skip to main content

Whole house water filteration system

15 years ago

We live in an area where there is a more than usual calcium (or whatever the white stuff is) deposit in the water causing water spots on showers and serious deposits on faucets, stone in shower, etc. For the many years we have lived there, we use an RO system for the kitchen sink and drinking water.

We are doing a major remodel and would like to install a whole house water filteration system. I am totally new to this and just got information regarding EWSwater.com (Enviormentla water systems) as a good option. Anyone used their product. My concerns are: will this or any system waste lots of water, and will it affect the water pressure in the pipes in the house. Your comments are appreciated.

Comments (5)

andy_c
15 years ago
What you are looking for is a softener. First get your water tested so that you know exactly what it is you are tryng to treat.

If you have been using an RO on this hard water, the chances are very good the membrane is shot! Sorry, it is not designed to work well or last long removing dissolve calcium.

The EWS has far too many products the choose from unless you know just what you are doing. Again, get a thorough water test.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II
arb1206
15 years ago
Andy's right. First thing to do is get your water tested. There are a few online sites that will do that for you and you can probably get it done locally pretty easily. You may need to get a water softener or large iron type filter (looks like a water softener but with different grades of filtering media depending on your water's needs). I know that budgetwater.com has some good products (we've used them) and they have helpful reps. I've emailed them a few times and they seem to have decent advice.

Here is a link that might be useful: Budget Water
Related Discussions
Which is the Best Whole House Water Filter System?
Q
Comments (1)
Is there a point to your post? Is English your first language? Are you a SPAMMER? BTW - "typical" filters DO NOT soften water - they remove particulate and other microscopic things. Softeners, soften water. They can be combined with a filter if your application warrants. Better find a new job - one that you know something about.
...See More
Can someone suggest a good source
Q
Comments (1)
Here you go... http://www.pwgazette.com/filter04.htm Nice people who KNOW their stuff, fair prices, great service, and FREE SHIPPING
...See More
Will Need To Make A Decision On Replacing Electric Tankless Hot Water
Q
Comments (3)
Ok, You need to understand if this is a water heater issue, a mixing valve issue or something else. Just a tip, I would reduce the water temp on the heater back to 120 to prevent scalding and potentially problems with the anti-scald valve. Overly hot water could cause a tempering valve in the shower to reduce the flow of hot water to below the rate needed to trigger the tankless heater. Use a decent digital thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water pipe a few inches from where it exits the water heater. Tape the thermometer tightly to the pipe and then wrap a rag or pipe insulation around the pipe and thermometer to keep in the heat. Now run the sink (not the shower) for several minutes. If you maintain the set temp on the water exiting the water heater then the problem is not the water heater. If it's not the water heater, I'd look at the anti-scald valve on the shower. Something else to look at is if your hot water pipes are insulated, particularly if they are in a slab. They can lose all of their heat to the slab, particularly in winter, if they aren't insulated.
...See More
Whole house water filter
Q
Comments (2)
I use a monthly service where they swap out a canister - been using this for many years and very happy. I use one from Rayne (there's local distributors so Google) but I'm sure others like Culligan provide similar services. I pay $32/month. Here's a link to the longer discussion... https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5937025/recommendation-on-whole-house-water-softener#n=51
...See More
dgmarie
15 years ago
Check with your local public utilities office and see where you can get it tested for free. We did this. Had several softners vendors want to make an extra $200 off us by offering to test our water. Don't pay this. Either they do it for free or send it off yourself.
monsoon99
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the info. Seems I need to get the water tested first although I recall receiving annual water analysis from our water company. If I can find it, what am I supposed to look for? What is an abnormal calcium count?

Also EWS claims that they use no softeners and that the runoff water can be used for landscaping.
otterhead
15 years ago
dunno about that. Look harder at EWS's site and you'll see they sell softeners, just the same as any other company that sells softeners.

The hard (forgive the pun) truth is that if you have hard water, an ion exchange softener is the most practical and cost effective way for a homeowner to remove calcium from their water supply.

What is hard water? 1-3 grains/gal is slightly hard water, anything over 20 grains is ludicrously hard water. Really, if your water is apt to make soap scum rings on your tub, spot your glasses and dishes and leave white powdery deposits on plumbing fixtures, your water is hard and you need a softener.

Here is a link that might be useful: water softener

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HEALTHY HOME How to Choose a Home Water Filtering System

By Laura Gaskill

Learn which water purification method is best for your house, from pitchers to whole-house setups

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Patio Details: Sliding Fabric Panels Filter the Light Just Right

By Annie Thornton

Stepping up to the harsh sun and heat of the desert Southwest, this intimate patio is an exotic escape right outside

GARDENING GUIDES How to Install a Drip Irrigation System

By Marianne Lipanovich

Save time and water with a drip watering system in your vegetable garden — a little patience now will pay off later

HOUSEKEEPING 5 Steps to Improve Your Heating System Now

By Buckminster Green LLC

Increase your heater's efficiency and safety for lower energy bills and greater peace of mind this winter

HOME TECH 3 Shower Sound Systems That Beat Your Clunky Old Radio

Stream music, radio and podcasts — and even take phone calls — right in your shower, with wireless and water-resistant sound systems

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

By Ventana Construction LLC

Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Whole-House Remodeling Suits a Historic Colonial

By Becky Harris

Extensive renovations, including additions, update a 1918 Georgia home for modern life while respecting its history

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Radiant Heat System

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Enjoy comfy, consistent temperatures and maybe even energy savings with hydronic heating and cooling

DECLUTTERING Clean Routine: Housework Strategies the Whole Family Can Share

By Alison Hodgson

Keep the peace while maintaining a tidy home, with these ideas to get all kinds of cleaning personality types in on the act

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: A Whole Lotta Wonderful Window Coverings

By Cindy Germann

Blinds, drapes, shades and curtain rods to give your windows a polished, put-together look

Sponsored

More Discussions

Best way to run RO water to fridge icemaker

5

Bathroom Drain Height

5

Can you show me an Apron Kitchen sink with 1cm thick countertop?

4

Recommendations for under counter drinking water purification system?

15

kitchen Faucet Opinions Please

2