Removing Iron and Manganese from Well Water

How many homeowners can honestly say they would be okay drinking water from their taps that comes out brown? ZERO, that’s how many! Brown water occurs because of contamination in their water from Iron and Manganese, common elements found in well water. Thankfully there are water treatment options available to remove these contaminants. Both Iron and Manganese are found in soil thus washing into the well water drinking supply. The good thing is that you don’t have to live with contaminants in your water.

Contaminants in your homes water supply certainly can be a nuisance. Iron and Manganese cause several issues including metallic tasting water, stained laundry, clogged plumbing, and an oily or crust sheen on the surface of the water. This is one of the reasons high levels of the contaminants are treated using whole house water treatment systems.

In 1974 the federal government set in place visual standards for water because of the effects of Iron and Manganese. Although state health-based standards are not in place for metals in drinking water, there are some concerns that high levels of manganese are bad for formula-fed infants. Infant formulas naturally contain manganese, so the National Health Department recommends mixing formula with water with a low manganese level.

Iron and Manganese Testing

It is easy to recognize elevated levels or iron and manganese in water including a bitter, metallic taste and orangish-brown staining on bathroom fixtures, clothes, and more. It is however important to test the water before treating it in order to determine the amount of minerals and metals that are in the water. Two types of metals are commonly found in a homes water supply including reduced and oxidized. Water that has a reduction in iron and manganese often looks clear, initially however will form solid orangish brown solid particles. Water with oxidized iron and manganese will have visible particles upon being drawn from the well.

Water Treatment Options

Once your well water is tested and you are told what type and amounts of iron and manganese are in the water, water treatment specialists like the ones at Reynolds Water Conditioning can help you determine the best treatment option for your home. It is important to note that some filtration such as oxidation filtration which injects oxygen into the water to remove impurities only removes iron. The water will need an additional chemical treatment to remove manganese.

Water softeners are often installed to treat hard water. They can also remove small amount of iron and manganese. Water softening units use an ion exchange process which replaces iron and manganese with sodium. The metals are removed from the softeners filtering resin through a process of backwashing.

Another treatment option to remove iron and manganese from water is through a point of use reverse osmosis systems. This treats water at the tap which is usually where drinking and cooking water is drawn from. The filter uses different membranes to remove unwanted molecules in water to be filtered from the water. Although this is a fairly simple method of getting water without metal it does not treat water throughout the house. Thus, staining will still occur in bathrooms and in laundry and water in other parts of the house will have the metallic taste.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

January 30, 2019

Best Options In Treating Your Homes Water Supply

When it comes to figuring out the what the best option is for treating your homes water supply there is a lot of confusion and conflicting information within the industry. Homeowners will find a variety of solutions when it comes to water treatment including solutions that treat the whole house and point of use options. Although some within the industry like to sell water treatment options as interchangeable it is crucial that homeowners understand that each treatment option is unique and deals with removing different contaminants through difference processes. Each system has distinctive qualities in how they treat the water in your home.

Whole House Water Treatment Solutions

Water Filters and Water Filtration Systems: Water filter systems often use a carbon filtration solution to treat foul odors and improve the taste of water throughout your home. Carbon filters are known for treating a variety of elements in water including: chlorine, chemical tastes & odors, organic chemicals, and pesticides.

Municipal city water sources are known for their overpowering use of chlorine. The installation of a whole house carbon filtration system is often recommended to stabilize drinking water and making bath water less irritating to sensitive skin. Some private wells may also benefit from the installation of a filtration system especially those in more urban settings where organic chemicals are used in treating crops. These chemicals can run off into water sources or soak into the Earth affecting the quality of the water coming from the well.

Water Softeners and Water Conditioners:

Water softeners and conditioners are common and well-known amongst homeowners for removing hard water minerals and preventing limescale build up in appliances and plumbing. Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium can be found in both city water and private well water. Soft, scale-free water can be delivered throughout the house with the installation of a whole house water softening unit.

Reverse Osmosis:

The biggest misconceptions in water treatment center around reverse osmosis systems. Reverse osmosis systems are commonly mistaken for providing the same treatment to your homes water as water filters and water softeners. RO systems should not be advertised to treat chlorine, foul odors, hard water, or iron removal. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems have a semipermeable membrane that removes 95 to 99% of contaminants from your homes water. However, the membrane contained in RO systems don’t compare to the carbon filtration or water softening units.

In fact, chlorine and hard water can actually taint the RO membrane. In fact, water should be treated before it is sent through a reverse osmosis system. When RO systems are used in conjunction with a water softener and filtration system you will prolong the life span of your RO system thus leaving you with the highest quality drinking water.

