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Are whole house water filtration systems worth it?

It is proven that when you do not have measures in place to filter or improve your water, it becomes hard on not only your body but everything it comes into contact with. Dishes, clothes, machines that regularly interact with your less or unfiltered water will deteriorate at a faster rate than expected. That changes with a whole house water treatment, which can be as simple as adding a carbon filter or as monumental as adding several additions to your water system throughout the home. Whereas unfiltered or partly filtered water will have the mentioned effect on clothing and dishes, filtered water improves the lifespan of all things that encounter the filtered water across the board. Furthermore, you can get benefits from your system such as:

• Being able to drink at the tap
• Save money on repairs for your plumbing system
• Reduce toxins that enter the body through water consumption

However, when answering the question of if the system is worth it, it must be understood that two factors must be taken into account: the state of the drinking water and the water pressure. If the former results in a poor quality of water, a whole house water filtration system are absolutely worth it. However, the system can reduce water pressure thanks to the additions it will add that create more gates for the water to pass through. While there are measures to counteract this without having to take away from the filtration.

How do whole house water filters work?

For homeowners that own wells, the knowledge of how a whole house water treatment or filtration system works is relatively common. However, many homeowners are not familiar with the inner workings due to that it is not as well known in urban areas due to the systems already being installed. Such parts of the system can include:

• Water softeners: A system and technique that removes the calcium and magnesium from the incoming water. 
• UV water purifiers: Exposes the water to ultraviolet wavelengths, killing bacteria and viruses.
• Carbon filters: A form of filtering that has activated carbon remove and absorb several particles from the incoming water. 

Among other parts, the pieces of the water filtration system are designed and appropriately named to filter the incoming water. Each piece is placed to benefit the home water system whether it’s source is a well or the system that also provides to other homeowners in a neighborhood or city. 

There is likely some falsehood and some truth about both city water and well water, and both have their pros and cons. When a home gets it water by a well which is usually a well dug on their property, pulling water from the Earth below.

There are small communities where there are several houses within a certain distance, can get on that water system, paying their water bill to a co-op that has a board of directors and management team. This type of water well isbuilt by drilling deep into the ground where access is gained to underground aquifer. In either case, the well water to house where an underground aquifer pumps the water to the house.  

The Pros of Well Water:

• No water bill because the water you use is coming from your private well. If you’re on a septic system, you won’t receive a sewage bill either.
• Well water is fresher, high in minerals and nutrients because it comes from the underground aquifer and not run- off or surface water.
• Well water isn’t likely to be contaminated during a natural disaster, which can disrupt a city’s distribution of safe water. 

The Cons of Well Water

• Well water needs electricity for the pump to work. So, if there is a power outage, the pump quits working. We recommend having a backup power source like a generator or solar power for your well.
• The city or co-op is not responsible for the quality or quantity of your well water.  Because a well is on private property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility for maintenance and repairs and any additional drilling that may be needed.
• Well water can be contaminated with pollutants like chemicals, dead animals, radiation, sewage, and other potential pollutants. This includes any farm or ranch run off, nuclear power plant, or septic systems.

With these facts presented, it confirms why well water should be tested regularly to make sure it is free of any bacteria, chemicals, heavy metal, or parasites.

When your water is supplied by the city or co-op, they have collected the water and ran a purification process before delivering it to customers. There are pros and cons to city or co-op water:

The Pros of City Water:

• The city is responsible for the quality and quantity of your water, so each time you turn on a faucet, you know you’ll have water that has been purified and tested.
• City water is readily available in most places and contacting the city to get set up with a water department account, paying any connection fees and having a meter installed will get water in your home. 
• City water is the preference of mortgage lenders because of the unpredictability of well water.

The Cons of City Water

• City water isn’t as fresh as well water because it come from run-off and surfaced water, which allow it contact with chemicals and pollutants. City water is chemically treated and filtered, which can take away its freshness too.
• You pay a monthly bill for city water and it can be expensive. 
• The city can turn off your water for repairs or missed payment.  
• City water has the unfortunate ability of being prone to large-scale contamination.

Does well water need filtered?

Well water will typically need less treatment than the surface water from a city because it runs through rock and soil underground that is cleaning it naturally. However, it will pick up some minerals, but not enough to be corrosive. If your well water is an exorbitant amount, in calcium or magnesium too, which will give you hard water, you can purchase a water softener for your home. The minerals found in well water are the same minerals the human body requires.   

How often should you chlorinate your well?

It is recommended by experts that well water should be tested annually, or if the homeowner notices any changes in the appearance or taste of the water. Should there be a change, you can “shock” the water in the well with either one of several products on the market specifically for this purpose or use basic household bleach. Have a supply of bottled water on hand as the shocking process takes a full day making your well water unusable for the day.

How many years does a water well last?

A water well can last anywhere between 25 years to more than 100 years, a fact that needs to be considered when weighing the costs of having a professionally installed. 

As we’ve discussed, well water has its benefits, as does city water, and both have the cons. Depending on where you live will determine which water system you have. A house in the middle of the city is not going to be permitted to have a private well, and if your home is in the deep rural areas of this country, you aren’t going to any option but well water. Need well water treatement in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-901-7775 today.

Are plastic water storage tanks safe? 

By tradition, steel tanks have been the choice for water storage tanks. However, they have limits because they are at the mercy of the elements, with a common issue of corrosion. Plastic water storage tanks that are manufactured from BPA-free polyethylene plastic and food-grade safe plastic are 100% safe to drink the water stored in them. 

How do you keep water fresh in a storage tank? 

Now that you have one or more water storage tanks, do you know how to keep that water fresh and useable for humans? We share the following steps with you for five hundred gallons of stored water:

• Half fill a clean quart-sized container with water
• Add 3 tablespoons of standard chlorine bleach, (household use, non-detergent, and unscented)
• Pour this mixture directly into the water storage tanks
• Using a clean paddle or pole, mix/stir the solution in the water for three minutes
• Close the lid and any openings on the water storage tanks
• Let stand eight hours
• If you aren’t able to mix or stir the added solution, let it stand for twenty-four hours

This will provide fresh and reasonably clear water. If the water is cloudy or murky, this process isn’t as effective because of a possible abundance of suspended solids. Contact the county Extension agent for other ways to treat water storage tanks of stored water that could be considered highly turbid water. 

How long does a water storage tank last? 

The typical warranty for water storage tanks is 5 years. With just a little maintenance, water storage tanks can last 25 years or longer. 

Do water tanks need cleaning? 

The purpose of household water storage tanks is to provide safe water for human consumption and use, like cleaning, cooking, drinking, and gardening. Contaminated water causes many human diseases, which is why it is so essentially important for anyone gets their drinking water from water storage tanks to know water storage tank cleaning procedures and keep them clean. 

The recommended timing for cleaning water storage tanks is annual. This can eliminate any sediment or sludge that builds up and contaminate the water. Cleaning water storage tanks isn’t all that complicated and there are few choices in cleaning your water storage tanks: 

1. Use clean, clear water, and rinse them well
2. Use anti-bacterial solution and high-pressure water jet cleaner
3. Hire a professional that specializes in cleaning water storage tanks 

If you are considering investing in water storage tanks, it is important to have a proper, solid water storage tank base, this part is critical. Too often you hear of horror stories of water tanks splitting and all the water inside is lost because there was not a proper, solid base. Dial 817-901-7775 today for your water storage tank installation in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX.

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!