A Comprehensive Guide To Water Filtration Systems
Friday, April 14th, 2023
Access to fresh water is an elemental need, but just because you own a home doesn’t mean that you have access to the best water. Water filtration systems exist because some areas have hard water and some homes rely on well water which is questionable at best. The following article breaks down some of the most common questions that homeowners have about their water supplies and then discusses how to make sure you can trust your water regardless of where you happen to live.
In an ideal world, the type of water found in your home would be perfect. You should be able to toss a pot on the stove and heat up some pasta or make a bottle for your baby. However, in some homes with well water and even some with city water, you might pause before you actively consume the water in your home. If that is your home, then it may be time to think about water filtration systems. Here are a few of the biggest questions you should have about your water source and all the answers you need to do something about it.
Do I Need to Get My Water Tested?
If you are worried that your water contains anything potentially harmful, then you should absolutely get it tested. Everyone wants to have access to clean drinking in their home and fresh water to bathe in and wash their clothes and dishes in. Testing is the best way to find out what is actually in your water, whether you have well water or you have city water. Get to the bottom of your water supply by having your water tested.
This way, you can determine if you have hard water and start to take a look at water filtration systems. Before you invest in a change, it makes sense to make sure that you need it. Once you know you do then you can start to look at your specific water flow issues and look at a solution that will leave you with better water for your entire home.
What Is Hard Water?
The term hard water gets tossed around a lot when people talk about poor water quality, but a lot of people don’t really know what hard water is past the fact that it is not desirable. In general, hard water is defined as water that has a high mineral content. In most parts of the country, this is a high amount of magnesium or calcium. Usually, hard water is present in homes where groundwater sinks past limestone, which is why it is more of an issue in homes that have well water.
Hard water by itself does not have any health issues associated with it, but it can be a hassle because it can cause other problems, such as scale build-up that can lead to piping issues. It also can make your hair fall flat and lead to skin issues for some people who are sensitive to minerals in their water. Some people also complain that their clothes never wash right or get worn out quicker if they wash with hard water.
What Is Wrong with Drinking Well Water?
For most people, well water is not immediately harmful. If you have never had well water before, the worst thing might be the taste. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to test your well water to see if water filtration systems would still benefit you. Most well water has trace amounts of minerals that you shouldn’t necessarily be consuming. Small trace amounts of magnesium, arsenic, or uranium could be lurking in your well water.
That’s sometimes the tip of the iceberg as well water can also contain trace elements that cause digestive issues or bacterial infections in people who are more susceptible to GI disease. If you find any of these things floating in your well water, it may be time to take a closer look at how you can clarify your water, because in many cases once you know what you are drinking, you will no longer want to drink it.
Will Hard Water Hurt My Appliances?
Yes, this is a definitive yes. In almost every situation, hard water can be extremely hard on home appliances. If your water is filled with hard minerals then it will leave behind a fairly large amount of scale. The scale is the same white limescale that you have probably spent hours trying to remove from your shower tile, and it is inside of your appliances as well. Just because you may not be able to see it does not mean that it isn’t there and it is impairing the way your appliances work.
All major appliances that use water in your home are affected by limescale from the dishwasher to the washing machine to the water heater. In fact, water heaters in homes with very hard water have only about half the lifespan of homes with water filtration systems in place. If your appliances keep dying long before they should, this could be a sign that you need to do something about the hard water in your home. A whole-home filtration system is the only way to stop this from continually happening.
What Is a Filtration System?
A filtration system is designed to remove all of the contaminants from your home water so that you can drink and bathe in it without a second thought. Usually, the system is installed where the main water line comes into your home so that it can filter all water coming into your home. This allows you to reap the benefits of soft water all throughout your home. Every tap will suddenly become usable because of this handy system.
Water filtration systems usually have several different ways of clarifying your water. First, they have a large area that physically captures contaminants and sediments that come in with the water. Then they utilize activated carbon to help attract compounds the same way that a magnet draws minerals to it. Finally, there is a filter that then helps pull chemicals out of the water before it finally passes into your home and out of your taps. All three of these steps create better water that can be immediately consumed out of the tap.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Filtration System in My Home?
