So Long Hard Water! Water Softeners for Homes and Businesses in Edmonton

If there are brown or reddish stains in your sink and your skin has become dry and itchy, you might have a problem with hard water. Fortunately, Modern Air & Water sells and installs water softener systems that can help resolve these issues while also extending the lifespan of your water heater, plumbing and clothes. We also offer reliable maintenance and repair services for all brands of water softeners, as well as water filtration systems. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a service call in the Edmonton area.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

Water hardness is determined by the amount of calcium, magnesium and other minerals in your water. Over time, these minerals can harden into deposits that buildup in your pipes, faucets and appliances. By installing a water softener, you can lower the concentration of these minerals before the water flows through your plumbing.

In a water softener system, hard water flows through a filter filled with negatively charged resin beads. Since calcium and magnesium are positively charged molecules, they stick to the beads and remain trapped in the system, allowing soft water to flow out. Salt water is then used to flush the system, removing the calcium and magnesium molecules so the beads can be used again.

Signs Your Have Hard Water

It’s impossible to tell the difference between hard and soft water simply by looking at it. However, hard water can cause several problems that are easy to detect. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Brown or reddish stains in your sink
• Soap scum buildup in sinks and bathtubs
• White scaling on faucets
• White spots on dishes and glassware after being washed
• Low water pressure and frequently clogged pipes
• Dingy clothes that wear out quickly
• Itchy, irritated skin and dry hair

Additionally, hard water can cause your washing machine and dishwasher to wear out prematurely, so take note if these appliances seem to need frequent repairs.

What is a Water Filtration System?

Water filtration systems use different types of filters, screens, membranes and other advanced technology to remove unwanted tastes, odours and pollutants from water. The main purpose of a filtration system is to provide clean and safe drinking water. There are various types of water filters available, each with its own benefits. Here’s an overview of three common types of filters used in water filtration systems.

●       Activated carbon is one of the most common types of water filters on the market. It uses activated carbon granules to attract and absorb sediment and silt through an absorption process. Activated charcoal filters effectively remove sediment, chlorine and volatile organic compounds from water. However, they’re not as effective at removing salts, minerals and dissolved inorganic compounds.

●       Ultraviolet light (UV) water filtration systems use high-frequency light to kill potentially harmful bacteria, viruses and cysts in water. The UV wavelength damages the DNA of the living organisms, effectively preventing them from reproducing and making you sick. However, UV systems don’t remove particles or sediments.

●       Mesh filters trap and remove suspended solids, such as dirt, clay, sand and rust particles from water. Mesh filters also remove turbidity from water, which is what causes it to turn yellow, orange or brown. However, they don’t remove chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria or dissolved particulate matter.

Each filtration method has limitations on what types of contaminants it can remove. Therefore, most water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis systems, use a combination of methods to achieve a specific level of water purity. The Edmonton HVAC professionals at Modern Air & Water can help you choose a customized water filtration solution to improve the taste, odour, look, feel and quality of the water coming from your faucets.

What’s Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective water filtration systems available on the market. It removes foreign contaminants and minerals from water by forcing them through a specialized membrane. The most common type of RO filtration system is installed under a sink to provide top-quality drinking water. It can also be connected to a fridge or ice maker.

Although reverse osmosis systems vary depending on the brand and design, they generally perform the following three functions:

1. Pre-filtration. A high-pressure pump propels water through a series of filters that catch sediment and mineral deposits before the water flows into the reverse osmosis chamber.
2. Reverse osmosis. Once in the reverse osmosis chamber, the water is pushed through a semipermeable membrane to filter out microscopic particles and contaminants.
3. Storage. After completing the reverse osmosis process, the treated water is stored in a small tank until it’s ready to be used.

Reverse osmosis filtration improves the taste, odour, appearance and safety of drinking water by removing contaminants and impurities ranging from 0.005 to 0.0001 micron in size. This includes things like nitrates, lead, pesticides, sulfates, fluoride, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, arsenic and much more.

Furthermore, reverse osmosis systems have very few moving or replaceable parts, making them easy to clean and service. Therefore, if you want to take your water filtration system to the next level, look no further than a reverse osmosis system. At Modern Air & Water, we carry a variety of reverse osmosis systems for you to choose from. Contact us today to learn more.