Benefits of Installing a Home Water Softener System
Benefits of Installing a Home Water Softener System
If you live in an area that has hard water there are many reasons to add a water softening system to your home. When water has a high content of minerals it is considered hard water. Most commonly this means that there will be high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Water which is free of minerals other than sodium is considered soft water. When a home has a water supply that is hard there are many negative consequences including soap or shampoo that does not lather well, clothes coming out of the laundry looking dingy, bathroom fixtures which are left with chalky rings, clean glasses that will still show spots and water using appliances like coffee makers suffering from shortened lives.
In some areas chemicals are added to water on a city or water district wide basis to soften water before it reaches household pipes. In an area where this is not done it is up to the homeowner to invest in a water softening system. There are a number of different types of waters softeners for home including reverse osmosis, ion exchanging, chemical, magnetic and electric water softening system installations. Some water softeners will increase sodium levels which is not healthy for some people with heart issues. It is therefore important to choose a water softening system that will best work on the particular water hardness in your areas as well as any special needs you might have.
There are many conflicting claims regarding water hardness and health. Some studies have shown that hard water lead to some cardiovascular illnesses in men. The World Health Organization says that there is no correlation between water hardness and adverse health effects, that these studies had inadequate data.
There is little argument on the positive effects that installing a water softening system will have on washing dishes and doing laundry. Hard water prevents the lathering in soaps and detergents. When water is softened the richer lathers returns, clothes rinse cleaner and the amount of expensive detergents used can be reduced. In dishwasher hard water leaves spotting and residue on glasses and dishes as they dry. The mineral residue that is found on bathtubs or shower walls also is left behind on skin and hair. When a water softening installation is completed hair will feel softer and skin cleaner that it had previously. There is an ecological benefit to be found in the reduction on water usage that follows a change to softer water as well as the reduction in detergents and soaps.
Appliances that use water such as coffee makers, water heaters or even tea kettles will have much longer life spans after there a water softening system is installed. Scaling which is a deposit of calcium and magnesium is left behind as water is heated in these appliances. Pipes can become clogged with this scaling as well which can cause reduced water flow and eventually may lead to pipes needing to be replaced. While there is an expense that must be paid to install a water softener there is tremendous savings that can be realized by not having to repair or replace these items.
Shareef enjoys writing about home improvement tips. For more information on installing water softening systems in Houston, visit Texas Power Plumbing's website: http://www.texaspowerplumbing.com.
Article from articlesbase.com
HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN
HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN
HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN
Â
89.3% of homes in the United States have issues with hard water, which refers to the dissolved mineral content of the water. Hard water can cause limescale, which is the left over mineral deposits in your water that build up in your pipes and appliances. Limescale build up contributes to the inefficiency of water-using appliances, which can significantly increase energy consumption. According to the US Department of Energy, as little as 1/32â of scale build up on a hot water heater or boiler can cause a 10% increase in energy usage. A 1/4â of build up can increase costs upwards of 40%.  Limescale build up can also cause hot water heaters, swimming pool pumps and other appliances to prematurely stop working. Limescale can also clog pipes reducing the flow of water and can leave unsightly deposits on faucets, tile, toilet bowls and tubs.
