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Signs You Need a Water Softener in Stafford, VA

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:57 GMT

Living in Stafford, VA, means dealing with water from the Potomac River area. The local geology adds calcium and magnesium to it. This creates hard water that hits you with dry skin after showers. Or laundry that looks faded no matter how you wash it. Hard water has too many minerals like calcium and magnesium. This article shows key signs you need a water softener in Stafford, VA. It helps you spot issues fast.

Visible Deterioration of Plumbing and Appliances

Hard water leaves marks on your home setup. It builds up over time. You see it in faucets and pipes first.

Limescale Buildup on Fixtures and Faucets

White chalky spots form on taps and showerheads. People often think it's soap leftover. But it's mineral scale from hard water. Wipe a wet shower door right after use. If residue stays, that's limescale . It sticks to metal and glass. Over months, it thickens. This makes fixtures look old. Cleaning takes more effort. Vinegar helps remove it at first. But buildup keeps coming back without a fix.

Reduced Efficiency and Lifespan of Water Heaters

Minerals coat the heating parts inside. This acts like insulation. The heater works extra hard to warm water. Energy use goes up by 20 to 30 percent, per industry reports. Your bills rise each month. The unit wears out faster too. A normal heater lasts 10 to 15 years. With scale, it drops to eight years or less. Check for hot spots on the tank. That means uneven heating from buildup. Fix it early to save cash.

Clogged Pipes and Reduced Water Pressure

Scale narrows pipes from the inside. Water flow slows down. You notice it when showers weaken. Or sinks take longer to fill. Corrosion starts slow but builds up. In Stafford homes, older pipes suffer most. Pressure drops across the house. It affects every tap. Call a plumber if flow halves from normal. Untreated hard water speeds this wear. A softener stops the clogging.

The Impact on Cleaning and Household Chores

Daily tasks get tougher with hard water. You use more products to fight it. Costs add up quick.

Soap Scum and Ineffective Cleaning

Minerals block soap from bubbling well. It forms curd on sinks and tubs. You scrub harder each time. In a hard water home, you need twice the soap for the same clean. Think about baths that stay slippery. Or counters with rings that won't fade. This reaction ties up soap ions. Rinsing leaves films behind. Soft water lets suds form easy. Chores feel less like a battle.

Dingy Laundry and Stiff Fabrics

Minerals stick in cloth threads. Clothes come out rough to touch. Colors lose brightness after few washes. Whites turn gray fast. You add softeners or bleach more often. But it doesn't help much. Hard water traps deposits deep in fibers. Fabrics wear out sooner. A load in soft water rinses clean. Yours might need an extra cycle. Feel the towel after drying. Stiff means hard water at work.

Spotting and Filming on Glassware and Dishes

Dishes show white spots after the machine runs. Glasses look etched or cloudy. It's not the rinse aid failing. Minerals dry on surfaces. They leave films that build up. In Stafford, VA, this hits many kitchens. Run a cycle with vinegar to clean it once. But spots return without change. Soft water prevents the marks. Your dishwasher runs better too. Check plates close. Tiny dots signal the need.

Tired of Hard Water Symptoms?

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Personal Care and Health Indicators

Your body feels the hard water effects. Skin and hair suffer most. It changes your routine.

Persistent Dry Skin and Itchy Scalp

Residues from minerals clog skin pores. They strip away your natural oils. Dryness sets in after every wash. Itch builds on the scalp. Eczema or rashes can worsen. Moisturizers sit on top instead of soaking in. In winter, Stafford's dry air makes it bad. Soft water lets skin breathe. You use less lotion overall. Pat your arms after a shower. Tight feel points to hard water.

Dull, Lifeless Hair Texture

Buildup coats hair shafts. It blocks moisture from getting in. Strands turn brittle and flat. Brushes snag more. Shampoos don't foam right. Color-treated hair fades quick. Hard water acts like a shield on each hair. It weighs it down. Try a clarifying rinse weekly. But for real fix, soften the source. Hair feels softer in treated water. Yours might look straw-like now.

Increased Soap Consumption for Showers and Baths

You squeeze out more shampoo to get clean. Body wash runs low faster. Hard water needs extra to cut through minerals. In soft water, a small amount lathers plenty. Compare it to a trip elsewhere. Showers there feel easier. Here, you double up often. This wastes money and time. Skin stays drier too. Track your bottle use. High amounts mean hardness issue.

Early Warning Signs and DIY Testing

Spot problems before they grow. Simple checks at home work well. No tools needed for most.

The Soap Bubble Test

Fill a bottle with tap water. Add a drop of liquid soap. Shake it hard. Look for suds. Rich foam means soft water. Thin bubbles or none show hardness. Do this in your sink. It takes one minute. Results match pro tests often. If lather fails, minerals are high. Try it with bottled water for contrast. Clear sign for Stafford taps.

Observing Mineral Deposits on Showerheads

Take off the showerhead. Peek at the screen inside. Crusty white flakes mean scale. It flakes off easy. Pipes push it out over time. Clean with a brush and acid. But check often. Buildup there warns of whole-house issues. In local homes, it's common. Unscrew carefully. Visible crust calls for action.

Professional Water Testing Options in Stafford

Get a free county water report online. It covers Stafford basics. Buy test strips at stores. Dip in a sample. Color change shows grains per gallon. Over five GPG counts as hard. Labs offer full checks too. Cost under 50 bucks. Local pros in VA do in-home visits. Know your level exact. Then pick the right softener size.

Investing in Water Softening for Stafford Home Value

Hard water brings appliance breakdowns, tough cleaning, and skin woes. You see limescale, feel dry hair, and pay more for soap. All from minerals in local supply.

A water softener costs upfront. But it guards pipes and cuts bills. Heaters run smooth. Laundry stays bright. Showers refresh without waste. Long-term savings beat the hassle.

If you spot three or more signs, act now. Contact a Stafford installer. Protect your home today.

Ready for Softer Water in Stafford?

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What Is Acidic Water?

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:56:47 GMT

The destructiveness of acidic water

Acidic water? As if there weren’t enough things to fret about when it comes to water safety! Jokes aside, if you draw your water from a well or have old plumbing in your home, it might be in your best interest to learn more about water pH and particularly the dangers associated with acidic water in general. Acidic water is not only destructive to your plumbing, it can also present a severe health hazard to you and your family.

So what is acidic water, and what can be done about it? In the interest of keeping you well-informed, we’ve prepared some information with you so that you aren’t left in the dark about the dangers of acidic water.

What is acidic water?

To answer this question we need to talk first about pH. pH is the measure of how acidic or basic any given substance is. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Any pH level lower than seven is considered acidic, and anything above is considered basic, or alkaline. The acidity or alkalinity of a substance is determined by the amount of hydrogen or hydroxyl ions present . More hydrogen ions indicate acidity, whereas more hydroxyl ions indicate alkalinity. For reference, pure water has a pH of around 7 (neutral) while lemons have a pH of around 2 indicating acidity. Each whole number increase or decrease represents a tenfold change. Milk, for example, has a pH level of 6, meaning that it is ten times more acidic than water. Water acidity and alkalinity influences the way that matter dissolves into it. Hard water, for example, is usually more alkaline, as calcium and magnesium are affected by hydroxyl ions.

How prevalent is acidic water?

According to the CDC , roughly 50% of the water used in households in America comes from shallow water sources which are more likely to be acidic. Local municipal water is always treated for acidity, so it is much more prevalent in homes that draw well water. Houses in rural areas closer to agriculture and heavy industries such as mining or manufacturing are more likely to have acidic water. East coast residents are more likely to have acidic water due to acid rain, so if you are thinking of collecting rainwater for drinking, you might want to think again.

Is acidic water dangerous?

In short, yes, acidic water is dangerous. Safe levels for drinking water are considered to have a pH of around 6.5 to 8.5 . Slightly more alkaline water is not necessarily unsafe, it may just taste bitter. Acidic water on the other hand, presents a very real hazard to humans as it dissolves heavy metals in piping that are extremely toxic. Drinking acidic water has also been linked to tooth decay and bone density loss . Even beyond the health risks, acidic water wreaks havoc on your plumbing as it strips your pipes causing them to fail over time, and will destroy appliances that are connected to plumbing.

What can be done about it?

The first step should always be to regularly test the pH of your home water, especially if you use a private well. If testing reveals a pH lower than 6.5, you are going to have to seek home water treatment solutions. An inline calcite filter or preferably a Proportional pH Balancing System used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis water filtration system will correct a water acidity problem very well. Acidic water is no laughing matter, but fortunately it can be treated very effectively.

If your water’s pH is looking low to you, the time to act is now. Call us as soon as possible so that we can find a treatment plan that works for you. Acidic water is a big deal and should be addressed quickly by professionals.

Water Softeners Vs Water Filters: What's the Difference?

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:21:20 GMT

Don't be overwhelmed - we can help

If you’ve been looking for water treatment solutions, you’ve likely felt overwhelmed by the different types of home water treatment options available to you. Specifically, you might have questions about the difference between water softeners and water filters, how they work, and which one is right for your home.

To help you better understand these devices and make an informed decision as to which one you need, let’s take a look at water softeners and filters in depth and help you to know the difference and which one you need.

What are they?

While water softeners and filters serve a similar purpose, that is water purification, they purify your water of very different things.

Water softeners exclusively rid your water of calcium and magnesium carbonate. These minerals are what causes hard water. As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, hard water can damage your hair, irritate your skin, and cause cleaning products such as dish and laundry detergent to not clean properly. Water softeners remove these minerals from your water , turning your hard water “soft.” While they are quite effective at removing dissolved minerals, it should be noted that they don’t purify your water of other contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Enter water filtration

That’s where water filtration comes into play. Though there are many different types of water filters, the most common are activated charcoal, reverse osmosis, and activated alumina filters. Essentially, these filters function by adsorbing harmful contaminants from water and only allowing purified water to pass through. These types of filters are cost effective and are excellent at removing chemical contaminants such as nitrates and pesticides, but are not particularly effective at killing microbes (with the exception of reverse osmosis filtration). UV filters and other dedicated treatment devices are suitable for microbe removal.

While both water softeners and filters are used to remove harmful substances from your water, softeners are only effective at removing specific minerals that cause hard water, while filters are specialized for removing various toxic compounds.

How do they work?

Water softeners work by forcing your water through a unit that attracts calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with harmless sodium ions . This is why water softeners are insufficient treatment systems for removing other toxic compounds and contaminants from your water. The device is specifically designed to target calcium and magnesium and nothing else. Every so often, the plastic material inside the water softener will need to be serviced in order to maintain its effectiveness.

There are several different types of water filters and they all work differently. Activated charcoal and alumina filters remove chemicals directly from the water through adsorption (not absorption!) while others such as reverse osmosis filters force water through a membrane that only water can pass through, leaving contaminants behind. UV filters specialize in killing microbes by bombarding them with ultraviolet radiation (which is harmless to humans), but will not remove chemical contaminants or sediment.

Which one do I need?

Well, that depends on your situation. The first step should be to contact us about having your water tested to see what contaminants might be present in your water. It could be the case that a water softener will be a perfectly adequate solution, or the presence of environmental toxins might necessitate a type of filtration system. In other cases a combination of the two might work best for you. Whatever the case might be, it’s important to get your water tested in order to make an informed decision about water treatment and what type of treatment system you need.

If you’ve got questions about water safety and the different types of water treatment that are available to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you every step of the way to find the right treatment options for you!

How Often Does My Water Treatment System Need Servicing

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 19:49:13 GMT

There's no easy answer

So you decided to pull the trigger and invest in a water treatment system for your home. Congratulations! You’ve taken an important step to ensure the health of your family members and the longevity of your appliances.

So now that you’ve got your system hooked up and your water tastes great you’re probably wondering what needs to be done to keep this system working properly. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a little bit complicated, so let’s break it down for you so that you know exactly when you should have your water treatment system serviced.

What type of system do you have?

It’s important to ascertain exactly what kind of system you have in order to determine the frequency of service you need. If you have a simple water softener system you’ll be fine with annual maintenance . If you have a more complex filtration system, you’ll want to have your water treatment system every six to twelve months depending on wear and tear.

If you have questions about the frequency of maintenance for your particular system, consult your equipment manuals and your installer.

Do you live close to a farm?

Farms can be a major source of contamination in groundwater . Pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers leach into groundwater sources and can exacerbate the degradation of filtration systems. You should consult your installer and keep a close eye on the quality of your water, especially if you draw your water from a well. Well water is not regulated by municipalities and therefore the onus of water quality is on the homeowner. If you live in close proximity to a farm or any other type of agricultural industry, you might need to have your water treatment system serviced with greater frequency.

Have you noticed peculiar odors or tastes from your water?

You should pay special attention to the taste and smell of your water. Chemical tastes and smells could indicate that your water has been contaminated by petroleum or heavy metals which could present a distinct health hazard. Likewise, smells like rotten eggs or fish could mean that you have a bacterial growth in your water supply. Any abnormal smells could indicate contamination and could indicate that your water treatment system isn’t working properly and is in need of immediate servicing.

Are your cleaning products not working properly?

One of the clearest indications of hard water is a marked reduction in the effectiveness of cleaning products . This is due to the calcium and magnesium carbonate present in hard water causing soap to not lather properly. If you have a water softener system installed in your home and notice that your water has become hard again, you are likely overdue for maintenance. Additionally, areas with particularly hard water will require more frequent service than might be advised in owners manuals.

How’s your water pressure?

Is your shower pressure weak? Have you noticed your faucets running a trickle, even at full blast? Weak water pressure is one of the clearest indicators that your water filtration system is clogged and on the fritz. This is to be expected as your filtration system does its job, but you should pay attention to the frequency with which your system clogs and adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly.

When you’ve got a water filtration system, you’ve got the best way to keep yourself protected from all of the nasty stuff that might be present in your drinking water. That being said, it will require regular maintenance and servicing to keep it running smoothly. That’s where you can depend on Quality Water Inc. to provide you with quality upkeep at a schedule that works for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for service on your existing water treatment system.

How Often Should I Test My Well Water?

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:50:04 GMT

Well water should be tested regularly

Drawing water for home use from a well is an excellent way to maintain utility independence and avoid monthly water bills from your local municipality. That being said, using private well water does come with some very real drawbacks and a good deal more responsibility from the homeowners than using municipal water sources.

One of the most important tasks for a well water user is to regularly test the water quality to ensure its safety for consumption, but many homeowners struggle to know the frequency with which they should have their well water tested. Let’s take a closer look at the issue and determine how often you should test your water.

After installation

Though regulations will vary state to state, most will require that your water be tested within 30 days of well installation . Though this may seem extraneous to some, it is a wise guideline to follow, even if it is not required in your area.

Even if your well is brand new, it’s possible to have contamination in some form, so you’ll want to be sure that your water is safe to use before you begin drinking or bathing in it.

Annual testing

Even if your well is working perfectly and you haven’t had any major weather events, you should always have your water tested at least once a year . Many contaminants which are potentially harmful to consume are without taste or odor, so you may not be aware that they are in your water.

Additionally, contaminants for nearby leaks that you’re not aware of can leach into your well water, so even if your wellhead has not had any issues, there is a distinct possibility that heavy chemicals or biological contaminants have seeped into your well water.

After flooding or natural disaster

Although wellheads are typically quite sturdy, they are not designed to be submerged in water, exposed to high temperatures, or jostled unnecessarily. Therefore it’s always a good idea to have your water tested following any type of natural disaster . If you have recently experienced flooding, wildfires, or earthquakes, it’s recommended that you get your water tested as soon as possible.

A compromised wellhead might not be immediately recognizable to the naked eye, but still has the potential to let contaminants into your water, so in addition to having your water tested, you’re going to need to have your wellhead inspected as well.

If you notice a change in how your water tastes or smells

Perhaps the clearest indication that your water needs to be tested is if you notice a peculiar taste or a foul odor coming from your water . Strange tastes and smells could mean any number of things. They could indicate contamination from microbes such as Escherichia coli or other harmful bacteria, they could also indicate a change in your water's pH, meaning that it is either too acidic or basic which could potentially strip heavy metals from your pipes, or it could indicate some form of chemical contamination.

As a safety precaution, always get your water tested if something is off about the taste or smell.

Your proximity to agriculture

Though they are a vital institution, farms are among the most common sources of contamination in well water. Farms can release a variety of chemicals and contaminants into groundwater, including nitrates from chemical fertilizers, coliform bacteria, and pesticides. For this reason, you should perhaps check your well water more frequently if you live in close proximity to an agricultural institution or farm .

If you think that it might be time to have your well water tested, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We have years of experience in the industry and can work with you to find a water testing and maintenance program that will work for you!

What Can I Do If I Have Hard Water?

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:54:11 GMT

Hard Water Causes a Host of Problems

If you are among the estimated 85% of Americans who have hard water, you know what a pain it can be to deal with. Between the film on your skin after bathing, soap scum stains on your dishes, and your laundry just never quite getting clean, hard water is the bane of homeowners all over the country.

Hard water isn’t just a minor annoyance. Limescale buildup can clog shower heads and given enough time, it can destroy appliances including washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers.

So what is to be done when hard water is giving you a headache? Let’s go through a few different things that can be done to address this annoyance.

Use Dishwashing Supplements

If soap scum has been driving you crazy, you can purchase hard water cleaning aids that will help your dishes look better when they come out of the wash. These cleaning products are specifically designed to attack the carbon and magnesium carbonate found in hard water and increase the effectiveness of your dishwashing detergent.

Use Vinegar for Tough Stains

If you have hard water, vinegar is your best friend for cleaning . Calcium carbonate specifically is very reactive to acids like vinegar, and as such is extremely useful for removing tough stains caused by hard water.

If you notice that any of your fixtures such as faucets and shower heads seem to be clogged with scale, soak them in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts filtered water. Within a couple of hours you should notice marked improvement.

Regularly Descale Your Pipes

If left untreated, hard water will cause limescale buildup in your pipes which has the potential to cause serious damage and flooding in your home. In order to address this issue, you will need to periodically pour a descaling agent down the drain followed by hot water. Descaling your pipes will prevent a minor annoyance from becoming a full-blown disaster.

Tabletop Water Filters

If the taste of hard water is bothering you, an affordable and workable solution is to use a countertop water filter pitcher . Though these water pitchers will not address scaling in pipes and appliances, they are able to remove a certain amount of the hard water taste.

Use Washing Soda in Your Laundry.

Similarly to how dishwasher detergent aids can help get rid of soap scum stains, washing soda is excellent at neutralizing calcium carbonate from water in your washing machine. If your laundry detergent just isn’t working the way it should be, use washing soda in the wash with your laundry.

Get a water softener

As you have likely noticed, most of the suggestions listed here are stop-gap measures and band-aid solutions that you’ll have to repeat every time you want to wash your laundry or do your dishes. It’s a lot of chores to keep up with that waste both time and money.

The Benefits of a Water Softener

The best solution by far is to have a water softener installed into your home directly. An in-line water softener removes calcium and magnesium carbonate from the water as it enters your home, and given proper maintenance it will protect your skin, dishes, and appliances from hard water for years to come. When it comes to combating the negative effects of hard water, there is nothing else that will come close to the preventative utility of a water softener.

If you are ready to finally combat the hard water in your home, give us a call. We can get you set up with a quality water softener that will remove the excess minerals that are making your life a pain right now.

4 Types of Water Treatment Systems for Home Use

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 23:26:14 GMT

Water Safety is a Priority

As a homeowner, your top priority is always making sure that everyone residing in your home is safe and healthy. Whether you’re a landlord, a family of five, or a happy parent to dogs and cats, the safety and purity of the water in your home is an essential part of this imperative. Given recent high-profile coverage of water contamination, water safety is likely on your mind now more than ever.

Fortunately for all of us, modern technology has afforded us several effective ways to treat our home water and ensure its safety for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. At the same time, you might find yourself wondering which option is best for you. Let’s take a closer look at four common types of water treatment systems and examine which might be right for you.

1. Water softeners

Hard water is the most common home water issue in America, affecting an estimated 85% of the population . Hard water is usually not a cause of major health problems, but it can be a severely aggravating and p otentially costly issue for homeowners .

If you’re tired of soap and detergents that do not work properly, irritated skin, brittle hair, and corroded pipes, a water softener is likely the perfect solution.

2. Reverse osmosis filtration

If you have reason to believe that your water might be contaminated by pesticides, arsenic, lead, or any other toxic chemicals, a reverse osmosis filtration system is an effective and economical solution.

Reverse osmosis filtration systems work by forcing your water through a semipermeable membrane that only allows pure water molecules to pass through. Even dissolved contaminants are expelled through reverse osmosis, meaning that your water has a much higher level of purity than before.

Reverse osmosis filtration systems are also extremely effective in homes that aren’t contaminated, but have water that tastes overly chlorinated or has a foul odor.

3. Ultraviolet Disinfection

Well water and other privately sourced water is especially vulnerable to contamination by harmful pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, giardia, and hepatitis. These microorganisms can be potentially fatal if consumed by humans and pets alike. Even municipal water sources that are treated before the water reaches your home have the potential to carry harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is extraordinarily effective for killing off harmful microorganisms, even chlorine-resistant strains such as Cryptosporidium. The system works by forcing water through a tube that batters the microorganisms with UV light, killing and rendering them inert. This is an excellent choice for homeowners who would like to avoid chemically treating their water.

Since UV disinfection only serves to kill microorganisms, it should be used in conjunction with a filtration system that removes sediments from the water as they are not affected by the UV light and can reduce the effectiveness of the UV disinfection system.

4. Activated Charcoal Filters

There are a number of different types of water filters, but we will focus on activated charcoal filters as we find them to be among the most resilient and effective water filters on the market. Activated charcoal filters contain carbon that has been heat or steam treated in order to increase the surface area of the carbon and thus increase the amount of contaminants it can absorb from water.

They are effective at removing contaminants such as sediment, PFOs, chlorine byproducts, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and a wide variety of other harmful chemicals. If you are considering using a UV disinfection system, activated charcoal filters are an excellent choice for pre-treating the water before sterilization.

There are a lot of different systems to choose from and it can be difficult for many homeowners to decide what type of system is best for their situation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We’ll work with you to find a solution that provides your home with the best protection possible.

Advantages of a Home Water Softener

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:32:22 GMT

You Don't Have to Settle for Hard Water

Hard water is perhaps the most common water issue in the United States of America. Affecting as much as 85% of the population, hard water is a daily source of irritation for hundreds of millions of Americans. Unfortunately, much of the populace at large seems to just acquiesce to the presence of heavy minerals dissolved in their drinking and bathing water without exploring the options that are available to them.

The best fix for hard water, especially if you draw your own private water through a well, is the installation of a water softener in your home. Let’s take a look at five advantages of having a water softener in your home.

1. Get the most out of your soaps and detergents

One of the most common complaints about hard water is that it seems like nothing ever gets clean enough. As it turns out, there’s a reason for that. The calcium and magnesium carbonate found in hard water interferes with the effectiveness of soaps and detergents , preventing them from forming a proper lather. This means that you are using more cleaning agents to achieve worse results than those with soft water.

A water softener fixes this problem entirely by capturing and removing minerals dissolved in your tap water, meaning that your laundry is brighter, your dishes are sparkling, and your hands are properly cleaned.

2. Say Goodbye to Dry Skin and Brittle Hair

When you bathe with hard water, a layer of minerals may build up on the surface of your skin, meaning that you’ve got an irritating agent coating your skin that causes the dry skin and brittle hair associated with hard water exposure . This irritated, dry skin is exacerbated by the aforementioned interference that hard water causes with soap and shampoo. As the minerals build up on your skin, soap becomes less effective.

With a water softener, you can wash properly, leaving your skin nourished, well moisturized, and clean. Say goodbye to chapped arms and itchy legs!

3. Protects your plumbing from scaling

Limescale is one of the leading causes of plumbing blockage and pipe ruptures. As minerals build up on the inside of your piping , you will experience diminished waterflow and eventually complete blockage requiring costly repairs. It’s not just your plumbing that is affected by scaling. All household appliances that touch water will begin to have limescale buildup. Your washing machine, dishwasher, and even your coffee pot will experience poor waterflow as limescale builds up and clogs interior piping.

A water softener prevents calcium and magnesium carbonate from even reaching your pipes, meaning that limescale doesn’t even have a chance to grow.

4. Cleaner dishes

If you have hard water, you don’t need us to tell you how frustrating it is to run your dishwasher only to find your dishes caked in nasty soap scum and water stains. Not only does hard water prevent your dish detergent from doing its job properly, it also coats your dishes with mineral deposits, causing those unsightly stains and streaks .

Save yourself the trouble of having to rewash all of your dishes by hand with a home water softener.

5. Save money

When you consider all of the water and energy that is wasted rewashing clothes and dishes, all of the excess soap and detergent used, and the costly plumbing repairs caused by limescale buildup, a home water softener practically pays for itself.

Consider the extra money you spend on energy alone. Limescale can damage heat exchangers in your hot water tank, meaning that it uses more energy to get your water hot enough to use.

Your appliances and plumbing use more water and energy to produce poor results, plus you are using more cleaning agents than you would with softer water. A home water softener will solve these problems and will save you money in the long run.

If you have questions about the benefits of a home water softener, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help!

5 Signs Your Water Needs Treatment

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:30:00 GMT

At the risk of stating the obvious, the quality of your water is extremely important to the health of your home and the people who live there. Several different factors go into determining water quality, including the sourcing of water, environmental elements, and the conditions of the plumbing systems that carry the water into your home.

Given that all of these factors are largely invisible to homeowners, how exactly do you know when the quality of your home’s water has been compromised and requires treatment? Let’s take a look at the five most common signs that your home’s water needs treatment.

1. Noticeable Odor from Water

Let’s start with the most serious indication that your water needs treatment: foul smells coming from your water.

In its purest state, water is completely odorless. However, contamination from various sources can cause your water to carry an unpleasant odor and should be treated as soon as possible.1

The most common smell that is noticed by homeowners is a faint whiff of chlorine, similar to the smell of a public pool. Municipal water sources are treated with a small amount of chlorine (0.2-2 parts per million) and are completely safe to drink. If the smell bothers you, it will usually dissipate quickly if left to sit for a few minutes. However, if it smells extremely strongly of chlorine as if it were taken directly from a swimming pool, your water could be contaminated and require treatment.

If you notice a different chemical smell that is closer to turpentine, solvent, or gasoline, you should stop using your water immediately. Any petroleum-type smell could indicate contamination from industrial chemicals or oil tanks and is not safe for human consumption and will require immediate treatment.

A sharp chemical smell that’s different from petroleum or chlorine could indicate the presence of pesticides that have leached into your water. Pesticides can cause a host of health problems and must be treated out of your water immediately.

The smell of rotten eggs, fish, decaying plant matter, mold, or sewage could indicate contamination from bacteria and other microorganisms. This can cause severe illness and should be treated as well.

2. Water Discoloration

If your water looks cloudy or brownish, there could be several different factors at play. It could be perfectly safe to drink, or it could indicate a much more serious problem.2

If your water looks brownish or rust-colored, we recommend having a water sample lab-tested as soon as possible (which we can help with). This discoloration could be the result of harmless (if unattractive) mineral deposits that are safe to drink but can stain your clothes in the wash. In more serious cases, it could indicate the presence of dangerous chemicals that are deleterious to life. Either way, this water should be tested immediately and treated as necessary.

If your water is cloudy as it comes out of the tap, a simple test that you can perform yourself should point you in the right direction in terms of treatment. Pour a glass of water and set it on the counter undisturbed for at least an hour. If the cloudiness clears up during that time, it means that your water just has a lot of air in it and is most likely perfectly safe to use. If the cloudiness remains after an hour, you should send it to us for testing immediately as it could indicate the presence of harmful chemicals.

3. You Use Well Water

Wells are a great choice for those who wish to be self-reliant for their water but require a lot of monitoring. Wells are prone to producing especially hard water due to the water source’s interaction with minerals in the ground.3

As well water is completely unregulated, you will not have a municipal authority that is responsible for the quality of your water, thus it is incumbent on you to treat the water yourself. If you use well water, send a sample to us, and we can direct you to a comprehensive water treatment plan.

4. Slow Drains or Sputtering Waterflow

Though many different things can cause drains to slow or water to sputter from faucets, one of the most common causes is scaling in your pipes.4 Scaling refers to the build up of minerals in your piping, which over time can cause serious issues if left untreated.

If you have hard water it is recommended that you have your water treated with a softener that will prevent scaling from occurring.

5. Dirty Dishes and Bathrooms

If you’ve noticed the buildup of “soap scum” on your dishes from the dishwasher or often feel itchy or slimy after taking a shower, you likely have extremely hard water.5

Hard water inhibits your soap or detergent’s ability to clean properly. The high amounts of calcium carbonate in your water interferes with the cleaning agent’s ability to form proper suds and carry grime and bacteria away from the surface being cleaned.

Besides being potentially unsanitary, hard water adds a layer of hassle to your life; forcing you to spend extra time cleaning and washing everything in your house.

If you have been having trouble keeping your dishes and clothes clean despite washing them, your problem could be easily solved with the installation of a water softener.

If you’ve had any of these problems before, know that help is out there. Call Quality Water Inc to install filtration systems, water softeners, and other devices that will keep your water clean and clear and safe to drink!

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1016
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/five-reasons-your-tap-water-changed-color
https://www.jasonswatersofteners.com/blog/is-well-water-hard-or-soft
https://www.bevillstexas.com/blog/2019/april/what-is-pipe-descaling-and-how-does-it-work-/
https://dirtylabs.com/blogs/the-dirt/ask-dr-pete-how-does-hard-water-affect-cleaning

What Exactly Is Hard Water?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:34:00 GMT

Hard water is a term that is thrown around a lot, but is poorly understood by the average person. Given that it sounds like the name of a heavy metal band, it’s easy to understand why many people feel disturbed when the lab testing on their tap reveals that their water is hard.

So what exactly is hard water? Let’s take a look at what it is, its potential effects on health and property, and what kind of solutions are available to homeowners.

What Is Hard Water?

The simplest explanation is that hard water is designated as such based on the presence of dissolved calcium and magnesium carbonates.1 Water containing less than 61 mg/L of calcium and magnesium carbonate is called soft water, while the presence of more than 61 mg/L is hard water. Hard water is further aggregated into moderately hard, regular hard, and extremely hard.

Hard water is caused by groundwater moving through soil and porous rocks such as limestone. Water is an excellent solvent for calcium and magnesium, so small amounts of these minerals leach into it and remain suspended as a solution.

Hard water is most prevalent in private wells, but also is found in municipal water sources. An estimated 85% of all drinking water in the US is at least moderately hard.2

What Are the Effects of Hard Water?

It should first be noted that most hard water is perfectly safe for drinking. You may even read that hard water could be a good source of minerals as both calcium and magnesium are important dietary supplements in humans.3 But that’s not the whole story. Research has suggested that drinking water that is extremely hard for long periods of time may contribute to serious health issues including cardiovascular disease, growth retardation, and reproductive failure.4 (Once again, the vast majority of hard water is safe for human consumption. Only the most severe cases of hard water carry these health risks.) Additionally, people with sensitive skin due to conditions, such as eczema, may find hard water to be irritating to their skin.5

The most pronounced and common negative effects of hard water are usually related to property. Many homeowners with hard water find themselves in the frustrating situation of finding their dish and laundry detergents ineffective in properly cleaning. Most soaps react with calcium, which has the effect of reducing their cleaning efficacy and leaving behind a filmy residue commonly referred to as “soap scum.” The other major issue with hard water is that it causes scaling, the buildup of calcium deposits, in pipes and machinery. Though relatively easy to remedy, scaling can lead to burst pipes and other damage to property if left untreated.

What Can I Do if I Have Hard Water?

As we’ve noted in previous articles, the first step you should take is to have your tap water lab tested to determine the severity of your hard water. We can help with that. Homeowners who get their water from wells should have their water tested at least once a year, as it is not regulated by any local municipalities.

If your water is extremely hard and you have been experiencing a decreased quality of life due to irritated skin and dishes that never seem to be clean, your best option is to have a water softener installed in your home.

That’s where we come in! Quality Water Inc. has extensive experience in treating hard water and providing our customers with effective water softeners that remove the excess calcium and magnesium carbonates as well as other trace minerals from your water supply. If you’ve been suffering from hard water, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and let our expertise get to work for you!

The Importance of Well Water Filtration

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:30:01 GMT

Well water is the perfect solution for many rural homeowners and people who wish to be self-sufficient in their consumption. Those who draw their water from natural aquifers and other groundwater sources are not beholden to local mandates or usage fees, and the independence that owning one’s own water source allows is extremely attractive to many people.

This independence isn’t without its own list of caveats. That’s the thing about owning your own water: You own both the asset and the liability that comes with it. Well water is completely unregulated in the United States, which means that it is neither treated nor tested like municipal water sources. Fortunately for folks who draw their own water from wells, the vast majority of these potential issues can be prevented with a proper water filtration system and regular testing. Let’s take a look at some of these issues that clearly demonstrate the importance of well water filtration.

Hard Water

What exactly is “hard water?” Put simply, water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved mineral content in a water supply; specifically calcium and magnesium. Though we typically associate the term “solvent” with toxic chemicals such as acetone and isopropyl alcohol, water is actually a powerful solvent itself, leaching out small amounts of minerals and holding them as a solution as it passes through the ground.

For reasons that are self-evident, well water is especially notorious for its hardness. Though not generally toxic to humans, hard water can wreak havoc on pipes in the form of scaling. After some time this scaling can lead to expensive burst pipes and cause sewer backups. Anyone who has dealt with hard water can also tell you how much of a nuisance it can be when washing dishes and clothes as it causes detergents to be drastically less effective.

Luckily, hard water is an issue that is easily treated with a water softening and filtration system.

Toxic Contamination

All of humanity’s innovation and incredible productive output comes at the cost of introducing innumerable contaminants into our aquifers.

Agriculture is one of the largest contributors to well water contamination. Animal waste can lead to toxic biological growths in wells as effluent from septic tanks and lagoons leach into groundwater causing gastrointestinal disease and other illnesses. Nitrates and nitrites found in fertilizers will eventually find their way into aquifers and can be fatal if consumed in high enough concentration.

Industry is another culprit. Leakage of heavy metals and organic compounds is common and over time can cause disease of multiple organs and cancer. Radioactive elements are released in mining operations such as fracking and coal extraction and are extremely harmful if consumed.

Residential communities also contribute to groundwater contamination through leaking oil storage tanks, lawn fertilizers, household chemicals, and sewer lines.

Even fluoride, which is added in minute quantities to municipal water supplies to prevent tooth decay, can be found in excessive quantities in well water, leading to fluorosis in humans and animals which causes severe damage to bones and teeth.

All of these different contaminants can very easily be present in well water, and it’s incumbent upon the property owners to rectify. Remember that well water is wholly unregulated, meaning that the local government is under no obligation to treat or test your water. If you do not have an adequate filtration system in place, you are risking the health of your family and your property.

Fortunately , Quality Water Inc. is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration and water softener systems that keep you and your family safe. If you are currently using well water or are thinking about switching, make sure to reach out to us so that we can make sure you are getting the best protection possible.

Why You Should Consider a Career in Household Water Treatment Services

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:55:01 GMT

It can feel incredibly daunting to start a new career, and even more overwhelming to figure out where to start. What job pays well? More importantly, what job will you enjoy? So many great jobs take years of expensive schooling or prior experience to even get a foot in the door, so it’s no wonder so many people find themselves at a loss. Luckily there’s an amazing option for folks who enjoy working with their hands, high advancement potential, and providing an invaluable service to their community: Household water treatment services.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider a career in this exciting industry.

A Rapidly Growing Industry

Market forecasts for household water treatment services are extremely promising. The global point of use water treatment systems market is projected to grow from $20.94 billion in 2022 to $36.54 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%1 meaning that this is an industry on an incredible upward trend.

Many Americans are coming to realize that point-of-entry water filtration is a necessity given the increased amount of water contamination prevalent in both municipal and well-sourced water.2

A growing industry means that increasing demand for at-home water treatment systems will create more high quality jobs. This in turn translates to an increased need for managerial, service, and logistics professionals.

Low Barrier to Entry

While many opt for a related associate degree, household water treatment systems jobs do not require any type of higher education or certification.3 It is a “learn on the job” type of career which means that you can start right out of high school. Considering that the median pay for a job in the water treatment services industry is up to $45,000 per year3 without the burden of college debt, it’s no wonder so many people choose a career in the industry!

A Lifesaving Technology

As previously mentioned, water contamination is becoming a major concern in the United States. The CDC reports that 1 in 44 Americans gets sick from waterborne disease resulting in over 6,600 deaths each year.5 This is a shocking number, and it is only expected to increase as the population becomes increasingly urbanized and concentrated in certain areas.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that not even municipalities can fully account for and correct the presence of harmful microbes in the water supply, which means that household water treatment is the safest option for most people.

A career in household water treatment services means that you are providing a service that saves lives and keeps people from becoming horribly ill. It’s a career that you can feel proud of because it serves the greater public good.

Gain Valuable Skills

Though the job may seem niche and highly specialized, the fact of the matter is that with a career in household water treatment services you will gain a wide variety of trade skills and knowledge that will only serve to benefit you in the long run. And here’s the kicker: You will get paid to learn them!

Working with household water treatment you will learn plumbing, electrical work, engineering, and gain incredible insight into the particularities of various regulations. These are all skills that you can parlay into another trade if your career takes you outside of household water treatment services.

If you’d like to learn more about a career in this exciting industry, please feel free to reach out to us here at Quality Water Inc. We’ve made supplying our customers with the safest drinking water a way of life and are always looking for driven and passionate individuals to join our ranks!

1 https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/point-of-use-water-treatment-systems-market-102814

2 https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/home-water-filtration-unit-market

3 https://www.raise.me/careers/production/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators/water-treatment-plant-and-system-operators/

4 https://watergrades.com/water-blog/f/top-10-reasons-to-get-a-job-in-the-water-treatment-industry

5 https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/surveillance/burden/findings.html