The Best Type of Water for Your Home

Have you ever noticed how your skin or hair feels after a shower? Or whether your soap lathers well when you wash your hands? These subtle differences often come down to one thing: water quality.  

The debate between hard water vs. soft water has become increasingly important for homeowners looking to protect their families, plumbing systems and appliances. 

What Is Hard Water? 

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium.  

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), water is classified as hard when it contains more than 7 grains of minerals per gallon. The USGS reports that approximately 85% of American homes have hard water, including many in the Kansas City metro. 

While it’s not unsafe to drink or bathe in hard water, it does come with downsides that can affect everything from your skin to your home’s appliances. 

How Hard Water Affects Your Hair and Skin 

Let’s start with something personal – our hair and skin. 

Hair Care with Hard Water vs. Soft Water 

• Hard Water: Some people notice that their hair appears fuller or has more body when washing with hard water. That’s because mineral buildup can coat each strand, creating the illusion of thickness. However, over time, this buildup can lead to dry, brittle hair, split ends and a dull appearance. 

• Soft Water: With fewer minerals, soft water allows shampoo to lather more effectively. Your hair feels silky, clean and easier to manage, often requiring less shampoo and no conditioner. It’s especially ideal for those with color-treated hair or sensitive scalps. 

Skin Health: Dry vs. Hydrated 

• Hard Water: The minerals in hard water often leave behind a film on your skin, which can lead to dryness, irritation or even razor burn. You may find yourself using more moisturizer than usual to counteract the effects. 

• Soft Water: Many people describe their skin as feeling "slippery" after bathing in soft water, but that’s just healthy, clean skin without residue. Soft water helps your skin retain its natural moisture and often reduces the need for lotions and creams. 

What Does Water Quality Mean for Your Plumbing and Appliances? 

Hard water takes a toll on your plumbing system as well. 

• Scale Buildup: Hard water produces flow-restricting scale in our water pipes. Scale will build up in the bottom of tank-type water heaters as well. The scale insulates the water from the burners. 

• Water Heaters: The water heaters heater’s life will be shortened. When you hear a water heater making gurgling noises, that is water in the scale layer at the bottom of a tank being superheated. Mini explosions occur, causing the tank to grumble. This puts stress on the tank, and it eventually will leak. 

• Appliances: Hard water also shortens the life of washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers and toilets by wearing down internal parts and reducing performance. 

What About Drinking Soft Water? 

A common concern among homeowners is the sodium content in soft water. However, the amount of sodium added during the softening process is minimal and most people won’t taste it or notice it. 

The exact amount of sodium will vary based on how much hardness is being removed by the softener. 

If you're on a low-sodium diet or simply prefer ultra-pure water, you can easily add a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system to your home. These systems remove sodium and other impurities, delivering crystal-clear drinking water. 

Ready to Upgrade Your Home Water Quality? 

When it comes to personal comfort, home protection, and cost-efficiency, soft water is the clear winner.  

 At Anthony, we often hear from homeowners who recently installed a water softener say, “I wish we would have done this sooner!” 

Our experienced plumbing team can help you select the ideal water softener for your home and provide expert installation, along with guidance on additional water quality solutions tailored to your needs. 

Call Anthony today and start enjoying all the benefits of soft water in your home.