What are Ph levels

PH stands for "potential hydrogen." PH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution and is a good indicator of whether water is hard or soft. Water with a pH of 7 is neutral; lower pH levels indicate increasing acidity, while pH levels higher than 7 indicate increasingly basic solutions. The measure of pH and alkalinity is needed to determine the corrosiveness of water.

When it comes to pH and water generally we are told to keep the levels as balanced as possible. When water has a low pH it is referred to as soft water. Soft water is more acidic and therefore it can be corrosive and harmful to any metals it comes into contact with. When water has high levels of pH it is considered hard water. Hard water isn't necessarily harmful to us. However, it is known to make water have a bad taste and it causes lime scale to build up on plumbing fixtures and pipes.

The signs of acidic water (if you have copper pipe) are blue or green stains in the bottom of your sink or tub. If these appear or if you suspect you have acidic water, then a simple pH test will tell you whether your water is acidic or not. You can get a pH test kit at most any pool supply store. If your water has a pH of less than 7 then it is considered acidic and should be treated.

Examples of some acidic levels in liquids you use in your everyday lives are apple juice which has a pH level of 3 or coffee which has a pH level of 5.5. More basic solution examples of liquids used around you in your daily activities would be soapy water which has a pH level of 10 or bleach which has a very high pH level at 12.