Common Water Supply Problems

Everyone knows that having clean water to drink is essential for human health. In many cases, however, the water that flows from our household taps is not as clean or as pure as we would like. There can be many problems associated with the water that is supplied to your home including ground contamination, hardness and softness. Luckily, there are many options of water purification and water filtration systems available to you that will ensure your family receives clean and safe water for your cooking, washing and drinking needs.

In the worst cases, contamination from the ground can be especially hazardous to your health. This usually occurs when pipes that bring the water into your home have been compromised or have degraded. Older homes with outdated lines are more likely to have some sort of ground contamination. Many contaminates can be present in the ground, and even a miniscule amount of bacteria can cause serious health problems to those who consume contaminated water. Ground water can contain bacteria and pathogens from a variety of sources, most notably lawn fertilization chemicals and pet waste.

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

On the other hand, assuming the water supply is safely entering your home, you may still have problems with either the hardness or softness. Hard water contains a high amount of minerals, making the water slightly metallic in taste. You'll find it difficult to wash because working up lather with soap is almost impossible. You'll use more soap than usual and you'll always feel as if your hair is filmy and dirty. An excess of calcium or iron in the water usually causes hardness. You can see the telltale signs of hard water when your water-using appliances start to display rust-colored stains. The build up of elements can damage your appliances, so remedying your hard water problem as soon as possible will save from having to replace those expensive machines.

Conversely, soft water has very little mineral content. While this may seem like a good thing, having water with no mineral content can also be dangerous to your health. We need certain minerals in our diet to maintain a healthy immune system. Your tap water should contain a certain amount that is not harmful to your plumbing, but beneficial to your health. There are steps you can take to remedy your water problems. Installing a filter will remove the harmful contaminates from a water supply that has been compromised. There are tap-based mounts or under-the-sink filters that can be installed in your home, or you can install a larger water purification system that filters the water as it enters your home.

Filtration systems are also available that will remove the mineral content from hard water. These are usually brine tanks. The sodium in the tanks will work to attract the harmful elements and keep them from flowing through your plumbing. No matter what your water problems entail, there is a filtration system right for you and your family. Have a professional filtration company perform a test of your water supply to see what measures should be taken to ensure the cleanliness of your family's water.

Common Water Supply Problems

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Water Softeners

Water softening is probably the most popular of all water treatment technologies. Although there is much mis-conception about how a water softener works, the end result of a proper application is always the same. Water softeners bring most families a much higher quality of household water. Mineral deposits are eliminated. Water spots on shower walls and glassware, gone! Laundry comes out cleaner and softer. No more soap deposits left in the clothing causing itching and rashes. The total overall quality of the water improves, and truly does feel "softer".

When is a water softener needed? Just about any time the water comes from a ground water source such as a dug or drilled well. About the only time one can argue against the benefits of water softening is if the water is drawn from a surface supply such as a lake. Even rivers generally pick up mineral content as they flow over the ground and become "hard water".

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Water hardness is measured in grains of hardness per gallon or liter. It can also be measured in PPM with 17.1 ppm per one grain of hardness. Water over 7 grains hard begins to benefit from the effects of water softening. At 10 grains the effects of softening are readily noticeable. At 15 grains of hardness rush out and buy a water softener, you will be pleased you did.

David's believe-it-or-not says the most common complaint I have heard about the effects of soft water are: No 1-the dishes are very slippery when wet (true) and No 2- my hair has gone all pouffy! (true again-the mineral deposits are gone!)

How does a water softener work? Does a water softener leave salt in my water? Let's get this straight once and for all. A water softener works on a system called "ion exchange". For every grain of hardness (calcium/magnesium) your water softener takes out of the water-IT MUST REPLACE IT WITH AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF SALT. Let me repeat this. The softener exchanges the calcium with salt. The calcium is actually a salt as well, so I should properly say that the calcium salts are replaced with sodium salts. If the softener works perfectly, the exchange would be exact but this is not possible. There is always more salt left in the water than the amount of calcium it removed. The ratio of exchange used to be terrible, and still is in some older model systems. But many newer technologies incorporate systems of rinsing that reduce the left over salt in your water to very acceptable standards. The exchange can be measured with a TDS meter which every salesman should carry, or he is not testing your water properly. The increase in TDS from your feed water to your product water will identify how much excessive salt is left behind. An efficient softener leaves less salt behind than in one gallon of water than is found in one piece of white bread.

