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How does a carbon filter work?

A carbon water filter will work by using a bed of activated carbon to remove the impurities and contaminants with chemical adsorption. This differs from absorption as it will trap pollutant molecules from the fluid inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate.

What are carbon water filters made of?

A carbon water filter can be made out of coal or wood and sold as carbon blocks or granular activated carbon. There can also be a difference in the size of particles a filter can allow which will add defense to the process of contamination removal. With granular activated carbon, however, there is no limit to the size as the material is porous.

Does a carbon filter remove lead?

Carbon block filters can be engineered to remove lead yet in large inorganics are more removed in reverse osmosis, ion exchange or distiller systems.

What does a carbon water filter remove?

A carbon water filter will be most effective in removing particles such as sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) chlorine, odor and improving taste. They aren’t as effective in removing salts, minerals, or dissolved inorganic substances. 

What happens if I don’t change my water filter?

With the passage of time, your water filter will naturally wear out and become less effective at getting rid of different minerals, chemicals, and microbes that run in water supplies. You may notice a change in the smell and taste of water so these are good indications that your water filter needs a change.

Is carbon in water filters dangerous?

A carbon water filter is safe if rated by a third party for the safety of the materials used. All carbon water filters are going to be rated for the sub-micron carbon block removing other contaminants like cysts or lead and for CTO (chlorine, taste, and odor.)

Can carbon water filters make you sick?

If not replaced often recent studies have found that a carbon water filter can harbor bacteria. This is due to the fact that the surface areas of a charcoal filter when filled will prevent further adsorption of contaminants. With mechanical filtration, the filter will become clogged with debris to the point where the free flow of water is prevented. The second scenario may be easier to notice since the rate of water will slow down greatly. With the former, it may be hard to tell when it becomes full. With either case, filters growing bacteria can be a risk to health so be sure to change them periodically.

How long does a carbon water filter last?

A carbon water filter will need to be changed about 18-24 months if there is regular 24/7 use. With less demanding use they can last to 4 years. Everything will ultimately depend on use and carbon quality.

How long do water filters actually last?

A water filter can last a pretty long time in general, depending on the filters that you use and how often you use them the lifespan can range. On average a cartridge can live 6-12 months, yet with tanks, you can see a lifespan of 3-10 years depending on the size of the tank. With larger tanks, you’ll see a longer lifespan.

Contact a Professional Water Filtration Company For More

If you’re interested in a carbon water filter get in touch with your local water purification company for more information. They will be able to properly gauge what size system you need, what kind of water filtration is best and where it should be placed to be the most effective. In order to maintain the health of occupants in your home or business, a carbon water filter will be a great preliminary step in water purification. Speak to a knowledgeable expert to learn more about what measures can be taken to improve the cleanliness of your water.

If you’re interested in a carbon water filter in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX call 817-901-7775 with Elder's Pure Water!

Water Pressure Tank vs Pump

There really is no difference between a pressure tank and a well pump. Both have the job of providing water to and throughout your home. They provide consistent and constant pressure so you never have to feel like you’re waiting forever for water. Another great thing is that with both, you can utilize things like carbon water filtration systems and they won’t affect the tanks or pumps. Even if you have a pressure tank, you will still need a pump of some sort to move the water through the plumbing. So ultimately, there is no difference. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much air pressure should be in a water tank?
  • The air pressure in your tank needs to be 2PSI below the cut-on or turn-on pressure. Meaning, if you have a 30PSI tank, the actual pressure inside needs to be at 28PSI. If you have a 40PSI tank, the pressure will be 38PSI and so on.
• Do you need a pressure tank for a well? 
  • If you have an on-property well, then you know that the water pressure can be iffy at times. With a pressure tank, that won’t be an issue. Additionally, pressure tanks help to keep water and air separate from each other, something a pump doesn’t do. 
• What size water pressure tank do I need for my house? 
  • It really depends on the size of your home and property. Most average-sized homes will need a tank between 30 pounds per square inch (PSI) and 50 pounds per square inch. Anything more or less and you’ll likely have problems. 
• How much does it cost to have a well pressure tank installed?
  • The final costs will depend on a number of things. The size tank you get, where it’s installed, how deep contractors have to dig and more. That in mind, your average costs for installation are generally between $900 and $2,500.
• How long do well pressure tanks last? 
  • That really depends on how well you maintain your well. Most manufacturers say tanks have a life-span between 12-15 years. However, some homeowners have known their well tanks to last upwards of 30 years, so it’s really dependent on the care you provide as well as other factors.