January 24, 2019

Should I Install A Reverse Osmosis System Even If I Have A Water Softener?

Hard water is not uncommon. In fact, it is said that up to 85% of homes in the United States have hard water. Many of these homeowners are treating their hard water issue with the installation of a water softener. Although a water softener can help with the hardness of your homes water and remove slight impurities it doesn’t get them all. In order to remove a greater number of impurities in your homes water along with the sodium from your water softener, it is often recommended to have a reverse osmosis unit installed.

The combined use of both a water softener and reverse osmosis systems provides high quality water. The reverse osmosis membranes are delicate. A RO system alone will be inadequate in a home with hard water because of the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. Calcium and magnesium are the main minerals that make water hard. A RO has a small sediment filter, but it is not nearly big enough to remove the calcium and magnesium impurities that a water softening unit does. Homeowners that install a water softener with a reverse osmosis drinking water system will extend the life of the RO membranes. The water softener/conditioner works as a protective barrier for the RO.

Increased drinking water quality is another reason that homeowners should consider installing a whole house water softener and a point of use reverse osmosis system in the kitchen. This allows the water coming from the kitchen tap and the lines going into the refrigerator to be of the highest quality. A reverse osmosis water treatment system takes the water a step further than what your water softener can which helps to ensure the water that you are ingesting is of the purest quality.

Another benefit of using a combination of a water softener and reverse osmosis system is the savings in energy expenses, increased lifespan of household appliances, and a decrease need for soap, shampoo, and detergents. Reverse osmosis systems eliminate the need for bottled drinks which saves families a great deal of money.

Homeowners can see how the installation of a softener and RO in combination with one another will reduce household expenses and top-quality water.

Choosing A Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System

If homeowners have a whole house water softener installed, consider a RO system that does not interfere with its operation. Evaluate a variety of systems from level of noise they make to how complex filter maintenance is. Using a RO system with your homes water softener allows you to give your family the highest quality drinking water. Who doesn’t want that for their family’s water supply?

January 16, 2019

Answers to The Top 5 Questions About Water Softeners

There are many questions that people have when contemplating the installation of a water softening or filtration unit in their home. Professional water treatment specialists such as the professionals at Reynolds Water Conditioning can help. Below you will find the top questions we receive on a regular basis when clients are considering treating their homes water supply.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains more than 1 grain per gallon of minerals that include magnesium, manganese, calcium, and magnesium carbonate. Our professionals can test the water in your home to determine if you have hard water or if there is another issue affecting your homes water supply.

Should I Have Concerns About Hard Water?

Hard water can affect your home in a number of ways, in particular the fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Heat dissolves the minerals in hard water which causes the minerals to re-crystalize and create what is known as scale. Scale affects all appliance that use running water and reduces their life space. This can include your homes water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, water dispenser, and more.

Another common concern that comes from hard water is the soap scum that builds up in your showers. The combination of soap and hard water forms a scummy substance that deposits on your shower and also your skin. Even after rinsing really well, hard water can leave soap residue to build up on your skin thus leading to skin irritation.

Should I Soften My Water?

Of course, softening your water, like any decision around your home is a personal decision. Hard water does have obvious affects on your home as stated above. If you choose to soften your hard water with the use of a water softener, you will find yourself using less soap, less detergent, and fewer chemicals overall. You will notice that you no longer have to work so to get your dishes and clothes clean. A water softener will also reduce the scale build up on glasses and dishes as well as on faucets, fixtures, and plumbing.

Are There Any Reasons I Would Not Want to Use a Water Softener?

There are two types of water softeners: those that use salt to regenerate and those that use potassium chloride. If you need a low sodium diet it is important to consider the options in water treatment. When people are talking about water softeners, they are often talking about using water softeners that use salt.

Why Do Water Softeners Add Salt to Soften Water?

Water softeners use salt ions that attract hard minerals in water including magnesium and calcium ions, and then depositing them on water softener resin. Salt ions trade places with mineral ions which is why the water from the water softener contains more salt than “normal” tap water. There is about an extra 150 to 300 milligrams per quart of water which works out to about the same amount that you would find in a slice of bread.

January 11, 2019

What You Need to Know Before You Purchase Any Water Treatment System for Your Home

First things first, have the water in your home tested by professional water treatment specialist. Take labeled water samples from each faucet in your home in for treatment. Believe it or not water from the kitchen sink may not test for the same contaminants as the water in the bathroom or laundry room. This could happen for a number of reasons but is important to ensure proper treatment of the water in your home. Processing different points of access will also allow you to recognize issues that can be corrected with whole house water treatment systems such as water softeners or point of use water treatment solutions such as reverse osmosis and water filtration systems.