A water softener should not be installed where a sodium restricted diet is recommended. Although I would suggest that the softener still be installed if the water warrants the application, and a reverse osmosis unit be placed in the kitchen to remove the salt, and all other impurities, for cooking and drinking water. Water softeners will often remove small amounts of iron from your water. But this will increase the salt used, and the salt left behind. Larger amounts of iron, over 1mg/ltr will cause excessive salt use, and eventually foul the bed of the softener. A water softener should not be used as the primary means of reducing iron in water.

Another consideration in softening is your septic system. Water softeners rinse large amounts of salt into your drain water. If you are on a septic system, as many rural systems are, you will damage the cement holding tank and salt will harm vegetation in the area where the septic is located. Potassium Chloride is a suitable replacement under these circumstances, or if you just want to be more environmentally conscious in your water treatment application. Potassium is far less corrosive and does not have as much negative impact on the environment. Potassium is also often recommended as a sodium replacement for people on salt restricted diets. (although my preference where health concerns are an issue, is the application of a reverse osmosis after the softener).

Saltless Water Softeners? RUBBISH! There are no saltless water softeners which have been tested and certified. But lots of them have been tested and discarded as rubbish. The Water Quality Association is an organization which is there to inform and protect the public in regards to the water treatment industry. To my knowledge they have tested many electronic, electric, or magnetic devices and found that none of them remove one grain of hardness from water. Some of these devices will reduce scaling, the effect of mineral deposits sticking to surfaces, but none of them remove anything from the water. Once again, I see this as dealerships and sales people who just want to get the sale, so they give the customer what the customer wants. A magic wand. Well I can supply you with magic wands for .29 so don't pay more than that for any magic wands. I am sure these statements will ruffle some feathers, but until I see the WQA certifying a saltless water softener, I will stick to my statements.

If you install a water softener in your home, and keep it for six months to get used to it, you will not likely ever be without one. I have had mine for 14 years now. Yup, the same one. Make a wise purchase and you will have a long lasting piece of equipment.

I have said many times, " a wise and educated consumer makes wise choices". Your water, your health, your responsibility.

Water Softeners

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Water Softener Systems - Find The Benefits of Potassium Based Water Softener Systems

If the water supplied by your public water company contains high concentrations of mineral contents, which means that the water is hard, then consider using a potassium-based water softener system. Aside from softening the water, this system is also capable of purifying the water.

It's like hitting two birds with one stone but ironically not many companies manufacture this kind of system since most manufacturers wants more profit. Their profits are doubled by making consumers purchase two units, a water softener and a water purifier. On the side of the consumers, it is wiser to buy a system that has both features to maximize the amount they are going to pay. Potassium-based softeners are the most promising among any other options.

A WATER SOFTENER

Hard water is not really that safe for our bodies especially with chronic consumption. The high concentrations of minerals could be damaging to the vital organs of the body. It will also make the skin dry and scaly requiring you to use substantial amounts of lotions or moisturizers daily. Hard water can also harm the household. It will cause damage and rapid deterioration of water pipes. Also, it will cause staining of floor, kitchen, or bathroom tiles. These are only of the reasons why it is necessary to soften hard water before they are used in every household.

A lot of water softener systems sold in the market today make use of either salt or potassium to get rid of lead that found in hard water via a method known as ionization. Bathing is the best time to soak your pores with ion since during this time they are opened. Adding potassium to a salt mixture is quite expensive but taking into consideration its health and household benefits, the price is well compensated. Take for example the pipes, elements in hard water accumulate inside these pipes over a period of time, so what do you think will its effects to our system be?

Potassium is an essential mineral to the body since it is needed for the proper functioning of muscles so it should be included in our daily intake. As claimed by some researchers in the US, most women have insufficient intakes of potassium in their diet as compared with men. This implies that it is beneficial to use potassium-based softeners to fill the intake deficiency. So instead of purchasing separate water softener and purifier, look for a unit that offers both features. Find a water softener system that will give you the best health and household benefits.

