What’s The Difference Between Hard and Soft Water?
Water is water, right? While it may always look the same in a bottle, coming out of your sink, in the shower or outside, the truth is that water comes in two different forms. Known as “hard” and “soft,” water is classified as one or the other based primarily on its composition. But what exactly is the difference? We’ll break it down for you.
Hard water is known to have more minerals than soft water – specifically calcium and magnesium. Often a result of spending some time with rocks and soil, hard water has the tendency to stick with soap well, making it easier to rinse away. That means, for example, that if you’ve ever showered where hard water is present, you probably had no trouble rinsing all of the soap off of you. However, while hard water has the ability to do this, it unfortunately leaves a trail of its own residue, which could be potentially damaging to your plumbing system.
On the other hand, while soft water doesn’t stick to soap the way hard water does and therefore can be much better for your plumbing, it lacks those minerals that gives hard water a refreshing taste – same goes for hard water that is turned to soft. By adding sodium or potassium ions to cancel out the calcium and magnesium, soft water exhibits a somewhat salty taste. But, although this isn’t the type of water you may necessarily want to consume, it can be your best friend when it comes to cleaning clothes and your dishes. That’s because of its chemical makeup!
Now that you know the basics of hard and soft water, let us remind you that the water quality in Orange County, California may require you to have some softening done in your home for the purpose of protecting your plumbing! For more information about how Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter can help with various water related services, please give us a call at 714.630.8766 today.
