how to care for home water treatment systems

Understanding Your Home Water Treatment Systems

• (opens in new window) Disinfection. Disinfection methods kill most of the harmful bacteria, viruses, cysts and worms...
• (opens in new window) Chlorination. The most common, oldest and relatively inexpensive method used to disinfect water is...
• (opens in new window) Pasteurization. With pasteurization, water is heated to...

Full Answer

How to choose the best water treatment system for your home?

To decide the best water treatment system for your home or office, you need understand the different types of water filtration systems, particularly how they work, the advantages, and the disadvantages.

Why would I need a home water treatment system?

Many well owners use a home water treatment unit to: Take extra precautions because a household member has a compromised immune system Household water treatment systems are composed of two categories: point-of-use and point-of-entry.

Do water treatment systems require a lot of maintenance?

Minimal maintenance: There are some water treatment systems that require minimal maintenance from customers, like checking filters to see if they are clogged or dirty or watching monitors on filters that change color when they are ready to be replaced. Customer maintained: Some water treatment systems require complete maintenance by the customer.

Do I need a water treatment unit for my well?

Many well owners use a home water treatment unit to: Remove specific contaminants. Take extra precautions because a household member has a compromised immune system. Improve the taste of drinking water.

How do you maintain a home water filtration system?

You can maintain your filtration system by regularly changing the filter, which, if left for too long, can become clogged. Note down the date you last changed the filter cartridge and follow the guidelines provided for that particular cartridge type and your individual system regarding how long this should last.

Do water filtration systems need maintenance?

Water filtration systems, generally, must have regular maintenance to work properly, or to work at all!

How long does a home water treatment system last?

Quality of your water treatment system. Some water systems are designed with quality in mind. These systems will last from 15 to 25 years. Others, which are designed with low upfront cost in mind, will last from 5 to 15 years.

How do you clean a water filtration system?

Remove the drip tray and clean with warm soapy water or place on the top shelf of the dishwasher. If there is a build-up of minerals, soak the drip tray in a solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 2 parts water. Wipe the entire unit with a dry cloth to remove the dust. Wipe the coils on the back of the unit.

What maintenance does a reverse osmosis system need?

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How long does a water filtration system last?

How long do filters in those systems last though? On average you're looking at about three to six months before you need to replace the filter. That said, it varies by the water filtration system. Some newer models may have multiple filters active at once and may require fewer replacements.

How often should home water filters be changed?

every three to six monthsThough it costs more to install a whole house water filter, you won't have to think twice about the water quality throughout your home. A whole house water filter should be changed every three to six months. Learn more about when to change your whole house water filter.

What is the average cost of a whole house water filter?

A home water filtration system costs about $2,060 for the unit and installation. On the low end, expect to pay $1000; on the high end, you could spend $3,100 or more. Alternatively, you can opt for an under-sink filtration system. These point-of-use units are easy to install yourself and cost about $150 to $1,200.

How often should you change your water sediment filter?

Typical Whole-House Water Filtration Schedules Well sediment filters may only need replacement every 2 months. Carbon filters need replacement every 3-6 months. And we recommend going towards the lower end of this range. Algae and mold could potentially grow if you wait 6 months, so sooner is better than later.

How do I disinfect my reverse osmosis tank?

Put ½ cup of bleach (chlorine) into the Stage-1 housing. Screw this empty housing back onto the RO head, with bleach inside. (When you turn on the feed water later, the bleach in this housing will flow through the entire RO system and tank, and sanitize the system that way.)

Can you run vinegar through water filter?

Can I clean my water filter with soap and water? Soap and water can remove some dirt and sediment from your water filter, but they won't sterilize it or remove all of the contaminants that can build up over time. For thorough cleaning, we recommend using bleach or vinegar.

How long does a water softener last?

The salt used to backwash these systems must be replenished periodically. Water softeners can run for years with minimal maintenance, but particulates in the water can cause clogging or other system problems.

What is a continuous disinfection system?

Continuous disinfection systems treat an existing bacteria problem or safeguard against potential bacterial contamination. An ultraviolet sterilizer or UV light installed where the water enters the house (Point of Entry or POE). The clearer the water, the more effective the UV light is.

What is a sediment filter?

The whole house sediment filter is the most common treatment in Pennsylvania homes. This filter removes particulates from the water to improve water clarity. Such a filter improves treatment effectiveness and reduces maintenance for other treatment systems after it.

What is acid neutralizing?

Acid neutralizing systems are used to reduce lead where groundwater is in the acid water range (pH 5.0 to 7.0). Corrosive water can slowly cause any lead and copper to leach from pipes, fixtures, and solder, particularly in older (pre-1990s) homes. Two types of systems neutralize corrosive water:

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems that treat water at the point of use (POU) are commonly installed under the kitchen sink with their own tap. Coupled with granular activated carbon filters, RO effectively removes many substances that cause water quality problems.

