FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Information About Alabama Water Filters
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Main FAQ
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Do water softeners add salt or sodium to my water?
A water softener does not put salt into the water. It merely exchanges calcium ions in the water for sodium or potassium ions. The amount of sodium or potassium coming through in soft tap water is extremely low. For example, in 10 grain per gallon hard water (we can test your water to determine its hardness), the amount of sodium in an 8 ounce glass of soft water is typically equivalent to the sodium in one slice of white bread. Soft water, by dietary standards, would be considered a "low sodium" beverage. Consumers may use potassium as a regenerate if they prefer not to clean out the system with sodium. Be sure to check on the efficiency of the water softener before using potassium as it is higher priced and 25% less efficient than sodium as a regenerate.
Even though the amount of added sodium is very small, many of our customers choose to install a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system to remove the added sodium as well as the sodium that occurs naturally in the water.
Ask about our package discounts when you add a reverse osmosis system with one of our whole house water systems.
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My city water system tests fine at the source. Why should I worry?There are probably miles of aging water pipes between your home and the treatment plant. In the time that water leaves the plant and arrives at your home, it can pick up substances that become a part of the water you receive. Sediment and odors can also join the mixture. A home water filtration system provides a highly effective barrier against these pollutants.
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Are water softeners bad for my septic system?
According to a report issued by the Water Quality Research Council, water softeners do not have any detrimental effect on septic systems and may actually enhance their performance in certain situations by encouraging the growth of additional bacteria.
In fact, the flow from the softener is typically less than the waste water discharged from an automatic washing machine. The studies credited the high levels of calcium and magnesium present (in the flow that results when the softener cleans itself) with improving soil percolation in many instances. These studies were conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the National Sanitation Foundation.
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Why does soft water feel slippery on my skin, like I can't get the soap off?
When you wash in soft water, you feel your skin the way it's supposed to feel, clean and silky smooth. According to the U.C. Berkeley Wellness Letter, when you wash in hard water, the soap you're using reacts with the hardness minerals in the water "to form an insoluble residue that's difficult to wash away." (AKA soap scum)
The "squeaky" feel/sound many people associate with being clean is, in fact, your skin sticking because of this residue. Soft water rinses your skin and hair better than hard water and doesn't leave a soap or shampoo residue behind. People that use soft water consistently enjoy the "truly clean" feeling they get when washing with it.
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Will a water softener change the pH of my water?No, a water softener or water conditioner will not change the pH of your water. However, if your pH needs adjusting give us a call, we can recommend a suitable solution.
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I already have a filter in my refrigerator, why do I need anything else?Most refrigerator filters contain only a small amount of carbon. While carbon filtering is better than no filtering, it is limited in what it can do. Only a reverse osmosis system can remove the dissolved chemicals from your water.
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Can you get soft water with a salt free system?
The market is being flooded with advertising that could lead consumers to believe that you can get rid of your water softener, stop buying salt, and get the same results without using salt. This message resonates with just about everyone who lugs salt to a water softener. I don't know anyone who would not be interested in giving up loading salt in water softeners.
However, dealing with the salt is for a reason. It is a great tradeoff for soft water. Soft water protects your plumbing system, makes cleaning much easier, and feels great to bathe in. So can you get soft water with a "No-Salt" conditioner? The answer is no.
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Do your systems come with a warranty?Yes. Not only is the equipment of our Pelham water filtration systems covered under this warranty, but so is our labor. To learn more about our warranties, please contact us.
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Why should I choose your company over all the rest?Simply put, we offer the best value, the most cutting-edge systems, and highly skilled labor. With a BBB A+ rating and a Top Rating from HomeAdvisor, we have been recognized for our excellence. Our team members are Certified Water Specialists by the Water Quality Associations, and we only use American-made components. It is no mere coincidence that 9 out of 10 people who speak to our team choose to do business with us.
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Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, consultations are complimentary at Aqua Systems of Alabama. We would be happy to provide you with all the information you need about our systems, in addition to a free water testing. Furthermore, we do not have any commissioned salespeople who will pressure you into making a purchase. We are upfront and honest about our installation prices, which include the cost of labor.
If you are ready to get a water filtration system in Pelham, call (205) 383-3999 now!
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