What Is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water?

What Is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water?

August 30, 2019

We all have water in our homes. When we turn on the faucet in the kitchen, when we hop in the shower, when we load up the dishwasher – a source of running water is vital to our wellbeing. But did you know that water isn’t all created the same? Depending on certain factors, water can be classified into one of two things. But what is the difference between hard and soft water, and does it matter?

The team at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is here to help! Let us explain the differences between the two, and hopefully we’ll be able to give you a better sense of what you and your family need.

It’s in the Minerals

We’ll just cut right to the chase. When you get down to it, the only difference between hard and soft water is the amount of minerals in the water. Hard water contains much higher levels of calcium and magnesium, giving it a higher rating on the hardness scale.

But knowing what separates the two will only help so much. Each type of water can help and harm your household in different ways, and we’re going to break them down.

• Pros of Hard Water: Hard water provides minerals that are essential to healthy living, and these minerals will make the water taste better.
• Cons of Hard Water: However, the minerals in hard water create detrimental effects for your appliances and can make life frustrating. Hard water leaves behind residue – known as soap scum – and the minerals can leave behind sediment which reduces your appliances’ efficiency and can shorten their lifespans. It also makes it harder to clean with, because hard water counteracts the agents that make soap work.

What About Soft Water?

That probably makes it sound like hard water is awful, point-blank period, but it isn’t all bad news. Hard water has its benefits – mainly for your health. The added minerals are great for you, but that might not outweigh the negatives. Soft water, on the other hand, is generally preferable.

• Pros of Soft Water: Soft water doesn’t have magnesium and calcium in it, but it’s less likely to leave behind residue and to clog up your pipes. It’s not necessarily healthier than hard water, but both types are perfectly safe to drink, so you don’t need to worry about that.
• Cons of Soft Water: As we said, soft water’s negatives generally revolve around the lack of minerals it contains. If that’s important to you, then you could easily purchase supplemental versions of magnesium and calcium or incorporate those into your diet. Other than that, soft water is widely regarded as better for you and your home.

Need Water Filtration Help?

Ensuring that you and your family have access to the cleanest water available is vital. Whether you want to clean out the minerals from water or just want to ensure your dishes and clothes are being cleaned with the right type of water, Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is here to help.

Give us a call at 800-937-6736 for the most reliable service in the Tampa area!

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