In this article, we will learn what is the difference between and learn what is hard and soft water. Believe it or not, the water that flows from your tap is not always the same. In fact, depending on where you live, you could have hard water. It’s estimated that approximately 85 percent of homes in the United States have hard water. And while most people have at least heard this phrase in passing, not everyone knows what hard water and soft water is.
Although water from the tap runs clear, it can contain a lot of minerals that are so eco-friendly, especially when it comes to your clothes, skin, and hair.
If you’ve been questioning what is hard water and soft water, read on to learn what it is and how to determine if you have it.
What is Hard Water And Soft Water?
All tap water contains essential minerals. However, when water has high levels of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, it’s considered hard water. These high levels can leave deposits of calcium carbonate on clothes and dishes, which results in spots and a loss of softness of the fabric.
Soap Scum
Water supply with excessive levels of mineral deposits can also cause a buildup of soap. Since hard water doesn’t rinse as well as water that’s filtered through a water softening system, it’s not uncommon to find a soap buildup in the tub and shower, even with regular cleaning.
Washing Machines
Your tub isn’t the only one that suffers the abuse of hard water. Not only will your towels and blankets not be as fluffy, hard water can cause buildup in the washer, which reduces efficiency. The minerals in hard water accumulate over time and eventually cause your washer to break down.
Water Heaters
Hard water can also affect how your water heater functions. High concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions can build up over time, causing your water heater to lose efficiency. You may find that your water does not get as hot as it used to.
If left untreated, sediment will begin to settle on the bottom of the water heater, causing not only cooler temperature, but also less water pressure. This also causes your utility bills to skyrocket.
What are the benefits of water softeners?
To combat hard water, you’re going to need a water softener. A water softener is a type of filter that removes minerals from water, specifically the ones that cause hardness. A water softener produces dissolved minerals, which offers a slew of benefits.
There are a lot of health benefits to installing a water softener such as healthy skin, softer hair, and improved skin hydration. Softened water benefits your kidneys as well.
A commonly asked question is if hard water can be drank. It can be consumed, but not in large quantities. Drinking hard water for long periods of time may cause certain medical issues, which include kidney stones, worsening eczema, dry hair, and skin. If you do have hard water, it’s a good idea to drink distilled water until a softener is installed.
Having hard water can be, more than irritating. From hard-to-remove orange stains in your tub to your appliances to malfunctioning, knowing how to treat hard water is key. If you’re still confused about what is hard water and soft water, Chucta, well water specialists can help. Contact us today, so you can enjoy softer water tomorrow.