You’ve probably heard the terms “hard water” and “soft water.” You may wonder what determines the water’s hardness or softness and whether one type of water is healthier or safer to drink than the other. If you haven’t read our article on hard water, click here.
Unlike hard water, soft water has a low concentration of ions and low in ions of calcium and magnesium. Water can be grouped mainly into two: i.e., hard water and soft water. Soft water that is free from dissolved salts of such metals as calcium, iron, or magnesium forms insoluble deposits such as scale in boilers or soap curds in bathtubs and laundry equipment.Â
How to tell if a water in soft
You cannot just tell if the water is hard or soft by just having a glance at it. You can tell by looking at how it behaves and feels in your dishwasher is washing machine. Because we are talking of soft water, let’s look at signs of soft water:
Signs of soft water includes:
- A healthy lather when washing clothes, dishes, and even your hands and body:Â because soft water does not contain the ions in hard water that makes it difficult for the above uses, soft water is the best type of water for washing clothes, dishes, and even for bathing and washing of hands.
- Clothes are cleaner, with no mineral stains and less wear-and-tear damage: You might be surprised to know that soft water helps make your laundry full of fun. Soft water makes your laundry easy because it has no magnesium or calcium ions.Â
- Healthy water pressure in your home:Â One of the significant reasons you may want to soften your water is how soft water flows. It flows very fast through your lines without any hindrance.
- A slight sodium taste in drinking water, though in many cases a difference in taste, is imperceptible.
Are there any health risks associated with soft water?Â
If your diet typically includes rich calcium and magnesium sources, then there are likely no risks in drinking water with lower concentrations of these minerals.
If there are deficiencies in your diet, taking a multivitamin or calcium or magnesium supplements may be enough to meet your daily needs.
The more significant concern is for people with high blood pressure who could be susceptible to the blood pressure raising drinking water effects with higher sodium content.
Just as some with high blood pressure are advised against adding salt to their food, they may be urged against softening their home drinking water.
Soft water is also more likely to pick up lead from the inside of older water pipes that haven’t been treated to block lead leaching.
What are the benefits of soft water?
- Better PlumbingÂ
Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals. These minerals cause a lot of deposit buildup over time, which is dangerous for your plumbing system. Clogs in pipes tend to decrease the water pressure throughout your home, but they will likely go unnoticed until you find a leak or burst pipe. At this point, the damage is done. Conversely, soft water has a much lower mineral content and can save you from the significant hassle and costly future repair. Â
- Extra SavingsÂ
Not only does soft water save your pipes, but it also preserves your cleaning supply. Whether you’re using shampoo, bleach scrub, or laundry detergent, soft water households tend to use much less soap than homeowners with hard water. Less buildup means less time spent scrubbing, and it limits the number of harsh chemicals you send down your drain.
- Longer Lasting Appliances
Water services your appliances like it circulates through your pipes. Consider how mineral deposits might affect your hot tub, coffee maker, washing machine, or refrigerator. Water heaters incur the most damage from lime buildup, and with an extra internal layer, they require more energy over time.
- Healthier Skin
Soft water systems utilize salt to initiate an ion exchange, and many people use them purely because they like the way the water feels. That squeaky-clean sensation after a shower doesn’t always mean you were thorough. In most cases, it’s caused by a bond between your soap and the minerals. With soft water, you get a more natural clean. It’s particularly useful when shaving because it helps razors move more smoothly across your skin. Plus, it acts as a natural laundry softener and even helps revitalize dull, lifeless hair.
Uses of soft water
Soft water is preferred for cleaning, as it doesn’t tend to cause soap scum or mineral stains.
Since it’s a more efficient and effective cleaning agent, you may save money on your water bill by not having to re-wash clothes or dishes or taking longer showers to feel thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
Bottom line
Most people can safely drink hard or soft water with no side effects.
Higher sodium levels in soft water may be a concern for some people, but that can be managed with a potassium-based softening system.
If the sodium in soft water is a concern, you can try drinking bottled water and using your home’s soft water for laundry, dishwashing, and bathing.
If you’re interested in softening your water, shop around and talk with a verified plumber from HouseClap about how the system may affect your home’s plumbing. It’s also helpful to understand the maintenance requirements of a water-softening system before you buy one.