Hard Water Archives - Ising's Culligan

Why You Should Test Your Well Water Regularly

The safety of your home’s water is one of the most important things you should concern yourself with. The quality of your water can directly tie into the health of your family as you continue to drink water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other household uses.

As a result, it becomes essential to test the quality of your home’s water even if you don’t see, feel, or taste something wrong with it, especially if your home has a well water system.

Common Issues with Well Water Systems

Private wells source water from groundwater, which means that as precipitation passes through the soil, rocks and minerals can accumulate as well and contaminate the water. Additionally, substances can enter the watery supply through the pipes and plumbing too,

This can change the way the water tastes, smells, or even how it looks. It can also make the water time, which over time can cause a lot of damage to the plumbing fixtures, leave spots on dishes or clothes, and even make your skin or hair dryer.

But, these are all things that you can notice sooner or later. There are a variety of other important issues that will only become clear through testing:

Volatile organic compounds
pH levels
Lead
Arsenic
Nitrates, etc.

It’s a good idea to test the water if you notice any changes, or if you’ve made repairs or changes to the plumbing system.

How Can You Test Your Well Water?

There are several easy in-home water testing solutions, but the best way to approach the process is through a dedicated professional who will also know what to look for. Water testing requires a laboratory analysis of the sample to determine whether the water is contaminated, as well as the extent of the contamination.

Based on the results, you might need to make certain changes to your home water system in order to restore the quality of your water and prevent it from getting contaminated again down the line. If you need help in this department, we at Ising’s Culligan of Stockton offer a free in-home water test which is performed by a licensed Culligan water expert.

Get in Touch Today

Ising’s Culligan of Stockton does far more than water testing. We can help you make the best choices to improve your home’s water systems.

To find out more, use this online contact form or call us directly at 209-690-0007.

What Are the Alternatives to a Water Softening System?

Dealing with hard water is not only a nuisance, but it can make you lose money and deteriorates your property and your own health over time.

Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as limestone, chalk, or gypsum, which lead to build-ups inside the pipes, staining of your bathroom and kitchen fixtures, deterioration of your appliances, shorter lifespan of your clothes, deposits on your dishes, and a poor health of your skin and hair.

What Is Water Softening?

Since hard water causes so many problems, many homeowners and businesses are looking for ways to soften or condition the water in their water system.

One of the most commonly used methods for water softening is ion-exchange, in which calcium and magnesium particles are replaced by sodium and potassium. We will discuss more about this method below.

There are alternatives to this method, which are used more and more in modern days to promote more sustainable water softening solutions.

What Are Salt-Free Water Softening Solutions?

Culligan’s salt-free water conditioner system helps reduce limescale buildup in your kitchen and bathroom. However, it does not remove the minerals found in hard water. Our system uses an anti-scaling resin to alter the chemical structure of the minerals, which can make it easier to clean buildup from your faucets and drains. You can also pair our salt-free water softener with a pre-carbon filter to help reduce foul odors and chlorine, so you have water that tastes, smells, and feels better.

Culligan Water’s salt-free conditioner is an affordable alternative to complete water softening systems, and can still benefit you and your home in several ways:

Improve the feel of your water.

Reduce time spent cleaning your kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Help maintain the efficiency of your water using appliances.

Reducing wear and tear on your plumbing and fixtures, thus saving money in repair and replacement costs.

What are the Benefits of the Portable Water Softener Exchange Service?

If you still want a full water softening system, but live in a brine-restricted area, our portable exchange service might be the right fit for you. Our Culligan water experts will handle the installation and maintenance while delivering a water softener tank right to your front door on a regular schedule. It’s the ultimate convenience for you, while giving you the soft water you deserve that complies with salt and brine restrictions.

Every family deserves softer, better tasting water. Whether you choose to install a traditional water softener, salt-free conditioner, or sign up for our portable exchange service, each option offers a cost-effect, environmentally friendly solution for your family.

To learn more about our salt-free system for softening and conditioning your water, give us a call at 209-466-2501 or contact our water experts online.

Do You Need A Water Softener With Reverse Osmosis?

If you’re trying to decide on a system that can soften your hard water, you may be considering a water softening system that works to remove the hardness and leave you with clean, soft water. But in your research, the term “reserve osmosis” also likely popped up.

What is reverse osmosis? Do you need it in your water softener or not? Find out the answer in this article.

The Difference Between Water Softening and Reserve Osmosis

Water softeners use ionization to replace magnesium and calcium ions from hard water with sodium or salt ions. This is why many of these systems require users to add salt or sodium a few times of year to ensure the water goes through this process.

Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, filters the water by removing various contaminants and minerals through a filter. These impurities can include fluoride, detergents, salt, lead, sulfates, and others. Some impurities may just cause the water to taste strange, while others can make it downright undrinkable!

Water softeners can lead to:

Better tasting water
Softer laundry
Spotless dishes
Fewer clogs
Less water waste

Reserve osmosis, on the other hand, gives:

Chemical-free water
Tasteless water
No odors or colors that could be caused by rusted or old pipes

These systems essentially serve different purposes in a household. A water softener ensures the water supply in a household is stripped from harsh elements that could affect how people use it, while the reverse osmosis systems essentially give safer water to drink and use.

