The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

!±8± The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

We have excellent choices for home water treatment systems, today. But, regretfully, not everyone make the most excellent choice.

Of course, some experts say that any attempt at purification is better than none. But, some water treatment products are definitely better than others.

Do you know much about what's in your water? The list of possible contaminants is long, but primarily, you should be concerned about chemicals used for disinfection, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria that are resistant to chemical disinfection, as well as, hazardous compounds that are man made or naturally occurring.

The right home water treatment systems can remove all of these things. Luckily, some of the most affordable water treatment products do the best job. Let's look at a few examples.

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring compound that is used to make rocket fuel and as a medication to treat hyperthyroidism. If ingested by an otherwise healthy individual, it causes dysfunction of the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism.

In children, this causes developmental problems. In adults, it causes metabolic disorders. Researchers have found it in over 800 test sites around the United States. But, it is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, currently, you have to assume that it is present in your tap-water.

The water treatment products that remove perchlorate target "volatile organic compounds" or VOCs. Most of the highly advertised home water treatment systems do not target those compounds.

For example, Brita and PUR do not remove them and neither does reverse osmosis technology. A technology called adsorption (not absorption) is needed to remove them. Typically, the process is performed using a carbon block, not granular activated carbon, which is what the cheapest water treatment products (PUR, Brita, and Ever-pure) include.

Public providers add chemicals to surface or groundwater to kill bacteria, algae, viruses and protozoa. Byproducts, primarily THMs, are created by this process. THMs are similar in composition to VOCs. They can only be removed through adsorption.

THMs are toxic and constant exposure can cause cancer. They become airborne due to boiling or the use of hot water in the shower. They can also be consumed by drinking unfiltered tap-water.

You can purchase whole home water treatment systems and remove the threats entirely. But, at the very list, you need a kitchen purifier and a showerhead filter. Only two of the five most popular showerhead filters remove THMs.

If you compare product performance data, you can learn what health hazards a system removes and to what extent. The data should also give you an idea of how much per gallon, your water treatment products will cost.

However, many companies do not provide complete information before you buy. Reverse osmosis providers may tell you "what" is removed, but not "how much". Brita is very evasive. It took a lot of time to find out that their pitchers only reduce lead by 93% and chlorine by 75%.

But, it was worth it, because now I have home water treatment systems that I know are effective. They gave me the freedom to drink and shower without worry.

The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

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Clearwave Water Conditioner

!±8± Clearwave Water Conditioner

The ClearWave water conditioner is makes your hard water "act" like soft water by changing calcium particles with electromagnetic impulses.

Clearwave Water Conditioner

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Ice Melt Products - What The Buyer Needs To Know

!±8± Ice Melt Products - What The Buyer Needs To Know

The sale of ice melt products continues to be big business each winter and with these sales come many questions. In this article, the top 20 ice melt buyer questions are answered by a small business that sells ice melt over the Internet.

1) Why should I use ice melt? ANS: Safety is the primary reason. Other reasons include damage prevention from heavy ice buildup and just plain convenience to keep traffic areas clean.

2) Why does ice melt contain chemicals other than salt? ANS: The added chemicals keep the ice melt from getting hard and adjust the minimum temperature at which the product works effectively.

3) Which ice melt product should I use? ANS: The customer is the best person to make that decision based on their unique needs. Cost, environmental friendliness, weather pattern and area where the ice melt is to be applied all play a role in the decision.

4) What are my ice melt choices? ANS: You have two choices; Urea or Salt (contains chloride). Urea is used in lawn fertilizers, but as an ice melt it is sold in much higher concentrations so do not buy the comment that it "will not burn your lawn." Salt can be Sodium Chloride (rock salt is 95 98.5% pure), Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride and/or Calcium Chloride. The different ice melt brand names often mix these salts in patented blends along with the added chemicals.

5) What is the least expensive ice melt? ANS: Rock Salt is least expensive but many companies offer various "economical blends" that will work well on your driveway and will be friendlier to the environment.

6) Why is the ice melt minimum effective temperature (MET) important? ANS: If you live in a climate where sub zero temperatures rarely occur, you might be wasting money buying an ice melt that works down to -25 degrees F.

7) What are the ice melts "METs"? ANS: Potassium Chloride +25F, Urea +20F, Rock Salt +10F, Magnesium Chloride -22F and Calcium Chloride at -25F. However, with the additional chemicals many manufactures can vary these temperatures somewhat for their patented blends.

8) Is a fast acting ice melt product always better? ANS: No. In areas where slips and falls is a greater concern, a fast acting product may be your best choice. These products often require a greater frequency of application, which can increase cost and risk of damage.

9) Which ice melt products are safe? ANS: All products on the market are generally safe when used per instructions. Both urea and salt will burn a lawn and may irritate the bottom of your pet's paws. You should store the ice melt is a sealed area out of reach from pet's and children.

