What’s the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water

18/12/2024

If you’ve ever travelled or had visitors from another area, you may have noticed that the water tastes different from what you’re used to.

Someone might have said, "The water here is softer/harder than you're used to." But what does this mean?

This article will explain the difference between hard water and soft water and touch on limescale— a common issue caused by hard water.

What is water hardness

In the UK, our drinking water is some of the best in the world regarding quality, cleanliness, and hygiene.

Water treatment facilities ensure that water is clean for both drinking and bathing. At Lanes, we service water utilities companies to help deliver clean water to the UK.

Most of the water in the UK comes from rain captured in reservoirs. How and where this rainwater travels determines whether the water becomes "hard" or "soft."

What is hard water and soft water?

The difference between soft and hard water depends on the geology of the area where the water falls. We’ve detailed the key differences between soft water and hard water below:

What is Soft water?

Rainwater is soft in its natural state. The water cannot seep through when it falls on non-porous rocks like granite, slate, or marble. It flows off the stones, remaining soft as it heads to the reservoir.

What is Hard water?

Hard water occurs when rainwater falls on porous rocks, such as limestone, which absorb the water. As the water travels through these rocks, it collects minerals like calcium and magnesium, which remain in the water throughout the treatment process.

How to identify whether your water is hard or soft

You can quickly tell if your water is hard or soft by looking for the following signs:

Identifying Hard water

Creates film when mixed with soap

Deposits chalky white marks called limescale in your bath, sink and pipes

It does not form a lather when mixed with washing detergents

Identifying Soft water

Creates suds

Does not deposit limescale

Forms lather when mixed with detergents

What is limescale?

Limescale is a chalky, off-white crust that forms around your kettle, taps, showerheads, and pipes. It’s caused by calcium carbonate left behind as hard water evaporates.

Over time, limescale can build up quickly, causing issues with appliances and plumbing. It can affect the performance of kettles, showers, pipes, and drains.

Spotting limescale problems in pictures

Limescale can accumulate in many places around your home. Here’s a gallery of images to help you spot if you have a limescale issue.

How to get rid of limescale

The solution for limescale depends on how much has been built up.

If it’s minor deposits on your kettle, taps, or shower, you can fix it yourself.

If it's a more significant issue affecting your pipes or drains, you might need professional help.
Either way, the first thing you should do is visually inspect the problem.

You can use vinegar and lemon juice as a natural solution for minor limescale buildup.

Limescale removal for taps, tiles and bathroom fittings

Mix equal parts white vinegar, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub. Rinse well after cleaning. For stubborn limescale, wrap a soaked tea towel around the tap overnight.

Limescale removal for kettles

Fill your kettle with half vinegar and half water. Let it sit overnight, and the limescale should dissolve. Rinse thoroughly to remove any vinegar residue.

Limescale removal for washing machines

To descale your washing machine, add a cup of white vinegar or lemon juice instead of detergent and run a regular cycle.

Limescale removal for a shower head and hose

Soak the shower head overnight with vinegar and water. Rinse it the next day and use a thin needle to clear any remaining limescale from the holes. Wipe down the hose with the same vinegar solution.

Getting professional help

While limescale inside your home can often be tackled with DIY methods, it's a more complex issue when it builds up in pipes or outdoor drains. If you’re facing significant blockages, it's best to call in professionals.

At Lanes Drainage Services, we specialise in handling limescale issues. We offer 24-hour emergency services and use advanced technology to identify and solve drainage problems.

We can conduct CCTV surveys to assess your drainage system and apply high-pressure washers, jet vacuumation, and specialised chemicals to remove limescale buildup.