Every household can significantly benefit from a water treatment system. However, not everyone is familiar with water treatment systems, and not everyone knows if they need one. So, read on and let our experts at the Water Filter Warehouse help you learn the two common types of water treatment systems and the ten signs you need to get one.
2 Common Types of Household Water Treatment Systems
1. Water Softeners
Water softeners are designed to solve hard water problems. They use sodium or potassium ions in exchange for calcium and magnesium ions, which harden water. This treatment process does not filter any contaminants, as its primary focus is only to fix water hardness.
2. Water Filters
Water filters are intended to remove water impurities, such as chlorine, chloramine, sediments, pesticides, hormones, and other metal contaminants. These systems come in different kinds, like reverse osmosis water filters, mechanical filters, and absorption filters. Some water filters also use a combination of these methods.
SIGNS YOU NEED A WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AT HOME
1. Your water has a bad taste.
Good-quality water does not have a distinct taste to it. However, many homeowners complain about the taste of their water being metallic, fishy, earthy, or being like pool water. Unfortunately, all of these tastes are not normal, which is why if your water has them, you should have it tested as soon as possible and install the best water treatment system for your home.
2. Your water has a strange smell.
If your water smells like rotten eggs or sewage, the main culprit is usually high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. While it is generally safe to drink smelly water, it will significantly decrease your household’s quality of life, so it is better to have it fixed by installing a water treatment system.
3. Your water has a strange color.
Cloudy water, which is usually due to air bubbles, is typically not a cause for concern, as it gets resolved on its own after some time. However, if you find hues of brown, red, orange, green, or black in your water, it may be caused by algae, rust, and other mineral contaminants, which means you need a water treatment system.
4. Your home appliances have water stains and limescale buildup.
Limescale deposits and water stains are indicators of hard water as well. Aside from being stressful to remove, they can affect your home’s appliances. If you leave your water untreated, your appliances that need water to work, such as washing machines and dishwashers, will have a shorter life expectancy.
5. Your plumbing system frequently needs repair.
Your plumbing system is the most affected area when you have hard water at home. Most of the time, mineral buildup inside your pipes results in poor water quality and a damaged plumbing system. So if you notice yourself frequently calling plumbers for repair, you should have your water tested and then treated if needed.
6. Your water test results show high levels of contaminants.
A comprehensive in-home water test is the best way to check the contaminants present in your water. But if your water comes from the city’s water supply, you will receive a yearly report regarding your city’s water quality. If either of the results shows significant levels of contaminants, it would be best to have a water treatment system for protection.
7. Your family members often get sick.
Even though most water contaminants do not pose significant health risks, long-term exposure to contaminated water may affect your body’s immune system. Unfortunately, water-borne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Giardia, and Hepatitis A may contaminate your water, making infants, pregnant women, and the elderly more susceptible to illnesses.
8. Your skin and hair are dry.
When your skin and hair become drier after showering or having contact with your home’s water, it may be due to high levels of calcium and magnesium, which means you have hard water. In addition, this water type reduces the effectiveness of soaps and shampoos, leaving your body feeling dry and itchy.
9. Your laundry is stained and faded.
Hard water makes it difficult for detergents to dissolve, limiting their cleaning power when used. If you notice that your clothes are stained or no longer as vibrant as they were, a water treatment system may be the best solution. A water softener can also help you save money on laundry detergents because small amounts of them would suffice if you have soft water.
10. Your water bill is unusually high.
Many households experience high water bills all of a sudden. However, if there aren’t significant changes in your water consumption and you have no leaking pipes that could cause a higher water bill, your plumbing system might be working harder due to mineral buildup in your water pipes.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS WITH YOUR WATER QUALITY?
The Water Filter Warehouse is here to help with your water concerns. If you’d like to know more about your home’s water quality, schedule a free in-home water test with us, and we will gladly assist you. We also have a range of water treatment systems to provide your home with a refreshing, cleaner, and healthier water.