Should You Get a 2 in 1 System?

Combining a water softener system with reverse osmosis is a great option for many households, as it gives you softer water that is cleared of any chemical impurities.

Systems that combine the two principles may even work longer, as the reserve osmosis filters are rather fragile. So if you opt for reserved osmosis exclusively, but your house is dealing with harsh water, the calcium and magnesium levels in the water may end up damaging the filter sooner than you might expect.

If you’re not sure which type of water system your house needs, we at Culligan of Stockton can assist you to make the right choices, whether it’s a water softener, reserve osmosis, or a combination of the two.

Reach out to our office online or call us directly at 209-466-2501 to find out more about how we can help.

How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Water Stains In The Shower?

It has happened to all of us, there you are singing the 80s like a boss, rocking the towel after just stepping out of the shower, and then you see it. Those hard water stains with the residual white film dancing across the shower tile mocking you. Suddenly, you aren’t as clean as you thought you were, and your next job is to roll up your sleeves and get rid of the water stains.

Hard water stains are left by the minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, that your water interacts with on the way to your shower head. Signs of hard water are:

Spots on dishes
Brown/red stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets
Soapy film in the shower

It is possible to remove the stains with a solution of:

Half water
Half Vinegar
Spray on the tile, wait a few minutes
Wipe it down with a damp, warm cloth

But if you think about it, you are cleaning the hard water stains with the hard water, which is not a permanent solution, and the stains will return. At this point, you may want to look at softening your water, which is the root of the problem.

Get A Water Test

To properly arm yourself for battle, you need to know what you are dealing with. The way to do that is by first getting a water test done. Most water tests can be done free of charge or at a minimal cost.

There are even online quizzes to help you find out what the problem may be and a few suggested solutions. Once you know what the problem is, you can find the proper solution to getting rid of those hard water stains for good. A water test will also show if you have any of these typical villains in your water:

Arsenic
Iron
Lead
Nitrates
Sulfur

Among several other things. Diagnosing your water problem at the source is a matter of safety and could save you money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Hard water stains are rough and leave you feeling unclean, but could be a warning flag for more significant issues. In order to properly remedy the situation, get a water test done, so you know what you are dealing with and are able to enjoy the extra time getting your rock on without interruption.

At Culligan of Stockton, we have a wide variety of water filtration systems that are right for your home and your needs. So don’t wait. Contact us online or call us at 209-466-2501 to get the help you need.

How To Tell If You Need A Water Softener In Your Home

Wondering if you may need a water softener from Ising’s Culligan Water? Let’s take a look at the basics of hard water now, and discuss a few of the top signs that you have hard water and need a water softener now.

What Is “Hard” Water?

Hard water is a term used to refer to water that has an above-average buildup of minerals like magnesium and calcium. While hard water is not harmful to your health, it can damage your plumbing pipes and fixtures over time, so if you live in an area with hard water, it’s usually recommended to buy a water softener to remove these minerals.

The Top Signs That You Need A Water Softener In Your Home

Wondering if your water is hard enough to require a water softener in your home? Here are a few common indicators that mean you should consider investing in a water softener from Ising’s Culligan Water.

Scaly buildup on plumbing fixtures & in appliances – Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals often cause white scaly buildup on the ends of faucets and taps, and can also cause scaly buildup in electric kettles, coffee makers, and other water-using appliances.
Spots on your dishes or clothing – Mineral deposits may leave cloudy spots on glassware and dishes, or whitish-yellow deposits on clothes after they’re washed. This is a sure sign that your water is hard enough to require a water softener.
Soap scum/scale buildup in tubs and showers – Just like it builds up within plumbing fixtures, hard water can cause excessive scale buildup in tubs and showers, and this reacts with soap to cause soap scum. If it seems like you can never keep your bathtub or shower clean, it may be because of hard water.
Film when showering or bathing and using soap/shampoo – The minerals in hard water react with detergents to cause a film to build up on your hair and skin when you bathe, so this is another top sign that you may want to invest in a water softener.

Learn More About Water Softeners – Contact Ising’s Culligan Water!

If you’re tired of dealing with a hard water supply, it may be the right time to purchase a water softener from Ising’s Culligan Water. Don’t wait – contact us online to learn more about water softeners, or give us a call at 209-690-0007 for more information.

Why do you need a water softener?

Hard water is a common problem encountered by many homeowners. Water hardness is caused by high concentrations of minerals present in the water. In fact, that’s how “hard water” got its name, from the hardened mineral deposits this kind of water leaves behind. Over time these deposits can accumulate, clog, or even corrode pipes and cause major plumbing problems. Hard water deposits can build up in boilers and hot water heaters, making them less efficient and more expensive to use. What other damage can hard water cause?

Damage caused by Hard Water

Hard water can cause damage to your appliances and fixtures in your home, as well as affect your health. Here’s how water damage can cause harm in different ways:

Skin & Hair Dryness

Hard water doesn’t only affect your home appliances, but it also damages your skin and dries your hair. It can cause dry and itchy skin with blocked pores. The blocked pores can cause blackheads, pimples, and sometimes even inflammation and eczema. When we use soap with hard water, it doesn’t dissolve with it, and it forms a soapy layer on your skin. This layer traps all the bacteria and germs even after washing your hands.