What are the stages of water purification?

Water purification can have several physical processes that can make water more consumable. Some processes can include distillation, filtration, and sedimentation. Such processes can be included like sand filters or active carbon which adsorb (not absorb) contaminants. There are also processes that can involve chemical processes such as chlorination or flocculation and for a final polish the use of electromagnetic radiation such as UV light.

How is water naturally purified?

The natural water purification process will involve groundwater pollutants being filtered and is sometimes called natural attenuation. How this works is that citie will have aquifers with natural filtering abilities in order to assist with the process of cleaner public water supplies. There are large wells along banks or under the bottom of a river and this river water will flow into a well. On the way to the well water will pass through the aquifer and a hyporheic zone. Many European cities use this type of riverbank filtration and this method is being used more and more in the US as well.

What are the 5 states of water treatment?

When it comes to water treatment there are actually steps that are taken into consideration. First is water collection, then there is screening and straining, chemical addition, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation and clarification, filtration, disinfection, storage and finally distribution. As far as water purification with filters that are implemented in a home or business this will involve a system of filters or one filter that will remove contaminants in some form or another. Typically a well-rounded water purification system will be a three-step system that includes a pre-filter (which removes large sediments,) a secondary filter (which removes small particles,) and a post-filter which acts as a final polish in killing bacteria. A typical pre-filter will be an activated carbon filter, the most used secondary filter will usually be reverse-osmosis systems and a great post-filter will be something like UV light or another permeable membrane for water to pass through. 

Why is it important to purify water?

Water purification allows for a cleaner and therefore more health conscientious water system that is removed or at least reduced from such contaminants of lead, bacteria, pollutants, and mercury.

What will happen if we drink polluted water?

Drinking polluted water will, of course, have negative consequences ranging in different types of diarrheal diseases such as Cholera of developing such illnesses as Typhoid, Guinea worm disease and dysentery. It’s important to realize that many viruses and bacteria live in untreated water and any efforts made to make cleaner water will make a difference in the long run of maintaining your health. If you’d like to see what naturally occurs in your municipality’s water source you can find yearly water quality reports made available to the public at your city’s water treatment website.

Contact A Professional

If you’re interested in water purification be sure to get in touch with a professional water service company for assistance. They will be able to properly gauge the specification of your property and confer with you on the goals or preferences of your water purification implementation. Just like LED landscape lighting the types of filters and mechanisms can be placed in different areas of your property for point of use or whole house preference. Have a healthier way of living with improvement in water purification and quality for your home or business and see the difference it will make.

If you’re interested in water purification in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX call 817-901-7775 with Elder's Pure Water! 

Benefits of a Water Booster Pump

If you have been considering a booster pump for your home, you are in for a real treat. Water booster pumps are a great way to improve several water functions in your home. There are a variety of water booster pump types to pick from, so it can feel overwhelming to know which one to choose. That being said, there are similar benefits you can experience with any pump. 

• Increased Pressure: Of course, as we’ve mentioned multiple times, you’ll experience significantly increased water pressure. That’s what this pump is designed and meant to do. 
• Boost in Supply: Along with increased pressure, you’ll notice there is just more water. This will allow you to enjoy a longer, steadier stream of water in the shower or bath. This is a great benefit if you have a lot of guests staying at the house. 
• Easy Installation: Booster pumps are incredibly easy to install. They are small and just as easy to transport. You won’t have to make plans for a big, complicated installation. 
• Improved Everything: With better pressure and water flow, you’ll notice that simple things such as doing the dishes, watering the lawn, etc., are easier and less of a hassle to tackle. 

