While you might’ve heard about hard and soft water, you might not know about the advantages and drawbacks of each one. Knowing the difference between the two will allow you to determine which is best for your needs. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether to install water softeners in your property.

What Is Hardness?

Hardness is defined by the number of dissolved minerals found in a supply, such as calcium and magnesium. A higher concentration of compounds means “harder” water in certain areas. When water moves through layers of soil, it picks up natural minerals like calcium and magnesium found in soft rocks. If your supply comes from a ground source or wells, it’s likely hard. 

How Are Hard & Soft Water Different?

Hard water is loaded with minerals which can sometimes leach out and cause limescale buildup in your pipes, fixtures, and even appliances. Severe scale buildup can clog pipes, reducing flow and pressure, and damaging plumbing and heating equipment in the process. Soft water, on the hand, has a lower mineral concentration but has higher levels of sodium. It can naturally occur from rainfall or groundwater that flows through hard rocks like granite. You could also make water soft by treating it water softeners. 

Which Water Should You Choose?

Despite its drawbacks, hard water is better for consumption since it contains enough minerals to supplement dietary needs. It is, however, unsuitable for washing dishes and doing laundry since soaps and detergents won’t lather enough to clean up. As the soap reacts with the calcium of hard water, it forms a curd or scum on surfaces and leaves a film on glasses and plates. If your home has hard water, treating it with water softeners will save money on cleaning supply and prevent damage to clothing.

If you need water softeners for your home, turn to Drain Pro Plumbing in Lakeville, MN. With over 50 years of combined experience in plumbing repairs and installation, they’re the go-to company for homeowners and businesses throughout Dakota County. Give them a call at (952) 469-6999 to schedule an installation, and visit their website to learn more about the company.