Water Treatment Installs and Service – Ann Arbor, Michigan

water treatment company near me Ann Arbor MI

Water treatment is any process that improves the quality of water to make it appropriate for a specific end-use. The end use may be drinking, industrial water supply, irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation or many other uses. Whole house water treatment systems will address any potential water quality issues experienced in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both matching the right technology and sizing the system to meet the water usage demands of your home are key. Additionally, a professionally plumbed system is important as well as maintenance of the system to optimize the useful life and proper functioning of your new equipment.

Furthermore, the preferred starting point is to get a water test to identify the minerals or contaminants in the water and at what quantity they exist. This will subsequently lead to an effective system recommendation and excellent water quality.

WATER SOFTENERS

residential water treatment Ann Arbor Michigan — **High Efficiency Water Softener**

A water softener is a type of whole house water treatment system that is designed for removing hard water minerals (magnesium & calcium) as well as dissolved iron and manganese from the water. Also, high efficiency water softeners that use less water and salt are preferred. For more about hard water, see https://water.usgs/edu/hardness.

BAD TASTES & ODORS, SEDIMENT

In addition to the above, there are many other systems to remove bad tastes & odors, sediment and many other objectionable minerals and contaminants in the water. Starting with a water test will lead to the right approach. For more information on products to remove common bad odors & tastes, see the link at https://www.reynoldswater.com/products.

reverse osmosis filter Ann Arbor MI — ***Reverse Osmosis Drinking Purification***

WHOLE HOUSE WATER TREATMENT -Arsenic in private wells

Arsenic may be found in well water. A water softener will not remove these health threat contaminants. However, this contaminant can be removed at the point of entry into the home. Filtration tanks are filled with specific resin that captures the arsenic before it can get into the home’s water supply. Moreover, “Point of use” systems for drinking water can use reverse osmosis technology to effectively remove arsenic as well. Speak to a water treatment professional to decide which system is right for you.

REMOVAL OF PFAS IN WAter

There are technologies effective in removing PFAS from drinking water, especially Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The most effective technologies include ion exchange, activated carbon adsorption and reverse osmosis. Furthermore, Ion exchange is proving to be a better approach for point of entry approaches, while reverse osmosis is very effective for drinking water purification.

Water treatment -uv light disinfection

Ultraviolet disinfection systems will remove waterborne pathogenic organisms which can cause illness or contaminate production processes. They kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogens by preventing them from reproducing. The result? Safe drinking water.

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Ann Arbor — ***Ultraviolet Light***

In conclusion. starting with a water test will guide to the most appropriate water treatment system to meet your specific needs.

For information on Ann Arbor’s annual water quality report, see https://www.a2gov.org/depts/water-treat.

Reynolds Water Conditioning has been installing and servicing water softening and filtration systems since 1931. Each system is tailored to meet the specific needs of each homeowner or business owner. Reach us at 800-572-9575 or email us at greatwater@reynoldswater.com.

Like this post? Share it!

Types of Salt for Your Water Softener

As a homeowner, certain appliances will need to be maintained in order to keep your house running efficiently, including your water softener. Regularly, the salt supply will need to be replenished in order to keep hard water from coming into your water system. While out shopping, you may find yourself questioning what the best choice for salt is exactly where to purchase since there is a variety of choices to choose from. In today’s article we will discuss the difference between those salt options and help you decide which choice is best for your softener and home.

Sodium Chloride Options

Water softeners or conditioners can be used with either sodium chloride (most commonly called salt) or potassium chloride. When at your local grocery store or home improvement store one thing to keep in mind when looking at the bags for purchase is the purity levels. Many of the bags sold in these places will contain a high level of water-insoluble material. This impurity over time can cause buildup in the water reservoir or cause the water softener to not function properly. If you notice this buildup occurring the brine tank will need to be cleaned more often to avoid this from happening in the future. A closer look at sodium chloride and you will see there are 3 different forms to choose from: pellets, crystal, or block salt. Salt pellets are the most common and typically are less costly than potassium pellets. Like many things found in the consumer world spending a little more money upfront for higher quality products is well worth the expense since this typically will mean less maintenance and fewer cleanings needed to keep your softener functioning efficiently.

Potassium Chloride as Alternative

If sodium chloride doesn’t seem to be the right fit for your home’s needs, the alternative option can be potassium chloride for your brine tank. Potassium chloride is 99.9% sodium-free, so this option is great for individuals who are looking to decrease their sodium intake. The largest disadvantage with this type is the price tag attached, which is much higher in comparison to sodium chloride. It can also be less readily available when searching at your local stores with fewer options. Switching your home from sodium to potassium may require an increase of salt dosage on the program settings value by an extra 10% to guarantee proper regeneration. If needing assistance with this, Reynolds Water Conditioning technicians can assist with this.

