5 Big Reasons Why You Should Use Drinking Water Filters

Do you know why you should use water filters? And furthermore do you know what water filters you should use? Take two minutes and find out how to safeguard your family.

(1) The best drinking water filters provide us with the best quality water we can get. The best drinking water filter can improve our life, enhance our performance and increase our energy levels by providing what our bodies crave...99.99% pure drinking water.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

70% of our body weight is water. We have to replace and replenish that water on a regular basis or face illness. Each person should consume gallons of water every day, but many do not, because their water doesn't taste fresh or it smells like chlorine. Good water filters will put the joy back into drinking water.

(2) Pure water is important in more ways than one, the water that we take in may contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea, which can be life threatening to small children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system. Chlorine is added to the water at the treatment facility to remove bacteria...to disinfect the water.

But, some bacteria are resistant to chlorine. Cryptosporidium cysts, for example, are not killed by chlorine. Only a water filter with a micron particle stage can stop cryptosporidium at the cyst stage and protect your family's health.

(3) The average drinking water filter is carbon based. Carbon activated drinking water filters remove chlorine and chemicals, but other stages are needed to remove different things. It all really depends on what's in your water and without laboratory testing, the only safe thing to do is buy a water filter that can address all of the problems that "could" be in your water.

(4) Some drinking water filters (like reverse osmosis and distillation) remove trace minerals that are good for your health. The best drinking water filters "balance" the mineral content, instead. So, in areas where high mineral content or "hard" water is a problem, hard minerals are replaced with "softer minerals". A water filter that has a ion exchange stage is the right choice for well balanced mineral content.

Drinking water filters have been around for a long time. In India they had a crude drinking water filter that was used for ages. It consisted of a big round clay pot. The impurities would be absorbed by the clay and the remaining water tasted sweet and refreshing. With modern science we have perfected the technology and now can filter a number of things that are not good for us, but some water filters are stuck in the dark ages.

(5) Chlorine removal is just one thing that a water filter can do to improve our water. Some companies stop there. Other water filters go the extra mile by reducing harmful pollutants like pesticides and herbicides. Remember, anything that goes down the drain or on the ground eventually ends up in the ground water and our drinking water reservoirs

We use thousands of chemicals every day, thoughtlessly. Industries have spills, as do gas stations and repair shops. We have our grass treated with pesticides. We use herbicides to kill weeds. We wash medicines down the drain. All of this stuff ends up in the water.

It is important to be careful about what you flush down the drain or pour on the ground, but you have to realize that other people may not be so careful. The only way to protect your family is by investing in good drinking water filters for every tap in the house.

5 Big Reasons Why You Should Use Drinking Water Filters

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

How to Install a Water Softener

Limescale or Hard Water is the main cause of death to appliances, kettles and water boilers. To clean limescale is a very difficult task and if left too late its normally impossible to get rid of. The most effective way to descaling is having not to descale. There is a variety of filters for water that can be used. The best protection against limescale build-up for your appliances and home plumbing is to have a water softener fitted to the main water inlet to your property. Water softeners cost between 300 to 700 pounds depending on your household size.

water softener prices

Planning Your Installation. Always observe the water bylaws. Ensure there is only one water main supply, that you have allowed adequate space for access to the unit for salt filling and possible maintenance at a later stage. Check the water pressure, locate the main water supply stop cock, a drain facility and a power supply to connect the unit to.

WATER SOFTENER

Water Pressure Test. It is important that a pressure check is carried out. Low and high water pressure can result in either damage to, or failure of the softener. Although the softener is pressure tested it is recommended to fit a pressure limiter should your pressure exceed 5 bar (70 psi) also recommended is that any water appliance be fitted with a leak controller.

