WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE

Purchasing and installing a softening system is the first step in eliminating the effects of hard water in the home. While products generally do not require a lot of upkeep, there are a few water softener maintenance requirements that should be performed in order to ensure that a salt-based product continues to function. The systems that are commonly being used today have been designed to be relatively hands-off and should not require a significant amount of time or effort to operate.

There are numerous salt-based and salt-free systems presently available on the market today. In general, a product that uses salt to remove hardness causing ions such as magnesium and calcium will need to have the salt replenished every couple of months in order to continue working properly. Most systems that do not use salt require little if any ongoing water softener maintenance. Because of the variety of products being used, it is recommended that homeowners ask a certified installation specialist about the upkeep during the purchase and installation process. Most companies will also provide the client with ongoing support in the event that something goes wrong with the product or the homeowner is in need of troubleshooting assistance. The product’s user manual is also an excellent source of information that may answer the questions that an individual has.

Salt Replenishment

Salt is an important component of most softening systems that is used to pull dissolved ions out of the water so that they cannot exert their hard water effects in the home. A surplus of salt is typically stored in a tank that connects directly to the tank containing the resin bed and controlled by the computerized processing head. Since salt is consumed during the regeneration process, it needs to be replenished before it is depleted for the system to continue working. It is often recommended that salt be replenished at the point when water is visible in the brine tank. This water softener maintenance requirement is usually one of the only steps that must be performed in order to continue enjoying the many benefits of softened water. It is very important to purchase salt that is specifically designed for softeners since it is free of foreign particles that could damage the product. Grocery and home supply stores across the US sell bags containing 40 pounds of salt designed for softening systems.

Filter Cartridge Replacement

In addition to salt replenishment, there are a handful of other water softener maintenance activities that may need to be performed on a less frequent basis. Most salt-based systems are installed along with a filter that is separated from the two main tanks and is designed to remove solid materials in the water before it reaches the softening system. This is meant to prevent damage to the system, but it may also require that the filter be switched out on an occasional basis.

Households that use a large volume of water or that have relatively high concentrations of particles coming from the source will likely need to replace the filter more often than those using less water or who have fewer particles coming from the source. Replacement requires that the feed water be switched off and the system depressurized. Once this has been accomplished, the old cartridge can be replaced with a new one and the system can be reset before turning the feed water back on. Due to variations in system requirements, it is recommended that the owner’s manual be reviewed in detail before changing of the cartridge.

Iron and Salt Bridge Removal

Some other important points about water softener maintenance that should be addressed include the cleaning of iron from the resin bed, removal of a salt bridge, and sanitizing the system in the event of a compromised bacteriological source. Homeowners who do experience high levels of iron in their water will need to be aware that iron can prevent the resin bed from functioning properly over time. In order to counteract the effects of iron, it is usually recommended that salt containing an iron cleaning additive be used in place of the standard softening salt. Alternatively, an iron cleaning agent in powder form can be added to the brine tank along with standard softening salt.

Professional installers and sales companies can provide additional insight for those who are having problems with iron. Another important point of interest for homeowners is the bacteriologic safety of the water supply. Most softening systems have been designed to work with safe water supplies and should be bypassed in the event of a local boil alert or positive bacteria test. Once the safety of the water has been confirmed, the water can be redirected through the softening system and a qualified technician can be contacted to learn more about the need for sterilization of the product following the exposure to a bacterial contamination.

A salt bridge occurs when salt in the brine tank solidifies and prevents the system from regenerating. Situations that may encourage the formation of a bridge include high levels of humidity, use of potassium chloride, or low levels of salt and water use. Homeowners who have discovered a salt bridge in the brine tank might be able to resolve the problem by breaking up the salt with a stick or handle. The systematic replenishment of salt along with constant water usage should minimize the chances of a bridge and a professional can be contacted in the event that this situation occurs. In the event that the storage tank completely runs out of salt before being replenished, a manual regeneration cycle might need to be completed after replacing the salt in the brine tank. Since this process varies from one product to another, it is important to consult the manual before taking action.

Saltless Systems

Individuals who plan to use a salt-free product should consult the user manual to learn about ongoing water softener maintenance. Systems may use a filtration mechanism that requires the homeowner to replace the cartridge on a scheduled basis, but many products have very few moving parts. Problems that occur outside of those listed above may require the attention of a certified softener specialist and it is highly recommended that the owner avoid a complex maintenance or repair project.

Bottled water doesn't mean better

Nestlé Pure Life is one of a few bottled waters to list source and treatment info.

Blame it on convenience, laziness, or marketing brilliance  but U.S. sales of bottled water are on the rise, inching up 3.5 percent in 2010 after having dropped in recent years, to $6.4 billion a year, according to industry figures.