Â
Water hardness does depend on location, the source of the water and the waterâs exposure to sub-surface rocks and limestone. Wells and aquifers typically have the hardest water, although it is not unheard of for some public water supplies to have hard water as well. There are several options for determining water hardness, whether it be contacting your local water company or purchasing a simple to use water quality test kit, like the one sold by www.amiservices.us
Â
Treatments for addressing hard water are varied. Often, the solutions of choice are the use of filters, water softening agents or ion exchange units, which use sodium chloride or potassium chloride. These treatments require regular monitoring and are costly due to need for maintenance and the use of consumable parts. Additionally, these solutions should not be considered ecologically friendly due to concerns for the environmental impact from the use of chemicals and the discharge of brine water (sodium) into aquifers and accumulated waste in landfills from spent filters.Â
Â
Today, being ecologically sensitive and using green products has become of the utmost importance across the globe. Magnetic and electrical signal devices offer a far more environmentally friendly means of eliminating hard water deposits, as there is no salt or chemicals to affect the ground water or plant life. AMI Services offers two such solutions for addressing hard water through the use of magnetic devices and devices that emit electrical signals directly into the water system. The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 prevent limescale and reduce the damage associated with limescale, extending the life of standard home appliances and hot water systems by naturally softening the water through reduced surface tension. The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 work on all types and sizes of pipes and installation for both is simple and do not require a plumber. Both are reliable, efficient and maintenance free with no consumable parts. While both the Magnetizer and the HydroCare HC-38 reduce energy costs, it is the Magnetizer Hard Water Solution that is a truly âgreenâ product, as it requires no power to operate.   Â
Contact: Thomas O'Connor
AMI Services
888-484-6653
www.amiservices.us
Article from articlesbase.com
All About Water Softening System and The Most Popular Water Softener Products
All About Water Softening System and The Most Popular Water Softener Products
Have hard water around you residence? If anyone with sure, below are a few signs associated with hard water: blocked up bathtub heads, nutrient deposit around sinks and also toilets, nutrient stains with laundry, along with filmy remains on a pair of glasses after cleansing. So, what would you do to sort it out? You have to "soften" this water, as well as remove the particular minerals. You possibly can either achieve that at the particular point people, say the particular kitchen mess up, but this often makes probably the most sense in order to soften that water the way it enters your home, with a total house water softener method.
There are generally two basic varieties of water softening systems, the ones use sodium and these are thought to be salt-free. Nearly all manufacturers associated with softeners, including Morton, Waterboss along with Culligan, provide both kinds of systems. The very first type associated with system works by mixing salt considering the incoming water. The sodium reacts when using the minerals within the water plus the result is peeled off the water. No sodium water softener systems are more complicated around operation.
Water softeners are certainly not cheap, beginning at a few hundred cash, but for the long-term view, they may be worthwhile. The amount will it set you back to clear and maintain the different home appliances that could become blocked or discoloured by long term exposure in order to hard water. One option dress yourself in make the charge easier on bearing is to see combination water sift and softener program, since some great benefits of clean water to get drinking are less difficult to enjoy.
Popular Drinking water Softener Items
With lots of types and also brands connected with water softeners to select from, how really does a client decide what on earth is right for his or her needs? How may one evaluate water softeners along with find the one which will work the very best for these folks? When it pertains buying water softeners, becoming a educated consumer will be the best coverage. Explore various sorts and companies. Compare rates. Other areas to consider are which kind of environment that water softener are going to be set way up in, sizing, installation, construction with the unit, benefit, and water softener ranking which indicates the number of minerals that is removed ahead of the unit must be recharged.
Kinetico water softeners are generally favored for convenience; nevertheless, they are generally expensive when it comes to the unit's cost along with the price involving upkeep. They recharge depending on volume, eliminating the importance for the schedule. Kinetico water softeners will also be non-electric models.
Culligan companies residential consumers, offering order and rental selections for their water softeners. In addition , they offer a new salt sending service considering the purchase of your water softener. Culligan is definitely favored for the durability, but a few have problem with sodium refills in addition to strength of many of the components. Culligan can be considered to be good on removing iron from your water furnish.
Kenmore, and also being known due to the air filtration and also other household gadgets, offers a selection of water softeners, with the very basic into the heavy-duty products. The Kenmore systems as well offer extras such as the ability to be able to filter out and about larger debris and extra settings of which make your units extremely effective. Kenmore contends that the price tag on everyday family members upkeep may be cut with half if you use a water softener procedure.
General Energy, or GE, founded by means of none besides Thomas Edison, provides a diverse distinct products, as well as water softeners. The bosses is run for the principles, ""imagine, clear up, build, along with lead. "" GE presents water softeners compact enough to match a single-person household entirely up to your unit that will assist a family of four or maybe more people. The actual GE water softeners consist of a know-how called SmartSoft, which works via a low-capacity transformer just to save energy, limit salt damage, and measure water softening requirements.
