ANSWERS: 1
  • Testing for hard or soft water in your home can be accomplished through several methods. You can purchase test kits at hardware stores. These tests will also tell you if you need to install a filter or softener. Alternatively, try some at home methods.

    Testing

    Mix together soap flakes and warm water. Shake the container and if the suds last for five minutes, you have soft water. If the suds disappear quickly, you have hard water. Another way to test is using your microwave. Place a glass tea mug of water in the microwave and bring to a boil. Insert your tea bag and let it steep. Now, take out the bag. Clear tea means you have soft water, if you see a film or the water looks cloudy, your water is hard. Alternatively, if your clean clothes come out looking dingy and gray you have hard water. Check your shower curtain; if there is no scum residue, you have soft water.

    Difference between hard water and soft water

    Hard water has a large amount of minerals. It makes your hair look dull and mineral deposits settle into your sinks, pots, pans, and faucets. These deposits can corrode your pipes and cause rust. Soft water has minimal amounts of minerals. Hard water has essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which makes it good for drinking. Soft water tastes more salty. With hard water, you need more detergent, soap or even shampoo to clean. With soft water your appliances work easier, which lowers energy bills. Your clean glasses will shine and your hair is healthy looking. With hard water, the minerals end up coating your water element and increase the cost of heating your home water. According to freedrinkingwater.com, soft water has less than one grain per gallon (gpg) of mineral hardness. Very hard water has 7 to 10 gpg. Anything over that is extremely hard water.

    Caution:

    If you have circulatory or heart problems, you do not want only soft water in your home. In soft water, the minerals are removed, and the sodium level increases. Cardiovascular patients need to be aware of the mineral content of their drinking water. The methods you can use to alter soft water are reverse osmosis, deionization or distillation.

    Source:

    Freedrinkingwater.com: Water education

    Floras-hideout.com: Soft water test

    wise geek.com:what is the difference between soft and hard water?

    Resource:

    Natural health techniques.com:: Hard vs. Soft water

    Pbs.org: Hard and soft water

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