There is a difference between a water booster pump vs water pump. The booster is going to boost the water pressure flowing through your plumbing. The water pump is the actual pump that pushes water to a house if you have a private water source. You can use a booster pump in conjunction with a water pump if the water has to flow uphill, if it’s coming from a main city water line, and in other areas. When you need help with any water services, rely on Elder's Pure Water.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does a water booster pump do? 
  • A water booster pump increases the amount of water pressure flowing from a water tank to a home or commercial property. Sometimes, water pressure can be too low or decrease over time. 
• Why do you need a water booster pump?
  • You may need a booster pump if you notice the water pressure in your home is too low. This pump will help increase and regulate the pressure of water flow from a tank to the rest of a house or commercial property. 
• What is a water pressure booster?
  • This is a booster pump that increases low water pressure and flow. The pump will increase water pressure to a desired level. It can be installed for residential or commercial water tanks. 
• Can I increase the water pressure in my house?
  • Yes, you can. You can increase it by installing a water booster pump. This pump will help to increase the water pressure if it is too low. For the installation, it is best to rely on professional plumbers to ensure accurate services. 
• What is the best water booster pump?
  • There are several water booster pump types, but ones from brands such as Simer, Davey Water Products, BurCam and Hayward are considered some of the best. They are highly-rated and loved by both property owners and plumbers. 

Well Water Treatment Methods

When choosing the best water treatment system for your well water, you will want to decide between point-of-use and point-of-entry. Point-of-use is a system that will provide water in small quantities at a time that will come through your faucet. Point-of-entry is installed at the water line, meaning when it enters the home, it will already be treated. In addition to choosing between point-of-use and point-of-entry, there are also many water treatment options to choose from for your well water. How is well water treated? Here are some popular water treatment systems for well water.

• Water Disinfection Systems: With disinfection systems, they use chlorination, ultraviolet, electronic radiation and other methods to kill and get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Water Distillation Systems: The way that this system works is by boiling your water, then collecting and condensing the steam, removing the impurities entirely from the water.
• Water Filtration Systems: There are several types of water filtration systems such as activated charcoal, reverse osmosis, UV filters, and multi-stage filters. They all work by passing through a material that will chemically remove the contaminants in your water.
• Water Softener Systems: This is necessarily a way to filter out contaminants or impurities from your well water, but if you are having issues with hard water, then a water softener system is able to reduce hard water.

You don’t have to choose what type of water treatment system will be best for your well water–if you call a water treatment company, they will be able to provide you with options and offer you the best solution based on your budget and needs.

How Often Should You Treat Your Well Water?

If you are concerned that your well water has contaminants or impurities, then you might consider testing your well water. When this option is presented to people they typically ask, “How can I test my well water?” if you call your health department or a water treatment company, they will be able to test your well water. What they can test for is chloride, coliform bacteria, hard water, fluoride, inorganic substances, iron, manganese, nitrates, and sulfate. Another thing that people ask when it pertains to testing their well water is, “How often should you test well water?” If you have a private well, then you will want to have it tested annually. Well water is more susceptible to contamination, so it’s important that someone comes out and tests the water every single year. Whoever tests your well water, they will need to test at the source, as well as at the tap. Testing in both areas will ensure that the quality of your well water is good and that any water treatment system you are using is actually working. If you think your well water needs to be tested, then call your health department or water treatment company!

Well Water Filtration and Treatment Systems

What is a carbon water filter?

A carbon water filter is a type of water filtration system that removes large sediments and silts and reduces other contaminants by being adsorbed through it’s activated carbon filters. It’s important to realize the distinction that they do not absorb, with adsorbing the activated carbon film that’s placed inside a carbon water filter holds onto contaminates that can influence, color, taste, and odors of water. Since they only hold particular ions, atoms and molecules of contaminants that are water dissolvable it will not easily catch onto others that don’t hold this distinction.

What are carbon water filters used for?

A carbon water filter is typically used as a primary stage filter for a three-stage water filtration system. It can be used to hold onto contaminants in gases or liquids that promote species in color, taste, odor, and toxins.

