Differences Between Hard & Soft Water

The difference between “hard” and “soft” water is simply the mineral content. As water returns to the ground as rain or runoff and percolates into water tables and reservoirs, it naturally accumulates various minerals which are dissolved.

The amount and type of mineral accumulation will vary depending upon where the water is located. When water is drawn from the tap and the minerals are still present, then this is “hard” water. “Soft” water is water which has had all the minerals removed except for sodium ions.

How Hard Water Affects the Average Home

Hard water, with all the accumulated mineral content, has many effects upon day to day living. The minerals present cause spots on dishes, clothes to become dingy and lead to the presence of stains and soap scum in bathtubs and showers.

Hard water also leads to shortened life for appliances such as water heaters and dish washing machines. Hard water just makes everything else harder as well.

How Soft Water is Better

Soft water has many benefits over hard water. Dishes come out of the machine spotless. Soaps and detergents dissolve better and are much more effective when soft water is used. Clothes do not come out dingy.

Finally, soft water can save money over time since the useful life of appliances which use water is extended since there are no minerals being constantly deposited on the working parts. Due to increased efficiency, there is much less soap or detergents necessary when cleaning with soft water.

How to Get Soft Water

Soft water is obtained by having a water softening machine installed. These machines can be leased or purchased. They soften the water by directing the flow through a filtration and salt tank system which removes the mineral content.

The machines take up little room and may be installed in utility rooms, garages or outside the Colonial Heights home. They come in a variety of capacities.

One should contact a licensed plumber to determine which machine is best for a given premises. One should also let only a licensed plumber install the water softener. They know what permits to get, will install the softener properly and will complete the work quickly.

To save money and have a cleaner Colonial Heights home and lifestyle, one should contact their plumber and get soft water flowing in their home now.

Knowing the differences between hard & soft water in your Colonial Heights, VA home is important. For more info, call Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. at (804) 526-8415 today!