If this is your first time looking at water filtration systems, you are no doubt weighing the benefits of installing the system before you make your final move. The good news is there are a lot of great reasons to install a filtration system in your home. To help you zero in on the benefits, we have compiled a short list that goes over all of the major benefits. There are even more benefits that are not on the list, so we encourage you to talk to a plumber about your options if you need any additional answers addressed.
Obtain Safe Drinking Water
The number one reason why people look into water filtration systems is that they want to safely drink water within their homes. It can be difficult to never have a clean source of water while you are cooking or taking your pills. When you install a system that targets your entire home, you will open up your entire home for drinking once again. From taking a sip of water after brushing your teeth to grabbing a quick cup of water in the morning to take your pills or wash out your mouth, it is extremely helpful to drink water in your home without a second thought. As a bonus, it will taste better and won’t have that odd smell to it.
Save Money on Water
Another great perk of installing a home filtration system is that you can save a lot of money on bottled water. Most people who don’t have clean water at home chose to buy bottled water, but the costs of bottled water can add up quickly if you have three or four people at home all drinking it. When you have access to clean water at home, you don’t have to rely on bottled water or purchase a water purifier that requires you to pay a monthly subscription fee. When you consider the prices of obtaining water throughout the month, you will quickly notice savings in your household budget.
Reduce Skin Irritation
Another big reason that people look into filtration systems is that it is causing skin problems for them. Hard water can be tough on the skin, especially for people who are prone to eczema. If your skin is constantly broken out and you have not been able to find any solution that sticks, there is a good chance that it is the result of the water in your home. When you install a filtration system it purifies the water that runs everywhere in your home, which includes your showers and your sinks. Many people notice that their skin cleans up after the system is up and running. Some people who don’t even realize that they have skin problems due to hard minerals notice that skin is softer and less prone to drying out once they install a water system.
Reduce Soap Costs
Another great benefit of installing a filtration system in your home is that you will save a lot on soap. This may seem small, but it actually will make a big difference because you will end up saving on soap everywhere in your life. Hard water makes it hard for soap to do its job, so you end up spending more money on laundry soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry soap. You also end up dealing with a lot more soap scum than you should have too. Once you have clean water coming into your home you can reduce how much you spend on soap which is just another way it will help your budget.
Preserve Your Clothes
Your skin is not the only thing that will benefit when you switch to clean water in your home, your clothes will as well. Clothes that are washed in hard water often show wear and tear much earlier than other clothes and start to look beat up. You can skip this problem by installing water filtration systems that take the harmful minerals out before they get your clothes. Elongating the lifespan of your clothes can help reduce your clothing budget, which is just one more way to save yourself some money.
Better Taste for Your Water
While this should go without saying, you will also have better-tasting water once your system is installed. For some people, this benefit alone is enough to make it worth installing a new water system in your home. When you remove that odor it helps to make your water more palatable, which will encourage your family members to drink more water over canned goods.
Better for the Environment
Finally, consuming water at home is always a better choice for the environment since you won’t have to consume as much plastic. Plastic bottles create massive piles in landfills of non-biodegradable trash. Even if you recycle plastic, you are still contributing to landfills and hurting the oceans in the process. By creating a clean source of water you can drink within your home you help save some money and you help save the environment. This is a win-win situation everyone can get behind.
Are you worried that your home water is not safe to drink? Call My Professional Plumber today to discuss solutions that will leave you with cleaner water in your home. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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Water Heater Issues? Call A Water Heater Repair Professional
Your water heater is one of your most essential appliances because you rely on hot water daily for household tasks. It also provides hot water to the water-based appliances in your home, allowing them to function at peak performance. Water heater issues can make life in your home inconvenient, and routine maintenance can prevent problems. However, water heater problems can occur even if you stick to a regular maintenance schedule, and the issue can affect the water quality, and temperature and cause other problems.
If your unit experiences any of the following problems, DIY water heater repair isn’t recommended, and you should hire a licensed plumber.
#1 You Don’t Have Hot Water
A lack of hot water is the most obvious sign that you need to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair, and this is one of the worst problems. You can’t perform daily household tasks like bathing and cleaning without hot water; your hot water-based appliances will also be affected.
The most common cause is a broken heating element. If the component isn’t working, the water won’t heat up, and you’ll need a plumber to repair or replace the part to restore the hot water.