What does carbon water filter remove?

Carbon water filters are most adept at reducing contaminants but may not fully remove them. For example, a  carbon water filter breaks down chlorine and changes it to chloride which gives water improved taste and reduces odors. A carbon water filter is also used as a solution in removing organic compounds which include numerous bacteria, algae, phenols, and tannins.  Other areas where a carbon water filter can excel in is in removing VOCs, also known as volatile organic compounds. VOCs are byproducts of household products like cleansers, paints or solvents. They are also part of commercial or industrial processing that can enter water through runoff and spills which can evaporate into the air or enter the water supply. Finally, an activated carbon water filter is adept at getting rid of herbicides, pesticides and toxic chemical compounds such as styrene, dioxin, benzene, and chloroform.

Does a carbon filter remove bacteria?

A carbon water filter does not remove bacteria or viruses. Methods that can be used to disinfect these contaminants is with the use of an ultraviolet treatment or chlorination.  

Which is better reverse osmosis or carbon filter?

Carbon Water filter vs Reverse Osmosis

Ultimately, it’s better to use both a carbon filter and reverse osmosis system together as they can work hand in hand and pick up where the other lacks as far as water purification. A reverse osmosis water filtration system is adept at removing smaller particles and contaminants that a carbon water filter is unable to yet it works much better when larger particles are removed with a preliminary water filtration system. Let’s put it this way, most carbon water filters have a NSF Class I rating which means they remove 85% of particles at sizes of 0.5-1 micron. A reverse osmosis system would go much further, about 500x the size difference, and filter water down to .001 microns! You can expect improved water treatment and effectiveness in purification when you combine the two systems.  

Are carbon air filters safe?

Carbon air filters are environmentally safe and safe for the family. They are able to remove odors as well as toxic gases from an area so you are able to breather safer air.

Are carbon cabin filters better?

Carbon cabin filters are one of two air filters often installed in cars which contain activated carbon that is treated with heat and chemicals to allow it to have odor-control abilities. These carbon filters incorporate charcoal traps that adsorp, not absorb, odor-causing gases which allow it to hold them onto the surface of the charcoal treated media. Since charcoal is porous these filters can trap a large expanse of noxious gases. Carbon cabin air filters are able to adsorb exhaust fumes, odors, pollen, dust and other contaminates from the air.  

If you’re interested in a carbon water filter in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX call 817-901-7775 with Elder's Pure Water!

Many people focus on water quality primarily when it’s water for drinking or cooking. Faucet-use water filters can be expensive to replace, so the average person makes sure it’s not filtering for simple tasks like washing their hands or scrubbing a plate clean. But what about all of that non-filtered water? What does it mean if your toilet is developing a ring where the water sits, or your faucet is starting to get mineral build-up faster than normal? These are some surefire signs that you could have hard water.

Hard water is the term for water that is high in mineral concentration. Ground water gets filtered through rocks over time. This filtering process mostly removes impurities, making it safe to drink. But water can filter through rocks heavy in calcium and magnesium. Hard water contains a high concentration of these carbonates. In Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as surrounding areas, the soil and bedrock makeup can be completely different for two neighboring houses. Because of this, you can never be sure if you’ll have hard water or not in these regions. But what does this mean for homeowners?

Common Questions About Hard Water Effects

What are some of the effects of hard water? Hard water can cause several problems at home. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium in hard water means it can leave traces of these elements on your water fixtures, in your pipes, and even on your body. These traces can add up over time. While it’s not likely that you’ll develop anything more than a small layer of mineral buildup at any one time, it’s a different story for everything else the hard water flows through in your home.

How does hard water affect the human body? Hard water has a relatively small impact on human health. Is it safe to drink hard water? Yes. Even though some sites claim that hard water is linked to serious illnesses, no government funded study shows hard water as a health threat. It may be slightly more uncomfortable to drink, given the amount of minerals in the water, but your body can digest magnesium and calcium. Does hard water affect skin? To an extent, yes. The mineral content of hard water can dry out your skin, and leave you feeling like there is residue left on your skin and hair. This discomfort is the primary cause for concern of hard water.

