Homeowners often hear terms like hard water and soft water, but many are not certain what these terms mean or how they can impact their homes and health. These are words that describe the untreated water that enters your home from the public water supply or your well.
With a greater understanding of what they mean, you will be able to better determine if you need to invest in a water softener or take other steps to treat the water in your home.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water describes water that has various elements and minerals in it. In some cases, you may be able to see the hard water particulates in the water. For example, after you fill a glass with water, you may see smaller, whitish particles floating in the water.
You may also have hard water if your dishes develop a whitish film over them with regular cleaning.
Hard water can be difficult to remove from various surfaces because the minerals in the water build up over time, and typical household cleaning agents are not effective at removing the film.
This film can also build up inside your pipes, faucets, and more, and this can create a major plumbing issue.
What Is Soft Water?
Soft water, on the other hand, is water that does not have as many minerals and other elements in it.
Softer water is ideal for most property owners, and this is because it will keep your pipes and other features cleaner. It can, however, make it more difficult to remove soap when you are showering or bathing.
How Should You Treat Your Water?
There are pros and cons associated with both hard and soft water, so you may wonder which is best for your home. Because hard water can wreak havoc on your home, those who have this type of water may need a treatment option.
A water softener is one option, and it will treat the water as it first enters the home. Others may treat water at the source, such as near the faucets, such as with a faucet filtration system.
Hard water can be truly damaging to the home, so many will want to learn more about the condition of their water to determine if a treatment option is needed. If you are concerned about the possibility of hard water in your home, consider seeking professional water testing as a first step.
Knowing about the water in your Round Lake home is important. Call Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling at (815) 219-4323 to learn more about treatment options!