If you’re looking at a water filtration system for your home and done some research, you’ve undoubtedly read about hard and soft water. But what do those terms really mean, and what’s the difference between the two? Read on to find out.

The Definitions

Hard water has fairly high amounts of both magnesium and calcium which is accumulated when rainwater contacts soil and rocks. The vast majority of the water in the United States is hard. On the other hand, soft water has very little in the way of added elements. When water falls from the sky it is soft; in the home, in order to have soft water you need a water treatment system to remove calcium and magnesium.

However, even though hard water gets a bad rap, it actually isn’t always worse than soft water. There are times where people will be better off having both hard and soft water. There are certain areas, however, where one is definitely superior to the other.

Which is Better?

It depends on the situation. For instance, some people prefer to drink hard water because they believe it tastes better and because they want the essential minerals it contains. When it comes to household chores, however, soft water wins out almost every time. Here are some examples:

  • Washing  – Hard water can result in dingy clothes, spotty dishes and glasses, and bathtubs that accumulate a lot of soap scum. If you use hard water to wash your hair, you’ll probably find that it looks dull and feels sticky.
  • Appliances – Hard water can also cause your appliances to have to use more energy due to the buildup of mineral residue.
  • Money – You won’t need to use as much soap when you shower in soft water, so you obviously won’t have to buy as much.

Think about having a water filtration system installed in your home and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of both hard and soft water. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Dallas online or call (972) 895-7775 to learn more. We can handle water filtration system installation or any sort of plumbing repair service you may need.