If your unit is over ten years old, it may be nearing the end of its life and can’t heat the water. If this is the case, the only option will be to replace the unit.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Is the water from the hot water taps in your home lukewarm? Does it fail to get hotter regardless of how long you let it run? If so, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you call a plumber, check the unit’s thermostat. If it’s set below 120 degrees, adjusting it will restore the hot water. If the thermostat is correctly set, it’s time to call a plumber. There could be a problem with the thermostat, and the unit may not get the correct signal. If your water heater has two heating elements, one may have failed, making it impossible for the functioning unit to heat the water supply to the desired temperature. Finally, if the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may no longer have enough power to heat the water to the desired temperature.
A plumber will inspect the unit to determine why the water isn’t getting hot enough and resolve the problem to restore the hot water.
#3 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Many daily tasks will take longer than usual without adequate hot water pressure. Also, your hot water-based appliances rely on sufficient water pressure to function correctly. If your hot water pressure is lacking, the problem is with the water heater, and you’ll need to hire a plumber to resolve the issue.
When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, the hot water can cause it to break up and clog the unit’s water line. The plumber can clear the waterline, but if they cannot flush the sediment, it will continue to clog, and replacing the unit is your only option.
#4 You Run Out of Hot Water Often
Have you been running out of hot water frequently? It’s common to run out of hot water occasionally when you use too much hot water too quickly. However, it isn’t normal if you frequently run out of hot water, and you should hire a plumber.
One cause could be your family’s size. If a family member has recently moved into your house, your water heater may not be large enough to meet the hot water demand. In this case, the only option is to replace the unit. You can install a unit with a larger tank or a tankless model that provides hot water on demand, and you won’t have to worry about running out.
If there have been no changes in your household, sediment buildup could be the problem. When large amounts of sediment build up in the tank, it will take up space meant for water storage, and you’ll run out of hot water often. The plumber can attempt to flush the sediment and make more room for water storage; however, if they aren’t successful, the water heater must be replaced.
#5 Discolored Hot Water
Is the water coming from the hot water tap brown or rust-colored? If so, you have a serious problem and should immediately hire a plumber. Discolored water indicates contamination, and your water heater is to blame.
When sediment builds up in the tank and isn’t flushed regularly, the hot water will break it up, allowing it to contaminate the water. The plumber will try to flush the sediment from the tank, and you’ll need to replace the unit if they can’t.
The inside of the tank could be breaking down, causing sediment and tiny shards of metal to contaminate the water. This problem cannot be fixed, and you must replace the unit.
#6 Water Pooling Around the Unit
Water pooling around the unit indicates a leak, which is very serious. You should turn off the water going to the unit as soon as you notice the pooling water and then call a plumber. Leaks cannot be fixed, so the plumber must install a new unit to prevent your house from flooding.
Call My Professional Plumber Today
If you need to hire a plumber specializing in water heater repair, look no further than My Professional Plumber. We’re a full-service plumbing company, proudly serving customers in the Knoxville area for years.
Our plumbers pass background checks and drug tests before being hired and have undergone years of in-class training and apprenticeship. Their knowledge and skill have allowed them to successfully complete some of the toughest jobs in the plumbing industry, and they’ll work just as hard for you.
You don’t have to panic if you have a plumbing issue that must be addressed immediately or if something happens and we aren’t in the office. We provide emergency service and are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you need an appointment for plumbing service, call My Professional Plumber today.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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What Are The Obvious Signs It’s Time To Contact A Plumber?
A plumbing expert can help homeowners fix any plumbing issues in the kitchen and bathroom but how do you know it’s really time to get in touch with a plumber in your area? Read this article to know the signs. And if you have questions, feel free to get in touch with us anytime.
Signs You Need to Call a Plumbing Expert
You need to reach out to us if you notice the signs or the services mentioned below:
High/Low Water Pressure
You need a water pressure gauge to check your home’s water pressure levels and the result must be within the normal levels of 40 and 60 PSI. If it’s lower than 40, this indicates a leak in your plumbing especially when you also have a higher-than-usual water bill. We recommend you get in touch with a professional for leak detection. A plumber should be able to help you locate the leak and fix the issue for you.
