home with the simple turn of a knob. We don’t always understand where that water comes from or what is present in the water we use to do laundry, bathe or even drink. Assuming the only thing coming into your home is simply water is an incorrect assumption. Here we look at the difference between “hard” water and “soft” water.
Hard Water
Water that contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals is considered hard water. While hard water is generally considered safe for use by people, the minerals found in hard water can contribute to conditions that are not exactly good for comfort or functionality. If you recognize the following situations in your home, you are probably dealing with hard water.
- Due to the high mineral content in hard water, products that usually lather easily when agitated do not do so when used in combination with hard water. For example soap, toothpaste and some cleaning detergents will not form a frothy lather when mixed with hard water. While this reaction is not necessarily harmful, many people who have hard water report having problems with soap scum, usually as a result of more soap than necessary. Hard water can also make it feel as if you are never properly cleaned after a shower; with some people experiencing issues with the condition of their skin and hair.
- Appliances that use water such as water heaters, dishwashers, coffee machines and washing machines may develop problems due to the buildup of scale in the pipes and faucets. This is a direct result of the minerals present in hard water. It is important when dealing with hard water to remove this buildup or it may result in clogged pipes and other damage.
Soft Water
The opposite of hard water is soft water. As such soft water does not contain calcium or magnesium or if these minerals are present the levels are very low. Soft water can be naturally occurring or the result of soft water systems. People dealing with hard water problems often decide it is worth the effort and expense to install a home water softener which treats hard water with the use of sodium. Soft water whether naturally occurring or as the result of a water softener reduces or eliminates the mineral buildup in appliances as well as the soap scum commonly resulting from hard water use.
The differences found in hard water versus soft water may not be an issue for purposes such as watering the lawn or hosing off patio furniture. The main difference between the two types of water will be more noticeable in other day-to-day activities such as bathing, brushing your teeth and washing dishes and laundry. Most people find that while hard water is not necessarily harmful, using hard water can end up costing more money in the replacement of appliances and purchasing soap, detergent and other cleansers. Anyone dealing with hard water problems should consider consulting with a local water softener professional to learn what options are available to increase comfort and reduce expenses.