Water Softener Systems - Find The Benefits of Potassium Based Water Softener Systems

A WATER SOFTENER

Determining the Hardness of Water Through Hardness Test Kits

Hard water, as we all know, is high in mineral content. The "hardness" in water is defined as the presence of multivalent cations such as magnesium and calcium metal cations, as well as other ions such as bicarbonate and sulphate. The main source of magnesium is dolomite while calcium comes in different form of other minerals, such as limestone, chalk, calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate. We use the Hardness test kit to measure the amount of foreign bodies, mentioned above, because of which the water turns hard.

The hardness of water is indicated by the non-formation of lather with soap solutions. This is because the calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water, partly blocks the oil emulsifying action that detergent application use in the cleaning action. Instead of producing lather, the calcium and magnesium form an insoluble precipitate called soap scum. To counteract the hardness of water, extra large amounts of soap have to be used which is not feasible. Hardness of water may also be described as the soap-consuming capacity of water i.e. the harder the water is, less soap froth it produces. A soap solution does not form lather in hard water instead a white colored precipitate is formed. This is where the Hardness Test Kits are used.

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Water containing dissolved carbonates of calcium and magnesium inhibits the formation of lather with soap or detergent, which cause water to form scales. These are called lime scales. In other words, when the left-over mineral that deposits after the hard water has evaporated or when the hard water boils, the carbonates that are deposited is known as the lime scale. The Hardness test kits are used to verify the level of hardness in water.

There are two kinds of water hardness, Temporary and Permanent. Temporary hardness, which is easily removable, is caused by an amalgamation of calcium ions and bicarbonate ions in the water. It can be removed easily from the water by boiling it or by the addition of limewater to it. Adding common salt is the easiest option to remove hardness from water but it is not very practical where large amount of water is concerned.

However with permanent hardness, boiling will achieve nothing. It is usually caused by the presence of magnesium and calcium or chlorides in the water, which dissolves more with the rise in temperature. Though, despite the usage of the word permanent, permanent hardness is not irremovable. It can be removed by using water softener or ion exchange column. The Hardness test kit identifies the permanent hardness to temporary hardness in water.

Hard water is generally not harmful to one's health but the deposition of scales can clog pipes and damage water heaters. The calcium and magnesium in hard water, forms a hard, adherent scale on boiler plates, increasing fuel consumption and leading to deterioration through overheating.

On a larger scale, such as an industrial setting, the hardness of water needs to be supervised regularly so that breakdown of costly equipments can be avoided. The hard water can be very detrimental to the heavy duty equipments as lime scales may form and result in failure of the equipment. A hardness test kit comes in handy for such cases.

Determining the Hardness of Water Through Hardness Test Kits

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Magnetic Water Softener Benefits Galore!

The types of water softeners on the residential market continue to grow and your options become better and better by the day! While many of the original softening systems which hit the market sucked up energy, were a major hassle to install, and still weren't all that effective, times have definitely changed! With the wonders of technological advances, you can now purchase a magnetic water softener which doesn't take any electricity at all, is fast and easy to install, and which is extremely effective at eliminating the dangerous minerals found in your tap water.

There are many different benefits to using a magnetic water softener over any other type, so let's jump to the point and give them to you right away:

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Benefit #1: Easy Installation

You don't even need tools to install most magnetic softening systems into your home! While some other types of water softeners require you to turn off the water to your home and then actually cut into pipes and make permanent structural changes to your plumbing, you don't have to do that at all with a magnetic system!

The technology used for this type of home water softening system has made it easier and faster than ever to get your system up and running in the home. If you are uncomfortable with the installation process of other units you can now purchase a magnet system and even install it yourself since you don't even need tools!

Benefit #2: No Salt

One of the huge criticisms of early day home water softening systems was the amount of sodium that they put into the environment. Salt is needed for many types of softening systems to work effectively, but a magnetic water softener does not use any salt at all. This will not only decrease your carbon footprint by saving the environment from an assault of salt from your home, but it will make your system more effective in every possible way.

All of the benefits of a home water softening system are magnified when you eliminate the salt from your system!

Benefit #3: Lime Scale Build-Up No More

If you worry about lime building up in your pipes and causing common plumbing problems which can wreck your home and cost you tons of money in repairs, then purchasing a magnetic water softening system is the best home improvement project you could ever take on. This system will eliminate the build-up of minerals in your pipes and thus prevent some very serious plumbing issues down the line!

