Drinking Water Contaminants

Nothing is more refreshing after a strenuous work-out than drinking water. Although water is probably the most beneficial beverage on the planet, it can also carry significant health risks for the unwary drinker.

What are drinking water contaminants?

Drinking water can contain millions of unexpected and unwanted particulates, compounds or even living organisms. The Safe Drinking Water Act defines the term “contaminant” as meaning any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water. Therefore, the law defines “contaminant” very broadly as being anything other than water molecules.

 

 

Common contaminants fall into a few basic categories:

biological

chemical

radiological

Let’s take a look at each type of contaminant and the problems they can cause.

Biological contaminants

Microorganisms

Cryptosporidium and giardia, the top two micro-organisms found in drinking water, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Legionella, the third most common micro-organism found in water, causes Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia.

Chemical Contaminants

Disinfectants

We add disinfectants to water to help control microbial development. The disinfectants  can cause eye and nose irritation, stomach discomfort and anemia.  Chlorine dioxide can cause anemia and nervous system effects in infants and young children.

Disinfection byproducts

Disinfecting water produces potentially harmful byproducts. Although the hazardous chemicals appear in small concentration, all of these byproducts have been linked to increased risk for cancer. Chlorite is associated with anemia and, in infants and small children, nervous system effects. TTHMS are associated with liver, central nervous system and kidney problems.

Inorganic chemicals

Inorganic chemicals are generally types of metals and come from a variety of sources including:

• erosion of natural deposits
• discharge from different types of refineries, industries, factories, mills, and mines
• run-off from waste batteries and paints, landfills and croplands, fertilizer usage
• corrosion of pipeline and water distribution systems including household plumbing
• leaking septic tanks and sewage
• leaching from ore-processing sites

Chemicals include antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, cyanide, fluoride, lead, mercury, nitrate, nitrite, selenium and thallium. The chemicals cause a host of problems including high blood pressure, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal damage, skin damage and increased risk of cancer.

Organic chemicals

Organic chemicals are compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and vinyl chlorides are just three of a long list of organic chemicals currently found in water supplies. A more complete list can be found on the EPA website. These chemicals pose a threat to almost every system of the human body including skin, nervous system, circulatory system, liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid glands, adrenal glands, reproductive system, eyes and stomach. In addition, they also put their victim at an increased risk for cancer.

Radiological

Radiological chemicals contain small degrees of radiation. They are produced by the decay of radioactive substances.

Radionuclides

The two most common radionuclides found in drinking water are radium and uranium. Both of these find their way into water sources through erosion of natural deposits. Prolonged ingestion of these contaminants can lead to kidney poisoning and increased risk of cancer.

Is your public system tap water safe?

Even public water supply systems are plagued with a variety of potentially harmful contaminants and micro-organisms. Although more regulated than private drinking water supplies from wells, public water systems frequently have outbreaks from contaminants.

Types of Contaminants

The CDC provides a list of the most common causes of outbreaks in the public water system.

Top 10 contaminants causing outbreaks in public water systems

Giardia
Legionella
Norovirus
Shigella
Campylobacter
Copper
Salmonella
Hepatitis A
Cryptosporidium
E. coli, excess fluoride(tie)

Sources
There can be many sources of contamination of our water systems. Here is a list of the most common sources of contaminants:

• Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (for example, arsenic, radon, uranium)
• Local land use practices (fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, concentrated animal feeding operations)
• Manufacturing processes
• Sewer overflows
• Malfunctioning wastewater treatment systems (for example, nearby septic systems)

Health concerns

The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immuno-compromised persons may be especially susceptible to illness. Many harmful contaminants are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA makes sure that water meets certain standards, so you can be sure that high levels of contaminants are not in your water.

Solutions

Whether your drinking water comes from a private well or a public water system it can be contaminated. But, there is good news. Scientists and other water specialists have developed a number of methods for treating water – from private and public sources. Be sure to look for the second installment in this series to learn about Basic Water Treatment.

Conclusion

Is your drinking water contaminated? You cannot tell just by looking at it. Let us help. Call Knoxville Water Treatment today and schedule your free water testing appointment.

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Well Water and Water Softeners

If you have well water, you’re not alone. Over 13 million Americans use private wells as their source of drinking water. Households that use private wells are responsible for the safety of their own water.

What is well water?

What does it mean to have well water in your home? Well water comes up straight from the ground directly into your home; essentially, it is not treated.

Problems with well water

Minerals

Untreated water has a higher abundance of minerals than treated tap water. All these minerals often affect the taste of your water. Although the minerals are safe for consumption, they can cause other problems in the home.

