Category: Blog

Installing a reverse osmosis water purification system can eliminate many concerns over your household water quality?

Contamination can be a serious problem. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, the more recent lead problem in Newark, New Jersey and the fact that similar situations continue to hit the headlines tell us that anyone can have dangerous contaminants in their water.

Fortunately, a reverse osmosis (RO) system, which forces every drop of water though a semi-permeable membrane, can effectively trap many different types of contaminants.

Biological Contaminants

Experts call organisms in the water supply biological, microbial or microbiological contaminants, or they may be referred to as microbes. Examples of biological contaminants that a reverse osmosis water purification system can remove include:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia lamblia
• Legionella
• Bacteria
• Viruses

Chemical Contaminants

Naturally occurring and man-made elements and compounds that compromise water quality are considered chemical contaminants. Examples of problematic elements and compounds that can be removed with an RO system include:

• Arsenic
• Copper
• Lead
• Mercury
• Nitrate
• Fluoride

Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection byproducts are organic, inorganic and chemical substances formed during the water disinfection process. Examples of byproducts that can be eliminated with a reverse osmosis system include:

• Bromate
• Chlorite
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
• Total trihalomethanees (TTHMs)

Physical Contaminants

Physical contaminants are generally not hazardous – they primarily affect the water’s appearance and physical properties. That said, these impurities can have a significant impact on the taste, smell and quality of a household’s water supply. To remove contaminates, a high-quality RO system includes two to four additional filters that can remove sediments and particulates.

Installing a Reverse Osmosis System

When you consider the cost per glass, an RO system is one of the most affordable water purification options available. The components are highly durable, and the system requires very little maintenance. Invest in one, and it’ll pay for itself quite quickly, as buying bottled will be a thing of the past for your family.

You can choose to install an RO system under your kitchen sink or basement. And if you like, the system can connect to your refrigerator and ice maker.

After installing a high-quality reverse osmosis water purification system – like those we offer here at Kinetico Utah — your family will have a safe, clean and delicious supply of drinking water.

The vast improvement in the safety and quality of your household drinking water supply is reason enough to install an RO system, but you’ll love the convenience of enjoying tasty and refreshing water straight from the tap. A reverse osmosis water purification system is a valuable addition to any home. For more information, contact Kinetico Utah and schedule a free consultation today.

Should you invest in a drinking water filtration system? Or is buying bottled water the best way to go?

As water treatment specialists, we’re obviously in favor of the first approach. But, we have several good reasons for recommending home filtration over bottled water. Once you see how the two options for drinking water compare, you’ll understand our opinion.

Safety

Bottled water may not be any purer or safer than what flows through the taps. And because the companies that produce it aren’t required to issue annual quality reports, you really don’t know what contaminants it may contain.

With a filtration system, you can ensure every glass your family consumes is fresh, clean and safe. The filter will trap impurities, leaving you with the highest quality drinking water.

Convenience

Sure, grabbing a bottle out of the fridge is easy. And, you can buy bottled water just about everywhere, which does make it convenient.

That said, having a drinking water filtration system at your home is even more convenient – getting a glass is as simple as turning on the faucet. Plus, you’ll have a safe supply for use in cooking. Using bottles for that purpose would be rather expensive…which brings us to our next point.

Cost

Bottled water isn’t very budget-friendly. Each bottle might only cost a dollar or two, but if you’re drinking as much as you should, that can add up to hundreds of dollars every month.

A home filtration system does require an upfront investment. But because it can produce great-tasting, high-quality drinking water for just pennies a gallon, the purchase will pay for itself rather quickly. And if you invest in the right system, like one from Kinetico, it can last for twenty years.

Sustainability

The environmental cost is one of the biggest downsides to bottled water. Packaging and transporting it uses a large amount of fossil fuels, and most bottles end up in landfills.

A drinking water filtration system is a far more eco-friendly option. By not throwing away countless plastic bottles every month, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you choose an efficient system – like those made by Kinetico.

Have we convinced you to forgo the bottled water and opt for home filtration? If you live in Salt Lake City or the surrounding northern Utah area and you’re ready to explore your options, call on the professional team at Kinetico Utah.

At Kinetico, a decades-long industry leader, we’re known for providing innovative water treatment solutions. We also have a reputation for exceptional customer service, and we’re happy to answer your questions, offer expert advice and help you find the best solution for your northern Utah home.

For more information on our drinking water filtration systems, contact our Draper, Utah, office and schedule a free consultation today.

A reverse osmosis system can provide you with a convenient supply of clean, great-tasting drinking water. And with proper maintenance, the system can easily last ten to twenty years.