What contaminants are disposed of in a media bed?

Arsenic, VOCs, and certain other hazardous contaminants require special disposal of the spent media bed. Qualified water treatment service providers or manufacturer recommendations can guide the frequency of periodic water testing. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance.

Is there a point in fixing a problem you don't have?

There is no point in fixing a problem you don't have. Once you decide to install equipment, decide who will perform the routine maintenance of your water treatment system (s). If you decide not to attempt maintenance yourself, use a qualified professional.

How does water treatment improve water quality?

Water treatment devices can improve the quality of water by reducing health hazards such as bacteria, chemical pollutants and other toxic substances, or help remove nuisance problems, such as odors or hardness . Before considering any treatment devices, you should know the quality of your water supply. Odor and hardness problems can sometimes be ...

How to solve water problems?

If any undesirable qualities are identified in the water, the problem can often be solved by repairing or replacing the existing water system or treating the home water supply. Locating a safe water supply is usually the best solution to combat a health risk.

How does reverse osmosis work?

Reverse osmosis pressurizes and passes impure water through a semi-permeable membrane and removes many of the impurities (approximately 90 percent free of mineral and biological contaminants). The quality of the membrane and the pressure of the water help determine how effectively the water separates the contaminants.

What is a filter system?

Filter systems are a relatively simple and effective way to control a variety of contaminants. These include mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, oxidizing filters and neutralizing filters. Filtration systems are designed for use only on potable water.

How does a neutralizing filter work?

Neutralizing filters treat acidic water. The filter treats all of the home water supply by passing it through limestone chips or other neutralizing agent. Where acidic water does occur, it can leach lead, copper or other toxic metals from household pipes into the water supply.

What is the best way to disinfect water?

The most common, oldest and relatively inexpensive method used to disinfect water is chlorination. A chemical feed pump continuously dispenses chlorine chemicals into the water supply. Chlorine, an oxidizing agent, kills most bacteria and some viruses. In the proper concentrations and under adequate exposure time, chlorine is an excellent disinfectant.

What is a mechanical filter?

Mechanical filters remove suspended material from water, including sand, silt, clay and organic matter. They do not remove dissolved or very fine particles and are often used in combination with other treatment equipment. Filters are commonly of fabric, fiber, ceramic or other screening material.

What is distillation water treatment?

Distillation Water Treatment. Distillation is a tried-and-true method that people have used to purify water for thousands of years. Less commonly used as a home water filtration system, distillation is a process that relies on evaporation to yield results — which has its strengths and weaknesses.

Why is RO water filtration important?

Because RO can remove the vast majority of chemical contaminants and neutralizes most biological threats, it is often considered to be something of a gold standard for home water filtration systems. Though depending on your budget, space, or water quality concerns, it may not be the best option for you.

How many contaminants are in drinking water?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates a total of 90 contaminants in American drinking water. But there are many chemicals and toxins in water worldwide that we now recognize as harmful — and that regulators simply don’t look for (which means they go undetected and unregulated).

What is reverse osmosis?

Pros: Reverse osmosis comprehensively removes organic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, fluoride, and chromium 6. Furthermore, a high-quality RO system will have an activated carbon block pre-filter that can remove volatile organic compounds like pharmaceutical residues and pesticides.

What is the most common contaminant in municipal water?

It poses a particularly high risk to children and expectant mothers. Chromium-6 is a cancer-causing chemical found in the tap water of all 50 US states.

How much water is in our body?

Our bodies are 60-70% water, which also happens to be the percentage of the Earth’s surface that contains water. This is perhaps more than mere coincidence because water quality has a direct impact on health at both the individual and ecosystem levels. Without water, life could not exist on Earth.

What are the benefits of water?

The Benefits of Water . iStock.com/fizkes. The simple truth is this: every single cell, tissue, and organ in your body requires water to function. It’s in everything you do, think, and experience. Without water, your body wouldn’t be able to: Deliver oxygen. Digest food.

Why do well owners use home water treatment units?

Many well owners use a home water treatment unit to: Take extra precautions because a household member has a compromised immune system. Household water treatment systems are composed of two categories: point-of-use and point-of-entry. Point-of-entry systems are typically installed after the water meter and treat most of ...

What is the most common type of water treatment system?

The most common types of household water treatment systems consist of: Filtration Systems. A water filter is a device which removes impurities from water by means of a physical barrier, chemical, and/or biological process. Water Softeners. A water softener is a device that reduces the hardness of the water.

What is a water softener?

Water Softeners. A water softener is a device that reduces the hardness of the water. A water softener typically uses sodium or potassium ions to replace calcium and magnesium ions, the ions that create “hardness.”. Distillation Systems.