Salt Maintenance Tips

Checking your salt level inside your brine tank monthly is recommended. If your system regenerates more frequently, more checks and salt refills will need to be done more often as well. The salt in the brine tank should be at least 3 to 4 inches above the water level, but less than 4 inches below the top of the brine tank for best efficiency. If regular checks on the salt levels are performed you will begin to have nonconditioned water through the household and will notice hard water as indicated by an orange appearance and foul odor. Be sure to loosen any hardened salt around the edges of the tank or any large solid masses (also known as salt bridges) before adding additional salt each time.

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.

Like this post? Share it!

Ways To Improve Your Homes Water Quality

Homeowners that are looking to improve the quality of the water in their homes are often confused between the available water treatment options. There is a big difference in how you treat your homes water based on the issues it has. Your water may contain containments, be high in harmful minerals, or may just smell and taste off; depending on the exact issue you can determine what type of water treatment system will bring the highest quality water to your family.

A Look into Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Reverse osmosis is described simply as a system that provides filtration. RO water filtration units are extremely popular amongst homeowners as they provide a point of use system that brings better tasting, healthier water. RO systems are especially popular amongst homeowners with wells. A reverse osmosis water treatment system removes the contaminants and dissolved minerals in your water by forcing them through a filter. Benefits of including either a point of use RO or whole home RO include:

Flavorless Water: A RO system will remove the funny taste in your homes water by eliminating the source of the taste within the water.
Doesn’t Use Chemicals: Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are environmentally friendly as they do not use chemicals to filter water.
Soft Water: Minerals cause hard water; reverse osmosis systems filter and remove the minerals in the water that cause hard water. Whole house reverse osmosis systems can eliminate corrosion in pipes.
Odor and Color Removal: Occasionally contaminants and dissolved minerals in the water will cause a strange smell and odor. RO systems work to filter these pollutants and minerals giving you a higher quality water supply.

The quality of your homes well water is often improved with the installation of a RO filtration systems. Whether you install a whole house or point of use reverse osmosis unit your homes water will taste and smell better.

Water softeners are often described as water conditioners. Unlike a RO in which a filter physically removes contaminants and dissolved minerals from the homes water, a water softener processes water through an ionization process that replaces magnesium and calcium ions with sodium ions.

Hard water is known to contain increased levels of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. The water softening unit softens the water by exchanging these minerals with sodium, a less destructive mineral. Hard water can cause a great deal of problems in the home and water softeners help to mitigate them. If you notice plumbing corrosion because of hard water a water softening unit can help. It is important to note however that a water softener is not a filtration system and does not remove other contaminants. Benefits of water softened using a water softener include:

Natural Tasting Water
Stain Free, Brighter Laundry
Spot Free Cleaner Dishes
Longer Lasting Appliances
Fewer Clogged Pipes

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.

Like this post? Share it!

Hard Water Myths Dybunked

There are many myths surrounding hard water. Although hard water is often not detrimental to your health it can be a considerable nuisance. Below we will look further into the most common hard water myths and debunk them.

Myth #1: Hard water is responsible for clogging ALL types of plumbing materials

Truth: Hard water contains minerals including calcium and magnesium both of which are known to stick to the interior of galvanized steel pipes which leads to build-up and in turn clogs pipes. Galvanized steel plumbing is commonly found in homes that were built between 1940 into the late 1970’s.

Homes built after the late 1970’s or homes that have had their plumbing replaced most often use pipes that are made from copper. Copper plumbing does not allow for calcium or magnesium build up to form. Thus, not ALL types of plumbing materials are responsible for hard water clogs.

Myth #2: Hard water minerals are contaminants

Truth: Hard water does contain a number of minerals however, minerals are not contaminants, minerals are nutrients. Drinking water that is rich in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium is healthy for individuals. Mineral rich drinking water helps protect the health of individuals and can lead to lower risks of heart disease and stroke.

Myth #3: Water softeners produced filtered water

Truth: Water softeners do not in fact filter water at all. Softeners use a process of ion exchange which is used to exchange minerals in the water for sodium. Water softener units take “tainted” tap water and create water that can be used for drinking, cooking, showering, laundry, dish washing, and more. The water processed through a water softener is NOT filtered and can often have a salty taste depending on a number of different variants. To remove the saltiness from water that has gone through a water softener a point of use filter can be installed to faucets. Most individuals are not bothered by the taste of drinking water that comes from a softening unit however a filtration system does remove the sodium in water if a homeowner is bothered by the taste.

Myth #4: Hard water works well for bathing, cleaning, and laundry

Truth: Hard water often leaves behind a residue that contains minerals which are not the best for bathing, cleaning, or laundry. Water that goes through a water softener is known as soft water. Soft water is ideal for bathing, hard water is known to create dry hair and skin because of mineral deposits that it leaves. In laundry and household cleaning hard water is known to leave stains and create a filmy residue that is not found in water that has gone through the rejuvenation process that takes place within water softening units.

Like this post? Share it!

What You Need To Know Before Purchasing a Water Treatment System

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.

