How do I know if my water is safe to drink?
The municipal (city) water is heavily chlorinated so bacteria are not going to thrive. The municipal water treatment plants do a good job of bringing water to our homes that is free from short-term life threatening disease. The public is then faced with the responsibility of deciding what quality of water our family will consume, as long-term health effects may become a factor.
Clean Water America does offer bacteria testing for wells and any water situation that you may be concerned about. Please stop by one of our stores to pick up a bacteria-testing bottle. There is a small charge for this service.
Related Helpful Info Article: — What you dont know about chlorine could hurt you.
How do I get chlorine out of my drinking water and my household water?
See: — Drinking Water: To Filter or Purify?
What is the difference between a filter and a reverse osmosis?
See: — Drinking Water: To Filter or Purify?
What does a reverse osmosis system take out of the water?
See: — Impurities Removed by Reverse Osmosis
How often should my filters be changed on my reverse osmosis water purifier?
Filters should be changed every six months to a year on municipal water and every three to six months on a well water system. On city water, sometimes the filters need to be changed more often if there is a lot of home building going on in the area. Each time a new home is connected to the municipal water supply sediment, flocculants, and coagulants falls into the water lines and will be filtered down line in the home's water system. Pre-treatment of a well water supply system will dictate the lifespan of any pre-filter on a reverse osmosis system.
If I am a part time resident should I change my filters the same as a full time resident?
Yes, plus you should utilize a special silver impregnated carbon cartridge in the post filter position to help prevent bacteria from growing in the system while you are away. Silver is a bacteriostat and helps impede the growth of this unwanted organism.
How can I keep track of when to change my sink system filters or rebed my whole house carbon filter?
When you purchase equipment from Clean Water America we automatically send you a reminder postcard on your anniversary date to remind you to change the filters. Also a discount coupon is attached to save you money if you prefer Clean Water America to complete the service for you. Some filters and reverse osmosis systems incorporate a shut-off water meter to force the replacement of cartridges at a pre-selected gallonage. This system is most useful on homes that have full time occupancy.
Can I filter my refrigerator water and ice cubes only?
Yes, by installing an inexpensive inline filter cartridge behind the refrigerator. This involves pulling out the refrigerator each time you need to change the cartridge, but when taste and odor are a problem, it is well worth the protection. Most importantly, the bigger the filter, the more contact time the water has with the carbon, the better the filter.
Can a water purifier be connected to my icemaker on the refrigerator even though they are on opposite sides of the kitchen?
Almost always yes, because most of the time the refrigerator gets it water from under the kitchen sink. In the building process, before the floors were poured, the plumbing lines were laid out so that the refrigerator line originated from under the kitchen sink. However an island sink is an exception to this general rule, as most plumbers do not consider that a water filtration device may be added later so they do not prepare for it. If you are building a home simply ask your builder and plumber to make sure that the refrigerator line does connect to the kitchen sink plumbing especially if you are considering an island sink. This line should be non-metallic in construction.
If your refrigerator line does not get its water from the kitchen sink feed, then a line can be run to the refrigerator either over the kitchen ceiling or around through the cabinets. This will increase the installation time and consequently can increase the cost of installing a water system.
Do you have replacement filters for equipment that was not sold or installed by Clean Water America?
Yes, we have the largest inventory of filter cartridges in Southwest Florida. Bring your filter cartridges from the water system into one of our stores and our experts will match its replacement from our large inventory of filter cartridges.
Do you make service calls on water equipment that was not sold or installed by Clean Water America?
Yes, we service almost every brand of water system sold today. Call our service department at 239-489-4766 to verify your brand and set up a service call.
What type of water should I use in my fish aquarium?
Water purified by reverse osmosis is the safest water you can use for your aquariums. Visit either of our stores to fill your jugs with purified water for your aquarium or purchase a reverse osmosis system and fill your own aquarium directly from your water purification system.
Can chlorine in my bath water cause my skin to be itchy and my hair brittle?
Yes. Many people experience this type of skin reaction to chlorine in their bath water. A simple carbon filter shower filter will remove it as well as a whole house carbon filter, which would remove all the chlorine throughout the house. We also have systems that are chlorine free for you swimming pool.
How often should my whole house filter be rebedded?
Whole house carbon filter systems should be rebedded every 12-24 months for peak performance, if the unit is sized correctly following the Water Quality Association's guidelines
What is hard water and what can I do to fix it?
"Hard water" describes water that contains calcium and magnesium, which are hardness minerals. Rainwater begins as soft water, free of these minerals. As rainwater passes over and through the earth, flowing into lakes, rivers, streams and ground water, it absorbs the hardness minerals. While these minerals aren't harmful to your health, they do affect the properties of water and its effectiveness for washing and cleaning. Hard water can turn simple household tasks into hard work. Soaps and laundry detergents don't lather as well. There are spots left on glasses and dishes and the life of clothing is shortened and dulled in color. You will see the evidence of hard water on the bathroom tub and fixtures plus the life of all appliances is directly affected.
See: — What is hard water and what can I do to fix it.
What does soft water do for me?
All though cleaning is reduced tremendously, money is saved on cleaning supplies and time is saved as well. Less soap is required to wash clothes and dishes. Annoying soap scum, tub rings and toilet rings are gone and pipes and appliances require less maintenance and repair.
See: — What is hard water and what can I do to fix it.
If I am on a salt restricted diet does that mean I can't have a softener installed?
You can have a softener installed because there is a product made from highly refined potassium chloride, which is unlike salt that is used in the brine tank for backwash. Potassium is an essential nutrient in human health, and is found in foods. Fruits and vegetables are some of the major sources of potassium. This product is also better for the environment because potassium actually contributes to healthy plant life and reduces the amount of chlorides discharged into ground water. This product can be used in all water softeners and can be poured on top of the existing salt in the brine tank. Most water softeners will not require any adjustments.
Is there one piece of equipment that will remove both hard water and chlorine at the same time?
Yes, there is one single piece of equipment on display at Clean Water America that will remove both chlorine and hardness.
What equipment do you rent?
We rent softeners, whole house filters, reverse osmosis and pool filler filters. We will also install and provide complete maintenance and repair for all water equipment from the well to the house for 2 cents per gallon.
Can you remove rust from my sprinkler system?
Yes, we are specialists in removing stains from sprinkler systems by installing a unique rust control inhibitor. Come by one of our stores and learn more about these systems or call for more information.
How can I fill my pool when I only have well water to fill it from?
When a pool needs to be filled or refilled from a well water supply it can cause severe staining of the pool surface. The pool filler filters are connected directly to the well water and filter out all the minerals that cause the staining. The water that fills the pool is then crystal clear and the pool is ready for use.
How can I care for my water bottles and keep them sanitized?
See: — Caring for your water containers.