There are usually numerous water softener vendors on the market who advertise both ionic change and permanent magnet water softening systems. To obtain the best water softeners can be a daunting endeavor, but a superb start could be to take a look at your community hardware keep. You can get details from people with you such because neighbors or even coworkers.
Please Check out my other useful post on water softener systems and water softener for your home.
Article from articlesbase.com
Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More
Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More
AQUARIUM WATER CONDITIONERS; their ingredients (where available), what chemical functions they perform and uses based on my opinions of each based on using these products in a professional capacity (27 years of aquarium maintenance and research)
STRESS COAT;
Stress Coat contains a special non-toxic polymer that is attracted to the skin of the fish forming a synthetic slime coat envelope. Stress Coat also contains sodium thiosulfate electrolytes such as sodium and sulfides which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. The Aloe Vera in STRESS COAT reduces inflammation of damaged fish tissue.
The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers found that Stress Coat helped heal wounds and speed tissue re-growth. Dr John Gratzek summarizes the results: "Personally, I am satisfied with the results since my initial thoughts were skeptical to say the least. These definite statements can be made without equivocation: Stress Coat in no way harms aquarium fish, alters pH, or affects the biological filter. No ammonia or nitrite was detected in the test aquariums. The results indicated that the Stress Coat formula reduced the wound size compared to untreated fish tissue." Aloe Vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, an essential component of many tissues and believed to help in the healing process.
USE; An effective water conditioner for the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines) and adding an aloe slime coat.
This is my favorite slime coat treatment for direct application to a fish that is wounded from transport or other reasons. I however have found it less effective for overall slime coat generation after a water change.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
AMMO-LOCK;
Ammo-lock contains sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate. Ammo-lock works in both fresh and saltwater, to detoxify ammonia and remove chlorine and chloramines. Locks up ammonia in a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank's natural biological filter and/or used by plants.
USE: For the removal of chorine and chloramines. This product is useful for the detoxification of ammonia, especially in new aquariums. I usually only use this product when the aquarium is new, ammonia (NH3) is high (please note, most ammonia test kits will still show ammonia present in the form of NH4 after using this product) or in areas where chloramines are used.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
START RIGHT;
Start Right contains allantoin (5-Ureidohydantion; Glyoxldiureide 2, 5 - Dioxo - 4 imidzolidinyle – urea) which is used in humans for the treatment of : skin ulcers, wound, scalds, burns and sunburns, carbuncles, acne and skin eruptions, fissures and abrasions, impetigo, eczema, psoriasis. This is a naturally occurring chemical even found in earthworms.
Start Right is a multi-beneficial water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine, neutralizes heavy metals, aids in cell regeneration and in the additional production of the fish’s natural slime coat, adds beneficial. It also contains chlorides of sodium and potassium, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. It is a complete water conditioner that stimulates the natural secretion of slime to protect fish from the harmful effects of handling, shipping, fish fighting and other forms of stress. Removes chlorine and chloramine instantly, neutralizes heavy metals, adds beneficial electrolytes and guards against secondary infection.
USE:
For the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines), adding of electrolytes for stress, and the natural generation a slime coat.
This is probably my favorite basic overall water conditioner for established aquariums (I use this the most), Start Right will not remove ammonia or interfere with plant growth by removing nitrogenous compounds needed by plants. This product is also very economical.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
SEACHEM PRIME;
Prime contains complexed hydrosulfite salts which removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime also converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form (ammonium) that is readily removed by the tank’s nitrifying bacteria. Prime may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels. The ingredients of Prime also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat and are non-acidic and will not impact pH.
USE:
For removal of chlorine, chloramines, and the de-toxifying of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. This product adds electrolytes that aid in natural slime coat generation and proper osmotic function. This is my favorite conditioner to use in newer aquariums, aquariums with high ammonia or for use in areas where chloramines are in tap water. One reason I like this product is that is does what it claims!
