Problem Water Archives - Ising's Culligan

What to Do About Lead in Your Water

Through water or other means, lead intake causes life-threatening health problems, including damage to the kidney and brain. It also interferes with the production of red blood cells. Lead has its worst impacts on young children and expectant mothers.

How Does Lead Get into Water

Water from natural sources such as lakes and rivers is generally safe from lead poisoning. However, it can get contaminated if it comes into contact with contaminated soil, water, food, metals, or paint.

Drinking water can also pick up lead elements after leaving the treatment plants as it moves through the piping system. While most piping systems are lead-free, some metallic pipes retain some elements of lead, which are equally harmful.

Preventing Lead Contamination

Below are steps you can use to curb lead contamination;

Water testing- Having your water tested is the easiest way to determine early enough if it has excess lead levels. For instance, at Ising’s Culligan of Stockton, we offer a free in-home water test to help consumers determine if their tap water is lead-contaminated.
Run water in the tap before using- When the taps are closed, water sitting in the pipes picks up lead. Letting the water run for a while before fetching allows the contaminated water to drain off.
Clean your aerator- The aerator usually collects and accumulates debris, sediments, and dust particles that may contain lead elements. You should regularly clean the aerator to prevent the lead components from getting into the water.

What to Do About Lead in Water

If you conduct lab tests on your water and determine that it is contaminated with lead, it is advisable to switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking immediately. However, the water can still be used for other domestic functions like washing, depending on the level of contamination.

Need to Test Your Water for Lead? Get in Touch Now

Lead-contaminated water poses a significant health threat to you and your family. However, at Ising’s Culligan of Stockton, we’ve got you covered. We will test your water using our sophisticated lab technology to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Schedule a free water test, contact us online, or give us a direct call at 209-690-0007 to get solutions to all your water problems.

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.

How do you know if your whole house water filtering system is backwashing?

Getting a water filtering system is a solution for many homeowners who wish to consume and use clean, soft water in their households. Not everyone is lucky enough to get good quality water directly from the tap, and impurities can often be found in normal tap water.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this particular problem.

What a water filtering system does is stop the impurities from flowing with water, by blocking them with a physical filter, or by using other technologies to make them adhere to each other or certain elements in the filter. We will further present a special kind of whole house filtering system, the type that permits backwashing.

What Is a Backwashing Whole House Water Filtering System?

Backwashing filters are tank-style filters that clean themselves regularly by making the water flow in reverse with enough power to remove and flush out the particles that were collected by the filter. While the water is being pumped in reverse, the filter is also fluffed out and renewed, so that it continues to perform as expected in the next cycle.

The renewal process is needed because, with time, as water flows through the medium (carbon, sand, garnet, anthracite, and other substances.), it creates channels where it flows more freely, diminishing the effectiveness of the filter. By going through the backwash process, the channels are eliminated and the medium restores its properties.

Is Your Water Filtering System Backwashing?

Whole house water filters that have a backwashing function trigger it periodically with the help of a valve that initiates the cycle when needed. The backwashing operation lasts a few minutes, up to 10 minutes for residential filters, and it leaves the filter back to its full capacity for trapping impurities and cleaning your water.

Do you want to learn more about backwashing whole house water filtering systems? Don’t hesitate to call Ising’s Culligan of Stockton and ask for a consultation. Based on your house’s structures, your needs, and the quality of water flowing through your plumbing already, we will help you choose the filter that fits you best.

To get in touch with us, simply fill in the online contact form you can find on our website, or call at 209-690-0007. We will be happy to help you get cleaner water with an effective solution.

Is Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Better For You? What You Should Know

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems create extremely pure water by putting water through high pressure and filtering it through a very fine filter membrane, which allows the water to flow through, but filters out all other impurities and contaminants.

So that may have you wondering – is the pure water from reverse osmosis better for your health than tap water, or water filtered by other methods? Get the details you need from Ising’s Culligan of Stockton now.

Reverse Osmosis Water Is Extremely Pure, Contains No Minerals Or Other Contaminants

As mentioned, reverse osmosis water contains nothing but pure water. The process filters out all contaminants including minerals like sodium, lead, nickel, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, and chloride, as well as bacteria like salmonella.

If you have a water source that you are worried may be contaminated by heavy metals, bacteria, or other such contaminants, this means that reverse osmosis is a great choice. People who get their water from wells, for example, may benefit from this type of water treatment.

One thing to note is that your body does require certain amounts of minerals like calcium to maintain its functions, and RO water does not provide these. However, the amount of micronutrients in water is very small, so as long as you eat properly, this will have no effect on your health.

RO Is Not Necessarily “Better” For You Than Other Types Of Water!

At the end of the day, reverse osmosis water is not necessarily “healthier” than other types of filtered water, but if you are worried about contaminants in your water, it’s definitely a good choice.

