Last month I addressed water hardness and the difference in a dissolved and a suspended solid. Now that we know water hardness is a dissolved solid and generally cannot be removed by filtration, what can a whole house filter do for us?
An effective whole house filter should be effective at reducing sediment, pharmaceuticals, chlorine or chloramines, trace elements of heavy metals and odors. The ability to backwash itself is an absolute must. Beware of filters that advertise themselves as maintenance-free and use no electricity. The term ‘maintenance-free’ and the word ‘filter’ can never be used in the same sentence. Ever heard of a furnace filter that never needs cleaning or replacing? An effective Whole House Filter will backwash about every seven to 10 days. This accomplishes two very important things.
First, the sand, dirt and sediment are flushed out of the machine. These suspended solids can damage our water heaters and plumbing fixtures the same as dirt in engine oil can damage an automobile engine. Second, carbon tends to channel as water flows through it. The same principle as water will carve out a rut or furrow in an unpaved road, it will do the same in a carbon tank. Unless the carbon is rearranged periodically, a channel will form and only 20 to 25 percent of the surface area will be used. The other 75 to 80 percent will remain untouched. Contact time is another important factor. If water passes through a filter too quickly, the less contaminant will be removed. This is why it is important to size the machine according to the size of the home.
The type of carbon that is used, (yes, there is more than one type of carbon), can make a significant difference also. Especially in the Santa Clarita Valley. There is a somewhat unique property to our water here compared to the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. The average type of carbon may have a reasonable efficacy there, but not here. Why, do you ask? Well, I need to leave something unanswered to get you to call me. So please do, and I will share this bit of salient information with you. As always, I welcome your questions and remember my promise. If you allow me 20 minutes of your time, you will have enough information to make an informed decision with the type of water treatment you choose, with whichever company you choose to do business with.
Thank You and as always, Good Health To All.
Rayne Water Conditioning is located at 25114 Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia. For more information, please call Kirk Walker at 661-713-7762.