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
NOVAQUA;
The formula of NovAqua is proprietary, so not all ingredients are available. It is assumed that Novaqua contains sodium thiosulfate (a common Redox Reducer) and Edetates. Novaqua also contains phosphates for buffering to stabilize water after water changes (often when water is added from the tap it immediately picks up O2 and CO2 and is unstable in pH, this aspect of Novaqua helps here). The phosphate buffer system of Novaqua produces a 5 mg/L of phosphates in the aquarium as compared to the 30 mg/L shown in labs tests to grow algae. NovAqua also contains electrolytes; cations (Positively charged atoms or molecules) and anions (negatively charged atoms or molecules) that are required by freshwater fishes. Freshwater fishes remove these ions from water via the gills. The need by fish for these ions is increased during times of stress.
USE:
The original conditioner that adds a slime coat, adds electrolytes buffers water, and removes chlorines. NovAqua is useful for use water changes where buffering is needed do to pH drops after water changes. The level of phosphates used for buffering are not usually a problem for most aquariums, however if you already have high phosphates or algae problems I would avoid this product. Otherwise this is an excellent product when one desires a conditioner that adds a slime coat and buffers a well.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
AMQUEL;
The active ingredient in Amquel is hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, sodium and salt. Amquel converts ammonia to a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank's natural biological filter and/or used by plants. Amquel works by virtue of the hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the bacteria in biological filtration.
This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia from solution. Even in water of low pH (under 7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. This is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some "free" ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water. This is why AmQuel works faster at higher pH's and in saline waters.
USE: One of the first products for chloramine and ammonia removal. It is very effective in binding the ammonia (NH3) where that it stays non toxic even when nitrifying bacteria are not fully active. Although safe for saltwater, I have seen this product lower pH (although use with Novaqua counters this), for this reason it is not my first choice in this type of conditioner (Prime is my favorite as stated earlier).
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater (when not over used).
AMQUEL +;
Since this is a new product, the ingredients are proprietary and not yet disclosed.
AmQuel+ (also known as AmQuel Plus) is a recent chemical invention that has the ability to make the "Nitrogen Cycle" (involving ammonium/ammonia/nitrites/nitrates) totally nontoxic in aquarium and pond keeping, without interfering with its process in any way, and without interfering with the beneficial bacteria that are involved with the cycle. Further, AmQuel+ detoxifies/removes all of the toxic nitrogen compounds that can appear in aquarium and pond water over time.
USE: A new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). The claims by Kordon sound very promising, and this may turn out to be an excellent product for new aquariums in particular, although use in established aquariums seems unnecessary.
Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.
NOVAQUA +;
Novaqua + is a new product and again has proprietary ingredients that the company will not totally divulge. NovAqua+ claims to provide, in a single product, everything necessary to handle all of the needs when treating tap water for aquatic life (except for handling nitrogen compound removal such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). For the removal of toxic nitrogen compounds, Kordon recommends the use of AmQuel+
USE: Again a new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). If this product lives up to claims such as aiding in osmotic function as well as chlorine removal and heavy metal removal, this may be a very useful product as well. Due to claims of iodine removal, I would not recommend use in marine reef tanks (as many soft corals need iodine)
Ingredients are safe for freshwater.
CONCLUSION;
This is an incomplete list that I will add to in the full article (listed below)as time goes on and I will also update as new products and information becomes available (especially in relation to Kordons new Amquel + and NovAqua +)
Also it should be noted that most water conditioners of all types (basic, artificial slime coat replacer, and chloramine/ ammonia remover) have similar properties and ingredients and some of the outrageous claims I have read on the internet such as "Start Right is not safe for marine aquariums while Novaqua is" are without any scientific merit (if anything the phosphates in Novaqua can cause more problems than any ingredient in Start Right!
It is also important to note that without adequate filtration and circulation, water conditioners cannot work as well or solve these problems such as lack of oxygen. A good air pump such as the Million Air line of aquarium pumps or a good basic filter such as the Via Aqua VitaLife Power Filter are important as well.
For the full articles (with pictures and that is expanding), please follow this link:
Aquarium Water Conditioners
Water Softeners – 3 Critical Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Softener
Water Softeners - 3 Critical Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Softener
When considering which water softener to purchase there are some important factors to consider including some significant health issues. This is because water softeners actually use sodium to alter the water. As we all know, sodium is a major cause of increased blood pressure and other serious health problems.