If the water in your home tests positive for contaminants, then the installation of a treatment system could be the next necessary step in remedying the issue. When you have to install a water treatment solution it is important that you understand these systems will require routine maintenance and care. It is crucial that homeowners understand that containment free water requires effort on the part of the homeowner no matter water treatment solution is installed. Water filtration systems will need new filters installed, water softeners will require the input of salt or potassium chloride, and reverse osmosis systems will require cleaning of existing filters and new filters.

It is important for consumers to be smart when having their water tested. Some man-made chemicals that have been found in the water supply of homes have been associated with serious health problems. These contaminates are not always found in without special analysis. If you suspect the results of your water tests are inaccurate then it is important to have the water tested more thoroughly by a state certified laboratory. Most general water treatment companies can see basic water quality components such as water hardness, pH, arsenic, iron, and sulfur.

After you are sure the results of your homes water are accurate and have been analyzed to your satisfaction the levels that have been detected will tell you what type and level of water treatment is needed.

Once this process has been satisfactorily completed the next step is to choose a system to treat your homes water. Depending on your water analysis you can determine if you need whole house treatment, point of use treatment, or both. Choose products that come from companies that can offer an established reputation and can offer referrals. Often times companies that sell water treatment systems such as reverse osmosis, iron filtration, water softeners and conditioners will also offer service plans, maintenance options, and salt and potassium chloride delivery.

December 17, 2018

Help! What Water Treatment System Do I Need?

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the best water treatment solution for your homes water. There are major differences between water filters, water purifiers, and water softeners. Many consumers use these terms interchangeably and believe they perform similar process however this is not the case.

Each of these water treatment options has its own process and removes completely different impurities within your homes water. If your goal is to have cleaner drinking water that is free of lead, chlorine, and other impurities should understand that a water softener does not meet this goal. Instead water softeners are meant to remove scale buildup from water.

Before comparing filters, purifiers, and softeners it is important to know what we are using them for; what is it that we want to remove from the water? Natural water picks up chemicals compounds, minerals, and impurities get picked up along the way. Calcium, magnesium, chlorine, pesticides,herbicides, waste, bacteria, and even viruses can be picked up by your homes water as it travels into your home and out through your faucets.

These impurities should be removed from your homes water supply before it is utilized for drinking and cooking as if ingested can present issues to one’s health. Water filters and water purification systems can help remove the impurities mentioned above. Other items, unrelated to the health of your water can also build up in the water supply and if left untreated can present problems with buildup in your homes plumbing as well as reducing the lifespan of your appliances. The minerals that allow scale to build up are only removed with the usage of a whole house water softener.

What is a water filter?

Water filters can be installed to treat water at the point of use or to filter water throughout the house. A filter can be used to remove and/or reduce impurities like chlorine,lead, chromium, copper, nickel, and more. Water filters also help to inhibit the growth of algae, fungi, and bacteria in water although should not be considered the end all solution for these water impurities.

What are water purifiers?

Water purification systems help to fully remove the bacteria and viruses in the water. Purifiers do not remove chemical contaminants like water filters do however when used in conjunction with one another they prevent chemical and natural chemicals from ending up in your homes drinking water or water supply in general if installed to purify and filter the water throughout the whole house.

What is a water softener?

There are two types of water softeners: one that uses salt and one that uses potassium chloride. Although two very different systems they do offer the same solution in that they remove the minerals and impurities in the water that create build up in your homes plumbing. Water softeners don’t target the contaminants in water or even make it safer to drink however they do filter out the ick in water that results in appliances running inefficiently and help to prolong the longevity of your homes plumbing, appliances, and such.

Before you purchase a water treatment option it is important to have your water tested by a professional water treatment expert. They will help to pinpoint the type of water system that you need for your exact problem. Some water may use a combination of treatments while some water issues may be addressed with just one option. In the most problematic water systems it may be necessary to install all three systems to work in conjunction with one another.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria,chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron &odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

November 30, 2018November 30, 2018

Reverse Osmosis Improving Your Homes Water Quality

Everybody knows there are a number of ways in which you can improve the quality of water in your home. What adds increases your homes water quality may not be the same system that is bringing quality water to your neighbor. Your waters specific needs are based on exactly what issues are found when analyzing your homes water.

One system that is often recommended to improve your water is a reverse osmosis drinking water system. If your water is analyzed and has a high concentration of metals, minerals, or microorganisms a reverse osmosis may be your best option. Reverse osmosis systems improve the overall taste of the water in your home. Below we will answer a number of questions that are often asked about RO, reverse osmosis, water treatment solutions.

