Water Softener vs Water Filtration

When it comes to treating the water that comes into your home we know that you have a lot of questions and concerns.  With the number of options available in treating residential water quality it can become quite difficult to differentiate between the products available and their purpose.  The question we get most often is regarding the difference between water filtration and water softening.  In this installment we will look at the differences and how you know what the best option for your home is.  Of course, as always FREE water analysis is available through Reynolds Water Conditioning Co; our experts will better be able to evaluate your need in person.

Let’s start by looking at what each system is and what it offers to the quality of water that you will end up with using each specific water treatment option.

Water Softeners

Water softeners are installed to soften the water within your home.  They are designed to remove only that materials and containments within the water that create hard water including magnesium and calcium.  Two general types of water softening units exist: water softeners that use salt to chemically modify the water and those that use potassium, otherwise known as salt-free water softeners.

Water Filtration

Water filtration is a general term used to describe many different options in removing contaminants from water including rust, iron, arsenic, copper, sediment, pesticides, and even hormones that enter water supplies through industrial or pharmaceutical waste.  There are two types of systems to consider in water filtration: whole house filtration and point-of-use water filtration systems.

Although similar in nature you can see how each uses specific technology to improve the quality of water.  What option(s) you choose will depend on your specific water quality.  Some homeowners may find that even after they have installed a water filtration unit they are still left with hard water.  The water quality may be better but still hard affecting their skin, appliances, clothing, and so forth.  In this case the best option may be to install a whole house water softener with a point-of-use water filtration system to maximize your homes water quality.

Do You Have Issues With Your Water?

If you suspect issues with your homes water quality, does it smell bad, stain, or create residue build up, or have recently found out through a home inspection that the quality of the water entering your home is sub-par it is imperative that you reach out to the water quality experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning Company.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

Which Water Treatment System Is Best For Your Home?

Having a water softener installed in your home makes most homeowners feel good about the quality of their drinking water.   However, depending on your homes water a softener may not be enough to remove the contaminants that are still in the water that you drink, use to wash food, cook with, and more.  A reverse osmosis system can eliminate the contaminants from your softened water including a solid percentage of the sodium left in the water after the softening process.

There are a number of reason that a water softener and reverse osmosis system work well together.   A water softener protects a reverse osmosis unit.  A reverse osmosis system is not as efficient at removing or reducing calcium and magnesium, the contents of hard water, as a water softening unit.  Installing a water softener in combination with a RO system reduces the hardness level in the water acting as a protective level for the reverse osmosis unit keeping it from layer containments within the system and in turn extending the life of the system.

Another reason the two systems work well together is because they improve the quality of the families drinking water.  Many people that install a whole house water softener also desire the installation of an under the sink reverse osmosis system in the kitchen.  This type of system can be installed to service the kitchen tap, the refrigerator lines, or both.

A reverse osmosis unit takes your water softener to the next level helping to make sure the quality of your drinking water better.  A water softener and reverse osmosis system work together.  The softener gives you soft water throughout the house by eliminating minerals in the hard water while a RO unit increases the purity of the drinking water by removing impurities.

Once a water softener has been installed homeowners will notice a savings in energy expenses, increased appliance lifecycle, and a decrease in the usage of soaps and detergents.  In fact, a water softener quickly pays for itself quickly.  Reverse Osmosis owners find the same to be true as well.  Once a RO unit has been installed the need for bottled water is non-existent.  A water softener and a reverse osmosis system work together to reduce expenses and provide high quality drinking water.

If you already have a water softener installed call a water professional to help you choose the best reverse osmosis system to install.  You want the RO unit to work in conjunction with one another and not compromise or interfere with the water softener.  A little research will tell you what type of warranty the system has as well as the how filter maintenance exists.

Having a whole house water softener installed in conjunction with a reverse osmosis system allows you to give your family high quality drinking water.  RO systems remove impurities that are still found in tap water after it has been run through a water softener.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

 

Say Goodbye to Rust in Your Home’s Water

High concentration of certain minerals such as iron in your water is an indication of either a plumbing problem or an issue causing leakage of sediments from the pipes to the tap. Rust is a common term which refers to the presence of compounds such as iron and oxygen in water and it is usually formed when there is an exposure of free iron to water and oxygen in the air. There are different ways rust sediment can be eliminated. Two of the major water purification methods include the use of a water softener and water filter.

Water Softener

You may have tried different rust elimination options but still cannot get rid of rust stains on your sinks or shower. This is a common problem today and one that people battle with regularly. However, water softeners are just an ideal solution as they do not just reduce the rust stains from the water, they eliminate rust altogether.

An ion exchange water softener contains minerals such as sodium which combines chemically with iron to remove rust. When connected to your water supply, water softeners remove a wide variety of mineral compounds that make water “hard” and difficult to use. However, experts recommend that a water softener should only be used for drinking water with iron concentration below 2ppm.

