What is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water

Hard water is water that contains relatively high amounts of minerals, as a result of water coming into contact with rocks or soil with a high mineral content. The two predominant minerals in hard water are calcium and magnesium. According to the U.S. Geological Survey approximately 85% of the water in the US is hard water.

Soft water is water that contains very few extra elements or minerals. Sometimes soft water occurs naturally, such as water that comes from the New England area. Water that comes from the Southwestern US tends to be much harder. Soft water can also be produced with water treatment devices that remove the minerals calcium and magnesium.

Hard and Soft Water for Cleaning

Hard water can be very difficult to clean with because the minerals in hard water sometimes keep detergents from being able to appropriately interact with soil, stains and dirty dishes.

Softened water, however, doesn't contain minerals that interact with cleaning products which can reduce the need for detergent by more than 50%. When using soft water, laundry washed in cold water can achieve the same or better stain removal than laundry washed in hot water.

Hard and Soft Water for Showering

Showering in hard water has the same effect as washing clothes or dishes in hard water. The same minerals in the water makes soap and other cleansers less effective. In addition, the minerals in the water are often left behind when the water evaporates, which creates scale and film buildup in tubs and showers.

Conversely, however, soap lathers easily with soft water, which in turn makes soap and other cleansers more effective. Soft water will also leave little to no tub and shower residue because of the low mineral content of the water.

Effects on Pipes, Drains and Appliances

Hard water is generally the worst for pipes and appliances that use water, as the excess minerals in the water can cause scaling inside your pipes, water heaters, coffee makers, steam irons or other steam appliances and even industrial machinery.

As the scale from the minerals builds up, it begins to restrict the flow of water through pipes and hoses which can eventually lead to your pipes or appliance hoses becoming completely clogged.

Energy consumption

Hard water can cause an 8% loss in efficiency when heating water in a gas water heater, which in turn can lead to an 8% increase in cost when heating 100 gallons of hot water.

Knowing about the water in your McAllen home is important. Call All Valley Plumbing at (956) 686-6656 to learn more about treatment options!