Difference Between Hard and Soft Water

If asked to describe the water that they use at  your Greenwood home, most people would never think to describe it as hard or soft, traits we can’t imagine the liquid compound H2O as having.

Surprisingly enough, plumbers often think of water this way, because of the hardness of your Greenwood home’s water plays a decisive role in the longevity and maintenance of your plumbing.

Once you’ve understood how hard water interacts with your home’s plumbing, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions to ensure its durability.

What Determines Water Hardness?

In defining water hardness, chemists mainly consider the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, the two commonest minerals that water dissolves on its travels to your tap.

To measure hardness, we use the GPG, which is defined as one dissolved grain of calcium carbonate (64.8mg) per one US gallon of water.

Moderate water hardness falls between 3.5-7.0 GPG, above or below which water is classified as either soft or hard.

It’s important to know the hardness level of the water in your Greenwood home because high levels adversely affect the durability of your home’s plumbing and the performance and efficiency of appliances that regularly use water.

What Impact On My Home Does Hard Water Have?

Despite its name, hard water normally tastes better than soft water because its higher mineral content gives it a more distinct flavor. Matters of taste aside, hard water often causes a buildup of residue within piping, which can cause clogs and breakdown.

Many appliances lose durability if continually used with hard water, due to the latter’s harshness on sensitive machinery.

Clothes often come out of the wash coarser, and your skin and hair might dry out more easily. Health-wise, however, hard water does not present a medical threat, and can actually help supplement daily dietary requirements of calcium and magnesium.

So, Which is Better?

Overall, it is best to restrict the water hardness level in your Greenwood home to a lower moderate measurement of GPG, which you can achieve by using water softening treatments that remove the calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium ones.

This might render the water saltier and less tasty, but greatly improves the longevity of your home’s plumbing. As always, to ascertain your home’s condition, you should call an experienced plumber for a personalized consultation.

Knowing the differences between hard & soft water in your Greenwood, IN home is important. For more info, call Johnson Heating & Cooling at (317) 881-7738 today!