What are some examples of disinfectants?

Examples of physical disinfectants include ultraviolet light, electronic radiation, and heat. In order to determine the best treatment option, contact a water well systems contractor.

Can a well be retired?

Wells can be difficult to retire, and usually only a well water systems contractor has the correct equipment. A well water systems contractor will be able to provide more information on plugging unused wells. and should also have knowledge of well decommissioning (retiring) code requirements.

Do wells need to be filled in?

Water wells need to be filled-in and sealed properly. Depending on the state, homeowners are required to notify their local Department of Environmental Protection or Water Quality Division to document the retirement of the well.

How to contact the EPA about drinking water?

For more information, visit one of the links below or contact your local health department or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. EPA – Well Water Information Based on Where You Live. External. file_external. (United States Environmental Protection Agency)

Why do you need to maintain a well?

Regular maintenance of your well is required to ensure the continued safety of your water and to monitor for the presence of any contaminants. The National Ground Water Association provides information to help you schedule a wellwater check up.

What should be checked in wells?

Wells should be checked and tested ANNUALLY for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of certain contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any other contaminants of local concern, (for example, arsenic and radon).

What is water treatment system?

Water treatment systems remove a variety of different contaminants from water. The specific contaminants present in your water will help determine which type of water treatment system you want to buy. Bacteria: Bacteria often lives in well water or other untreated water.

Why is water treatment important?

Water treatment systems are used to improve the quality of the water in a household, business, restaurant or elsewhere. If a municipality’s water treatment system is not sufficient, or if a consumer is relying on water from a well source, then a home water treatment system becomes a viable option for cleaner, safer water.

What is the best solution for hard water?

Minerals: Large concentrations of minerals result in hard water. Water softeners that use an ion-exchange resin are the natural solutions to hard water, though you can also rely on water treatment systems using active carbon filters, reverse osmosis, filtration and distillation.

What is the best way to kill bacteria in water?

Bacteria: Bacteria often lives in well water or other untreated water. Water treatment systems with UV radiation, distillation or reverse osmosis disinfection methods kill the bacteria that infect water and might make drinkers sick. Minerals: Large concentrations of minerals result in hard water.

What is reverse osmosis in water treatment?

Some water treatment systems rely on reverse osmosis, a process in which dissolved inorganic solids (such as salts) are removed from a solution (such as water).

What is hard water?

Hard water has a high level of minerals making it unpleasant to drink or use. Water softeners remove certain minerals, including calcium and magnesium, to soften the water. Water conditioners. The term “water conditioners” applies to a wide variety of products that remove impurities from water.

What is the best way to treat water with UV filters?

If your water source is a well or another source that might host harmful bacteria, then a UV filter water treatment system will serve you well. Distillation. Distillation is not as commonly used as it was in the past, but it does have a long history and is an effective method of treating water.

Scale Buildup

The most obvious effect of hard water is scale buildup. You’ll notice limescale deposits on your showerhead, coffeepot, dishwasher and faucets. These deposits are usually milky white in color and almost rough to touch. They’re also very difficult to clean.

Dry Skin and Hair

Hard water contains high levels of magnesium and calcium. The minerals from the water can build up in your hair and skin in the same way that they can build up on your water fixtures. You’ll need to use more soap and shampoo to lather with hard water, and soap scum could cause dry skin and brittle hair.

Faded, Scratchy Clothes

Hard water strips dyes and colors from clothes at a much faster rate than soft water. If you’ve noticed that your brightly colored clothes have faded after just a few cycles in the washing machine, you’re probably dealing with hard water. The minerals in hard water can also cause your clothes and bedsheets to feel scratchy.

Increased Cleaning Requirements

Cleaning your bathroom is a bigger chore when you’re dealing with hard water mineral deposits. Soap scum can build up on your sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets and showerheads. The longer you leave it, the worse the scale build-up, and the more difficult it is to clean it off.

Plumbing Repairs

There’s no easy way for you to clean scale build-up inside your pipes and plumbing. Over time, an accumulation of dissolved minerals in your plumbing can result in the need for repairs or replacements to sections of your piping. Hard water can slow down water flow and even cause corrosion, leaks and cracks in your pipes.

Unsightly Dishware

Calcium and magnesium deposits can show up as white spots on your glasses and dishware. This spotting can make your dishware look dirty, and can be very difficult to remove. Even slightly hard water can cause white spots on your dishware.

Reduced Water Pressure

Hard water can cause a pressure drop in your whole house. If you’ve noticed that your showers aren’t as powerful as before, or you’re unable to properly run multiple appliances at once, you may be dealing with a limescale issue. Hardness deposits slow down the flow of water in your pipes and plumbing.