One such problem of hard water is that it keeps soap from dissolving properly. A telltale sign of this is that you feel a film on your body when you step out of the shower.

Soap buildup can also clog drains. A water softener can filter out those pesky minerals, keeping your body and drains soap free.

Contaminants

Contamination is also a common issue in well water. From microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses to dissolved solids, these contaminants can cause some serious health issues, such as gastrointestinal illness.

So how do we solve these problems?

Water softeners can help with the minerals in well water. Contaminated water, however, takes more intense intervention.

Water Softeners

Many people wonder if you use a water softener with well water, The answer is yes–yes you can. Water softeners help to filter out minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. Removal of these minerals turns your water from “hard” to “soft”. You’ll notice a big change in the look and feel of laundry and dishes. You’ll also be saving money on soaps and detergents, because soft water requires much less of each. Water softeners can even make your water taste better by filtering out the minerals.

Testing for contaminants

What about the microorganisms? First, test the water and see if it is contaminated with microorganisms. This simple test only costs $30, and results usually come in about a week or two after the water sampling.
You should test for microorganisms once a year, or when you repair any part of the plumbing system, move into a new home, drill a new well, or if members of your household have reoccurring gastrointestinal illness.

Treating for contaminants

Chlorine
If your well water does test positive for microorganisms, you should immediately disinfect the water with chlorine bleach. After shock chlorinating the water, wait one to two weeks in order to retest the well water for microorganisms.

Distillation
Another, perhaps even easier, way to make your well water safe for consumption is to distill it yourself. Essentially, this means boiling your well water before using it for cooking or drinking. Distilling the water is an easy way to make sure your well water is clean and safe for use. You do not have to distill the water for bathing, however.

Deal with the source
It is essential to find the source of the problem and eliminate it. Most problems with microorganisms are due to faulty maintenance and/or construction, which can be easily fixed. For example, you may have to:

• • replace a leaky well cap
  • divert surface water away from your well
  • move livestock and/or pets away from the well area

Conclusion

Overall, if you have well water, taking care of it is not as hard as you might think. Well water is easy to take care of, as long as you take some precautions.

Use a water softener with your well water to prevent hard water damage to your body and your pipes.

Test your water regularly for microorganisms and other contaminants. Know to shock chlorinate the water. Also, be sure to boil you well water before drinking or cooking with it.

Give us a call for all your well-water needs!

Whether you have a well or are thinking about putting in a well, Knoxville Water Treatment can help with all your questions and well-water needs. Give us a call today!

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Salt Bridge DIY Repair

Salt Bridge. Sounds like a magical structure in a fairy tale land, doesn’t it? But here in the REAL world it is a big problem for homeowners if left untreated.

What is a salt bridge?

A salt bridge is what happens when a crust-like structure forms in the brine tank of an ion exchange-based water softener system.

First of all, let’s review. This crust creates an empty space between the water and the salt in the brine tank. When this happens, salt cannot dissolve into the water in the brine tank. This means the water softener won’t make the brine needed to rinse out the resin in the water softener. Without brine, the resin beads can’t do what they are meant to do, which is soften water.

How do I know I have a salt bridge?

If the water softener is malfunctioning, there will be signs indicating this. Some thing to look out for would be how quickly the soap and/or detergent runs out. If the water softener has a salt bridge in the brine tank, its basically like the house is running on hard water again. The excess minerals in hard water drastically counter-act the way the household soaps and detergent perform. Another way to tell is by the appearance of clothes and dishes. If the dishes have a foggy or musty look to them, or the clothes are dingy and stiff, that means that the water softener is not working. Salt bridges prevent the water softener from regularly regenerating, which in turn halts all of the other functions.

What are some things that can cause salt bridges?

Thankfully, there are only a few reasons why there would be a salt bridge in the brine tank. The first reason might be because of the type of salt that was used. Make sure to purchase the right type of salt for the home’s water softener. Another reason might be because of high humidity levels. When the humidity level rises, the condensation in the brine tank affects the way the salt interacts with itself. Condensation causes the salt crystals to clump together, thus creating a salt bridge. The simplest reason though would be that too much salt was put into the tank and it can’t dissolve it all in a timely manner.

