The Differences Between Hard Water and Soft Water
If you’re considering getting a new whole home water filter, then you’ve probably heard the terms hard and soft water thrown around quite a bit. Considering how commonly these terms are used, though, they’re not explained very well. Even so, the type of water a system produces is something every homeowner should know. In order to help you understand the whole water situation, here are the differences between hard water and soft water.
What’s the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water?
In its most basic terms, the hardness of water refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium it contains. The higher the content of these minerals, the harder the water is. In most cases, the city leaves these minerals in the water you drink because they’re hard to get in a diet. Even so, this could also mean the city is leaving other harmful minerals in the water. Water softeners work to reduce the concentrations of these minerals by introducing sodium.
How To Tell Them Apart
Because of the high concentrations between these two types of water, it can be fairly easy to tell the difference between them. Below are some of the signs of hard water.
- A Thin Layer of Film. There will be a film on your hands after you wash them. This happens because the soap and calcium form soap scum.
- Spots. These will usually form after the water has dried on a smooth surface. They’ll be most noticeable on clear glasses and plates. (This can be easily managed with a whole house anti-scale filter.)
- Mineral Stains. These can be found on dishes when you take them from the washer. (They can also show up on clothes when they’re being washed but will likely flake off while in the dryer.)
- Less Water Pressure. This can be the direct result of hard water deposits clogging up your pipes throughout the house.
These are some signs of soft water:
The Taste of Sodium. You’ll probably notice the taste of sodium in the drinking water. This is due to the concentration of sodium that’s mixed within the water.
- Slippery Water. Soft water can feel slippery or slimy. This is also because of the concentration of sodium within the water.
- Better Water Pressure. Due to the purifying process, there will be fewer mineral deposits in the water. You’ll receive better water pressure, and the high sodium content in the water will also prevent the buildup of other materials.
- No Hard Water Stains. When you use soft water, there won’t be any hard water stains on dishes or clothing. Because there are fewer minerals present in the water, there will be less chance of them collecting on fabrics and causing stains.
Which One Is Best For You?
There’s no better overall filter method; every situation is different. This is one of those decisions that depends on what you as the homeowner want for your property. Even so, always remember that deciding on a water filter doesn’t have to be a final decision. You can always change to a different one later if you want. As such, it all comes down to personal preference.
While you’re deciding which kind of water filter you’re going to get, consider the differences between hard and soft water to help inform your decision. While it’s fairly easy to replace your whole house filter, it can get expensive if you try a lot of different filters. Avoid this by reading all the product reviews of each filter as you consider and compare them. Ask your friends and family for their opinions. Whole-house filters are widespread, and you should have no problem finding someone to help you find the ring one to use.
