Are you trying to decide whether hard or soft water is better for your home and lifestyle? We’ve all heard about the pros and cons of each, but it’s important to really weigh up which one is best suited for you.
The good news is that understanding the impact of hard and soft water takes relatively little effort – just a few minutes of research and consideration! In this blog post, we’ll analyze all the differences between hard water and soft water: from lathering performance to plumbing maintenance needs and more.
If you’ve had questions about drinking softened water, bathing and washing dishes, this post will guide you through how to get the best water for your home.
Hard water and soft water: Understanding the difference
When it comes to plumbing and water maintenance, many homeowners have heard of the terms hard and soft water, but may not understand what it means. Hard water is water full of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which affect the water’s ability to clean surfaces or dishes without aid from a detergent.
Soft water has fewer or no minerals present in the water, making it better at generating suds when a cleaning agent is used. While hard water isn’t harmful to drink, it can cause problems with the pipes over time due to mineral scale buildup.
If your plumbing issues may be due to hard or soft water, hiring a professional plumber can help analyze your home’s situation and make sure you get clean and reliable drinking water that doesn’t damage your appliances or pipes.
Pros of using hard water
Despite its negative reputation, there is a benefit of hard water.
Nutrients and minerals that contribute to overall health
Hard water contains many extra minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium that act as a natural health supplement the body needs to nourish itself. In fact, in many areas of the world these valuable nutrients are often stripped away in the purification process of treating water.
By using hard water in your home you won’t have to worry about missing out on important dietary minerals as they’re provided directly by nature.
Cons of using hard water
Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your pipes.
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. When hard water flows through your pipes, it can leave behind deposits of these minerals. Over time, these deposits can build up and cause your pipes to become clogged. This can lead to reduced water flow and eventually, pipe failure.
Hard water can damage your appliances.
The minerals in hard water can also damage your appliances. For example, the calcium in hard water can build up on the heating elements of your water heater, causing them to become less efficient. Additionally, the magnesium in hard water can damage the washing machine’s pump and hoses.
Pros of using soft water
Here is a look at soft water, which again is just water without the extra minerals.
Softer skin and hair
One of the primary benefits of using soft water is that it can lead to softer skin and healthier hair. This is because hard water often contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause dryness and irritation.
Soft water, on the other hand, does not contain these minerals and can therefore help to keep skin and hair hydrated.
Fewer water spots
Another benefit of using soft water is that it can help to prevent water spots. Water spots are caused by the minerals in hard water, which can deposit themselves on surfaces after evaporating.
These spots can be difficult to remove and may require the use of harsh chemicals. Soft water, however, will not leave behind any mineral deposits and will instead leave surfaces clean and spot-free.
Cons of using soft water
Most people who live in regions with hard water, know about the effects of hard water. It’s also good to note the potential drawbacks of softened water.
Can cause health problems
While soft water is generally safe to drink, it can cause some health problems in people with certain medical conditions. For example, soft water can cause problems for people with kidney disease or heart failure as it can remove too much calcium from the body. Additionally, soft water can also make it difficult for the body to absorb certain medications.
Can affect the pipes
When there are insufficient minerals in the water, corrosion can occur along the inner lining of pipes leading to unsightly pinholes and other forms of deterioration.
Conclusion – Hard water vs soft water: pros and cons
When it comes down to hard water versus soft water: what’s best for you? Ultimately, that decision is up to you and the needs of your home. However, this summary shows it can be beneficial to have soft water if you want to extend the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances; and it can cost less in the long run to purchase a water treatment system for your home.
If you’re uncertain about which option is best for your household, call a professional for an opinion. They will be able to examine all factors involved and provide advice on treating your current supply of water or switching over completely to soft water.
Don’t settle for just any solution – make sure the professionals you hire are credible and trustworthy! That way, you can be sure your home has access to the best quality water possible!