Stains and Spots

Hard water’s mineral deposits can build up anywhere water is present, leaving rings and spots on glass, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. These stains are persistent, and even if you remove them, they will come back until your hard water problem is fixed. Use of a soft water system eliminates hard water and prevents staining.

Scale Buildup

Mineral deposits cause scale buildups. The scales can show up on your pots, teakettles, cutlery, coffeepots, glassware, and dinnerware. These scales are hard to remove, and they can even grow inside your plumbing fixtures and appliances, including your washing machines, dishwashers, and more. This creates unnecessary wear and tear on your plumbing system, reducing its lifespan.

Faded or Gray Laundry

Hard water also makes your soap and detergents less effective. The scummy residue left behind when your soap binds with the minerals in hard water is the leading cause of your faded clothes and linens. Your clothes become stiff and dull when washed in hard water.

Benefits of A Water Softener

We know that a water softener can be a lifesaver, but how can it benefit our homes and everyday life? Here are some key benefits of installing a water softener in your home:

Saves Money

You may be wondering how water softening can save you money? Hard water shortens the life of your plumbing and appliances. With softened water, minerals are no longer present thus preventing excess wear like scale buildup in your pipes and home appliances. This significantly cuts down your repair costs and saves you a lot of money.

Softer Skin & Cleaner Hair

Soft water is really good for your skin. Unlike hard water, it doesn’t cause soap to stick on your skin and block your pores. It mixes up well with your soap and shampoo, providing you a better experience while bathing or showering. Soft water doesn’t rinse off any natural oils on our skin and hair, making your skin and hair softer and healthier. If you suffer from frizzy hair, you’ll be amazed at the difference in smoothness with soft water.

Cleaner and Softer Clothes

Hard water makes our clothes rough and dull, and even detergents are unable to properly clean our clothes. Soft water makes our clothes much brighter, cleaner, and softer. If you face color fading problems, then you must use a water softener to remove any minerals from your hard water that are damaging your clothes.

Need for a Water Softener

If you are facing issues with hard water, then you are probably in need of a water softener. All minerals that cause hardness of your water are removed with the help of a water softener. A Culligan Water Softener system saves you from various damage, such as staining, scale buildup, faded laundry, skin dryness, hair dryness, and much more. Buying the right water softener can save your health, time, money, and house appliances. Schedule a free in-home water test to find out if a water softener is right for your home.

Why should I test my water at home?

It is always a wise option to get your home’s water tested before you start drinking or utilizing it. Contaminated water causes harm to both your body and your home, and when we consume such water daily, it can cause long-term issues. Many people suffer health issues because they unknowingly drink contaminated water.

Testing your water is the best possible way to save yourself from any harm caused by common contaminates in your water. It will give you an idea of how safe your water is, and what actions you can take to improve it. Here are some reasons you may want to consider testing your home’s water:

Most water contaminants have no smell, taste, or color, so you may not notice water contamination by observing or smelling it; professional water testing is the best possible solution for catching such contaminants.

Plumbing material can sometimes pollute your water. Copper, lead, and plastic are often found in water, which makes it less healthy. Consuming such water can cause adverse reactions to your body and home appliances.

Tap and well water may contain biological pollutants such as algae bloom, coliform, E. Coli, Giardia, and Nitrates. These contaminants can cause intestinal and digestive illness, reproductive disorders, and nervous system maladies.

Your peace of mind is worth it. When you are sure that your drinking water is clean, then you will be less worried about your family’s health.

Another question that might be in your head is that when should I get my water tested?

When to Test your Water?

It is suggested by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) that you should get your water tested once per year. If you experience some of the symptoms listed below, you may want to test your water more frequently:

Stomach & Digestive Problem

Contaminated water can play a significant role in your digestive and stomach problems. The food we eat also contributes a lot to such issues, but common water contaminates could be the root cause if you have any kind of recurring digestive or stomach issues.

Smelly, cloudy, frothy water

If any of these appear in your water, then you must get a water test immediately. Smelly, bubbly, or cloudy water is caused by several contaminants, which can be harmful to your body.

Older Homes

If you live in an older home, then your plumbing system might be old as well. These old systems cause the mixing of copper and lead in water through pipes. Copper and lead are two very harmful substances that can cause serious harm to your health.

Rusty or Red stains on your Sink & Clothing

If you see such stains after washing your clothes with water or on your sink, then your water is most likely contaminated, and you must get it professionally tested.

Is it possible to test your water at home?

Yes, you can use a home water test, but the results will not be as accurate or thorough as a professional water test. Here is how you can test your drinking water at home:

What should I do next?

To help sustain the life of your household appliances, leave your water problem-solving to a Culligan Water Expert. They’ll visit your home to evaluate your water and uncover any contaminants that may be within it. Best of all, they’ll provide a customized solution that treats the problem at the source so you’ll never worry about the quality of your water again. It’s a win for you and your home. Schedule a free in-home water test today!