Water Softener VS. Water Filter

So you have decided to invest in the quality of your drinking water. But, you’re just not sure what it is that you need. Are you on well water, or city water service? Is your water hard, leaving calcium and lime deposits in your shower and toilets? Does your water taste bitter and drinking it is unpleasant? These are all questions to consider when deciding to purchase a water softener, or a water filet, or maybe even both.

Water softeners are generally for reducing the calcium in water. It swaps the calcium ions for positively charged sodium ions. This helps to eliminate the calcium deposits you find in your shower, toilets, dishwasher, etc. However, this does not filter out other harmful contaminants. So while your water may taste better, because calcium can make water taste bitter, it is not necessarily making the water “Healthier” to drink. A water softener is not the choice if your goal is to have cleaner water for drinking, cooking and bathing.

A high quality water filter can do more than remove the calcium from your water. It will remove chlorine and other chemicals that are left behind by the water softener. It can also remove water soluble metals which may be harmful to you. A high quality water filter would be the choice for the best drinking water.

There are also UV filters that can be added to your system to help destroy any bacteria or viruses that may be present in your water. This helps to create the best possible water quality.

Some may choose to create a softener/filter system. Either by installing a water softener, and then to install a filtration system just on their kitchen sink or faucet where they will get their drinking water from. Others will opt to have the water softener and a whole house filtration system combined. Some will go even further and install the UV protection. It is all a matter of what your individual needs are for your home.

The best place to start is to have your water tested for chemicals and minerals and see what results and recommendations you get back. A lot of places will test your water for free. We can help you get that done. Or you can go through your own health department. Usually they will test your water free of charge.

If you find that you have water filtration needs that should be met, please call our office at 704-934-0015, and while we do not sell filtration systems in general, we will be happy to install your system for you. We do supply single phase/filtration devices for refrigerators and sinks. We can help you decide what options would be best for you.

Independence Day 2018

Just a notice to let folks know that our office will be closed on Wednesday July 4th 2018 in observance of Independence Day. If you have an emergency, please give us a call and we will return your call as soon as possible. All other calls will be returned on Thursday July 5th. Have a happy and safe holiday!

Underground Water Leak

A few weeks ago we repaired an underground water leak for one of our clients. A few things that would suggest you may have an underground leak is usual wet spots or pools of water on the grounds surface.  If you notice a drop in your water pressure from normal you may want to investigate as this could also be a sign of a leak. Pay attention to your water bill and your monthly water usage because if you have a leak you could see a sudden increase. And remember our guys are here to help if you need a water leak repaired.

Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

Just a note that our office will be closed 5/25/18 – 5/28/18 for the Memorial Day Holiday. We will still be accepting emergency calls.

If you are in need of our services and have an emergency, please call 704-934-0015, and LEAVE A MESSAGE. All calls for URGENT matters will be returned. If you do not leave a message, we will not know that you called. Messages left for non-urgent matters, will be followed up with on Tuesday 5/29/18.

Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Don’t forget to honor those who this holiday is to celebrate and thank them for giving up their lives for us and our freedom.

Pipe or Stud??

     When drilling or nailing into your walls it is essential to know what is behind the hole you are creating. This image is an example of what can happen if you aren’t certain it is a stud you are hitting. Behind your walls are items such as pipes for plumbing and/or natural gas and wires for your electricity. It is very important to know you are not hitting and damaging those items when drilling or nailing into your walls. The best way to find the studs in your wall is to use a stud finder that differentiates the studs from pipes, there is also usually a separate indicator light for the presence of electrical wiring. Even after you feel certain you have found the stud drive a panel pin through the wall, if you feel the resistance of the wood you will know it is the stud. Creating a hole in the wall blindly can cause major problems. In this case the pipe was thought to be a stud and several holes were drilled into it creating a water leak. The pipe was replaced but is a great example to all of us what can easily happen.

 

 

The do’s and don’ts of garbage disposals

      Many garbage disposal problems can be avoided altogether with the proper care and maintenance. When using your disposal start by letting cold water run through it for 15 seconds before turning it on. Allow the water to continue running and begin to slowly feed the food into the disposal until the grinding stops. Turn off the disposal and allow the water to continue to run through the disposal for about 30 seconds to make sure the disposal is clear.

      Never put items such as plastic, metal, glass, or any kind of paper products into the disposal as these items will cause damage to the blades and or motor. When putting food into the disposal make sure you do not put foods with tough skins such as potato peels or fibrous food such as celery stalks into the disposal. These types of foods can wrap around the motor or cause clogs. Grease should also never be poured into the disposal, because the grease will solidify and accumulate causing clogged pipes or bad odors.

To keep your disposal clean and fresh. Run hot water and soap through the disposal daily. Freshen up your disposal by chopping up lemons or limes and grinding them up in the disposal. Vinegar is also a great way you can eliminate odor causing bacteria from your disposal.  Maintain your disposal and keep it in great shape to avoid unnecessary repair cost.

 

Corrosion Problems

      This is a prime example of how brass plumbing fittings can corrode from well water. This one was discovered by the homeowner after the corrosion caused a leak. Corrosion is caused by the minerals and chemicals from the water. If you suspect your water is corrosive you should have it tested.

Corrosion can be prevented and corrected before causing problems.  Installing corrosion resistant components on your plumbing, and installing a neutralizing filter system are some of the things you can do. If you are having problems or suspect corrosion and need help give us a call here at Cain’s Able Plumbing. Our guys can help you with your corrosion problem and any other plumbing issues you may have.

 

 

First Assembly Water Leak

A water leak we repaired as an emergency for one of our customers. This leak was on the water service about 3.5′ deep.

Pine Ridge Water Leak

A water leak that we repaired for one of our customers. This leak was about 4.5′ deep on a water service for a well.

Vacation Week 3/26/18 – 4/1/18 & What That Means

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The week of March 26 thru April 1st is a vacation week for our company.

Half of our crew is taking some much deserved time off and spending it with their families. This means that We do not schedule minor repairs or repairs that can wait during this week.

However, we do take emergencies and other urgent repairs. So please if you have something that is pressing that needs to be repaired, don’t hesitate to call us. If you have something minor, or not urgent, and would like to schedule for the following week when the full crew is back at work, please do!

Thank you so much for your business!

<3 Crissie