Water Treatment Frequently asked Questions

Water Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much money will I spend each month on salt and/or water treatment chemicals?

A: It depends on several factors. Many filters require no regerant. If your situation does require a water softener, salt usage cost typically less than $10 per month.

Q: Do I have to treat ALL of my water?

A: If your water quality is already good—and you want to improve your drinking water only, a "point-of-use" drinking water filtration system may be a good solution to your needs.

Q: My water is connected to my municipalities supply. I do not see any water staining issues, but I am not particularly fond of the taste and smell of tap water. Can this be improved?

A: Yes it can! A backwashing filtration system for the entire home, or a point-of-use drinking water filtration system can be installed.

Q: It seems like my hot water isn't quite as hot as it used to be, and it seems to run out more quickly. Can this be due to poor water quality?

A: Possibly. The minerals Calcium and Magnesium have been known to coat and insulate heating coils, dramatically reducing their efficiency.

Q: We are building a new house. Should I have the water supply tested?

A: Absolutely! A new or existing water source that may be corrupted or too "hard" in quality may damage new fixtures and appliances in a very short time. Testing can tell you just about everything you need to know about the quality of your water, and what can be done to improve it.

Q: My water comes from a spring. Is it safe to drink?

A: Springs, even if properly sealed can be susceptible to surface water infiltration. In our experience, we have seen coliform and other potentially dangerous types of bacteria present in spring water. Making absolutely sure that the spring is in sound physical condition is a critical first step. Cleaning (shocking) the spring on a regular basis is also important. For even more assurance of water safety, we can install an ultraviolet or other types of water sanitation system.

Q: Do you test for water potability?

A: NO. This test for drinking water safety is done only through state-certified laboratories. We can gather the sample for you, in order to get a clean, uncontaminated example, and send it to one of these facilities. We are also happy to review the results with you and to discuss solutions.

Q: Will my water pressure suffer if I install a water quality system?

A: Different water treatment solutions have different flow rates. Any system that we recommend and install will be chosen to minimize any effect on water pressure or flow rate.

Q: Should I expect maintenance with a water quality system?

A: Water quality systems are specific to the type of filtration and or softening required. Water softening systems, for example, need to have salt added every month or two, depending on the type of unit. If your water quality is acidic, the treatment unit will require "topping off" on an annual basis. However, we highly recommend that water quality systems receive an annual service call and check-up. This is similar to an annual home heating system check-up and/or cleaning. Finally, if you have an ultraviolet purification system, the bulb is typically replaced every year.

Q: How much space does a water quality system take up?

A: The physical space required by one of our water quality systems is completely dependent on what your water supply requires to bring it to a normal, healthy range of quality. Units and systems come in many different sizes. Plumbing Solutions has installed many systems into some very challenging space restrictions. This is why we always included a FREE site visit to determine how much space is available and to eliminate any surprises along the way.