Let’s face it, investing in a water filtration and softener system for your home can be an expensive proposition. People are interested in securing better water quality for their homes, and when the filters don’t work as intended, it can be annoying. A good water filter will improve the aesthetic qualities of water and remove harmful contaminants too. But, what if the source of the water quality issues was the water filter itself? In this article, we will explore this topic in more detail and offer some solutions.
1. A Dirty Filter
This is by far the most common cause of filtered water that has degraded in quality. A water filter works hard; it’s designed to remove contaminants that are present in the water that comes into our homes. This could include bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, pharmaceutical byproducts, and many more. So, it’s important to keep the filter working at optimal efficiency, or the capability to remove certain contaminants is lost. There are many types of water filtration systems on the market, and they all have specific requirements when it comes to filter cleaning and/or replacements. Some filters can be cleaned and reused, and others must be replaced on a set date after they were installed. Make a note of these dates, keep a reminder and adhere to them to ensure that the water filtration properties are maintained.
2. Mold Growth
The growth of mold is an ever present threat in any system that comes into contact with moisture and water. Water filters are warm and moist locations that are an ideal breeding ground for mold and the production of mold spores. The mold usually develops inside water filters that have not been in regular use for a while. Mold growth can also occur if the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and replacement are not followed. Many people have an allergic reaction when they are exposed to mold spores in drinking water. So, cleaning or replacing a compromised water filter should be a priority.
3. Clogging Issues
The water that comes into our homes may contain sediments that can build up inside the filter and clog the filter pores. This will increase the water pressure inside the plumbing pipes and connected fixtures because the incoming water has nowhere to go. If the water pressure becomes too high, this could even cause a burst pipe and localized flooding. Another potential problem is the formation of bacterial plaque inside the filter, and this is a common problem in ionic water filters. The best way to deal with this problem is to remove the sediment before it can degrade the performance of other water filtration and softener systems. Installing a prefilter to remove the sediment is a good investment. Chemical treatments can get rid of any existing sediment buildup in the filter and aerator. This is often followed by filter disinfection, and ionic water filtration systems may require replacement.
If you’re concerned about your water quality, contact your local water treatment specialist today.
By EcoWater Systems.
EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is the largest water treatment company in the state and is a member of Water Quality Association.