Does Water Treatment Add to the Value of My Home
Whether you are considering selling your home or just like to keep an eye on its current value, you may have contemplated making some improvements. While most people concentrate on repairs or expensive renovations, you may not necessarily be able to recoup these costs. For example, you could spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new kitchen, but it may not be the ideal kitchen for your potential buyer. One upgrade that is sure to make any potential buyer happy is installing a water treatment system. In addition to offering numerous health benefits, these types of systems can prevent damage to faucets, fixtures and virtually any other water using appliances.
Is it Really Needed?
Before you consider installing a water treatment system, you are likely to ask yourself if it is necessary. Domestic water treatment solutions are a good investment for removing bacteria and potentially harmful contaminants in the water. The best method to determine if a system is really needed is by checking your water quality. Fortunately, there are a number of informational resources to assist you. The EPA has online resources, and further information is available from your local authorities. Alternatively, you can have a water quality test performed at your home. Basic tests can check for the presence of a number of harmful contaminants and the water hardness. This is particularly important if your water comes from a private well, since the responsibility for ensuring that the drinking water is safe lies with the property owner.
Types of System and Cost:
In order to make an informed decision, it is important that you understand the differences and the various types of water treatment systems. The cost of the equipment will depend on several factors including the type, size and whether it is a whole house solution. Cheaper is not necessarily the most frugal choice; this is an investment in your property. Just like the quality of building or remodeling done, the quality of equipment purchased affects the value.
The main types of systems fall into one of four categories: carbon filters, UV systems, water softeners and reverse osmosis. Carbon filters are suited to taste or odor related water problems. This type of system uses carbon to absorb any contaminants onto an activated surface.
Ultraviolet systems provide an alternative to using chemicals for bacterial or parasitic water contamination. UV is a proven method of eliminating unwanted bacteria, but it cannot remove heavy metals and many other contaminants.
Water softeners are designed to correct hard water, which is a common issue in many areas across the country. Hard water can compromise the lifespan of water-using appliances, clog pipes with mineral deposits and damage fixtures. A water softener is typically installed at the water point of entry and can remove calcium and magnesium ions through ion exchange.
Reverse osmosis is considered to be one of the most effective methods of removing heavy metals and chlorine. The water passes through a semi-permeable membrane that removes particles based on their size and weight. Some reverse osmosis systems also include a series of filters to offer a more comprehensive water treatment.
About The Author, Terry Reeh, EcoWater Systems of Nebraska:
With more than 25 years experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Terry is a WQA (Water Quality Association) certified water specialist, LEVEL 3, as well as a WQA certified sales representative. EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is one of the biggest water treatment and water delivery businesses in the state and Terry currently sits on EcoWater Systems (a Berkshire Hathaway Company) national Peers committee, as a water treatment expert advising other water professionals with less experience on best trade and technology practices.