It’s also important to be careful with high water pressure. If you have older pipes and the water pressure is too high, chances are the pipes can actually break and cause catastrophic damage. A water pressure regulator should help regulate your home’s water pressure levels. For other issues with your home’s water pressure, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We’re always happy to help.
Rusty Water
Is your water rusty or does it smell strange? That could be corrosion in the pipes. It’s also possible that your water is contaminated. We suggest calling a plumbing expert to further investigate. If you have older pipes, we may recommend you replace that with newer and better piping to avoid problems with your plumbing system. Should you decide to get new pipes, please make sure you get a professional installation as well.
Incorrectly installed pipes can also lead to other problems including leaks that can cost you a fortune in repairs and replacements. The only way to avoid this is by always hiring a licensed plumber for any plumbing service.
Smelly/Slow Drains
Are you mindful of what goes down the drain? Install strainers to catch food debris, hair and food particles that cause a clog. Better yet, consider installing a garbage disposal to help you better manage food waste. If you notice that your drains are slow or smelly, we recommend getting a professional drain cleaning service to resolve the problem. Remember, clogs are also associated with leaks and pest infestation. It’s always better to do something about it than wait for the problem to become a major plumbing emergency. Call us ASAP for assistance.
Flooding
You definitely will need to call a professional immediately when your home has started to flood or when there’s a risk of flooding in your home. This is a plumbing emergency and you need to turn off your water to prevent further damage to your plumbing. Depending on the damage, you might also need to contact restoration experts to prevent mold growth in some areas of your home. You don’t want to deal with mold because it can cause structural damage and health issues as well.
Frozen Pipes
Do you protect the pipes during winter? It’s highly recommended to insulate them to avoid frozen pipes and having to deal with leaks. As much as possible, turn on the faucet and get an insulating blanket to protect exposed pipes and outdoor plumbing. When it’s winter and you have no water, chances are the pipes are already frozen. Call a professional ASAP to thaw the pipes. Don’t wait for the pipes to expand or break or you’re going to have a bigger problem in the future.
Hidden Leaks
When you see water near your appliances or fixtures, make sure you investigate further as there might be a leak in your plumbing. In addition, you need to also watch for hidden signs of leaks such as bulging wallpapers or water spots in your walls or ceilings. Don’t wait for the problem to progress into something that will cost more in repairs, call a plumbing expert right away to locate the leak and remedy the problem. You’ll be able to avoid a catastrophic plumbing emergency and save money on your plumbing when you call us.
High Water Bills
If your water bill has suddenly skyrocketed, there is definitely a leak in your plumbing. Do a thorough inspection of your plumbing appliances to check for leaks. You might want to also check your outdoor plumbing. Better yet, call us for professional leak detection. We have an experienced plumbing team who can assist with any plumbing issue, big or small. Call us at your earliest convenience and we’ll schedule you for an appointment with one of our experts.
Professional Plumbing Installations
Are you planning to install a new appliance or plumbing fixture? You can avoid problems associated with incorrect installation when you hire a licensed professional, and this is us. Call us right away so we can help.
Routine Inspections
You need regular plumbing inspections to ensure your plumbing is in excellent shape. It’s also necessary to identify plumbing problems that might lead to emergencies. Get in touch with us if you need routine inspections and we’ll gladly help out.
Contact My Professional Plumber Today
Do you need plumbing repairs, installations, or inspections? Our plumbing team can help. We have experts that can get the job done right and we can guarantee exceptional service on every appointment. This is because our plumbing experts never cut corners. We also give it our best to ensure all of our customers are happy with our services. If you need a plumber for professional drain cleaning or leak detection, we’re the right team for you. Call us if you need help with installation as well. Our team is experienced with most brands and we’ll make sure your plumbing is in excellent shape.
Call My Professional Plumber today for an appointment.
See our previous blog on this topic here.
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Benefits Of Seeking Professional Plumbing Company Services
A plumbing company provides various services, including leak repairs, drain cleaning and sewer line replacements. When choosing a plumber, ensuring you get the best service for your needs is essential. Plumbing systems are complicated, and you need to be sure that the plumber you choose will do the job correctly.