Sodium is an essential mineral because it's necessary for fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. However, consuming too much salt (also known as sodium chloride) may lead to high blood pressure, a condition called hypertension.
How Do Water Softeners Work:
Water softeners or whole house water treatment systems use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals from a water supply before it enters the home. This involves passing the water through a tank filled with resin beads that are coated with ions of either sodium or potassium chloride.
In simple terms, the sodium or potassium ions in the water softener swap places with the calcium or magnesium ions (which are the hard minerals that cause hard water stains and limescale) in a domestic water supply.
What To Consider Before Purchase:
• Firstly, sodium chloride is usually less expensive than potassium chloride although the latter is better for the environment. This is because the system has to have the brine solution discharged to recharge the ions on the resin beads.
• If the potassium solution is discharged it has less impact on the environment and can actually be put on lawns as potassium is a key plant nutrient!
• Contrary to a common misconception, using sodium salt in your water softener will not adversely affect your plumbing. Most modern plumbing is made of PVC plastic and is not affected by increased levels of either sodium or potassium chloride. Sodium salt can, however, reduce the amount of maintenance required for your brine tank.
• For those concerned about the health issues of how much sodium is put into the water by a water softener, the answer is, it all depends. The harder your water supply the more sodium ions are needed to soften it. That said, studies indicate that even water softened with sodium chloride has a low concentration of sodium.
• The costs of water softeners are usually far outweighed by the benefits and cost savings obtained, through using softened water.
Your local health department can tell you the sodium and other mineral content of your community's water supply.
Options if Your Tap Water is High in Sodium:
• Consider switching to another type of water-purification system.
• Buy demineralized water for drinking and cooking.
• Softening only the hot water and using unsoftened cold water for drinking and cooking.
Ultimately the choice between sodium or potassium salts in your water softener is a personal one, depending on the presence of potential health issues with your water supply, cost, and environmental priorities.
Whichever one you decide on, the advantages of a water softener far outweigh the disadvantages. As well as all the above they can also be helpful in reducing cleaning time by preventing hard water stains and limescale forming around the home.
Patrick Henry BEng (Hons), is a recognised industry expert in removing hard water stains. With an honours degree in Chemical Engineering, he teaches people how to remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale using a step by step guide. He is author of the ebook "Hard Water Stain Removal Secrets Revealed". Complete information on his popular ebook is available from his web site. And while your there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE report at http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com.
Article from articlesbase.com
What can an electronic water descaler do for me?
What can an electronic water descaler do for me?
There are many benefits from having an electronic water descaler fitted in your home. This article provides reasons why it is something that all families should consider as an addition to their home safety plan.
So what is an electronic water descaler?
An electronic water descaler deals with limescale deposits caused by hard water, which effects approximately 60% of homes in the UK. Other methods such as magnetic descalers, and ion exchange softeners, can be expensive and ineffective in comparison.
The Benefits
Effectively reduce “scum” within baths and sinks. Softens water with using chemical. Low cost solution. Helps to maintain pipe-work within the house, including boilers, storage tanks, radiators, showers, washing machines. Easy to fit. No moving parts. Low level maintenance. Indicates internal or external system faults. Has no adverse effect on the the chemical composition of the water. Enjoy the benefits of softer water, e.g. kinder to skin. Avoids using environmentally damaging cleaning materials. Heating costs are reduced by avoiding the use of more fuel as flow is reduced by limescale.
How soon will I notice the benefits
As soon as it is installed the unit will begin to soften the water and prevent further build up of limescale from occurring. Deposits that have built up over many years take longer to eliminate, but will disappear as softer water passes through the pipes. It can take months to eliminate limescale deposits, but when you consider some of these have taken decades to build up, it is a relatively quick process.
For more information about electronic water descalers visit Electrostore Online. You will also find information about conservatory vent controllers, blanket weed controllers, and PH soil meters.
Prevent damage to your washing machine or dishwasher by installing magnetic water descaler. It really works: the magnetic fiels prevents lime-scale accumulation on the heating element. Did you know that 1.5 mm of lime scale increase your energy consumption in 15%? Use magnetic water descaler, and you will save money.
Video Rating: 0 / 5