Siting the Softener. Where possible, this should be close to the water supply main. Take care to allow hard water take off points for a drinking water facilities and or an outside tap. A good option for fresh water would be to leave the cold water tap in the kitchen as the drinking water facility. If this is not possible a easy DIY installation filtered water kit can be installed. If the Stopcock is located in an inconvenient position to create a hard water supply I recommend the fitting of a reverse osmosis system. Keep the distance between the drain and the Softener as short as possible. Ensure that both the drain and overflow are not subject to freezing or over 49'C. If seating the softener inside a cupboard ensure that the base is adequately supported. If the softener is being installed within your loft etc, it is recommended to house the softener inside a 95 liter tank and insulate well. The overflow on the tank must be below the softener overflow and be a minimum of 3/4 inch in size.

Non Return Valve. In single dwellings a single check valve should be fitted. This item can be purchased from any plumbing shop.

Check list. You will require two T valves, isolator valve and two flexible hoses to connect your inlet and outlet to the unit.

Before starting installation of the valves ensure that the stopcock is in the closed position.

Connecting to the softener. Once you have completed the installation of the valves put the inlet and outlet valves in the closed positions and open the bypass valve. You can now safely return the stop cock to the open position. Connect the inlet and outlet flexible pipes to the softener.The softener inlets and outlets should be indicated either with the words inlet or outlet or with an embossed directional arrow on the softener tails. Normally the softener tails are in a configuration of three with the centre normally being the waste outlet.

Waste Pipe Installation. All softeners are provided with a waste hose on some units this is preinstalled to the softener. Should this not be the case on your machine use the connection fitting at the end of the supplied flexible pipe to connect to the softener drain connection. Run the drain hose to either an up stand or an outside drain. A minimum air gap of 20mm must exist at the end of the drain line. Softened water will have no adverse effect on a septic tank. If you need to extend the drain hose this can e done by connecting to a 15mm copper tube for a maximum run of 8 meters with a minimum daytime pressure of 40psi. Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked in any way as this will lead to an overflow of the machine. The drain hose can run up hill to a maximum of 3 feet with a minimum pressure of 40psi.

Overflow Connection. The hose from the overflow should be cut from the drain hose. The overflow connection is the white half inch hose spigot on the rear or side of the cabinet. No clip is required for this connection. The overflow must be run downhill through an outside wall without kinks or restriction. It is recommend the overflow hose be visible when it exits the Outside wall.

Electrical connection. Connect the transformer provided to a continuous electrical connection supply with the power off. Plug the flying lead from the transformer into the electrical connection on the controller. Ensure the flying lead cannot get caught on the camshaft or any moving parts on the machine

Preparing the softener to go into service. Now that all of the connections have been completed it is advisable to put approximately 5 litres of water into the brine tank. You may also at this point put a quantity of salt into the tank. Do not allow the water softener salts level in the brine tank to exceed the height of the overflow. The amount of salt used will depend upon the type of machine. You should never let the brine tank become completely empty of salt and it is advisable to check the salt levels on a weekly basis until a usage pattern has been established.

Setting the machine to service. To set the machine to service simply alter the position of the inlet and outlet valve and turn the bypass valve to the off position. It is recommended that this procedure is completed in the following order.
1, Turn the Softener inlet valve to the on position
2, Turn the bypass valve to the off position. Allow approximately five minutes to allow the incoming water to build a level of pressure before completing step 3.
3, Turn the Softener outlet valve to the on position.

You should now complete any programming instructions that apply to your particular machine and perform a manual regeneration. A manual Regeneration is performed at this stage to allow you to confirm that the unit has no leaks from the installed valves and the Waste runs free. This regeneration will also assist in clearing any potential air locks that may be present within the system. The regeneration will also reset any internal meter or timer devices that dictate the frequency of the regeneration cycle. Your machine should now be supplying your property with soft water. If you find that the water feels too soft for you. It is possible to dilute the softness by slightly opening the bypass valve and allow some hard water to blend with the soft.

How to Install a Water Softener

WATER SOFTENER

Would You Like To Know - What Minerals Are In Tap Water?