How to fix a salt bridge problem

Fortunately, this is an easy fix that shouldn’t require the help of professionals. First, make sure that the water is shut off to the water softener. The next thing to do would be to find either a broom or a mop with a sturdy handle. Gently use that handle to break the top of the crust of the salt bridge. After that, use some a plastic container like a bowl or Tupperware, to remove the salt pellets from the brine tank. Continue to break apart the salt bridge, careful to avoid scoring the walls of the tank, as this can cause more problems. Gently hammer away at Salt Bridge, staying away from the sides of the tank. Use the plastic object to remove the excess chunks of Salt Bridge from the tank. Then take a wet/dry vacuum and suck out all the remaining pieces of salt. Turn on the water supply to the water softener. Add new salt, being sure ft follow the instructions on how to refill the salt. It should be no more than 2/3 filled in the brine tank.

What comes next?

Salt bridge repair is a pretty easy DIY fix. We know DIY is not for everyone, though. Give us a call and we will get someone out right away to take care of the problem. Once you have your water softener up and running again, enjoy your water! If you notice a pattern of salt bridge formation, give us a call. We will be happy to provide a free exam and consultation for your system and help you figure out the best way to proceed.

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You might need a water softener if…

“Honey, where’s my white shirt? All these are gray.”

“Why do my dishes have grimy spots on them?”

“Ewwww! Are you sure these towels are clean?”

“Mom, why is my skin so itchy?”

“Wow! I just washed my hair and it looks so dull!”

If you’ve been experiencing any of these problems, there could be a connection. These could all be signs that you need a water softener system.

What is hard water and how does it affect me?

This is a common question. Most households in the USA run on hard water supplies, meaning their water has fairly concentrated amounts of magnesium and calcium. The excess amount of these minerals in your water can lead to pesky problems. What kind of problems? Glad you asked.

Hard water problems

Problems like spots on the dishes and faded color on laundry. Hard water also causes stiff, scratchy towels, itchy skin, and even dull hair. The excess minerals in the water even counteract the effectiveness of soaps. The result: more soap and detergent and shampoo required to clean. Unfortunately, more soap doesn’t effectively deal with the hard water problem which means you still end up with dirty, dingy-looking dishes, clothes, and people.

 

Plumbing damage

They also cause scaling–residual deposits of calcium and magnesium on your sink, tub, and toilet. Even your dishes look dingy and spotted when rinsed with hard water.

Ugly as it is, the scaling deposits you see are the least of your problems. The more troublesome and potentially costly issue is the damage they cause to your home’s plumbing. Excess magnesium and calcium can build up deposits inside the plumbing of your house and cause major problems if left untreated. As every homeowner knows, plumbing repairs don’t come cheap.

So, what is a Water Softener and how can it help?

A water softener is a device or system that removes the excess minerals (mostly magnesium and calcium) and other impurities from hard water  Having a water softening system in your home not only leaves your dishes looking spotless, but also dramatically extends the life of your plumbing, your boiler, your water heater tank, your dishwasher, your washing machine, and any other water-using appliances.

There are several types of water softeners on the market. The trick is finding which one will best suit your specific household needs. Although a basic ion exchange system is most common, a salt-free water softener might work better for someone who needs to cut down on sodium.  Other types of systems available include:  a magnetic/ anti-scale system or a reverse osmosis system.

Each individual water softening system brings something different to the table.

Why Invest in a Water Softening System

Think about it. You really can’t go wrong investing in a water softening system.

• No more dirty-looking, grimy-looking, splotchy dishes.
• No more faded, rough, itchy clothes.
• Certainly, no more irritated, dry skin or dull hair.
• Last, but definitely not the least beneficial– remember soft water also increases the life expectancy of your plumbing and water-using appliances.

OK. I’m sold. Now what?

As mentioned above, each water softening system works differently. Be sure to do the research before purchasing. You want to make sure your investment is right for you and your family. Remember, the variety of systems available means that there is a water softener for everyone’s needs. All it takes is a little time and research to find the perfect one.

 

How We Can Help

Don’t get discouraged if the perfect one isn’t found immediately. The water softener professionals here at Knoxville Water Treatment know just how to help you narrow down the choices and get the type and model of system that will meet your family’s unique needs. Not only can we help you find the right system, we’ll even install it for you.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today!

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Water Softeners: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Already have a water softener and love it, but wondering about how to care for it? Great!  Looking into investing in a water softening system for your home or office? Great! This article is just what you need! Read on to discover just a few pros and cons about water softeners.

The Good…

The biggest benefit of having a water softener is that it takes care of the pesky issues that hard water can bring into your life. When your house runs on hard water, it typically requires you to use more soap when doing laundry, washing dishes, and even washing yourself. It is also very taxing on your plumbing system as the excess minerals in the hard water will build up in the water tanks, the pipes, and even on your sinks, tub, and toilet bowl. Hard water also affects the way your dishes look and sometimes smell, due to the scale that builds up on your dishes. That’s why some of your dishes might have a foggy or cloudy look to them.