That, despite some increasingly unflattering revelations,— many brands don't even reveal where the water comes from!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wanted: Clearer labeling

In a report released earlier this year, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, analyzed the labels and company websites of 173 bottled waters and found that about one-fifth, including big brands Aquafina and Crystal Geyser, didn't list their source. Another one-third didn't say how the water was treated. Many popular brands, such as Poland Spring, list multiple sources (in its case, springs in Maine), leaving consumers to guess which one produced their H₂O. Only three brands—Gerber Pure Purified Water, Nestle Pure Life Purified Water, and Penta Ultra-Purified Water—got the group's highest marks for disclosing source and treatment information and using the most advanced treatment methods.

Some brands might not disclose their source because they don't have to. The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems to divulge the source of their drinking water in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. But bottled-water makers aren't required to disclose where their water comes from, how it was treated, or what contaminants it might contain. Disclosure is purely voluntary (except in California). And the bottled stuff is subject to a less stringent safety standard than tap water.

Bottom line. Don't be misled by crisp blue labels and mountain vistas. Purified tap water is the source of 49 percent of bottled water produced in the U.S., according to industry data. Many consumers could cut out the middleman (and produce far less plastic waste) by investing in a water filter and reusable water bottle to tote when they're on the go.

What to do

·         Drink tap water. If you're concerned about its purity, get a water filter. Carafe or faucet-mounted models are the least expensive and remove many common contaminants. A reverse-osmosis filter removes more contaminants.

·         Give everyone in the household a reusable water bottle that doesn't have bisphenol A, a chemical linked to reproductive problems.

·         If you must buy bottled water, choose a brand that discloses its source and lists an advanced purification method on its label or website. Check EWG's brand analysis at www.ewg.org/bottled-water-2011-home.

·         To learn about your water, read the Consumer Confidence Report. If you pay a water bill, you should be mailed one annually. It can help you determine whether you need a water filter, and if so, what kind.

It might be safe to say that we love our large appliances. We can’t live without our 5-cycle dishwasher and our front-loading laundry washer. But the cost of these beautiful, premium brand appliances might have bought a Volkswagen Beetle just 40 years ago!  Large home appliances are big investments built to last for years–if we take proper care of them.

How does hard water affect my large appliances?

Water described as “hard” usually has a high mineral content—generally calcium and magnesium.  As more and more of these minerals dissolve in the water, the mineral content levels increase, making the water harder.

Hard Water = Harm to Appliances? 

You may already know that your home has hard water, but you may not realize that operating water-using appliances with hard water is like allowing plaque to accumulate on teeth without brushing or flossing.

As the minerals found in hard water are deposited within the water-using appliances in your home such as dishwashers, hot water heaters, and washing machines, the minerals may cause….

• Shorter life or quicker breakdown of appliances due to corrosion and mineral buildup on moving parts

• Mineral buildup in pipes leading to low water pressure and inefficiency in operating your appliances

• You may use more detergents & soaps as hard water makes soaps less effective

But there’s more….hard water also reduces the efficacy of many water-using appliances. After all, the best “Power Scrub Mode” on the dishwasher can’t do much to help those spotty glasses if water is hard.  And the sediment buildup in your water heater from scale buildup might be draining your wallet due to increased energy consumption–just to get a hot shower!  

The good news is that although hard water is common (85% of the U.S. has hard water), the solutions are very simple.

Protect Your Investments

Protect appliances through the numerous benefits to a home water softening system, including the fact that it can extend the life of your appliances that use water.

What Can Be Done About Hard Water?

One of the best ways to prolong the life of a water-using appliance is to operate with “conditioned” water. Hydro Medix uses innovative and proprietary technology that incorporates a proven multi-resin process that will condition the water in your entire home.

The system softens your water, filtering out all of the mineral content that harms your large appliances, while further conditioning the water. This conditioning alleviates the slimy feel or strange taste sometimes left behind by other softening systems. So your water feels fresh and tastes great!

Want more information on protecting your water-using appliances? Contact us today.

 

Your prescription for Good water

Do I Need a Water Softener?

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A WHOLE HOUSE SOFTENER?

Most people who have hard water are generally aware that they have an issue. If you are one of the lucky ones who live in an area where there is soft water there is no need for a water softener. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 85 percent of the United States geography has hard water.

