Have you ever wondered what the difference is between hard and soft water? The type of water you use can significantly impact how your plumbing system functions.
For example, hard water can cause scale build-up that will clog pipes or cause rusty fixtures. On the other hand, soft water is gentler and will not cause corrosion than hard water does.
Let's discuss what hard vs. soft water is!
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is distinguished by its high mineral content. This can cause scale build-up on pipes, appliances, and fixtures. It can also reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leading to a build-up of dirt and residue. Hard water can also affect the taste of food and beverages.
What Is Soft Water?
Soft water is treated water, which doesn't contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium. As a result, soft water is less likely to cause scale build-up, making it easier to clean surfaces and appliances.
If you are unsure about the water quality in your area, you can have it tested. Hard water can be treated with a water softener, which will remove the minerals that cause scale build-up. Soft water is not harmful to humans or appliances.
However, it can decrease the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. You may also need to add extra salt to your softener to compensate for the lack of minerals.
In general, soft water is preferable to hard water because it is easier to clean and better taste. However, if you have trouble with hard water in your home, consider installing a water softener.
The Water Softening Process
Water softening is a process that makes hard water suitable for human consumption by removing excess magnesium and calcium ions. This increases the effectiveness of soap, reduces limescale damage in pipes and fittings, and allows washing machines to use less detergent when washing clothes.
Water hardness can be measured using either a water softener or an electrical conductivity meter. Either way is relatively straightforward, provided you understand what is required of you.
There are two main types of water softeners:
Cation exchange softeners
Anion exchange softeners
The resin exchanges sodium ions (or potassium ions) for the hard magnesium and calcium ions in a cation exchange softener. Moreover, it exchanges chloride ions for the hard magnesium and calcium ions in an anion exchange system.
Both systems work on the premise that a resin bed removes 'mineral hardness' from the water.
Minerals that are present in the water attach themselves to the resin beads. As more and more minerals attach themselves to the resin, it progressively becomes "saturated."
Once fully saturated, it can no longer effectively remove mineral hardness from the water. At this point, the resin is "brine" loaded. Therefore, the resin beads must be desalted to remove excessive minerals.
Washing machines, dishwashers, and kettles can all use a great deal of water softener.
You can prevent the resin bed in your system from becoming brine-loaded too quickly. You may do this by regenerating only when required (i.e., at maximum capacity).
If the system is regenerated before it is fully brine-loaded, some hardness minerals will remain attached to the softening resin.
Consequently, it may lead to poor performance by your water softener. Meaning you may have to regenerate more frequently. Hence, you spend more money on salt!
Wrapping-It-Up
We hope you learned more about the differences between these two types of water!
Call a licensed plumber to help prevent damage to your plumbing system caused by hard water if you are worried.