Advantages of Professional Plumbing Services
Here are some benefits of hiring professional plumbing services:
Practicality
Professional plumbers provide various services, from installing new pipes and fixtures to detecting and fixing faults in your drainage system. The experts at a good company have the training, experience, and equipment needed to get your plumbing system working correctly again. A plumber will also advise you on maintaining your plumbing system to prevent future problems. If you try doing it yourself, you could make things worse. Professional plumbing services are the best option for your home or business. They provide practical and safe plumbing solutions that will minimize problems in the long run.
Time Saving
When you hire professional plumbing services, you’re utilizing the knowledge and skills of a trained professional who can do the job quickly, with minimal disruption. Experienced plumbers can determine what is wrong with your plumbing system and fix it within a few hours. My Professional Plumber offers high-quality plumbing services within the required time frame.
Predictability
When you hire professional plumbers, you know what to expect. Licensed professionals will provide high-quality workmanship and charge reasonable prices for their services. They’ll also fix your problem quickly, so you’ll save time and resources. My Professional Plumber plans their plumbing schedule in a way that serves the customer effectively.
Locality
Professional plumbers will travel to your home or business to help with your plumbing issues. They’ll provide their services locally, so you don’t have to go out of your way. A plumber’s proximity can also give you more time savings when it comes to repairs. You will not experience a lack of water for hours or days, which can disrupt your daily routine and cost you more money in the long run.
Quality
Because you’re paying a professional plumber to work on your plumbing system, you know they are knowledgeable and qualified. A good professional will be able to fix the problem and handle any additional issues that arise in the future. A company needs to employ licensed plumbers to do their work to offer high-quality services. Professional plumbers understand their work’s importance and are there to help you with your plumbing needs.
Better Service
Plumbing issues can be frustrating, but you’ll get better customer service by opting for a professional plumber. Professional companies have a dedicated team of specialists who can diagnose the problem and provide an efficient solution. They’ll also provide regular maintenance tips to keep your system working at peak performance.
Free Quotes and Appointments
When you contact your local plumber for help, they’ll send out a licensed professional plumber at no cost. You’ll get free quotes for any work that needs to be performed and timely appointments, so you’re served conveniently. You’ll also be able to ask questions promptly and get clear answers.
Consistency of Service
Professional plumbing services are offered by companies dedicated to providing exceptional quality services. They handle their customers’ plumbing needs the same way they treat emergencies so that you can get consistent quality service. You’ll also be able to rely on them to fix any plumbing issues. My Professional Plumber has continued to be consistent in the quality of its service for several years.
Reliability
You can trust a professional plumbing company to do the job right. A good company has dedicated staff committed to professional customer service. Professional companies have flexible schedules catering to emergencies during the day or night. They’ll use the latest equipment and provide quality and timely solutions. If you need a reliable plumbing service provider, hire My Professional Plumber.
Reasons to Seek Plumbing Services
Plumbing issues can plague your house or office, leaving you to deal with them for a long time. But there are things you can do to improve the situation and give yourself a fighting chance at getting it repaired quickly. Here are some triggers for seeking plumbing services:
Slow Sink Drainage
If you have a slow-draining sink, your drain lines are clogged. This could be due to hair or food particles in the drain pipes. Whatever the case, it needs to be fixed before it worsens. You can reach My Professional Plumber for reliable and fast drain cleaning services.
Leaky Faucets
If you have a leaky faucet, you need to fix it immediately. You can schedule a service from My Professional Plumber for leak detection and repair. They will send somebody to your home or office to fix the faucet. They’ll also remove any debris that has built up in the pipes and prevent further damage.
Low Water Pressure
If you have low water pressure, it’s usually due to a clogged or broken pipe. You can call My Professional Plumber for comprehensive plumbing services to address the problem. They’ll fix the problem so you can regain normal water pressure.
Backflow Issue
Back flows are an indication that there’s an issue with the piping system. This could be due to incorrect installation of the pipes or a faulty valve. A professional plumbing company can assist in the flow of water and fix any leaks that have been caused.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is another indication of plumbing issues. This results when the seal that connects the toilet tank to its bowl is damaged. When this happens, contact My Professional Plumber. Professional plumbers can fix the seal and prevent water from leaking from the toilet tank.
A professional plumbing company offers numerous advantages to home and business owners. Our company, My Professional Plumber, is among the leading plumbing service providers. Our goal is to provide top-notch plumbing services and marine sanitation services. To learn more about our company and our services, call us today.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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