Understanding the Difference Between Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Are your dishes always caked with filth, no matter how violently you scrub them? Does your hair sometimes feel like straw and your skin like sandpaper after a shower? You might be one of the many in Carmel, Indiana, living with hard water.

What’s the difference between hard water vs. soft water? This guide from Kight’s Quality Air has the answers you need. For an easier solution to your hard water problem, you can always call our trusted plumbers in Carmel, Indiana.

Why You Don’t Want Hard Water Flowing Through Your Home’s Pipes and Appliances

Hard water contains a high mineral content. Typically, the most prevalent minerals will be calcium and magnesium. These minerals end up in your home’s water along its journey to your taps. 

Compared to other cities in Indiana, such as Bloomington and Columbus, Carmel’s water hardness level is on the lower side. However, even slightly hard water causes unpleasant effects. For example, here’s how hard water could spell trouble for your home:

• Plumbing impacts: As hard water travels through your property’s pipes, it leaves behind mineral deposits, which contribute to scale buildup. Limescale clogs pipes, severely restricting water flow. The water may change from crystal-clear to a rusty color.
• Damaged appliances: Limescale wreaks havoc on water-using appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine. It wears out these expensive appliances sooner.
• Unsightly stains: Hard water can leave white splotches and streaks on silverware and dishes. You may also notice residue on showerheads and other plumbing fixtures.
• Skin and hair effects: Hard water impacts soap lathering, making it harder for you to feel clean after the shower. Your skin and hair may feel dry and still dirty.

There is some good news here: drinking hard water isn’t inherently harmful to your health! Drinking the trace minerals in hard water may even provide some health benefits. However, the damage to your hair, skin, and plumbing fixtures greatly outweighs those benefits.

The Many Perks of Soft Water Over Hard Water

Our guide to hard water vs. soft water also needs to be clear about the other end of the spectrum: soft water. Labeling it “soft” describes the lack of minerals in the water and the way it feels on your body (and plumbing system). The perks of having soft water at home could include the following:

• Improved water pressure: You won’t struggle with weak water flow in the shower or sink if there’s no mineral buildup lining the pipe interiors.
• Longer appliance lifespan: Dishwashers and washing machines will last longer and get things cleaner.
• Fewer unappealing stains: Soft water doesn’t leave unsightly white residue on dishes like hard water does.
• No foul-tasting water: Hard water can taste like dirt, making you reach for bottled water instead. By comparison, soft water in your faucets tastes fresh and clean.

It’s called soft for a reason. Expect softer skin and hair that’s silky smooth, not dry and itchy.

How To Soften Your Home’s Water

Now that you’ve learned the difference between hard water vs. soft water, what are your options? First, call us for a professional water test. Let us evaluate your home’s water and determine its hardness level. 

If we verify that your property has hard water, we’ll talk to you about installing a water softener. These nifty devices use resin beads to attract positively charged magnesium and calcium ions and, in most cases, replace them with sodium ions. This softening process may slightly increase the sodium content of your water, so if anyone at home requires a low-sodium diet, you’ll want a water softener that introduces potassium instead.

You may also want to add a water filter alongside your softener. Water filters eliminate bad tastes and smells, which may be due to chlorine and other contaminants. Myriad types of water filters are available, from filters for individual fixtures to whole-house filtration systems.