…but wait….there’s more….

A water softening system will also be able to fix the problem of having stinky, gross water. In addition to all these benefits, soft water will also help you take better care of your skin and hair. The harsh concentration of minerals in hard water, can drastically dry out your skin and hair, causing your hair to break off easier and your skin to be itchy. Water softeners often provide more cost efficiency, because less mineral buildup in the water tanks and pipes makes it easier for the water heater to properly meet your household‘s hot water needs.

Reading all the benefits of water softeners might make you think they’re the coolest thing since sliced bread. They are pretty amazing, but there are cons to water softeners as well.

The Bad…..

The two biggest cons of investing in a water softener are cost and maintenance. The initial cost for purchasing a water softener can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Most water softeners are salt based, so not only are you buying the unit, but you will also have to continually purchase salt for the water softener. The most popular types of systems also require regular maintenance.

 

…and…..the Ugly…

You must flush the brine tank regularly to make sure you don’t end up with a salt bridge, which prevents the system from working properly.

What’s even worse than a salt bridge? Salt mushing. No, that is not a made-up term. There is such a thing as salt mushing. That is what happens when the salt particles crystallize and make a salty sludge in the bottom of the brine tank. This sludge makes it impossible for the salt in the water to help regenerate the bottom of the brine tank and causes a blockage in your water system.

 

Another con to having a water softener is the sodium it can add to your diet. While it’s true that salt-based water, softeners are not the only kind available, they are by far the most commonly installed. If you or someone in your household has a sodium restrictive diet, this is not the water softener for you.

 

So, what’s next?

In our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons. Water softeners are the best way to go, in spite of the potential drawbacks. But how do you find the best system for your home? Glad you asked!

Whether you need help choosing a system or figuring out how to best care for the system you have, Knoxville Plumbing can help. We have experts in water softening systems who can help you decide what your best options are or if you even need a system. We can also help you learn how to care properly for the system you already have. We’re the go-to guys when it comes to water softening systems. Give us a call, today.

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Water Softeners Part 4: Types of Water Softener Systems

Water softeners.

Salt-based. AMT. Ion-exchange. RO.

Choosing a new water softener can be confusing. Don’t let the process tie you in knots!

The bottom line:  consider what would benefit your household the most. To help you get a handle on finding your new water softener system, we’ve put together a list of the most common water softeners and a brief explanation of their pros and cons. Happy reading!

Salt-Free Water Softeners

While it is commonly thought that salt-free water softeners remove hard water chemicals, that is not the case. This type of water softener changes the chemical composition of the magnesium and calcium in the water so that they won’t stick to surfaces. All that means is that you won’t have a residue buildup in pipes and lines, the walls of your hot water heater, and no “scales” on your dishes. The “salt-free” water softener doesn’t “soften” one’s water, but rather “conditions” it. This option is more of a filtration system than a water-softening system.

Magnetic/Anti-Scale Magnetic Treatment (AMT)

The AMT is less expensive than some other water softener options, including salt-based. It has an incredibly long-life expectancy of up to forty years. This would also be a great option for the household that needs to limit their daily sodium intake. While this option is considerably cheaper than its counterparts, unfortunately, it comes with a catch. An AMT doesn’t remove hard water chemicals, it just alters their composition, so they won’t leave as much “scale” effects on dishes. This option does not prevent buildup in water-using appliances where water stays for up to forty-eight hours, such as a hot water heater. There is also less scientific evidence that this method works efficiently and effectively.

Salt-Based/ Ion Exchange

This water softener option uses the process of Ion Exchange, which removes the hard water chemicals magnesium and calcium from the water. During this process, the hard water chemicals are attracted to a negatively charged polymer resin bed, which is what removes them from the water supply. Those chemicals are replaced by positively charged sodium ions when salt is used to clean the water softener and regenerate the resin bed so that it can continue to do its job effectively. This option is the exact definition of what a water softener is.

Reverse Osmosis

As with the salt-free water softener system, Reverse Osmosis (RO) is more of a filtration system than a water softening system. This option uses hydrostatic pressure across the membrane, which acts as a type of water filter. This process physically removes contaminates and hard water chemicals from the water supply itself. Below is a list of benefits for installing a reverse osmosis system:

Tasteless water– some water supplies have a foul taste to them and adding a RO system might help to alleviate this problem.

Tinted and/or Stinky Water– hard water minerals and even some impurities can cause a water supply to look murky and have an unpleasant smell. RO might help to fix this.