10) Do ice melts contain any form of poison? ANS: No. However, if ingested by a person or animal it is recommended that you contact your physician (or veterinarian).

11) Which ice melt products are better for the environment? ANS: Blends with less Chloride are better for the environment but will be more expensive, especially if you want them to work at the sub zero temperatures.

12) What other concerns for safety and property damage should I be aware when using ice melt? ANS: Exceeding the recommended usage and/or heavy traffic which moves the ice melt to areas not intended can damage concrete, carpet, floors, wood decks in addition to vegetation.

13) What can I do to protect vegetation from ice melt applications? ANS: Follow package instructions and use the environmentally friendly products (more expensive) where the vegetation is a concern.

14) What can I do to protect carpets/wood floors from ice melt traffic? ANS: Vacuum and/or wipe up with a damp sponge any residue tracked on to your carpet/wood floor. Use rubberized mats in areas of high traffic during bad weather.

15) What can I do to protect my wood deck? ANS: Ice melt salts can penetrate the wood pores and cause early degradation as it re crystallizes. Therefore, it is not the best product for a wood deck. Sand and/or matting are better solutions. Wood sealers do offer some protection.

16) What can I do to protect my concrete surfaces from ice melt damage? ANS: Ice melt usage will increase the number of freeze thaw cycles, which increase the risk of concrete scaling on the surface. Never use ice melt on concrete less than one year old. Clean off slush as soon as possible. Use of concrete sealers will help also.

17) Can I use ice melt on my roof? ANS: Although ice melt is one option for roofs it is often not the best option. Ice built up on roofs is caused by excess heat loss. Correcting the heat loss or installing heating elements to prevent the ice buildup is a better preventative measure. Consult a professional roofer for guidance when removing ice from a roof.

18) Can I use ice melt on my brick surface? ANS: Ice melt products are not recommended on these surfaces.

19) Can I use left over ice melt for other purposes such as a water softener? ANS: This is not recommended. Ice melt will keep for the next year usage, it is less suitable for other purposes and it will require more clean up of the brine tank in softeners.

20) How can I best make my ice melt purchase? ANS: Individuals needing less than 100 bags (50 lbs each) per year should consider their local hardware store or shopping market. When the usage is greater, consider using the Internet to research the available ice melt products based on your needs.

Ice Melt Products - What The Buyer Needs To Know

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Choosing the Best Water Softener - Important Comparison Factors

!±8± Choosing the Best Water Softener - Important Comparison Factors

It is important to make a thorough comparison when searching for the best water softener. And to do so, you need to have a very meticulous set of criteria. This will help you find the best unit that will meet your needs efficiently so you can make a good investment. To land the best unit in the market, your criteria should include these important factors.

Grains capacity. The grains capacity of a water softener is definitely the most important factor since it directly affects the softening process that the softener can manage. You have to compare this with the hardness level of your water supply. Hardness levels can be determined by some test kits if your city water supplier cannot provide you with the details. This is measured in the amount of grains per gallon. You have to choose a softener that can handle the hardness level of your water.

Brand. Next, you have to consider the brand of your softener. There are several reliable brands in the market that you can count on for effectiveness, efficiency, and durability. These brands include Kenmore, Pelican, Culligan, Calgon, and Kinetico, among many others.

Type. You also have to decide what kind of model to buy. The different kinds include demand-initiated regeneration softeners, automatic softeners, and manual softeners. Demand-initiated regeneration water softeners can start the regeneration process by itself based on the level of water consumption. Automatic softeners regenerate automatically based on a timer you have to set. Manual softeners require you to control the entire regeneration process.

Price. Naturally, the price is one important comparison factor in choosing the best one. You have to consider your own budget but you have to be prepared for an investment if you want a good quality model.

Durability. Durability is often intertwined with the brand of your softener. What's important is you look for one that is made of durable material and can last you a long time.

Efficiency. You should also look for a model that's efficient to use. Water softener efficiency should be efficient based on the use of salt, water, and energy. There are some models that do not use salt, such as the Pelican NaturSoft series, and you should also go for a one that does not waste water through backwashing. Finally, look for models that are Energy Star qualified.

Performance guarantee. It is also important to consider the performance guarantee that comes with your water softener. The performance guarantee includes warranty and any other guarantee such as money-back guarantees for your water softener.

Reviews and ratings. Some good measures of the overall quality of softeners are reviews and ratings. Reviews can give you objective information about water softeners and ratings can help you compare different types with one another quickly. Take time to read reviews and check out ratings in choosing a unit to find out more about actual customer feedback and satisfaction ratings.

To Find More about choosing a best water softener please visit our homepage at http://www.water-purification-guide.com

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Choosing the Best Water Softener - Important Comparison Factors

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