Smelly Dirty Water

Smelly Dirty Water

I have spent the past few months really digging in and getting to know the water industry and I have to say there is a lot to know. I have talked with people who have had such a bad smell in their water that they can’t even shower in their own home and others who have to clean their showers and sinks daily because of iron staining. I can say for sure that these people don’t take their water for granted. It has been a real treat to be able to go in and solve their problems, I kinda feel like a hero who happens to be in sales.

Not everybody has issues with smelly or iron staining water but could your water be better?

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If you have any questions about how to make your water better…let me know I’d love to help!!

Mike Middleton

306-570-1541

mike.middleton@me.com

Salt Free Water Softener: Good Or Bad?

 

It’s true, having soft water in a household benefits the user in many ways, but what is the right softener for your needs?

What is the idea behind salt free systems?

After having been asked about salt free systems a number of times I thought it would be best to find out more about them. In doing a bit of digging on the Internet it didn’t take me long at all to find the controversy about them. What I have seen is that the key points against salt free systems would be: you can’t soften water without an Ion exchange and to soften water you need to remove the calcium and magnesium. Most suppliers of conventional systems are calling them water conditioners not softeners.

Almost all of these salt free systems claim to electronically change the molecular structure of the calcium/magnesium in the water reducing the negative effects of hard water. Some other systems that are available act as a central filter, similar to a conventional softener, but do not require salt.

What does a water hardness test read after a test?

How costly are the filters and will they work for you?

I have not personally tested any or all of the different salt free softeners and do not have first hand experience with these systems but I can tell you that Nimbus Water has purchased and tested a number of these systems and choose not to sell them because they don’t work. I have always followed a simple rule and that is ” if it sounds to good to be true it probably is”. I believe this to be the case when it comes to a “Salt Free” water softener. Conventional systems are time tested and true to work, I’m not against technology that makes life simpler for people but nobody has ever doubted the performance of a conventional system… I have a water softener that uses salt, I know it works and am thrilled with its results. I know my choice but would love to hear yours. If you have had any experience, good or bad, with a salt free system please leave a comment I would love to discuss further!

Warning: Neglecting your water softener will cost you money.

I have observed a common trend in my time as a water professional, and I am embarrassed to say in the past I have been guilty of this myself. Many people have water softeners in their home but for whatever reason don’t add any salt. Well I hope these 4 facts will give some insight into why to stop neglecting one of the most valuable appliances in your home.

Fact # 1 – Scale build up caused by dissolved rock ( hardness ) in your water heater will compromise it’s performance and efficiency – 1/8″ of scale build up on the walls and bottom of your water heater can reduce it’s efficiency by 33%.

Fact # 2 – Laundry and dish washing detergent usage increases greatly with hard water. ( See attached photo for proof )

Fact # 3 – Scale build up in pipes can cause major damage to your plumbing resulting in costly repairs. ( See photo in my last post for proof )

Fact # 4 – Similar to fact 2 hard water stains on sinks, tubs, shower heads and taps create a need for more household chemicals.

Maintaining your water softener by adding salt is well worth the cost, time and energy and benefits your household greatly!

 

What’s in your Water?

I am now in a full swing of promoting myself as a water solutions specialist and booking water tests to help my charity. So far the outcome has been great I am well on my way to my goal of $300. I hope to be able to really pass that target and truly have an impact for someone who is in real need. (refer to mycharitywater.org in the recent post column on the left for more information). I have been asked quite a few times now…What is determined at a water test? Well…… (Honestly…nobody has asked me that but I plan to answer the question anyways!) In my picture to the left you will see I have laid out a brief description of four tests I will do. These are basic tests but if there is a reason to check for other things such as tannins or manganese,  reasons like discoloration in the water, unusual odor, or bad taste I will check for them as well! If you are in the city of Regina or Moose Jaw some testing is unnecessary but seeing the results is really a must. Testing your water takes no time at all, and it is really important to know that you will not feel pressured at all to purchase. I believe that the tests and the product I represent speaks loudly enough for themselves. NOTE: If you book an IN HOME water test I will come to you, no matter where you are in Southern Saskatchewan. Thank you for reading!

Michael Middleton