Don’t know what kind of water is flowing from your taps? Is it hard or soft water? Spotting the difference between them can help you understand their impact on your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and, most importantly, your health. This information may also help you choose the type of water you should be using in your residential or commercial premises.
How To Know if Water Is Hard or Soft?
If you are wondering whether your water is hard or soft, here are a few signs to look for:
Signs of Hard Water
- There is a chalky substance on or around the plumbing fixtures.
- Hard/crusty deposits are visible in appliances used for heating water.
- Filmy residue on bathroom surfaces and even on skin and hair.
- Soap and shampoo are not foaming well, and you may need more to get yourself cleaned.
- Clothes may feel rough, or their color may fade after washing.
- Utensils are coming out of the dishwasher with spots or a cloudy film.
Signs of Soft Water
- Soap and shampoo lather more easily and thoroughly.
- Dishes and other glassware are more likely to come out of the dishwasher spot-free and shiny.
- Faucets, showerheads, and appliances are free of scale buildup, which is indicative of low mineral content in the water.
Which Is Better, Hard Water or Soft Water?
Which one is better for your health, appliance, and plumbing longevity? Is it hard or soft water? Let’s find out!
Health
Hard water is rich in calcium and magnesium. Both serve well for many bodily functions. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, while magnesium improves:
- Muscle and nerve function.
- Control glucose control.
- Regulates blood pressure better.
- Reduces the risk of hypertension that is associated with heart disease.
If your dietary intake of calcium and magnesium is low, hard water can be your supplement buddy to fill your body with these minerals.
However, this water can be a problem for many people. The high minerals are responsible for gastrointestinal discomfort for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Hard water can also have trace amounts of lead or other heavy metals, which could result in different and serious health issues with time.
Apart from that, hard water can leave your skin feeling dry and hair looking dull because of the mineral residue left after taking a shower or washing your face.
Soft water has higher sodium levels. This only concerns people on low-sodium diets.
Soft water lacks calcium and magnesium, too, but you can obtain them from other food sources. Another perk is you’ll feel your skin smoother and hair shinier with soft water.
So, when it comes to health matters, soft water is the way to go!
Appliances
Minerals from hard water can build up in appliances. This leads to:
- Scaling.
- Reduced efficiency and lifespan.
- Increased energy consumption.
For appliances, soft water is generally better for a number of reasons:
- Reduced mineral buildup means appliances last longer.
- Appliances operate more efficiently with soft water.
- Less frequent descaling and repairs save time and money.
- With the increased effectiveness of soaps and detergents, you get cleaner clothes and dishes with less use.
Plumbing
Hard water has the potential to wreak havoc on your plumbing. Minerals precipitate out of the water and form scale deposits inside pipes. This buildup can narrow pipe diameters, resulting in less water flow and pressure.
There’s more!
The combination of scale and other impurities can result in different plumbing problems, like corrosion of pipes that cause leaks and water damage. Therefore, there is a frequent need for pipe cleaning and potential replacement.
But soft water does the opposite of that.
It does not let scale deposits form and keep the pipes clear. This ensures optimal water flow and pressure and lowers the risk of corrosion. As a result, your plumbing lasts longer, and there is less need for frequent maintenance.
So again, soft water is a clear winner here!
Why Do I Feel Slimy With Soft Water?
Magnesium and calcium in hard water chemically react with soap to form soap scum, which doesn’t rinse off quickly. This can make your skin feel squeaky clean because soap residue and minerals are left behind on the skin.
That’s not the case with soft water containing sodium or potassium through water-softening processes. Soap lathers more easily and rinses off completely. This complete rinsing leaves your natural skin oils more intact, and you feel your skin slimy or slippery.
It is not a bad thing, by all means.
The slimy feeling keeps your skin moisturized and less prone to dryness.
- Use less soap.
- Take shorter showers.
- Try using moisturizers that work well with your skin type.
Is Rain Water Hard or Soft?
Rainwater is naturally soft because as it falls from the sky, it hasn’t had a chance to pick up minerals that make water hard. These minerals are usually absorbed as water moves through the ground and make contact with rocks and soil.
However, the purity of rainwater is up for debate. The reason is rainwater also sucks up pollutants from the atmosphere, which is not safe for use.
Is It Safe To Drink Hard Water?
The good news is that you can drink both hard and soft water without any worry. If you like the taste of minerals and also need bone health, hard water will suffice. Soft water may suit you if you don’t like minerals in it and want more sodium intake.
Conclusion
Hard and soft water have their perks and downsides. So picking up a clear winner boils down to your priorities. Do you want soft skin, shiny hair, or plumbing and appliances to last longer? Or you prefer bone health and taste of minerals?
Understanding both helps you make choose the best water to flow in your pipes. Both have their unique perks—it’s all about what matters most to you!