We can treat hard water and minimize the impact it has on your life. How can you tell if you have hard water? There are several ways to tell without an official test. If your toilet has a ring around the water line, or the toilet bowl has developed streaks over extended use, then it is possible that you have hard water. If you find crusty flakes on your faucets, drains, or fixtures, these are telltale signs of hard water. Your bathtub is a good source of information when checking for hard water. If there is a lot of soap-scum buildup on the tub itself, or on the shower curtain, you may have hard water. Dishes come out of the dishwasher a soapy film on them, or covered in soap spots. Hard water can cause clothes to come out of the washer and dryer feeling rougher than normal, no matter how much fabric softener you use. Hard water can cause minerals to build up in your pipes, and cause blockages or pipe ruptures.

The only guaranteed method is to test your water. There are some home tests you can conduct to determine if you have hard water or not. If you have trouble getting soap, shampoo, or body wash to create suds, then you may have hard water. To use this for testing purposes, try filling a small seal-able container with water and a few drops of dish soap. If the soap does not create suds, that’s a good indicator that you should have a professional come test your water. There are services that can test the mineral content of your water, and advise you how to proceed.

Hard Water is Unfit For

While hard water takes time to have a negative impact, it can present problems in the long run.

• Water Heaters: Mineral buildup, or scaling, forms on the interior of the water heater. This can cause problems that would require a Fort Worth, TX heating service to come and repair.
• Washing Clothes / Cleaning: Because hard water creates issues with soap properly creating suds, it is not as useful for cleaning. Washing machines will have problems fully cleaning clothes, and may leave a buildup that is not removed by the drying process.
• Skincare: Hard water leaves minerals on your skin and hair. This can leave you feeling like you’re covered in residue, and not actually clean. It will also dry out your skin and hair.
• Watering Plants: Excess minerals in the water can lead to lime scale buildup on a plants root structure, and block the plant from gathering certain elements necessary for life. This is only a problem in highly concentrated amounts.

How Do You Treat Hard Water at Home?

If you’re looking for solutions to your hard water problems, give us a call! Hard water can be softened by plenty of individual or overall methods. If you want to soften your drinking water, there are “ion exchange” water filters for faucets that balance out the mineral content of calcium and magnesium by adding potassium and sodium. There are also detergents and shampoos that can minimize the effects of hard water on clothing and hair, respectively. If you’re only worried about hard water stains and scaling, most can be treated with vinegar and time. These are individual fixes, but do not solve the overall hard water problem.

Just like there are professional services for well water treatment, there are professionals who can come to your home and install large water “softening” devices. These work in a similar fashion to the smaller, ion exchange water filters, but on a much larger scale. These total water filtration systems are a useful alternative for someone who wants an all-in-one fix for their hard water problem. If you’re in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX and think you have a hard water problem, call Elder's Pure Water at 817-901-7775 for a solution.

Air quality is an essential part of life. That’s why so many homeowners invest good money in whole house air purification installation. But what about water purity? In a privileged society that has both the access and technology necessary for clean water, why do so many homeowners make do with unfiltered water? Today, we’ll learn what hazards can be found in home water supplies, then discover how to find a water filtration system for home.

Contaminants and Impurities

There are a multitude of potential contaminants can affect a community’s drinking water. The good news is that many homeowners have their supply provided by municipal water facilities, which eliminate the vast majority of these hazards. The bad news? Not everyone has access to city water lines, nor do cleaning facilities eliminate 100% of contaminants. 

It’s worth noting that most contaminants (or impurities) are harmless to the human body when ingested. These include minerals, as well as small particles of dirt and silt. Unless these are consumed in unnatural quantities, it will not hurt your person. However, there are several chemical, biological, and metallic contaminants which can and do cause physical harm. There are many of contaminants, including:

• Bacteria
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Protozoan
• Pesticides
• Metals
• Fertilizers
• Chlorine
• Detergents
• Fluoride

There are many more potential contaminants, but you can see how serious the matter is.

