Let’s dive into the popular internet search topic “How do you filter hard water at home?”
In this post, we dive into hard water at home and the solutions out there.
Hard water, containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can be a nuisance in many households, especially in Tampa, Clearwater, St Pete and the rest of central Florida. And to make sure we are being clear; these are not the same as minerals you get at the health food or grocery. These are in the form of indigestible crushed rock.
Not only does hard water leave unsightly stains on fixtures and surfaces, but it can also affect the performance and lifespan of appliances.
Let’s look at some of the popular solutions out there.
Boiling
The oldest and simplest method to reduce temporary hardness caused by calcium and magnesium carbonate is boiling. By subjecting hard water to heat, the minerals precipitate and settle at the bottom of the container. The clearer water can then be poured off carefully, leaving behind the sediment. While this is better than nothing, it won’t eliminate all mineral content and it does nothing for your home’s pipes, just the water you are boiling. Also, while this sounds fast at first, boiling all household water used for cooking and drinking would be too time consuming.
Water Filters
Certain water filters, such as activated carbon filters, are primarily designed to improve taste and odor by reducing impurities like chlorine. They can be in filter containers or in your refrigerator. These are sold at any grocery store as well as major retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon.
While they are not specifically designed to remove hardness-causing minerals, they can provide a modest reduction in mineral content. Activated carbon filters are commonly used in pitcher or faucet-mounted systems and can be an affordable solution for addressing some of the effects of hard water.
This method requires more frequent filter replacements compared to other methods due to the bacteria growth caused by the carbon filters.
Water Softeners
A water softener is more effective in treating hard water. This invention over 100 years ago transformed standard of living in homes where hard water was a problem. These systems employ an ion exchange process, replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Installed at the point of entry, water softeners require professional installation and regular maintenance.
Water softeners are a more long-term solution for hard water — prolonging the lifespan of appliances and preventing scale buildup.
Water Conditioners
A water conditioner employs an ion exchange process to achieve water softening. They consist of a tank filled with resin beads that are infused with sodium ions. When hard water flows through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions present in the water are attracted to and captured by the resin beads, effectively replacing the sodium ions. This process results in the production of softened water that is free from the negative consequences associated with high mineral content.
In addition to their softening capabilities, water conditioners incorporate a carbon filter to diminish the levels of chlorine and lead in the water, thereby enhancing its suitability for consumption.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
A Reverse osmosis system is often smaller in scale and go under a specific sink/faucet. This type of system removes a wide range of impurities, including minerals that cause hardness. These systems utilize a semipermeable membrane to separate contaminants from the water. RO systems can be installed under the sink or as a whole-house solution, but they tend to be more expensive than other options. While highly effective, they also generate wastewater during the filtration process. However, they provide purified, softened water that is suitable for various household uses, including drinking and cooking.
Whole Home Water Systems
These would be any system that addresses hard water for the entire household. While these can be more advanced than water conditioners, though some companies use this term for a water conditioner.
The Purity Bay 10-stage whole home water system provides more than 40 benefits, spanning environmental benefits, improved health outcomes, and economic advantages. Using top quality components, the system addresses hard water and provides filtration without the bacteria created by other water filters.
Our commitment is to deliver the finest home water systems available on the market. This way you and your family to enjoy the highest quality water in your everyday life.
Finding the Right System
Getting the right system includes testing your water to understand what’s in it. Keep in mind that softeners and water conditioners are designed to tackle hard water issues. These systems do not remove all the contaminants to ensure the water is ideal for drinking.
Purity Bay specializes in a wide range of home water solutions. This includes water softeners, reverse-osmosis systems, whole home water filtration systems and anything in between. Whether you need help selecting a water system or servicing an existing system, our experienced teams can help you out!
