You’ve probably already heard of hard and soft water. You know there’s a difference between hard and soft water, but what exactly is it? How can you tell whether your water is hard or soft?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the two types of water. There are pros and cons to each; neither water is necessarily better than the other. But if you want to soften your water, we’ll teach you how to go about that, too.
Ready to learn all about hard and soft water? Keep reading!
The Difference Between Hard and Soft Water
Though your water is crystal clear, it contains traces of minerals and chemicals. The mineral composition of your water is what determines whether it is hard or soft. Two minerals, in particular, determine whether your water is hard or soft: magnesium and calcium.
Higher levels of magnesium and calcium make your water “hard”. It’s called hard water because these two minerals don’t mix well with soap, making it hard to form a lather.
By comparison, soft water has lower levels of calcium and magnesium. This water can feel somewhat gentler than hard water, and it mixes well with soap.
How to Tell if Your Water Is Hard or Soft
You won’t be able to just look at your water and see whether it’s hard or soft. But there are a few telltale signs that your water has a lot of calcium and magnesium:
- Low water pressure: hard water moves slower through your pipes
- Spots left on dry dishes: small white spots left behind on glass are deposits of calcium
- Filmy feeling on hands: the minerals can stay behind on your hand and make them feel filmy
If your water doesn’t do any of these things, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have soft water. Check the information for your city’s water source. You should be able to find whether your home receives hard or soft water.
How to Soften Water
Hard water can be harsh on your skin, clothes, and dishes. If your water is too hard, you may have to look into water softening. You can find water softening devices that go into your water tank, which will filter the water before it reaches your pipes.
Unless you’re pretty familiar with DIY home repairs, this may be above your pay grade. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional rather than trying to do it yourself. The installation cost will be worth the peace of mind!
If you’re looking for a reliable water softening service in Michigan, check out Benjamin Franklin services at benjaminfranklinplumbingmi.com. If your water is giving you issues, give them a call!
Now You Know All About Hard vs. Soft Water
We hope this article has taught you the difference between hard and soft water. Once you know all about your water, you’ll never wonder again! Utilize this knowledge in your everyday life.
For more advice, tips, and tricks, check out our blog. We bring you all the info you need to stay up to date in the modern age. Read our past posts for more!