How These Pollutants Affect Homeowners

If most people are protected by municipal water treatment centers, then how can these impurities be in our drinking water? First, many homes rely on well water for both their drinking supply and utility needs. This water often contains several impurities that must be treated with an under-the-sink or home filtration system.

Contaminants also (occasionally) infiltrate city water lines as the water supply transitions between treatment center and residential areas. This could be something as innocuous as dirt particles slipping through a crack in your main line, or as dangerous as a chemical leak from a construction site. Thankfully, many pollutants are easily observed in water or exposed using a water purity test. The impurities can then be targeted with a single-appliance filter or a whole house water filtration system.

What is a Whole House Water Filtration System?

Most homeowners are familiar with under-the-sink filters that can be installed directly into your tap. This provides clean drinking water for the family. For many households, that’s the only protection required. However, this leaves other water appliances throughout the house unguarded.

Whole house systems, on the other hand, take a comprehensive approach to protecting your water supply. That means every part of your home’s water, from the shower to the dish washer, is covered. “Why is that necessary?” you may ask. Because their are several types of impurities that are safe to drink but are damaging to your home. For instance, there’s:

• Dirt,
• Mineral Content,
• and Metals.

These contaminants can clog up pipes, damage the insides of your water heater, and even stain your clothes in the washer. Without proper treatment, you could be looking at an expensive plumbing bill and a lot of ruined clothing.

What’s the Best Home Water Filtration System for Hard Water?

Basic carbon filtration systems will handle the vast majority of contaminants that can effect your water supply. It’s the most widely used type of system in the residential market, and overall quality ranges based on product pricing and manufacturer. That’s the base level of filtration, although there are some mixed media products (utilizing carbon and other filtration materials) that boast a higher standard of filtration. If you’re looking for a premium mixed media filtration system, try out Pelican whole house water treatment.

Even more effective at removing these hazards are reverse osmosis systems, which feature a three stage purification system to clean out your water. They utilize a much smaller mesh work to filter out microscopic hazards that are too small for traditional filters.

The third option is ozone filtration, which combines the purifying power of ozone and the effective particle trapping of carbon filters. Ozone adheres to impurities, such as bacteria, and makes them easier to be trapped. Ozone can even oxidize hard metals, making the filtration process much simpler.

Get Your Estimate on a Whole Home Filtration System!

An air filtration system is an important part of daily life, but so is having clean water. A home filtration system or purification solution can provide safe drinking and utility water for the entire family. If you’d like to learn more about installing a solution, talk with one of our professionals at Elder's Pure Water! We’d love to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 817-901-7775.

When it comes to your home, it is your castle. Its the place where you and your family can relax, be safe, and unwind after a difficult day. Because of this, you expect your home to provide a healthy, safe environment for your loved ones. There are services such as indoor air quality testing that allow you to make sure your home is the best environment for everyone. However, have you ever considered if your water is the best it can be? Drinking water can come in a variety of qualities, containing various minerals, contaminants, and chemicals that can affect your family and other areas of your home. While you can test for water quality, you may wonder if there is a way to improve the water that you are receiving.

How Can Water Quality Be Improved?

Luckily, drinking water treatment can ensure the water that enters your home and is used by your loved ones is healthy and beneficial to them. With a whole home or faucet treatment, you can remove harmful particulates at the source before use. Drinking water treatment doesn’t stop there, however. It can also:

• Benefit Your Health: Clean water can improve your well being, give you a healthy glow and prevent illness.
• Extend The Life of Appliances: Particles and chemicals in the water can damage the inner workings and pipes of appliances. Removing it keeps your system running longer.
• Allow for Better Efficiency: Water is able to move more easily and can be utilized quicker with a minimal mineral build-up, which means you will use less.
• Clean Better: Some particles can interfere with soap and cleaning products, preventing your clothes and dishes from getting clean.

Want to get started on a drinking water treatment today? Elder's Pure Water provides you with the quality water your home needs to thrive. We are always available to answer your questions or start on your service. Give us a call today at 817-901-7775.