But what does it take to maintain a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system?

The amount of maintenance required depends upon the type of system you install, where your water comes from and how much your household uses. That said, maintaining a reverse osmosis system typically involves periodic filter changes.

Filter Changes

Most reverse osmosis water filtration systems have multiple filters, and manufacturers provide recommendations on how often to change the cartridges.

Usually, replacement filters are necessary every 9 to 12 months. However, if you get your water from a well, you may need more frequent changes due to the sediment and dissolved solids well water contains. Your RO water filtration system will also require new cartridges more often if you have a large household or above-average consumption.

Make Maintenance Easier

One of the best ways to ensure easy maintenance is to pair your reverse osmosis system with a water softener. The minerals in hard water put a strain on the filters, which reduces their lifespan. A softener removes these minerals before they reach the filters. And, the RO system removes the sodium added to the water by the softener.

Another way to make maintenance easier is to choose a Kinetico water filtration system. Our unique design allows you to change the filters with a simple twist, and you’ll know when a change is necessary thanks to our MACguard® Filter and PureMometer® Filter Life indicator.

Or, if you prefer, you can simply rely on Kinetico Utah for your RO water filtration system maintenance. Our professional team can take care of the necessary filter changes, and we’ll also check your water quality to ensure the system is working properly.

For more information on our home water filtration systems and water softeners, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss reverse osmosis system installation with the experts at Kinetico Utah, contact our Draper office today.

The benefits of soft water are undeniable. After installing a softener, you can look forward to having healthier skin, getting suds with much less soap, extending the lifespan of your appliances and saving money on your monthly energy bills.

But how will the softened water affect your houseplants? Is it safe for them to drink?

Yes, but as any gardener knows, certain varieties can be extra sensitive. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re planning on installing a softening system.

Softeners Don’t Add Salt to Your Water

Most softening systems use salt. However, that doesn’t mean they provide you with salty water to use.

Salt contains sodium. And the salt you add to the softener tank gets broken down for its sodium – the element has a positive charge, so it attracts and removes the negatively charged calcium and magnesium molecules responsible for your household’s hard water.

As only a trace amount of sodium remains in soft water, you can safely use what flows from your taps for watering your houseplants. Chances are, you won’t notice any ill effects.

Keeping Your Houseplants Happy

The tiny amount of sodium in soft water can gradually build up in potting soil, and that may cause sensitive plant varieties to suffer stunted growth.

If you’re concerned about soft water being too hard on your houseplants, opt for an alternate solution:

• Collect rainwater or melt snow and use it for watering
• Purchase distilled, purified or spring water for your plants
• Use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride pellets in your softener tank

You can also give your houseplants water from a reverse osmosis system – and installing one along with a softener can be a smart investment.

Invest in a Reverse Osmosis System

The reverse osmosis process greatly reduces the contaminants in your household water. The result is a supply that’s nearly pure – and that allows you to easily control the pH level and create balanced nutrient solutions for plants in need of special care.

Plus, with a reverse osmosis system, you’ll have an in-house supply of great-tasting drinking water. No more buying bottled water at the grocery store brings big savings, and system maintenance is a breeze.

If you install both a softener and a reverse osmosis system, you’ll enjoy the benefits of soft water and have purified drinking water that’s safe for both your family and your houseplants. Furthermore, because a softening system eliminates the calcium and magnesium molecules from your household supply, it will significantly extend the already long lifespan of your reverse osmosis unit.

To learn more about softeners and reverse osmosis systems, turn to the professional team at Kinetico Utah.

An industry leader in Salt Lake City and throughout northern Utah, Kinetico has been providing innovative, efficient and effective water treatment solutions for decades. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to homeowners, and our specialists are ready to explain your options, answer your questions and offer expert advice.

For more information on our products or the many benefits of having soft water and purified drinking water in your home, contact Kinetico Utah today.

So, you’re thinking of investing in a water softener. As you research your options for water softening systems, warranty coverage is one of the many important details to consider.

The warranties offered by the various water softener manufacturers are not all alike. You need to make sure the product you choose comes with sufficient coverage – you don’t want the warranty to fall short if your softening system experiences a problem.

To make the task of comparing warranties for water softening systems a little easier, the following guide explains the essentials.

Standard Warranties for Water Softeners

Though many manufacturers stand behind their water softeners, most have a limited warranty window of one year on parts – and only on certain parts. Exclusions are common, and the components that are more likely to break down may not be covered. And keep in mind, warranties typically do not include labor charges for repairs.