Can you use a RO system to remove sodium in your water?

YES! RO can remove up to ninety eight percent of sodium in your homes water. It is a perfect combination when homeowners are concerned with the sodium levels in their water from using a water softener. RO systems also are used to remove chlorine, lead, nitrates, and several other impurities in your water.

What is the difference between the four and five stage RO systems?

Four Stage RO: A four stage RO system is used within most homes where the water is being treated by a whole house water treatment unit such as an iron filter or water softener.

Five Stage RO: When a whole house water treatment unit is not used within the home the best option is to use a five stage RO system. This option gives you additional protection in an added filter for contaminants such as arsenic and nitrates.

There is no need to use a RO system less than four state as it will not provide the needed filtration. The opposite is true of any RO system over five stage which is an overkill and considered a waste of money. Filters are costly and the more filters that need to be changed the more money spent. Why waste money on RO filters that are not adding to the actual filtration of the water.

Can a RO system be used in conjunction with an ice maker or my refrigerator water?

YES! RO refrigerator kits are available with thirty-foot hoses and all the fittings needed to be used with your home’s refrigerator. Think about the crystal-clear water and un-cloudy ice cubes you will be enjoying when your refrigerators RO system is used.

To understand if a RO system could improve the quality of your homes drinking water bring in a sample of your water to be analyzed by the experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning.

November 21, 2018

What’s Better for Your Water: Potassium Chloride (Salt-Fee) or Salt Water Softeners?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the two types of water softeners commonly purchased: potassium chloride (salt-free) and salt water softeners. The choice if often based on the area in which you live, the quality of your homes water, and health concerns that may or may not exist.

It is important to note that although we refer to potassium chloride, salt-free units as water softeners they are technically not water softeners at all and instead water conditioners or descalers. Systems that use potassium chloride over salt are known to reduce the build up of limescale. Limescale is the chalk like substance that leaves dried up hard water spots on faucets, glass wear, and such. Water conditioning systems alter the chemical make up of the waters minerals through a descaling process. Solids are then prevented from depositing within pipes and other water-using fixtures.

So, is a salt-free water conditioner beneficial over a traditional water softener that uses a salt ion exchange process to remove the minerals from your homes water? One of the nicest things that come along with salt-free water systems is that they don’t waste water in the same manner as traditional water softeners. Salt-free water softeners/conditioners are less expensive to operate and require less maintenance. Water that has been conditioned isn’t slippery like water coming from a water softener can. One concern with a potassium chloride system is that they are not as effective as water softeners when it comes to improving the water in places where water sits in place, such as a water heater. These areas can still have issues where limestone builds up.

How well a salt-free water softener will work to improve the quality of your homes water will depending on the minerals and contaminants in your water. Some areas saltless water softeners/conditioners don’t work as well as others due to the hardness of the water. It is important to have your homes water properly analyzed to see exactly what you are dealing with before purchasing a unit for your home.

When water softeners are utilized it has been proven that they extend the lifetime of appliances that require water. Water softeners are good for your plumbing, water heaters, shower heads all while using less soap in laundry, dishes, and baths.

In order to ensure that you are purchasing the right system for your families need it is crucial that you speak with professional at Reynolds Water Conditioning and have them test your water. It is up to you to know the difference between products that will work for your water situation and work with an expert to find a system that will offer you the benefits of quality water, longer lasting appliances, and more efficient soap usage.

November 16, 2018

The Basics of Choosing the Right Water Softener For Your Home and Family

Water softeners take bathing to an all new level, especially after accepting and coming accustomed to hard water showers. If you are ready to bathe in silky smooth water, if you are excited for clear uncolored, smell free water, and if you are anxious to stop cleaning with harsh rust removers, we might just have the perfection solution for you.

Choosing a water softener, often misspelled as “water softner”, we can help with options ranging from traditional household water softeners, salt-free water softeners, dual- tank softeners and combinations that include reverse osmosis, whole house filters, arsenic removal and more.

Issues With Hard Water

Water softeners solve the problem of hard water. When your homes water is filled with extra minerals such as calcium, magnesium carbonate or manganese it is considered hard. Some homeowners note that soap doesn’t lather correctly, their dishes are spotted, sinks and tubs have rings, bright colored laundry looks dingy, skin feels rough, and other annoying side effects. An analysis of your homes water is the only way to truly “diagnosis” your homes water and determine if a water softener is truly the right solution. These extra minerals don’t normally pose a risk to your overall health however, not treating hard water can cause issues with your homes plumbing, water heating system, appliances, and such. In research done by the U.S. Geological Survey over eighty five percent of American homes have problems with hard water in their homes.

