Today’s blog I  got the expert advise from Rhodes Pump Service in Guilford Connecticut. Together we will be explaining the difference between Hard and Soft water. We will also be sharing a guide on what causes  those pesky stains. With the help from Rhodes Pump Service, their expert advise is valuable information that  can help you get rid of the well problems.

What is Hard Water

It contains an appreciable quantity of dissolved mineral (like calcium and magnesium).Hardness in natural water supplies varies from 1 to 2 gpg (grains per gallon) to several hundred gpg in certain sections of the country.

Hardness is most efficiently removed from household water supplies by having a softener installed. In this process, the hardness is absorbed by an ion exchange material and a chemically equivalent amount of sodium is released into the water. When the supply of sodium in the exchanger is exhausted, it is restored by flushing a strong salt solution through the tank. After the salt and the hardness are rinsed down the drain with fresh water, the softener is ready for another softening cycle.

What is Soft Water

It is treated water that the only ion is sodium.

The major difference between hard and soft water can best be seen while doing household chores. Hard water is to blame for dingy looking clothes, dishes with spots and residue, and bathtubs with lots of film and soap scum. Hard water can take a toll on household appliances as well and use up more energy. The elements of hard water are to blame for all these negative factors, as soap is less effective due to its reaction to the magnesium and calcium. The lather is not as rich and bubbly.

Chore-doers will love using soft water, as tasks can actually be performed more efficiently with it. Soap will lather better and items will be left cleaner. Tubs, clothes and skin are left softer. In addition to time, this can also save money, as less soap and detergents will be used. Since appliances have to work less hard, soft water can also prolong the life of washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters. Energy bills are noticeably lower when in households with water softeners. In time of rising energy costs, this is something to think about.

What Can The Stains Tell You

We are only going to cover the most common well stains.

If you are experiencing staining in your plumbing fixtures; i.e toilets, sinks, showers, dishes, etc. You are having issues with your well water and the elevated levels of physical chemicals in your well water.

Even though you try to clean these stains up with cleaners, they will come back again within days sometimes. The only solution for peace of mind is to install water filters on your well system. 

For instance:

Hard Water Only: Chaulky staining on glasses, shower doors, problems encountered in furnaces and water heaters. If you have this problem, Rhodes recommends a backwashing softener filter system. 

Iron and Hard Water: A brown/orange staining in the plumbing fixtures. Clothes when washed come out dingy and orange colored. If you have this problem, Rhodes recommends a backwashing softener system.

Iron Only: A brown/orange staining in the plumbing fixtures. Clothes when washed come out dingy and orange colored. An iron filtration system which backwashes and can contain a variety of options for the media in the filter; i.e. birm, pyrolox.

In some respects, iron in a water supply is a worse problem than hardness, because such small amounts cause such severe staining. As little as 0.3 ppm (parts per million) can cause the familiar brown stains on sinks, dishes, fabrics, etc. Most water supplies have iron concentrations in the zero to10ppm range, but 20 to 30 ppm is common in some areas.

Iron may be present in water in either of two basic forms or, in some cases, a mixture of both. A water supply containing soluble iron ( Ferrous Bicarbonate) may be perfectly clear when it is drawn from a household tap, but after the water has been exposed to the air for several minutes, the well-known reddish brown sediment will appear. It is this insoluable form (Ferric Hydroxide) which causes the troublesome stains.

pH Acidic  Water: A greenish/blue staining in plumbing fixtures. An acid neutralizer backwashing system with Georgia marble calcite.

pH is the measurement of Hydrogen ion activity in the water supply. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, 7 being neutral. Any pH below 6.9 has corrosive tendencies and can deteriorate plumbing fixtures. A pH reading above 7.0 is basic and shows no corrosive tendency.

Manganese in Water: A black gritty compound. If this is the only problem then a backwashing filter with a birm or pyrolox media will remove the problem. A softener can be used as well and is advised if you have hard water.

Manganese in water is not as widespread as iron but creates severe black staining at 0.05 ppm. 

There are a phlethora of filters available on the market for removing even the biggest of problems. I would suggest starting with a complete potability test which does a thorough analysis of your water issues and then Rhodes Pump Services can advise the ultimate efficient system. 

Thank you for your help explaining water to us.

At Rhodes Pump Service we can solve your water issues.

Rhodes Pump Service

2351 Boston Post Road

Guilford, CT 06437

(203) 481-5666

www.rhodespump.com

” Have Your Water Tested”