Some manufacturers, including Kinetico, offer extended warranty coverage for the softener tanks. This is a definite benefit, but these components are usually not the cause of softening system problems.

Water Softener Warranty Requirements

In many cases, manufacturers have specific guidelines on water softener installation. For the warranty to be valid, the softening system must be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Generally, this means that the softener must be appropriate for the household water conditions and that the installation must meet all applicable local codes. And to maintain the validity of the warranty, any servicing of the softening system needs to be completed as the manufacturer directs.

Why Kinetico Warranties are Stronger than Others

Kinetico offers impressive warranty coverage on our water softening systems – we’re proud of the fact that our warranties are among the best in the industry.

Our coverage is better than what you’ll find with our competitors. Our Premier Series™ water softeners, for example, come with a 10-year warranty on all parts. That includes the ion exchange resin, the filtration media, the bypass valves and prefilter assemblies, assuming normal maintenance requirements are met.

In addition, if you decide to move, you can transfer the warranty to the new homeowner. Or, you can have the softening system moved to your new residence and the coverage will continue. Plus, with Kinetico, you can look forward to having a warranty with no fine print. We keep our warranties clear and easy to read – you can tell at a glance exactly what’s covered.

Do you have questions? Or are you interested in learning more about what Kinetico water softeners have to offer? For details on our warranties for water softening systems, or to schedule a free consultation and estimate, contact our Draper, Utah, office today.

https://www.kinetico.com/media/1576/15206_warranty_limited_kinetico_premier_series_022013.pdf

For homeowners in Utah, installing a water softener can be a necessity. Without a softening system, our region’s hard water can lead to a number of problems, including soap scum residue, limescale build-up, pipe corrosion, and damage to the plumbing.

Manufacturers are marketing magnetic water softeners as alternatives to traditional systems. And to anyone looking for low-salt or salt-free softening, a magnetic treatment device can seem like a good option.

Unfortunately, magnetic softening isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here, we explain how the treatment systems are supposed to work and share better bets for solving Utah’s hard water problems.

Magnetic Water Softener Technology

Magnetic treatment systems use powerful magnets or electromagnetic devices instead of salt. Manufacturers say that the magnetic field changes the molecular composition of the mineral contaminants present – and that this works to prevent the chemical reactions that create hard water.

According to the manufacturers, a magnetic system can provide a lifetime of salt-free softening. We’d be on board if that were true, but scientific research doesn’t support this claim.

Research on Magnetic Water Softeners

Laboratory studies conducted by independent third parties have concluded that magnets don’t work to soften water. Research on the effectiveness of magnetic treatment systems was completed in 1977, 1985 and 1987, and each time the softeners were found to provide no measurable effect.

Since then, more than a hundred other studies have been performed, and none supports the claims made by magnetic softener manufacturers. And, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection actually published an alert stating that magnetic treatment devices don’t work.

Given that practically no one other than the manufacturers is promoting the use of magnetic softeners, installing one doesn’t make good sense.

Low-Salt and Salt-Free Softening

Homeowners are often concerned about the salt traditional water softeners use.

A water softener breaks down the salt to use the sodium it contains. The sodium ions essentially replace the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for creating hard water, keeping them trapped in the tank. And the amount of sodium that remains in what flows from the faucets is quite minimal.

That said, Kinetico has developed a line of products that soften water with little need for salt. A Kinetico Water Softener will use an average of 70% less salt than a traditional water softener.

Kinetico Utah, serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah region, is a decades-long industry leader with a history of providing innovative and efficient water treatment solutions. For more information on our products, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss water softener installation, contact our Draper office today.

https://web.archive.org/web/20171026105533/https://extension.psu.edu/magnetic-water-treatment-devices

https://kineticoutah.com/the-scoop-on-salt-free-water-softeners/

Hard water is hard on your wallet – and if you want to save money, installing a water softener is a smart plan.

Sure, a softening system comes with an upfront cost. However, due to the savings it provides, a softener quickly pays for itself. Great news, but how is that possible? Many of our customers have this question, so we decided to explain four ways a water softener benefit your budget.

Save Money on Soap and Detergent

Shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher detergent – these products may not seem all that expensive. But when you have hard water, you need to use a large amount to achieve the desired results.

Install a softening system, and you can use far less soap and detergent. You won’t need to purchase replacement products as frequently, and over time, that will add up to significant savings.

Save Money on Clothes and Textiles

The minerals present in hard water are no friend to your clothes and household textiles. Quite the opposite – it actually makes everything look rather gray, dull and dingy. In addition, the material wears out faster. So, having hard water often means spending more money on clothing, sheets and towels.