Like this post? Share it!

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.

Like this post? Share it!

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.

Like this post? Share it!

What’s Better for Your Water?

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.

Like this post? Share it!

Improving the Water Quality in Your Home

There are a number of reasons that the water in your home could be discolored or taste funny. Many of the causes of peculiar tasting, smelly, ill colored water comes from where the water is coming from on your property or the city. There are steps that homeowners can take to improve the quality of drinking water no matter the source of the water. From city water to well water Reynolds Water Conditioning company has a solution for your water.

City Water

When your water comes from a city source you can almost guarantee that any problems occurring with your water are derived from your property. Some areas in the state of Michigan however are an exception to this such as Flint. The municipal water source in Flint is contaminated with lead. In this situation the problem with the water does not come directly from the property and therefore is difficult for you to treat within your home.

One of the things that you can do if you have issues with your city water is to evaluate the pipes in your home. If there are changes that you can notice within the water such as color, taste, and changes to the water pressure this almost certainly means that there is an issue in your pipes. Corrosion is known to cause partial blockages decreasing water pressure and adding a presence of ill tasting and smelling elements to the water supply. If interior pipes are not found to be the source of your issue, then it is a good idea to check the exterior pipes of your home to check for leaks. In no case do we recommend tackling issues with your plumbing alone. It is always best to work with a professional.

Well Water

The process of determining where the issues lie within your well water is much simpler than it often is with city water. The first step professionals will take is to test your homes water to determine what contaminants are present. If the water is clear, then further investigation will need to be done with the infrastructure. However, more often than not the problem will be a chemical imbalance in the water. If the water balance is correct the first places to check are with the well pump and casing. Leaks and improper seals can lead to contaminated water and sediment.

Water Filtration

Whether you have city or well water, water filtration systems can be installed to remove pollutants from your homes water and make your water taste better. Water filtration units can be installed as point of use or point of entry. The professionals at Reynolds can help you determine what type of system will work the best for the water quality in your home.

Whole-House Water Filters

A whole house water filtration system is in place to filter all of the water that is used within your home. This includes the water you shower with, the water that flows through your shower, all of the water that exists a faucet is filtered when a whole house water filter is installed. Water quality professionals install whole-house filters at the main water supply.

Point-of Entry Filters

When your water is on point most of the time but occasionally has an odor, weird color, or taste a point of entry water filter system installed on the kitchens water supply can improve the quality of the water you use for drinking and cooking.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

RO systems work to improve the quality of your water by passing it through multiple systems that work to eliminate bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants within the water. This leaves the natural minerals in water and oxygen behind leaving great tasting water. Reverse osmosis water systems require users to replace filters on a regular basis to keep the water quality at peak levels.

Like this post? Share it!

Treating Common Residential Water Problems

There are a number of issues that are common to residential water systems. Knowing what type of water treatment gets rid of your specific water problem is crucial in getting the highest quality water for your family. Water softeners, water filters, water purification, and water conditioners are all effective solutions in treating common issues in residential water supplies. Knowing what plagues your water allows you to have the proper equipment installed to treat it.

Depending on where you live the quality of your homes water can vary a great deal. It is crucial to have your homes water quality tested before installing any type of water treatment system. You need to know what type of issue you are dealing with before it can be treated.

Most Common Water Problems

Hard Water

Hard water is not necessarily a hazard to your health however it can be harmful to your home. There are many common indications that you are dealing with hard water such as: film and stains on dishes and appliances, dull hair, spotted dishes, dry irritated skin, and an increase in the amount of soap and detergent that is needed for cleaning clothes and dishes.

Water softeners are the most common treatment option for hard water. Water softeners are used to remove the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions which creates soft water. This helps eliminate nasty build up on appliances, plumbing, fixtures, skin, and so on.

Iron and Rust

It is pretty obvious to see when there is a large amount of rust and iron build up in your homes water. You will begin to see orange streaks staining the sink and spots on clothing. High iron content in your homes water is annoying to homeowners and also damages appliances including washers, water heaters, dishwashers, and bathtubs.

The most common solution for treating high levels of iron in your home water is to have a whole house water filtration system installed. Treating the high iron content with a filter helps to protect against iron build up in your homes plumbing, prevents unsightly build up, removes the smell and taste of iron, keeps appliances running more efficiently, and offers you better tasting, higher quality water.

Foul Taste in Drinking Water

A number of water problems can cause smelly, bad-tasting water. Water with high levels of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, dissolved solids, arsenic, or iron can all add to the taste of your homes water and not in a good way.

There are a number of problems that can result in smelly and/or foul-tasting water. It is important to have the water tested so that you know exactly what problem you are dealing with when treating your homes water.

The solution for foul tasting, bad smelling water is to have a water filtration and conditioning system installed. These systems address the smell and taste of chlorine through the use of active carbon filters. Oxidation tends to destroy oily tastes and gas smells and more.

Like this post? Share it!