Hard vs. Soft Water: Does It Really Matter?
Hard and soft water have long been a subject of conversation among homeowners. The simple truth is that not all tap water is the same across the country. Instead, some of it is considered to be hard while other water supplies are considered to be soft. Sometimes you want hard water. Sometimes you want soft water. It’s confusing, isn’t it? Here’s an overview that might help.
Hard Water
Hard water is that which contains lots of dissolved minerals. Calcium and magnesium are two of the most common, but others may be present like iron. Many people notice they have hard water because they see a build-up on various surfaces around their home like shower-heads or fixtures. They may also see spots on dishes after washing, which usually indicates mineral deposits have been left behind. The problem with hard water is that it can lead to inefficiency with many systems. It can leave behind stains on clothes. It can also do damage to pipes because of the ongoing buildup. Naturally, it makes things tougher to clean, and it may force homeowners to use quite a bit more energy.
Soft Water
Soft water is a bit more natural. It has almost no added elements, and you can either get it naturally or through a water treatment system. It can actually reduce the need for detergents and soap in your home because there aren’t any elements that might interact with your cleaning products. What’s more, though, is that you’ll even notice it in your shower, because it helps soap become more effective and lather easier than ever. The only problem with softer water is that when it becomes excessive, it can stain concrete, vinyl, and other materials.
Which is Right For Your Home?
Most people would prefer softer water. The last thing you want is water that’s too soft, but you don’t want it hard, either. One of the best ways to get the perfect water quality in your home is to have it tested. Many water softener companies will do this for free. They’ll perform a simple in-home test so you can see exactly what’s in the water you bathe, drink, and shower in. They may even be able to send it off for an in-depth lab analysis.
This type of testing will do a couple of things for you. First, it will confirm the current quality of your water. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it help you learn more about what you can do to improve water quality in your home.
You don’t really want to go to either extreme with your water, but learning more about both hard and soft water, and the consequences of the two, is a must to create perfect water in your home!