Benefit #4: Completely Safe Consumption

The best thing about a magnetic water softener is that every aspect of the system is completely safe for you, all of your pets, and even the environment. This is an innovative technology which has taken a product that was already great for your health and made it as healthy as can possibly be. The technology is safe and will be a completely safe addition to your family, whether you are using the water to cook for your children or fill the water bowl for your new puppy!

See, there are some great benefits to purchasing a magnetic water softening system over other types. While some homeowners just like purchasing the newest technology, most end up going with this type of softening system because it is so simple to install and doesn't have to be a permanent feature in the home if they don't want it to be. Portability is definitely a plus in this market!

Magnetic Water Softener Benefits Galore!

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

WaterBoss Water Softener - Avail Yourself With the Clean and Soft Water

Nowadays, there are various types of water softeners that are available in the market. You can easily notice a vast variety of efficient water softeners in the market that are well enhanced with the latest and advanced technology. Well, I would like to tell you that there are numerous producers and brands that are producing these softeners. You will simply face a lot of problem in selecting the best water softener for yourself if you are not enhanced with the little knowledge about them.

It is really very much important for you to analyze all the features and characteristics that you expect from an ideal softener. It is just because various softeners are well enhanced with different features and technologies. There are mainly three types of regeneration water softeners and they are: manual, meter and timer.

A WATER SOFTENER

A water boss water softener is mainly a regeneration softener that is well enhanced with a timer. This softener is completely based on a time clock. You can easily set the timer according to your requirement. It has been observed that the regenerate softeners that are comprised up with a timer are much cheaper as compared to other models. They also use a comparatively large amount of salt.

The regenerated softener models that are well enhanced with a meter are also very much popular in the market. You can easily set your control on the grains of the softener according to your requirement with the help of the meter. This softener is mainly used to calculate the hardness of water. You can simply set your control according to the number of people that live in your house. Metered water softeners are very much popular and they are mainly selected by many home owners.

Manual regeneration softeners are not at all comprised up with a timer or a meter. You have to set your control according to your need. They are very much useful for all those home owners who are not enhanced with the proper place where they can set these efficient units. You can also attach an accurate garden hose with these manual softeners. You should always buy those softeners that are well enhanced with a large capacity because large capacity softeners can simply decrease the amount of time which is required for the regeneration process.

Water boss water softeners are really very much efficient and you can easily avail yourself with the clean and soft water.

WaterBoss Water Softener - Avail Yourself With the Clean and Soft Water

A WATER SOFTENER

Protect Your Appliances With The Best Water Softeners

Fed up with hard water stains on your sink and bathroom? How about endless maintenance bills on your dishwashers and washing machines due to clogged pipes and harsh chemicals in the water? Hard water may not seem to be that much of a problem when you hear about them, but wait till you experience all the havoc it can and then you will realize how much of a pain it is.

Everybody who uses tap water at home is not safe from the effects of hard water since pretty much the community water supply is, by nature, hard water. The only way for us to dodge the bullet and stay away from its damaging effects is by installing the best water softener on the market today. If you are counting the number of bad effects of hard water to our homes and health, then that's exactly the same number of solutions a good system can give.

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Although the best water softener is not that cheap, investing on these kinds of things will prove to be beneficial in the long run as there will be fewer bills to pay whether if it's for cleaning, maintenance and repair, or keeping everyone in the family healthy. For those who are dealing with a tight budget, there are quite a few alternatives to water softeners like filters that are attached directly on the faucet instead of an entire system. Some of the advantages of these systems are reducing if not completely eliminating the hard water spots, soap scum, and crystal deposits on the tubes and pipes of the house. Soft water is also known to have good effects on fabric softening and color care, and will also leave your body silky soft without the slimy feeling after taking a bath or shower.

The demand for an apartment water softener is increasing as more and more people are opting to live in apartments due to high prices on real estate. Apartments, especially old ones, are known for their dreaded hard water supply hence any person that is particular to health issues and cleanliness will get a lot of mileage out of having an apartment water softener.

There are a lot of companies claiming they have the best water softener on the market today; among these is the aquaguard water softener which has good reviews all over the net. There are a lot more brands, so if you are planning to get one, make sure to do your research and pick one that best suits your needs and your budget.

Protect Your Appliances With The Best Water Softeners

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER