Many homeowners are faced with water issues such as hard water, iron staining, or sulfur/chlorine odors. The way water is treated has changed over the years, and there is no longer one size fits all. In the past, it was common to install a water softener and think all your water issues were resolved. In light of all the technology at our fingertips and within our industry, homeowners make common mistakes when treating their home’s water. Let us detail them, so you don’t make the same mistakes.
#1 – A Thorough Water Analysis
The first task in considering water treatment equipment is to have your water tested by a water professional. This most significant mistake is not knowing your numbers and installing equipment you’re not sure will work, especially since there are many more new contaminants than in previous years. Water treatment dealers can test for hardness, iron, total dissolved solids, chlorine, and ph, to name a few. These tests are sufficient to understand the equipment needed to improve your home’s water. However, there are situations where water must be tested by a certified lab where an in-depth test is conducted. After receiving the test results, your water treatment specialist will discuss and provide a solution. We’ll repeat it because it’s important to have your water tested.
#2 – Using a Water Softener as a Cure-All for Iron
If you’ve seen iron stains in your toilets, showers, or clothes, then you have iron in your water. It’s not fun to clean or remove from clothes. A water softener is most often appropriate with low amounts of iron, but it may need to be replaced sooner than expected. It’s usually recommended to install an iron filter before the water softener to remove high amounts of iron specifically. This way, your water softener does not have to work as hard, therefore, lasting longer. The best iron filters are systems that use air injection to oxidize the iron, which is then backwashed down the drain.
#3 – Removing Iron with Chlorine
We all know the smell of chlorine and what it can do. It’s a great disinfectant, but it is not great a removing iron. It is not an oxidizer. Chlorine is best used for bacteria issues like iron bacteria or coliform bacteria while performing a well chlorination. Using chlorine to remove iron means handling chlorine. As a disinfectant, it will ruin clothes or make your skin smell like chlorine if touched. Chlorine will also produce by-products, which can be carcinogenetic.
#4 – Believing Your Water is Safe
All water, even city water, is not bacterially safe all day, every day of the year. We would be naive to think this. Yes, a municipality must inform its users if there is an unsatisfactory level of a specific contaminant, often resulting in a boil order. Unsafe water can occur more frequently on well water since this water, which is not monitored 24/7, like a municipality. It is best for a homeowner on a private well to regularly test their water thru a certified lab for bacteria or other contaminants. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your water.
#5 – Buying Water Treatment Equipment on the Internet
Buying online has become a trend as the digital age continues. Some companies sell products that market products as whole-house purifiers or the ability to remove specific contaminants. Unfortunately, when homeowners buy online, a water analysis has not been conducted more than likely. Often, consumers are buying blindly. Buyer beware. Another factor to consider when purchasing products online; the companies selling equipment won’t service the equipment, if needed. It’s best to leave water treatment to a local professional who will be there for you even after the sale.
#6 – Buying Based on Price
We all know the saying; you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, many systems are mediocre and will leave the consumer with the same issues, and some companies promise the world their equipment underperforms and overcharge for it. It’s important to ask questions. Do they have certified staff through the Water Quality Association? Do their employees work on commission? How long have they been in business? How long have they been selling the products they offer? Don’t be afraid to ask for other customers they have serviced. Better yet, ask your family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors for a recommendation.
Over the past 50+ years, our company has seen customers who have not considered these common mistakes and base their decision solely on price or a salesman’s pitch. It’s best to trust a company that has been in the water business for many years, does not have commissioned employees, and is involved with the trade organization within their industry. Do your homework and consider these common mistakes when making a decision. When you’re ready to improve your water, contact us or call 815-385-3093.