Water Filtration

Water filtration for the elimination of rust is especially ideal if the iron concentration in your municipal water supply or well water is high. The best water filters are particularly designed to eliminate iron and any other contaminants such as manganese that often accompany it. Although water softening devices may be able to remove iron and even prevent staining, the resin bed can gradually become fouled with iron over time leading to decreased iron elimination efficiency. A better solution would be to install a water filter for iron elimination before water reaches the water softener. You could also install a special water filter to the main water supply line of your home if you prefer not to use a water softener.

Contact The Experts

It is best to avoid wasting money on trying out different iron elimination methods for water purification if you have any ongoing problems. It would be ideal to contact your local water filtration or water softener expert, so they can find the most suitable iron filter according to the water analysis of your home. Getting the right fit will save you costs in the long run as water purification systems that are too big or too small for your water contamination or water usage level will only cause energy wastage. With the best decisions for your home water, you can say goodbye to rust and welcome only clean, fresh water.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

How Does Water Softener Work?

There are two types of water, hard and soft. Hard water is the most natural type of water that hasn’t been tainted by any chemical process. It becomes hard because before it reaches your taps at home, it seeps through the ground where it’s filtered by stones and mineral deposits containing all of the natural minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. Drinking hard water is not harmful and could be a major contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality as well as that of calcium and magnesium to our diet.

Difficulties Of Cleaning With Hard Water

Hard water does, however, make cleaning task from laundering, dishwashing to bathing, and personal hygiene challenging. It makes soaps and detergents lose some effectiveness, and instead of lathering or dissolving completely, soaps tend to combine with the hard minerals to form a soapy mess.

This effect is evident because it leaves insoluble soap scum in your bathtub, washing basins, your shower, dishes, laundry machines, and roughens clothes too. Water softening is the process through which calcium and magnesium ions are eliminated from the water by using a mechanical appliance that is plumbed into your home’s water supply system.

Ion Exchange Method

There are different technologies including water filtration, and water purification methods that can be used to make hard water soft. Some water softeners use a process called ion exchange, which is the most popular and commonly used methods of removing the calcium and magnesium ions from water in your water to exchange it with two sodium ions.

The ion exchange system uses a mineral tank containing zeolite beads that carry a negative charge to attract and cling to the positive charge carried by calcium and magnesium ions. This means that these minerals will adhere to the beads as the hard water passes through the tank.

A very powerful solution of sodium ion is then flushed through a tank that has beads already soaked with calcium and magnesium so as to drive the calcium and magnesium ions off, the unit then enters a 3-phase regenerating cycle to produce soft water:

  • The backwash phase flashes out dirt from the tank
  • The sodium-rich salt solution replaces the calcium and magnesium in the recharge phase
  • The final phase flushes off the excess brine then refills the brine tank

This process is very effective, but it increases the salt content in the water, which might not be favorable to everyone.

Distillation is another water purification method of effectively softening and removing impurities for small quantities of water. It entails boiling the water to produce vapor, then condensing it back into pure water.

Where To Get Started

Before installing a water softener, use a water testing kit that measures hardness from 0-1000 ppm or 0-59 grains of hardness. Values of more than 1 GPG are usually considered to be hard water. Use a water softener that either has an automatic regenerating system that flushes and recharges the system on a regular basis or the type that uses a mechanical water meter to measure water usage and initiate recharging only when necessary.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

The Benefits of Salt Free Water Softeners

People with fresh, high-quality water can be taken for granted in many parts of the world.  In others however water can be full of minerals, contaminants, and be extremely hard.  This can lead to nasty tasting water that is affected by high amounts of minerals in the water. One of the best solutions to hard water is to install a water treatment system in your home that can provide a softer, better tasting, higher quality water supply.

Treating Your Water At Home

Water softeners essentially work by adding other minerals to the water in order for the water to taste good. There are a number of ways this is done and one includes a salt process. Many people however, have concerns with adding extra salt to their bodies.  Some people have diseases and conditions where they need to limit the amount of sodium in their bodies so a traditional water softener that uses salt to soften the water may not be ideal.  Another alternative for treating the water in your home can come from a potassium water softener, water conditioning, or a water filtration/purification system.

 

People often consider water softeners and water conditioners as one of the same. A salt-free water softener can more accurately be called a water conditioner or de-scaler.  A traditional water softener using salt, works by removing magnesium and calcium from the water and replacing it with sodium. Another option that works on the same principal is replacing the salt with potassium, also known as a saltless or salt-free water system.

Difference Between Water Softeners

A salt-free water filtration system doesn’t work exactly the same way as the salted one. Instead of removing hard water minerals, it keeps them from sticking to the pipes. This is a special process where the hard water minerals are crystallized, so that they can no longer stick to surfaces, which includes your pipes or your dishes.

 

The unsalted system also helps by reducing the buildup of limescale. This is that chalky substance you see on dried hard water spots and can be filled with other minerals or chemicals. While it’s not harmful, it can be unsightly and embarrassing if you are serving guests, or are a food-based business that must have 100% clean dishes.

 

The salt free water filtration system works by altering the chemical structure of the water minerals through a special descaling process. This helps to prevent solids from being deposited into your pipes and other water-using fixtures.