This option is also considered more environmentally friendly than others since it doesn’t use chemicals in its process. Some reports say that this process can remove up to ninety-eight percent of water imperfections. RO can be a tricky system to use. For example, some reports find that consumers only had five to fifteen percent of usable water returned. The rest just washed down the drain. You can read more about reverse osmosis water softeners here.

So, how do you decide?

Ultimately, it is up to you, but Knoxville Water Treatment is here to help. Our experts in water softening systems can meet with you and help you determine what is best for your household. We’ll help you assess past concerns and issues, identify your specific household needs and get the water softener system that’s just right for you and your family. Give us a call today!

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Water Softeners Part 3 Installation

                        problems caused by hard water

Time to install a water softener?

Scale build-up?

Bad taste & odor in water?

Stains on sinks, tubs, & laundry?

More scrubbing to get mineral deposits off faucets & shower heads?

If you’re experiencing any of these problems it’s time to get  your water tested.  A water softener system is the most cost-effective way to correct hard water hassles.

Once you’ve made the decision to install a water softener, you have some other choices to make.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS….

One choice will be the type of water softener you buy. Another will be how you will install the system. Many homeowners are comfortable with plumbing tasks and can do a DIY install. Others will want to enlist the services of a professional.

 

If you’re thinking about a DIY install, here are some pointers to get you started:

 

1. PERMITS

Be sure to check with your local building codes. Some locations require permits for installation of water softener units. They may also require emergency by-pass or shut-off valves. Local code requirements may affect your choice of system.

2. CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM

Once you have the permit issue clear, your next step is to choose which water softener system you want to install. A multitude of online water softener sites provide an overload of information. You can get better information and more personal answers from your local water treatment service. We’ll help you evaluate your needs and get the best system for you.

3. TOOLS

OK. You’ve gotten your permit and selected your system. Before you go to pick it up, or have it delivered, make sure you have the basic tools need to get the job done properly. Basic plumbing tools should be enough to get you started.

Pipe cutter      Pipe wrench      Torch & solder      Pipe fittings      Flex pipe tubing      Copper pipe           PVC solvent      Teflon tape      Elbow unit      Gloves and safety goggles     Pipe wrenches

4. CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

Permit? Check. System? Check. Tools? Check. Excellent! Now you need to find a place in your house where you will install the system you’ve chosen. Things to remember when selecting the location for your water softener include:

• Easy for you to access to install & maintain
• Access to electrical outlet
• Close to drainage (floor drain, standpipe, sump pump, or utility sink)
• Connection must be before water heater split
• Connection must allow softened water to water heater and inside faucets, but not to outside hose faucets

5. INSTALLATION PROPER

(Note: These are general installation steps. We like these DIY instructions for salt-based, reverse osmosis, and magnetic systems.)

Step 1: Shut off water to house.

Find the shut-off valve (usually in your basement) and close it. Now, open the lowest valve in your house water line to drain all water from the inside pipes. Once pipes are drained, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Cut the main line.

Use your pipe cutter to cut open the main water line where you’ve chosen to install your water softener.

Step 3: Connect by-pass or shut-off valve.

Follow manufacturer instructions to install the by-pass or shut-off valve. You should install this as a safety feature whether your local building codes require it or not.

Step 4: Tie in to water supply.

Use copper or flexible tubing and pipe fittings to connect water softener to main water supply.

Step 5: Set up drainage

Connect drain hosing to unit and clamp it in place. Feed the end of hose near where it will drain. Be sure to leave about a two-inch gap to prevent any backwash from contaminating the system.

Step 6: Connect brine tank (salt-based systems)

Connect the large backflow hose to the brine tank. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for details.

Step 7: Flush tank

Turn the valve into the bypass position and flush water through to clear any debris or sediment in the tanks.

Step 8: Add salt (salt-based system)

If you own a salt-based system, add salt to the brine tank following your manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9: Turn on the water

Start by turning on a cold water tap somewhere in the house. Next, turn on the main line valve slowly until it is fully open.

Step 10. Plug unit in and set up timer

Plug your unit securely into the outlet. Follow manufacturer instructions to set timer on your system. Timer settings include time of day, hardness level of your water, and details related to the rinse and regeneration cycles of your individual model.

THAT’S IT! Enjoy your new soft water!!!

Knoxville Water Treatment knows that installing a water softener system requires a lot of work. If you have questions during your DIY installation, or if you decide you’d like a professional to do the job, give us a call today. We’re stocked with top-of-the-line water softener systems and offer free water testing. Get in touch today!

 

 

 

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