Do you want to know what minerals are in tap water? The answer depends on where you live, the filtration steps used at your local treatment facility, whether or not you use a purifier at home and the type of filter you use.

Here are the details.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Mineral content depends on where you live, because of the source. Lakes and rivers are often the source. The composition of the sediments at the bottom of the lake or river will determine the mineral content.

Groundwater is typically mineral-rich. It is sometimes referred to as spring-water especially the bottled type. In years gone by, many people relied on springs for drinking water. Today, it is brought up out of the ground by a well. Surface springs are contaminated with animal runoff and parasites. Deep wells are the best source in terms of purity and fresh taste.

If you are serviced by a public treatment facility, they may use steps to reduce the mineral content by adding softeners or using reverse osmosis filters. Calcium and iron have a negative effect on the taste, appearance and odor. They also affect how well soaps work. It is commonly referred to as hard-water.

Whether or not you use a purifier at home affects what minerals are in tap water. Reverse osmosis units are available for home use. They remove mineral traces that could be good for you.

Distillation removes all mineral traces, but they are not commonly used in homes these days. Selective filtration devices can remove impurities like lead and chlorine without changing the naturally occurring mineral content.

Filters with an ion exchange step remove lead and copper by exchanging the ions for sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium are often what minerals are in tap water. They are electrolytes, which contribute to good hydration. They are found naturally in many areas. The electrolytes are used in the ion exchange step in order to improve the taste. Sodium and potassium are primarily responsible for the fresh taste of groundwater.

When all other things are considered, the mineral content depends on where you live, because of the rocks. A protected underground source must contain at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids In order to be classified as bottled mineral water in the US. Which mineral or dissolved solids are present is not an issue.

To learn more about what minerals are in tap water, you can have testing conducted or contact your local treatment facility. Ideally, your home purifier will not have an adverse effect on what nature has provided.

Would You Like To Know - What Minerals Are In Tap Water?

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Reverse Osmosis Water Units - These Systems Have Problems

Reverse osmosis water units are expensive and for most homeowners, there is no need to spend the money. While those that market them may say that reverse osmosis systemes are the best, there are better, more technologically advanced alternatives.

Reverse osmosis water units have been recommended for giardia and cryptosporidium cyst removal. In case you are not familiar with them, cysts cause waterborne illnesses similar to food poisoning. They can cause chronic stomach problems as well. In people with poorly functioning immune systems, they can cause death. Any system that is certified to filter down to one micron will remove cysts. The best ones filter down to a half a micron.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Reverse osmosis systems are sometimes recommended for people that have "hard water" which is a high mineral content. Generally, the mineral is calcium, but iron and other elements can cause problems as well. Water softeners are less expensive than reverse osmosis systems, as is ion exchange. Either of those can be targeted to address specific minerals and other elements without completely de-mineralizing. Drinking de-mineralized water on a regular basis is not good for your health.

Reverse osmosis water units are sometimes recommended for lead reduction. Ion exchange systems trap lead, copper, and other metallic ions and replace them with sodium or potassium. Those electrolytes help to maintain the body's homeostasis or hydration.

In most homes, the biggest problems are chemical contaminants, including chlorine and chorine byproducts known as THMs. In some areas, VOCs, such as perchlorate, are problems. Traces of pesticides, herbicides, and prescription drugs have been found coming in to many homes and offices.

Reverse osmosis systems will not remove those chemicals at all. They are smaller than your water's molecules. Anything that would filter them out would not allow water to pass through either. Chemicals can only be trapped on the surface of carbon granules and special resins. The process is called adsorption.

The quality of adsorptive purifiers varies. It's best to read product performance data before you buy one. The manufacturer should list the impurities that are reduced and the extent of reduction. Most reverse osmosis water units don't include the extent of reduction, because they don't have the testing done. Manufacturers can have Underwriter's and other independent laboratories conduct testing, but they must pay for it. Many companies don't want to go to the expense.