Talk With an Expert

A salt free water purification system is as effective as a salt-based system and it may suit your needs if your city’s water isn’t as hard as others. It is best to speak to a water filtration specialist to fulfill the needs of your home.  When choosing salt-free water purification system it will also come with a filter. This helps to filter out the hard water minerals in your water, while providing water softener properties.  For assistance in finding the best water softener or water purification system for your house, contact us today.

 

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

What’s Best For You: Sodium or Potassium Chloride?

Quality water represents life and health however bad water can literally suck the life out of your plumbing.  If you find yourself in constant need of repairs due to the excess mineral deposit and lime-scale, then it is clear your home may benefit from the installation of a water softener or another form of water treatment.  It might not be as clear cut as this either, sometimes homeowners will only notice a change in water pressure.  This however can be a clear sign of buildup on the pipes that is restricting the flow of water.

Saving Money With a Water Softener

Some people prefer the taste of hard water, but is dealing with dry skin, blocked pipes, scum inside your kettle or the constant upsurge in energy bills worth it? Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium salts, and while they are not harmful, they cause damage not only to your taps, pipes, and water heating appliances but also to your wallet. Water softener systems for homes are worth installing because you will begin to see significant saving on your monthly energy costs and reduced damage to all your home appliances. Additionally, softening hard water also has the following advantages:

  • Soaps and detergents lather effectively during a wash
  • It stops sticky insoluble crud from hanging around your skin, hair, clothes, plumbing fixtures, silverware, glassware, mirrors, toilet, bath tiles, and on your car too
  • Soft water makes cleaning a breeze and reduces household work
  • It boosts the efficiency and life of your home heating system

Getting rid of the calcium and magnesium is the ultimate solution. All you need is a water softener for home unit that works by effectively removing the minerals that cause the water to harden through a process called ion exchange. If you are not sure whether you have hard water, hiring the expertise of a water technician to test the level of hardness of your water is always advisable.

Two types of water softeners for your consideration:

Salt-Free Water Softeners (Potassium Chloride Systems)

This choice is a good option for those apprehensive about their salt intake, and a does a fairly good job of reducing and preventing hard water scale from being deposited on water pipes, heaters, tubs, showers, sinks, and water-based appliances.

Salt-Based Ion Exchange Water Softener 

These units use two tanks to soften hard water by substituting salt for hard minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron during a backwash cycle. The water is ready for use as soon as the excess sodium is rinsed out and the brine tank is refilled. There is also the magnetic water softener or descaler water softener for homes option.

A Solution To Your Water Problems

Now, instead of wasting so much money on vinegar every time you want to get rid of hard water stains on your fancy glasses, or you want to reduce your skyrocketing utility bills significantly, the solution is getting a good water softener for homes once and for all.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

 

How Do Water Softeners and Conditioners Work to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality?

In certain parts of the country the water is better than others. We rely on drinking water on a daily basis for survival.  It’s imperative that the water we drink is free of containments and tastes good. Nothing is worse than hard water, water that is over-laden with minerals, that not only gives it a sulfuric taste, but is also harsh and drying on the skin. The best solution is to add a water treatment system such as a water softener system to your home.

Choosing The Right Water System for Your Home

There are differences between a water softener, conditioner, purifier, and filtration system. Choosing the best water treatment system for your home can be a lot simpler if you decide its primary purpose and work with a professional water conditioning company to choose the right system for your situation.

A water conditioner is basically a piece of equipment that can change your water. It can filter your water, or improve the taste of the water in some way. A water softener is a specific form of water conditioner; it can reduce water hardness. But don’t worry, as you can use both interchangeably, as they have basically the same result.

In order to figure out if you need a water softener for your home, inspect your glassware after it’s washed and dried. If it has a whitish film on the surface, this means that your water is hard. This is because the dissolved minerals in the water will prevent the soap from doing a thorough job. A water conditioning company can help you determine what type of water treatment system that is best for your home or business.

This build-up of minerals is commonly calcium or magnesium. While they’re harmless to the human body, we all need our vitamins and minerals; it can make drinking water not as pleasant of an experience as it should be. It can also dry out your skin, decrease the efficiency of detergents, stain laundry and landscaping, and a variety of other unpleasant effects of hard water.

Deciding On A Water Softener

You have choices to make if you decide you want water softener systems in your home.  Do you want just your drinking water improved, or do you want a complete water softener for home installed for all water consumption, including sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs?

Water softener systems work by replacing the calcium and magnesium in the water for other types of ions. Inside the softener unit the water will flow over a bed of tiny plastic beads that have been coated with sodium or potassium ions. The water releases the potassium and calcium, and grabs the sodium.

How Water Conditioners Work

A water conditioner can work a variety of different ways too. It may use a form of carbon filtration, ceramic media, magnets, or electromagnetic waves to remove these unwanted particles. No matter which you choose, you want to do your research so you’re choosing the most effective and safest means available.

Some water conditioners also work through a disinfection method. They add an ingredient, such as chlorine, to kill off bacteria living in the water. While most parts of the USA have safe water to drink, there are many regions in the wilderness where groundwater could be contaminated, so you need a filtration system for your cottage.

Ask the experts if you’re uncertain what the best water softener for home is. Soon your water will look cleaner and taste better.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.