If the conditions of the water require a water softener, it is best to shop around and find the best solution for your particular situation.
Some things to consider if you are in the market for a water softener, does your state or county have a ban on salt water softeners, if they do have a ban consider a salt-free water softener alternative.
 Can you run a drain line and do you have enough space for installation?
If you are looking at a traditional salt-based water softener remember that the plumbing in the kitchen for cooking and drinking should be bypassed if possible, if not possible then installing an under sink reverse osmosis filter may be your only choice. Drinking the water from a traditional salt based ion exchange water softener is not recommended for good health.
Salt Free Water Softeners offer an alternative for people who are concerned with their health and for people who are tired of dealing with the maintenance associated with traditional salt based water softeners.
With the different options available today, it is quickly becoming apparent that the newer water softener technologies are playing a larger role in the market place. The internet has made it easier for people who are in the market for a water softener to explore the different options available without having to sit through a 4 hour pitch, only to be shocked by an overpriced basic water softener.
 The water softener business has defiantly hit a new mark and doesn't seem like it is slowing down, water is only becoming a more valuable resource every day

.http://www.hydromedixwater.com

How To: Choose a Water Filtration System

Concerned about household water quality? There are a number of ways to approach the selection and installation of a water filtration system. Which is best depends on your needs.

In the United States, we are fortunate not to have to think much about water quality. Most of us simply turn on the tap and cook, clean, or bathe with whatever comes out. Due to a variety of factors, however, your tap water may host problems ranging from a bad taste or foul odor to unseen (and unhealthy) bacteria. If you have any reason to doubt the quality of your well water or municipal supply, then it’s time to give serious thought to installing a water filtration system.

There are warning signs to watch out for. These include rust stains or scale buildup on kitchen and bathroom fixtures as well as other similarly obvious clues you can see and touch. But there are also more subtle indications of poor water quality. For instance, when showering, do you ever have “a hard time developing lather with soap”? If so, impurities may be to blame. Calcium, iron, chlorine, sulfur, lead, and decaying organic compounds” are only some of the impurities that people seek to banish through filtration.

Basically, water filtration systems remove impurities in one of three ways. Some products physically block the passage of contaminants by means of a filter medium. Others filter by means of a chemical process. Still others work via ultraviolet light. No matter the design, water filters tend to come in either a plastic or stainless steel housing, and though some filter media last comparatively longer, all lose effectiveness over time and must be replaced periodically.

You may be familiar with pitcher-style water filters or devices that attach to the faucet. In homes with known water problems, however, you may wish to go a step further. Of the multiple options that exist, point-of-use filters are perhaps the most common. Installed under the sink, such products feature either single- or multistage filtration. Similar in-line filters hook up not to the sink, but to the hot water heater, enabling you to bathe in clean, pure filtered water. There are even filters designed specifically for appliances with ice and water dispensers.

The most comprehensive solution is a whole-house filtration system, installed at the point where the water supply enters the home. By intercepting water right before it reaches your home’s plumbing, whole-house systems go a long way toward protecting pipes from the damaging effects of hard water, scale, and the miscellaneous chemicals and compounds—such as acids and tannins—that can spell trouble for the critical components of a plumbing system.

Different types of water filters and media are best suited for different types of water problems. For example, hard water responds best to an ion-exchange softener. For water that tends to have sediment, reverse-osmosis systems are recommended, as these employ a semipermeable membrane to prevent particles from moving beyond the filter medium. If the goal is to target organisms in the water, ultraviolet filters sterilize bacteria and viruses, as do chlorination filters. For improved taste or to eliminate odors, concentrate on oxidizing or activated-carbon filters. Perhaps the best option of all is a multistage water filter, which combines several technologies.

Different methods and types of filters are available depending on your needs. It is important to confer with a company that can test your water and help you determine the best course of action for tackling any impurities that may be present. In addition to the contaminants you’re trying to eliminate, your usage habits and patterns may affect what you ultimately decide is the best product to purchase and install.”

Introduction

hydromedixwater.com

We are a locally owned, independent water treatment company in Jacksonville Florida specializing in professional, courteous service and sales of residential and commercial water treatment systems. We provide integrated water treatment systems for homes, commercial applications and industrial applications.

Hydro Medix serves most of Northeast Florida including Duval, St. Johns, and Clay County. We have a showroom in St. Johns County that will allow you to see all of the state of the art technologies. Not only that, but you will be able to work one on one with our courteous team who will help you choose what is best for you and your family.

We customize to fit your needs by selling, servicing and installing a variety of point of entry (POE) such as water softeners, whole home filtration, iron and hydrogen sulfide removal and point of use (POU) systems such as Reverse Osmosis, Under and Over the Counter Filtration Systems and Shower Filters.

We are the distributors in Northeast Florida for Aqualyticsusa wahttp://www.hydromedixwater.comter processors and for Clearion water softeners.

http://www.aqualyticsusa.com

http;//www.clearion.com