Did you know that the water coming out of your taps could be why your skin is dry? Or why your dishes are coming out streaky? If you’re dealing with these issues, you might have hard water. We’ll explain what this means and how you can use these different types of water to their advantage.
When water passes through porous bedrock like limestone or chalk, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral-rich water is called hard water.
Here are a few tell-tale signs of hard water in your home:
You find white chalky residue on taps, kettles and showerheads after use.
Soap and shampoos don’t lather easily.
Your clothes feel stiff and dull after washing.
The dishes out of the dishwasher have water spots or streaks.
Your skin and hair may feel dry after showering.
If you think your home has a hard water supply, know that this is normal. Hard water is safe to drink and use and has health benefits from the added minerals. On the other hand, it can cause issues for plumbing by leaving behind mineral buildup.
When water passes through non-porous bedrock like granite or sandstone, it doesn’t pick up as many minerals. The end result is soft water.
Your soap lathers quickly and easily.
There is no mineral buildup around taps.
Clothes come out feeling softer and hold colour better after washing.
Dishes come out of the dishwasher with no spots.
Your skin and hair feel smoother after showering.
People buy soft water systems to filter out the minerals and enjoy the benefits. But sometimes, the water can taste salty because of the sodium added.
Both types of water have their own pros and cons. You may find that one is more suited to your needs than the other.
Hard water is better for drinking thanks to the calcium and magnesium levels that are good for our health. Plus, it doesn’t have that salty taste that water softeners can leave in your mouth.
Soft water is better for cleaning. Whether that’s mopping floors or washing your car, it helps prevent residue from mineral buildup.
In the laundry, soft water helps keep clothes soft and maintain the fibres. And in the kitchen, it helps prevent water spots and stops limescale from building up in your kettle or around your tapware.
Soft water is also less harsh on your body! It reduces dryness and irritation, leaving you with softer skin and hair.
The type of water your home gets depends on the natural water supply in your area. While you can’t change the source of your water, you can treat it based on your needs.
Melbourne, Hobart and parts of Sydney and Brisbane usually have soft water. However, areas like South Australia, Western Australia and regional NSW are known for having hard water.
If you’re unsure about your water’s hardness, you can check with your local water provider or use a water hardness test kit. And if you’d like to change your water type, you can install a hard or soft water filter on your taps or showerhead.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s good to choose tapware that can hold up against limescale and corrosion. At Yabby, we have quality taps and showers designed to last regardless of your water type. Shop online today or see our collections in person in our Sydney showroom.
