Water Softener - The 3 Biggest Problems of Using a Water Softener

A water softener is used to help eliminate ions such as calcium and magnesium found in tap water. These ions are beneficial to the body, but they can cause several household problems. Sediments often lead to formation of lime deposits that can clog pipes and shorten the life span of washing machines. Water filtration is often used to help go about this problem.

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A good water filtration system functions by effectively producing filtered water that does not cause any buildup which can damage installed pipes and washing machines. Water filtration often occurs through the application of a reverse osmosis system. The system system applies pressure in a chamber that is enclosed with a membrane that allows pure water to go through while holding in larger molecules of calcium and magnesium ions.

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As beneficial as water softening systems are to your pipes and washing machines, there are some problems that you may have to encounter. We will discuss these types of problems as we go along, and suggest some common and simple solutions that you can apply to help go around each issue.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #1: SALINITY

Water softening often involves the use of salt. It is used to help attain osmotic pressure in water filtration systems that operate through the action of reverse osmosis. Salt often goes with the filtered water that is produced in the water softener. This can create complications if you are in a salt restriction diet, suffering from heart conditions or hypertension.

One way around this is using two pipes: one that leads to the water softener, the other one leading straight to another faucet. This way, the water that goes through the bypass pipe will not contain sodium. This unfiltered water can be safely used for drinking and cooking without causing sodium imbalance in your body. If you or other members of the family have salt issues, it would be better not to install a whole house water filtration system so that you have the ability to choose the type of water you would want to use for a specific purpose.

Another solution is to use potassium chloride to replace the salt used in the system. Although the compound is as effective as sodium chloride, it is quite expensive in comparison. It is still a form of salt, but the effects would be minimal.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #2: INEFFECTIVE FILTRATION

Some occasionally find out that their water softener is not working properly. Bad water filtration can result from several issues. Before you call a professional, take some time to check your system to prevent unnecessary spending of money. One thing you should check is the tank. See if it has deposits that needs flushing. Also, check the salinity of your brine. Proper salt balance in a water softener is required in order for your filtration to be done properly. Different manufacturers require different salinity, which they often specify in the instructions manual. One last thing to check would be the regeneration frequency of your filter. There may be a need to increase the rate of regeneration in order for the water to be filtered effectively.

WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM #3: LOW BRINE FLOW

Brine flow is also a common issue with water filtration systems. If the brine flow of your system is unnatural, check several things before calling the manufacturer. First, flush out the brine line. Salt deposits may be clogging the line, impeding brine flow. Inspect the filter screen as well as the injector system for any problems and damages, and then replace them if necessary. Did you look at the pressure gauge for the brine line? Your water filtration system has a specific pressure that it needs to maintain for the brine to flow freely. You may have to check the manual as different companies have different pressure requirements.

Troubleshooting water softener problems is easy and can be done without having to contact a professional. Doing it manually is your best friend for maintaining your system. Although we may have given you solutions to your main problems, we still have to tackle those questions you want to ask regarding water filters. Understanding all the ins and outs of a water filter is essential if you are considering an investment in a water softener.

Water Softener - The 3 Biggest Problems of Using a Water Softener

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Ways to Detect Mold Problems

Mold and mildew problems occur rarely but you should be checked regularly since they can lead to possible health problems. Here are some simple steps for you to spot mold and mildew problems.
Inspect for odors. Musty / moldy be checked regularly odors in the vicinity of a leak is a sure sign of mold. Naturally, you're not supposed to be sniffing around for mold, or touching mold if you have or if there's a chance you may have a compromised immune system. Sniffing and such is a definite no-no if you or your family has a history of allergy, asthma, or any other conditions that would put you at risk of an adverse reaction resulting from any form of mold exposure.

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Inspect for odors near your AC ducts. Turn your AC off for a while and then do your inspection. The longer the AC is off, the better. Next turn your AC back on and leave your thermostat alone for a while, turning it on and off to more than one cycle in several minutes can damage your compressor. Immediately after, stand directly under the path of air flowing from a duct. You will surely smell the musty mold odors blowing in your face if your AC unit or your homes ductwork is contaminated with mold. Again, sniffing and such is a definite no-no if there's a chance you may have a compromised immune system.

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Check for mold on AC registers and coils. There's a high chance of mold problems in AC registers in humid places and coils in general. AC coils are made to form condensation when in the cooling mode after AC use; this feature aids the system to remove humidity from your air. Metal AC register grills become cold as air exiting your duct courses through them. The bottom sides of AC coils sometimes develop large amounts of velvety grey cladosporium mold or clear jelly like bacteria masses while the AC register form black cladosporium mold.

Check for spots in and near your basements and closets. Occasionally mold does not develop as the result of a leak in your home but may occur as the result of humidity problems especially in areas with poor circulation like basements, closets, and bathrooms. Left unchecked, this may spread in your home. Mold on bathroom drywalls are typically black cladosporium while mold inside closets are powdery and are white or green in color. You can spot these molds best on black or dark surface.

Check for spots on water damaged building materials. Small spots, smug marks, or a powdery residue in damp areas is a sure sign of mold. Many mold spots are black, brown, green, or white in color. They start as just a fleck, typically just a few millimeters across but will easily spread if not restrained. To make sure that the spot is indeed mold and not just a by-product of a bad paint job, rub it with a piece of damp cloth. Molds tend to rub off on cloth or smear and leave a streak mark on the surface.

To be certain, hire a professional mold inspector. They have tools (moisture meters, humidity meters, and borescopes) specifically designed for this purpose.

Ways to Detect Mold Problems

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