If your problem is fluoride, reverse osmosis systems are mostly ineffective. The highest fluoride reduction is provided by granulated aluminum. But, granular carbon is somewhat effective as well.

If you have a private well, then you should have regular testing conducted to determine the impurities that are present. Even after you install a system, you should have annual testing conducted to create a record of quality. There are industrial and natural activities that can affect that quality.

If you have access to a public waterline, you don't need reverse osmosis water units. You need multi-stage selective filtration, which is far less expensive.

Reverse Osmosis Water Units - These Systems Have Problems

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Water Softener Parts-A Review Of Where To Find The Best

Water softener parts are very easy to find in order to install or fix your water purifier. In today's day and age, with all the chemicals and harmful substances that seep into our tap water, a water purifier is essential to maintaining good health.

water softener reviews

It is estimated that there are over 140 different harmful chemicals in our tap water supply that the EPA has done nothing to remove; every sip you take of tap water, you are ingesting this into your system. This is why a home water purifier is so crucial to your health and vitality. Regardless of your overall eating habits, without good clean drinking water you can never achieve optimum health.

WATER SOFTENER

Water softener parts are essential for do it yourself softener installation or replacement, and every softener manufacturer also manufactures them. Although water softener parts from different systems can be interchanged, the best place to begin is with the manufacturer of your particular model.

The most important of all water softener parts is the mineral tank. Hard water contains positively charged calcium and magnesium ions picked up as the water moved through rocks in the environment.

The mineral tank contains a negatively charged resin bed and as the water passes through the mineral tank, the calcium and magnesium are drawn out of the water and held on the resin bed. Soft water then flows out of the tank and into the house.

Brine tank: The brine tank contains a salt solution, which is filled regularly by the owner. Once a large amount of water has been softened, the brine tank is triggered to flush out the mineral tank with sodium water. As sodium is highly concentrated, it gets rid of calcium and magnesium ions off the resin bed, leaving it free to continue picking up particles. This brine water is then released down the drainage pipe together with the calcium and magnesium ions.

Other parts are meter, timer and valve assembly which sits on the top of the mineral tank. The former two are responsible for monitoring the ion level and initiating the recycling phase; the latter regulates the flow of water at each phase of the regeneration. These parts are available in home shop and other stores as well.

Most of the water softeners provide exceptional quality products and services by striving to exceed our customer's expectations. One can order online for softener parts and can get it delivered to their places without having to move out.

The bottom line: a water purifier is essential for optimum health. Being able to obtain good reliable water softener parts will allow you to either install or repair your home water purifier yourself quite easily. Start out by checking with the manufacturer of your home water purifier, and branch out from there.

Water Softener Parts-A Review Of Where To Find The Best

WATER SOFTENER

Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

There are many great water softener reviews today to help you find the right softener for your home. People tend to get confused with so many water softeners around. A review on each one of them is definitely going to help, as these people are not going to remember what they read in the newspaper about one brand couple of months ago and every brand is going to claim their product as best on their websites.

water softener prices

A water softener is a necessity to obtain soft water greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, and bath fixtures, and reduces spotting of glasses, dishes and flatware. Soft water also helps detergent clean your clothes better, while making your clothes last longer too. But hasty decisions might cost you a fortune as there are sales people trying to get every penny out of you.

WATER SOFTENER

There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems.

Culligan: This brand is favored particularly for its durability and purchase and rental offer. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Brita: With over 40 years of experience this brand is considered to be reliable. Essentially used with Espresso machines and other coffee and tea making equipment.

Kenmore: Offers water softeners from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric: GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

Start with these 4 brands, and decide which is best for you. All 4 have years of experience in the industry, and have successfully helped thousands achieve their soft water needs. Shop around, read water softener reviews, and find the best for your home now.

Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

WATER SOFTENER

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

With so many types and brands of water softeners to choose from, how does a consumer decide what is right for their needs? How does one compare water softeners and find the one that will work the best for them? When it comes to buying water softeners, being an educated consumer is the best policy. Explore different types and manufacturers. Compare prices. Other things to consider are what type of environment the water softener will be set up in, size, installation, construction of the unit, convenience, and water softener rating which indicates the amount of minerals that can be removed before the unit needs to be recharged.

Kinetico water softeners are favored for their convenience; however, they are expensive in terms of the unit's cost as well as the price of upkeep. They recharge based on volume, eliminating the need for a schedule. Kinetico water softeners are also non-electric units.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Culligan services residential customers, offering purchase and rental options for their water softeners. They also offer a salt delivery service with the purchase of a water softener. Culligan is favored for its durability, but some have trouble with salt refills and strength of some of the components. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Kenmore, in addition to being known for its air filtration and other household appliances, offers a range of water softeners, from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric, or GE, founded by none other than Thomas Edison, offers a diverse line of products, including water softeners. The business is run on the principles, ""imagine, solve, build, and lead."" GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems. To find the best water softeners is a daunting task, but a good start might be to visit your local hardware store. You can also get information from people around you such as neighbors or coworkers.

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Water Softener - The 3 Biggest Problems of Using a Water Softener

A water softener is used to help eliminate ions such as calcium and magnesium found in tap water. These ions are beneficial to the body, but they can cause several household problems. Sediments often lead to formation of lime deposits that can clog pipes and shorten the life span of washing machines. Water filtration is often used to help go about this problem.

A good water filtration system functions by effectively producing filtered water that does not cause any buildup which can damage installed pipes and washing machines. Water filtration often occurs through the application of a reverse osmosis system. The system system applies pressure in a chamber that is enclosed with a membrane that allows pure water to go through while holding in larger molecules of calcium and magnesium ions.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

As beneficial as water softening systems are to your pipes and washing machines, there are some problems that you may have to encounter. We will discuss these types of problems as we go along, and suggest some common and simple solutions that you can apply to help go around each issue.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #1: SALINITY

Water softening often involves the use of salt. It is used to help attain osmotic pressure in water filtration systems that operate through the action of reverse osmosis. Salt often goes with the filtered water that is produced in the water softener. This can create complications if you are in a salt restriction diet, suffering from heart conditions or hypertension.

One way around this is using two pipes: one that leads to the water softener, the other one leading straight to another faucet. This way, the water that goes through the bypass pipe will not contain sodium. This unfiltered water can be safely used for drinking and cooking without causing sodium imbalance in your body. If you or other members of the family have salt issues, it would be better not to install a whole house water filtration system so that you have the ability to choose the type of water you would want to use for a specific purpose.

Another solution is to use potassium chloride to replace the salt used in the system. Although the compound is as effective as sodium chloride, it is quite expensive in comparison. It is still a form of salt, but the effects would be minimal.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #2: INEFFECTIVE FILTRATION

Some occasionally find out that their water softener is not working properly. Bad water filtration can result from several issues. Before you call a professional, take some time to check your system to prevent unnecessary spending of money. One thing you should check is the tank. See if it has deposits that needs flushing. Also, check the salinity of your brine. Proper salt balance in a water softener is required in order for your filtration to be done properly. Different manufacturers require different salinity, which they often specify in the instructions manual. One last thing to check would be the regeneration frequency of your filter. There may be a need to increase the rate of regeneration in order for the water to be filtered effectively.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #3: LOW BRINE FLOW

Brine flow is also a common issue with water filtration systems. If the brine flow of your system is unnatural, check several things before calling the manufacturer. First, flush out the brine line. Salt deposits may be clogging the line, impeding brine flow. Inspect the filter screen as well as the injector system for any problems and damages, and then replace them if necessary. Did you look at the pressure gauge for the brine line? Your water filtration system has a specific pressure that it needs to maintain for the brine to flow freely. You may have to check the manual as different companies have different pressure requirements.

