A safe and reliable water supply during the summer is critical for you and your family. These tips can help you maintain your Belleville, OH home’s water filtration this summer.
Regularly Inspect and Replace the Filters
First, inspect and replace the filters in your water filtration system regularly. Depending on your system type, you should check and replace them at least every six months. As you inspect them, look for discoloration or clogs. You may also need a new filter if your water tastes “off” or has an odor or if the water filter has a slow flow.
The frequency at which you change your filters will depend on what kind of filtration system you have. For a pitcher, faucet or countertop dispenser system, you will need to change the filters every two to four months. For a whole house or refrigerator filtration system, change them every four to six months. Under-sink and shower filters should be changed every six to 12 months. Change the filters on a reverse osmosis system every six months to two years.
Flush Out the Sediment
Flush the sediment out of your water filtration system to prepare it for summer. Do this for backwashing filters every few days or weekly, depending on the water quality. Flush the filters every one to three months or whenever your water pressure drops. Whole-house filters need flushing out every three to six months to remove sediment.
To flush out sediment in your water filtration system, turn off the water supply and release pressure by opening a nearby faucet. Remove the filter, clean out the housing with warm, soapy water and a soft brush and then flush the system if it has a backwash function. Otherwise, run clean water through your filtration system to remove sediment and flush the system.
Rinse or replace the filter before putting the system back together and turning it back on. Flushing out the sediment improves the system’s efficiency and prolongs its lifespan while preventing clogs.
Check for Leaks
Before summer arrives in Bellville, check your system for leaks. Look for signs of pooling water around the pipes, filter housing and connections.
Check for drips by running your fingers along the connections and fittings to feel for moisture. Listen for hissing sounds and use a paper towel to wipe around the filter housing and connections.
Next, inspect the O-rings and seals to ensure they are not improperly seated or worn out. Tighten any loose connections and monitor the water pressure. If the pressure suddenly drops, your system could be leaking.
Check the drain line to make sure it is not clogged and also properly aligned. Replace any damaged components to prevent water leaks.
The technicians at WaterBird Home Water Solutions can also inspect your system for leaks. We will repair any leaks we find and ensure your water filtration system works effectively all year.
Monitor for Algae Growth
The warm summer weather creates an ideal environment for algae to grow in your water filtration system. Periodically inspect your system to look for any green or brown residue. Algae often look like discolored slime. Monitor the flavor and odor of your water. Discoloration, bad taste and odors could indicate your filter has fungal growth. Reduced water flow also indicates possible algae growth. Algae can clog filters, reducing the filtration system’s efficiency and slowing water flow.
If possible, ensure your filtration system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight increases the risk of algae growth. Consider placing a shade around your system to prevent this problem.
If you use well water, schedule regular maintenance for your well. Make sure the well has proper capping and sealing to minimize algae growth in your filtration system.
Combat Hard Water Issues
Hard water causes stress on your water filtration system. Combat hard water to prevent this system from malfunctioning.
For example, use water softeners with ion-exchange technology. This technology replaces minerals that cause hard water with potassium or sodium ions to prevent scale buildup in your appliances and pipes.
Additionally, upgrade to a reverse osmosis system. Reverse osmosis removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply and provides you with purified soft water.
Likewise, use chelating agents. Chelating agents are compounds that bind and remove metal ions from your water supply. They form stable complexes with dissolved metals like lead, calcium, iron and magnesium. This prevents corrosion, scale buildup and contamination.
Some chelating agents that you can use include:
- EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which removes heavy metals
- Citric acid to remove calcium and magnesium scaling
- Polyphosphates to prevent corrosion and mineral buildup
- Sodium hexametaphosphate to control water hardness
Alternatively, combat hard water with magnetic or electronic water conditioners. They alter the properties of minerals that cause hardness. They also minimize scaling.
Test the Water Quality
Help your water filtration system work reliably this summer by testing the quality of water it provides. Use a water test kit, available at most big box and hardware stores, to check for contaminants like:
- pH levels
- Chlorine
- Lead
- Nitrates
- Bacteria
- Hardness-causing minerals
Collect a water sample and compare the results to the provided chart in the kit.
Use a TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, meter to test your water quality. This meter measures the amount of dissolved particles in your home’s water. It will not tell you the exact contaminants but gauge how well the filters in your system work.
You also have the option of sending a water sample to a certified lab. The lab test will tell you the precise level of bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants in your water.
Rely on your sense of taste and smell to test the quality of water coming from your filtration system. Bad odors and taste should tell you that your system needs new filters or other servicing.
Finally, hire the professionals at WaterBird Home Water Solutions to test your water. We can tell you exactly what contaminants are in it and recommend the best ways to improve your water filtration system’s performance.
Learn About Summer Water Challenges
During the summer, Ohio homeowners can experience numerous challenges with their water supply. These challenges include:
- Algal blooms
- Farm runoff
- Contaminants like “forever chemicals” and disinfectant byproducts
- Stormwater pollution from runoff and sewage
To protect your water supply, you should monitor local media about these challenges and hire WaterBird Home Water Solutions to maintain your water filtration system.
Use Backup Filtration Methods
Summertime storms often knock out power to homes in the Bellville area. During the outage, an electrical-powered filtration system cannot work reliably. You need to have backup filtration methods ready to use until your power comes back on.
For example, use gravity-fed water filters that do not require electricity and filter out bacteria, sediment and chemicals in your water. If you have a gas stove, you can also boil your water to remove bacteria and viruses.
Other backup filtration methods include:
- Activated carbon filters
- UV purification
- Distillation
- A stored supply of filtered water for emergencies
WaterBird Home Water Solutions to install a reverse osmosis system that will work during an outage and remove impurities from your water.
Choose Us for Your Water Filtration Services
At WaterBird Home Water Solutions, we have 40 years of experience providing water filtration services and equipment for customers in the Bellville area. Our business also offers professional water testing, salt monitoring and water purification services. We have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Contact WaterBird Home Water Solutions for your water filtration system maintenance.