RO water is completely free of all minerals and impurities that may be in tap water, or may even get through other types of water filtration systems. So if you think that you can benefit from completely pure water, reverse osmosis is definitely a good choice.

However, as long as you’re getting water from a non-contaminated source, and are maintaining a healthy diet with the right micronutrients and minerals, you probably won’t experience any significant changes in your health due to switching to reverse osmosis water.

Explore Water Filtration Options From Culligan Of Stockton Today!

At Culligan of Stockton, we offer a wide variety of water filtration options including RO filters for your home. Interested in learning more? Contact us online or call us at 209-690-0007 to get the information you need, and see how you can protect yourself and your family with high-quality filtered water.

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.

What Are PFAS – And Are They In Your Drinking Water?

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that have been shown to have a negative effect on health when humans are exposed to them. In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of PFAS, and how to find out if they’re in your drinking water.

What Are PFAS, And Why Are They Bad?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) include Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), which you may have heard of in the news.

These man-made chemicals have a unique ability to repel fire, oil, water, and stains, and have been used since the 1940s in stain and water-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, paints, fire-fighting foams, and even some cleaning products, to name just a few products.

However, since then, they have been found to be harmful to humans, and are thought to cause issues like endocrine (hormonal) disruptions, developmental delays in kids, cancer, and thyroid imbalances.

Most countries and companies have phased out the use of PFAS since 2000, but since they were so widely used and break down very slowly, PFAS can often still contaminate water supplies.

How Do I Know If My Drinking Water Has PFAS?

The EPA requires you to be notified if your public water system has a 70 parts per trillion level or higher of PFAS like PFOS and PFOA, but levels lower than this could still cause health issues, and experts believe that PFAS are present – to some extent – in every major water supply in the United States.

The best way to see if your drinking water has PFAS is with a lab test or a free in-home water quality test from Culligan Of Stockton. We can identify PFAS in your water supply, and help you understand the options you have for filtering and eliminating them – and restoring the quality of your drinking water.

Get A Water Test From Culligan Of Stockton Today To See If You Have PFAS In Your Water

If you’re worried about your health and the health of your family due to PFAS in water, don’t wait any longer. Contact Culligan Of Stockton online or give us a call at 209-466-2501, and we’ll send a technician to your home for a free, no-commitment water test.

After the test, we can discuss any issues like PFAS, lead, hard water, or even microbes that are found in your water – and help you learn more about your options for water purification in Stockton, such as the Aqua-Cleer® Advanced Drinking Water System.

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.

Are whole house water filtration systems worth it?

We cannot deny the importance of water, especially drinking water, but is your water really clean enough for you to drink? You’d be surprised at what could be lurking in your tap water. So what do we do to minimize the risk of damage and illnesses caused by contaminated or hard water?

Thankfully, water filtration systems are here to save us from the health hazards caused by hard or contaminated water. Water filtration systems for your house can help reduce contaminants such as chlorine, iron, sulfur and more from your water. Whole house water filters bring cleaner water to every tap in your home.

When do you need a whole house water filtration system?

Choosing the best whole house water filter will depend on what’s in your water. Culligan Water offers a wide range of whole house water filter systems with different types of filters. Some are designed to tackle the foul odors of chlorine, while others work to reduce sediment, iron, sulfur and arsenic in your water. Don’t know? We can help with a free in-home water test.

While some contaminants go unnoticed, others aren’t so discreet about their presence in your water. Problem water can leave stains, have a foul odor or even taste bad. Signs that you may need a whole home water filter system are:

A rotten egg smell coming from your drinking water
Streaks on your dishes and deposits on plumbing fixtures
Dry hair or skin after showering
Bad flavors in your drinking water
Rust stains on your appliances
Corroded pipes

Are Whole House Water Filters Worth It?

While the treatment center processes and treats the water before distributing it to your home, not everything is removed. This is especially true as new and emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, pesticide and pharmaceutical runoff has impacted our water sources. Many treatment centers weren’t set up to eliminate some of these contaminants, and haven’t been updated to be effective. Further, water can pick up more contaminants as it travels from treatment centers to your home from aging infrastructure and old lead piping. This is where a whole house filter can help.

Do you get your water from a well? Well water often has dirt, silt, clay and other types of sediment — all things a whole house water filter can help with. In fact, Culligan’s High Efficiency Whole House Well Water Filter Systems are customized to treat well water that’s specific to your region, so you can enjoy better quality water no matter where it originated from.

If you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above, a whole house water filter is worth it. More than just a water filter for your faucet, these filters help t take hard or problem water and turn it into cleaner, safer water that’s better for your entire home and family. You can also add a Reverse Osmosis System to further improve your drinking water. Schedule a free in-home water test to find out if a whole house water filter is right for your home.