Water – the fundamental necessity of life. It is easy to assume that all water is created equal, especially when we use it for daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and drinking. However, you may have heard of hard and soft water and might be wondering about the differences between the two. The truth is that the dissimilarities go beyond just taste and texture. Despite being an integral part of our lives, we don’t usually pay attention to the variance in the quality of water we use. So, in this blog, we’ll delve deeper and understand why all water is not the same.
When it comes to water, there are two distinct types: hard and soft. It’s essential to understand which type you have in your home, as they have different properties and characteristics. Are you curious to know more about hard and soft water? Keep reading to find out what sets them apart.
What is Hard Water?
Water can accumulate tiny particles as it travels from its source to your faucet. The level of these minerals present determines the water’s position on the hardness scale. Excessive amounts of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, cause it to become hard.
Is Hard Water Bad For You?
Fortunately, consuming hard water poses no direct health risks, despite variations in its taste due to varying mineral content. Although hard water is not detrimental when ingested, it can negatively impact your hair, skin, and your home.
Hard water can harm your body by removing natural oils and leaving mineral buildup on your skin and hair. Despite washing with shampoo and soap, you may not feel clean. Additionally, hard water can cause hair to become stiff and limp and even cause increased hair loss. Skin conditions can also worsen when in direct and prolonged contact with hard water minerals.
Upon contact with surfaces, hard water deposits sediment that appears scaly, leaving residues on showerheads, shower doors, and dishes. The evaporation process causes these mineral deposits to accumulate, resulting in unsightly white film or spots on silverware and plates. These deposits also cause streaks on surfaces. Besides being an eyesore, hard water residue also creates additional cleaning costs and time.
The accumulation of sediment can lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. Exposure to hard water results in the buildup of minerals, which can obstruct pipes and valves, leading to their malfunction. Consequently, appliances like your refrigerator and laundry machine that rely on water may experience a reduced lifespan. The minerals present in hard water are abrasive, and even the tiniest sediment can escalate into a major issue for your household.
Despite its lack of direct harm from being ingested, hard water may create issues that require extensive resources to solve. From spending more on cleaning supplies to repeatedly seeking plumbing assistance for appliances, hard water can bring about additional challenges for your household. You may be experiencing these difficulties if you have hard water. Fortunately, the solution lies in soft water.
What is Soft Water?
Hard water contains an overabundance of calcium and magnesium, which can be harmful to both your home and body. On the other hand, soft water is devoid of these harsh minerals and is much more gentle. Water softener systems work to remove calcium and magnesium, resulting in water that is safer and healthier for you and your home.
Benefits of Soft Water
By removing hard water minerals at the point of entry to your home, you can extend the lifespan of your pipes and appliances. By eliminating sediment particles before they reach your dishwasher or water heater, they remain free from buildup and operate effectively for longer periods of time.
The presence of minerals in hard water can impede the effectiveness of soap, resulting in the need for excessive use of soap or shampoo to produce lather. This explains why it may be challenging to foam up soap while in the shower or when washing your hands, potentially causing you to purchase soap or detergents more frequently. The installation of a water softener system can both enhance the performance of your soap and decrease the frequency of cleaning required to combat stains.
Water softeners are essential in mitigating the unfavorable effects of hard water in your household. They promote a safe and healthy environment for your body and save you time and money on maintenance and cleaning. If you’re interested in investing in a water softener to experience the benefits of softer water, contact the team at Kinetico today to learn more.