Troubleshooting water softener problems is easy and can be done without having to contact a professional. Doing it manually is your best friend for maintaining your system. Although we may have given you solutions to your main problems, we still have to tackle those questions you want to ask regarding water filters. Understanding all the ins and outs of a water filter is essential if you are considering an investment in a water softener.

Water Softener - The 3 Biggest Problems of Using a Water Softener

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Choosing A Water Softener

The best way to start choosing a water softener is with online reviews. A online review can give you an inside view from a customer's perspective of the product in which you are interested.

This is particularly helpful when the market is saturated with every conceivable type of model and a wide variety of functions. Learning from real life experiences of home users will help you make a better buying decision.

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Main Types of Water Softeners

There are four different types of water softeners. They are offsite, manual, semi automatic and automatic.

Offsite

This type of water softener is a portable exchange unit. However, a company replaces the cylinder so that it does not regenerate in your home.

Manual

This water softener requires all manual operation for rinsing, brining and backwashing tasks.

Semi Automatic

All functions in this water softener are automatically controlled except for regeneration.

Automatic

This water softener's functions are all automatic including regeneration.

Main Features

There are two main features that you should look for when choosing a water softener; capacity and the method that the softener uses to determine when to regenerate.

Recommended Models

Culligan's water softeners are easy to maintain and service and their 100% satisfaction guarantee makes choosing a water softener almost foolproof. Many online reviews rate Culligan very highly because Culligan has consistently proven to have high quality products and exceptional customer service.

Fresh Water Ltd. has several models that offer high capacity operation, up to twenty people. Online reviews show that this company is producing some of the most economically operating models available.

CAI Technologies has been given high marks with consumer reviews for having highly efficient and low maintenance water softeners. Their models are also very easy to operate and this makes them one of the most popular water softeners available.

Choosing A Water Softener

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Whole House Water Filter Vs Water Softener

The type of water treatment system you purchase will depend on what type of issue(s) you need to address. There isn't one system for all needs. Certain conditions will require the need for a filter and others for a softener. In some instances you may want to do both. This article will briefly explain what the different functions of each unit are. This should help you determine which system will be most beneficial to you.

Whole House Water Filters

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON

Whole house filters are made for city water and well water. Both types of filters remove sediment (larger particles of dirt and rust). City water filters use carbon to remove chlorine and other chemicals. Well water filters may also still employ carbon as a means of filtration, but many times use a media designed to remove minerals. Some are designed to address both issues. Aside from a water softener, the most effective means of removing hard water minerals is a scale inhibitor, which is designed for use in conjunction with a whole house water filter.

Installation Requirements

Most systems are required to be installed by a licensed plumber in order to maintain the validity of the warranty. Also, certain areas require whole house systems be installed by a licensed plumber, as well. If the manufacturer doesn't require a licensed plumber, you'll need to check with your city to see what is required.

Maintenance Requirements

The filters need to be changed periodically.

Water Softeners

A traditional water softener uses an ion-exchange resin to remove hard water minerals. This resin attracts hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) and "exchanges" them with sodium. This process will completely remove hard water minerals, and it is the most reliable means of doing so. If you have hard water issues, your best option is a water softener. This is the only advantage a water softener has over a whole house water filter.

Installation Requirements

Water softeners are much more difficult to install than whole house filters, and most people don't have the tools or means to properly install one. As is the case with whole house filters, most systems are required to be installed by a licensed plumber in order to maintain the validity of the warranty. Also, certain areas require water softeners be installed by a licensed plumber, as well. If the manufacturer doesn't require a licensed plumber, you'll need to check with your city to see what is required if you would like to install the system yourself.

Maintenance Requirements

All that is required is filling up the brine tank with salt.

Whole House Water Filter Vs Water Softener

WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON