Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbing and ventilation systems can be complicated. Here are some questions I have heard from past clients:
How do I eliminate problems with hard water?
We can solve hard water problems easily with our TWT Method. This method softens and removes hard scale build-up around plumbing fixtures, controls algae and bacteria, and resolves many other hard water problems.
How can I get better drinking water without buying those giant bottles of spring water?
Try our Self-Filling bottle! This system looks and dispenses like a traditional bottled water system, but taps into and purifies your building's water supply. No more bottles to lift, store, spill or count!
How can I improve the air that I breathe in my home or business?
For air conditioning systems we recommend the Air Probe Sanitizer, which stops mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses and odors at the source. To purify the air in any room up to 600 square feet, we suggest the Intelli-Pro Air Purifier, with a high-performance long-life HEPA filter.
How do I know if my drinking water is safe?
There are hundreds of contaminants for which your water can be tested, but still, not every contaminant can be found by testing. If you are on a public water system, check for consumer confidence reports on your water supply. We have listed links to some local reports and other resources on our site for your convenience.
My filter backwashes in the middle of the day, what causes this?
Most likely the time clock is not set correctly. Check your clock, and reset the time if necessary.
I have an automatic filter, and my water pressure is low, why is that?
Usually this is because the filter is not back-washing frequently enough. Try doing a manual backwash and then set the backwash frequency for a shorter time between backwashes.
My water pressure seems low, and I have a cartridge filter, what can I do about this?
This can happen when the filter cartridge is full and needs to be replaced. Replace the filter cartridge and put a quarter teaspoon of bleach into the filter sump. The bleach will kill any bacteria introduced when you change the filter. Wait 10 minutes before using the water. If there is a by-pass valve in the filter cartridge assemby, put it back into the service position.
I am getting a "rotten egg" smell, although I have a water treatment system. What causes this?
This smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide, and your system may not be designed to address this. Another possibility is bacteria growth in the system or in the filter cartridge. If you have a filter cartridge, change it and clean the sump with bleach, rinse, add a quarter teaspoon of bleach and put the new filter in.
I am experiencing blue - green staining with my water treatment system, what can I do about this?
Blue - green staining is often caused by copper from your plumbing system. You should use an automatic solution feed system to correct the problem.
I found out I have bacteria in my water, how can I resolve this problem?
We recommend an ultraviolet light disinfecting system, and one that has the correct safety features. Another option would be a solution feed chlorination system. You may also then need a filter to deal with iron or manganese in the water, as these chemicals can react with the chlorine to cause a color change.
What is causing the brown staining in my dishwasher and laundry?
Brown staining can be caused by manganese in the water, which is solved by installing a water softener.
I notice a thick crust on my shower head, which is hard to clean, what can I do about this?
A crust on your shower head is usually caused by calcium build up. Since calcium build up is caused by hardness in the water, the best solution is a water softener.
My hair and skin feel dry, and my scalp is often itchy after a shower. Is this due to a problem with my water?
Hard water can cause all of these problems and should be treated with a water softener.
I have cloudy water, and have tried everything, even a back-washing filter. What else can I do?
You may have colloidal material in your water, which can be removed using either a flocculation system or ultrafiltration.
I've heard a lot about Radon, could this chemical also be in my water?
You could have Radon in your water, especially if you have a well. If you are concerned, you should have your water tested.
What does a filtration or treatment system cost?
On average a whole house system can range between $1200 - $2900 when installed. The cost will depend partly upon what is being treated. However, a good treatment system will pay for itself. Some of the cost benefits include reducing energy bills by helping your water heater to run more efficiently, using less detergent to wash clothes, and being more gentle on your pipes, fixtures and water-using appliances. Drinking water produced by a filtration system is certainly less costly than buying bottled water.
Isn't bottled water better than tap water?
Just as tap water can vary by location, the content of bottled water varies by bottler. Some of the highest quality bottled water is produced by reverse osmosis (RO) filtration, which typically reduces impurities by 95 percent or more. Reverse osmosis technology is available for your home through our EcoWater Systems products.
Don't my tax dollars pay for my City or Town to treat my water?
Many municipalities treat water with chlorine to kill bacteria, and some soften water, usually in order to meet minimum federal requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets primary and secondary water regulations. In some cases, water will not meet those standards. And even if it does, it may still taste or smell bad or contain magnesium, calcium or other minerals or dissolved solids. An in-home water treatment system is often necessary to eliminate chlorine aftertaste and other common water problems.
What is the definition of treated water?
Treated water is hard water that's been softened. Minerals such as magnesium and calcium cause hard water.
What's so bad about hard water?
Hard water can produce a rock-like scale that builds up in pipes, dishwashers,water heaters, ice machines and other appliances. This scale can also reduce water flow and clog valves and vents to create maintenance problems and reduce service life. With hard water, you may see stains on your bathroom and kitchen fixtures as well as on your laundry. You may also notice a build-up on your dishes. Hard water may even cause long term damage to your pipes and appliances. You will probably experience less lather from your shampoo and soap, as well as a filmy feeling on your skin.
How is water softened?
Water is softened or conditioned by replacing hard ions such as magnesium and calcium with softer sodium or potassium ions.
How do I know what type of system I need?
The first step to improving your family's water is to identify your specific problem. Are there reddish-brown iron stains in your sink, shower or tub? Does your bathtub have a hard water ring? Does your water look dirty or cloudy? Does it smell sometimes? For these and other common problems, CMS can conduct in-home water tests and recommend the perfect solution.
