Ask a Plumber

One of our newest ongoing series on our blog at HP Mechanical is Ask a Plumber, where one of our plumbers fields a question and gives an answer that hopefully will give you some insight into what we do and how we've become the highest-rated plumber in Santa Rosa, CA and its surrounding areas.

What are the differences between soft and hard water?

Rain as it falls from the sky is considered to be soft water because it does not contain certain minerals such as magnesium and calcium. After traveling through the layers of rock in the aquifer, water picks up these and other minerals to varying degrees. The amount of these minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, determine whether water is still considered soft or is now considered hard. The hardness of water is commonly referred to in grains per gallon (gpg), and can easily be determined by different tests.

Generally speaking, you cannot see or feel the difference between soft and hard water as it comes out of your faucet. However, there are indicators that you may have hard water, and having hard water may become problematic. For example, you may observe spots and streaks on your glassware or a soap scum ring in the bathtub. Also, you may notice a mineral scale that forms in water-using appliances and pipes, potentially reducing their efficiency. Further, bathing and washing with hard water requires more soap in order to help create suds, and can leave your hair and skin feeling unclean.

Soft Water Systems, of which there are several types, do a very good job of reducing or eliminating the issues arising from hard water. The technology for removing these minerals from hard water is very mature and the overall cost for these systems is very reasonable.

About HP Mechanical

For many years, HP Mechanical has proudly provided comfort to thousands of home owners and light commercial businesses across the Santa Rosa/Windsor area and throughout Sonoma County. We are an honest, loyal company who takes pride in our work. We take care of our customers as if they were family. Referrals are where 90% of our business comes from, so the relationships we build along the way mean a lot to our small business. The one constant with everything that we do involves working and helping people, by striving to provide the best service available at a reasonable cost.

Sources: AARP and Ask.com