Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Homes across the nation deal with the age old issue of having hard water or soft water. Water piped into your home or welled up in your yard, tends to fall into one of the aforementioned categories (there really is not such a thing as perfect water residentially, most tends to be on either end of the spectrum). If you are concerned about the quality of the water in your Minnetonka home, whether hard water or soft water, call on the professionals here at Haferman Water. We will test your water to gauge its state. 

Water containing a higher concentration of dissolved minerals such as calcium or magnesium is referred to as hard water. Water, in its cleanest form, is lacking in minerals, therefore is naturally soft. The minerals “attach” to the water molecules when the water itself passes through materials containing calcium or magnesium (like limestone). Many people prefer hard water due to its mineral content, even its taste.

Soft water, being hard water’s opposite, has very little in it other than the H2O. This type of water can occur naturally or with the help of a water purifying system. A common issue with soft water is that it has saltiness to it and therefore is not usually suited for drinking.

So, with all of that said, what are the concerns with hard water over soft water, or vice versa? Why would there be a need for a water softener? Here are some common issues with hard water vs. soft water:

Hard Water Deposits

Scaly deposits are found in the aftermath of hard water. These scales are left on and in plumbing networks and appliances that use water. Scale that mounts inside of pipes and appliances reduces their performance efficiency. Surfaces that come in regular contact with hard water will likely need more intense and more frequent cleanings.

Cleaning with Soft Water

The ideal choice for cleaning is soft water. Scaling — as often displayed in dishwasher detergent commercials — is contributed to by hard water. With soft water, your dishes, all told, will be cleaner. Shower curtains will not have scum, your clothing will not carry as much in the way of (invisible to the naked eye) minerals, making them lighter and softer.

Softer water ultimately serves to save you money, you can use less in the way of soap and detergents in general. Your appliances will not expend as much effort as softer water will allow for easier travel through its water-bearing channels. The real bonus may just be that your energy bills will be lower with soft water.

How Can You Have The Best of Both Worlds?

You can soften your home’s hard water with a Kinetico water softener that reduces scale buildup while retaining the taste so many enjoy in hard water. Through the powers of kinetic energy — provided by the water itself — your hard water will be softened.

If you would like to learn more about hard water in Minnetonka, call Haferman Water Conditioning at 952-894-4040 or Contact Us for a Free Water Analysis & Estimate.

All about Hard Water

If you suspect hard water in your Chanhassen home, we have some helpful information for you. We will tell you what hard water is, the signs you can look for to see if it’s in your home, and ways to make hard water softer.

Hard water is the term used to describe water that is high in mineral salts, calcium and magnesium. Water picks up these minerals when passing through rock, sand and soil.

Hard water is not harmful to your health, but it can cause a variety of problems such as scaling on your bathroom and kitchen fixtures, white spots on glassware and dishes, and dry skin and hair. Hard water can also decrease the life span of your water-using appliances.

Even though hard water is not a threat to your health or well-being, it can make life a little more difficult. Hard water can alter the taste of tea, coffee and homemade food. It can cause your soap and shampoo to not lather properly. It also can make it difficult to keep your bathroom and kitchen clean.

The good news is there are ways to soften hard water. One of the most popular ways is with a water softener. These appliances need to be installed by professionals like the ones at Haferman Water Conditioning, but they generally do not need a lot of maintenance in order to keep functioning properly.

There are a few other ways to soften hard water or to deal with the problem. You can use white vinegar to clean dishes and glassware. You can brew tea and coffee with bottled water, and you can buy shampoo and soap that are specially formulated for hard water. However, these smaller costs can add up over time, so the best bet is to look into getting a water softener. The initial cost of a water softener is more than the cost of buying a case of bottled water, but you will save money in the long term (and also help the environment!) by having a water softener installed.

One common misconception some people have is thinking that drinking hard water is a way to increase their calcium intake. However, hard water is not the best way to get this type of mineral in your body. You should consider eating calcium-rich foods or taking supplements instead.

If you would like more information on hard water in Chanhassen and surrounding areas, feel free to call Haferman Water Conditioning at 952-894-4040. You can also contact us online for a Free Water Analysis and Estimate.