As previously mentioned, one way to get rid of hard water is to install a water softener. The water from your home is not considered hard unless it contains more than 1 GPG of dissolved hard materials however, water with up to 3.5 GPG is considered soft. Noticeably hard water contains upward of 3.5 GPG with 10.5 GPG being considered extremely hard. Anything between the two extremes is considered moderately hard and should be properly treated.

Damage To Home From Hard Water

Hard water is more annoying and expense than a risk to the health of you and your family. In fact, many issues that are created because of a home’s hard water supply stay hidden until an actual malfunction in the plumbing or your appliances bring it to light. Scale can cake on to the inside of your plumbing, water heaters, and appliances causing major issues for you. This on top of the issues that are general nuisances in the everyday running of your household.

One of the most common fixes for hard water is the installation of a water softener. There are a variety of water softeners that people can install in their homes or businesses to improve the quality of your water. The most common whole-house water softener that is installed is known as a salt ion-exchange water softener. Salt ion-exchange water softeners have two tanks. One of the tanks is filled with brine and the other special resin beads. The water becomes soft by exchanging salt ion for hard minerals.

Another option is a salt-free water softener that operates in a similar manner as a salt ion-exchange water softener however uses potassium-chloride instead of softener salt. Hard minerals are not reduced but instead prevent the minerals from being deposited as scale to plumbing and such.

Dual-tank water softeners are yet another option. Unlike typical water softeners that disconnect from the water system when recharging making them basically out of commission during the process, dual water tanks always have on tank in use while the other regenerates. Thus, no downtime in water usage. For most families the water softening rejuvenation process in common water softeners takes place at night when water is most often not in use, for big families or families with varying schedules a dual water softener can be a better fit.

The Right Size Water Softener

Water softeners come in a variety of different sizes, the size of the softener you need for your household will depend on the size of your home and the number of people using water in your household. It is important that when purchasing a new water softener, you select one that is the right size to handle the demands of your home and family. Remember the physical size of the unit is not particularly important, it is the systems ability to remove minerals from the water at a pace that keeps up with your needs. This can be determined when the water from your home is analyzed.

Along with choosing the right size water softener for your home it is important to choose a softener with features and controls that are necessary. It is important for homeowners to know what controls the regeneration cycle, how long each regeneration cycle takes, as well as the amount of water and salt needed for recharging. Softeners use two different control options: automatic timing and demand-initiated regeneration no matter what option is on your softener, the salt needs to be monitored on a regular basis to prevent running low.

The professionals at Reynolds Water Conditioning can help you select and install the best option in water softener for your family.

October 25, 2018

Do I need to Install a RO System If I Have a Water Softener?

More often than not, a water softener will increase the quality of your homes water however, is it enough? The truth is that although a water softener will improve the quality of your water, impurities may remain in your drinking water. A reverse osmosis water treatment system can remove the impurities from your already softened water, to give you quality drinking water. RO systems are the perfect accessory to use with a water softener because it removes 98% of the sodium from the softened water. These aren’t the only reasons to use a RO in combination with a water softener.

Although a reverse osmosis system removes a lot of impurities in your drinking water they have a hard time removing and reducing calcium and magnesium, both which are known to be in hard water. This is one of the reasons that a water softener works perfectly when used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis water treatment system. When used together a water softener and RO system will create high quality drinking water by reducing the water hardness and removing impurities.

Many homeowners elect to install an under the sink reverse osmosis system as a point of use water treatment option. A water softener is used as a whole house water treatment system. It is important that hard water is softened throughout the home however, it doesn’t really matter if the water used in your appliances has run through a RO system. An under the sink RO can also be tapped into the lines leading into the refrigerator. This assures your drinking water is of the highest of qualities. When used together a water softener and RO are a perfect combination to give you soft water throughout your home, while allowing you the purest of water from your tap.

Another benefit that comes along with using a combination of a water softener and reverse osmosis system is the amount of money you will save in energy costs, increased lifespan of your appliances, and lower soap usage throughout. Let’s not forget the money you will save in bottled water as well. So not only will you have the best quality water, you will be saving money as well.

It is important that when you are working with a water treatment company to install a RO water system after a water softener has already been installed that they do not interfere with one another. Before making a purchase be sure to have evaluated the warranties between companies. It is important to know what is covered and for how long. Another evaluation should be maintenance and noise level.

The addition of a reverse osmosis system when installed in addition to your water softener will bring you the purest drinking water possible. A RO system removes the impurities found in tap water ensuring the highest quality water for your family, direct from the source.