After installing a water softener, you’ll notice a definite difference. Softening systems allow for more gentle washing, which extends fabric life. You won’t need to buy new clothes and textiles nearly as often, and that can save you a great deal of money.

Save Money on Monthly Energy Bills

Hard water creates scale buildup, reducing the amount of water that can flow through your pipes. This makes your washing machine, dishwasher and water heater work less efficiently and leads to higher energy costs.

With a softening system, your appliances will function as they should, and the efficient operation will result in decreased energy bills. And if you install a Kinetico water softener, you’ll see even greater savings, as our systems do not use any electricity.

Save Money on Household Repairs

 The scale buildup we mentioned doesn’t just affect the efficiency of your appliances – it can also result in the need for repairs. And if your home has hard water, you may face problems with both your appliances and your plumbing.

While installing a water softener is no guarantee you’ll never need repairs, having a softening system does help ensure that your appliances and plumbing last as long as possible. And over time, you’ll enjoy lower maintenance costs.

For the biggest opportunity to save money, you need to choose the right water softener – like one made by Kinetico. We engineer our softening systems to provide 20 to 30 years of trouble-free operation, and we back our products with a 10-year warranty.

Kinetico is a northern Utah industry leader, and we’ve been manufacturing efficient, innovative and affordable treatment systems for several decades. For more information on our products, or to schedule a free consultation and estimate for water softener installation, contact Kinetico today.

Traditional water softeners typically last about 10 years. So, if yours was installed over a decade ago, replacing it could be a smart move.

However, systems can fail sooner, particularly when they’re tasked with softening extremely hard water. Since no one can predict exactly how long your softener will continue to work as expected, it’s a good idea to learn how to spot the signs it’s time for replacement.

Clues Your Water Softener Isn’t Working Properly

When a softening system is on its last legs, you may notice a number of issues. The most common red flags include:

Lack of Lather

Hard water doesn’t suds up very well. If your soap refuses to lather or you see that you’re having to use more than usual, it may be time to replace your water softener.

Spotty Dishes

Scale buildup is a sure sign that hard water is present. If you begin to notice spots on your glasses and dishes, chances are your softening system isn’t functioning as it should.

Laundry Problems

Clothes washed in hard water may not get fully clean, or they may seem stiff and scratchy despite the use of a fabric softener. If you have issues with your laundry, they could be pointing to a problem with your water softener.

Chalky Fixtures

The minerals in hard water can create a chalky buildup around your faucets and pipes. If you notice an accumulation when you’re doing your regular cleaning, your softener may be the cause.

Keep in mind, however, that these warning signs may not necessarily indicate that you need to replace your water softener. Repair might be the solution to getting your softening system up and running again.

Benefits of Replacing Your Water Softener

With a new Kinetico water softening system, you won’t have any of the problems listed above. That, as you can imagine, will make your life easier.

What’s more, by replacing your softener, you’ll also get to take advantages of Kinetico’s updated features and advanced technologies. A Kinetico water softener will us an average of 70% less salt and water, in non electric so you’ll never program or service the microprocessor and it will last about twice as long as traditional softeners

Do You Need to Replace Your Water Softener?

If you suspect you need a new softening system, turn to Kinetico, a trusted northern Utah industry leader for over 30 years.

Kinetico offers high-quality, innovative water treatment systems engineered to last for decades – and our products come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you won’t have to worry about hard water for quite a long time.

To learn more, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss water softener replacement, contact Kinetico today.

Soft water allows your appliances to operate efficiently, which helps them last longer. You can also use much less dish and laundry detergent if your home has softened water, and you won’t have scale buildup in your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Plus, your skin will be smoother and your hair will be more manageable.

Clearly, soft water is what you want – but does your home have it? Or do you need to install a softening system?

The best way to find out is to schedule a professional test. In the meantime, this easy experiment can give you a pretty good idea of whether you have hard or soft water.

How to Test for Soft Water

To test the softness of the water in your home, simply follow these steps:

• Get a bar of Ivory Soap.
• Plug a sink and start or fill the sink with water.
• Hold the bar of soap in the steam of water so some of it can dissolve into the water.
• Agitate the water vigorously for about five seconds.

If you see a good amount of suds at the top and crystal clear liquid underneath, congratulations – your home has soft water. If the bottle contains only a few bubbles, the opposite is probably true.

Can’t tell? Repeat the experiment using distilled. If you see more suds in this test, your home has hard water.

How Softening Systems Work

Fortunately, hard water can be softened – simply install a softening system, and hardness will no longer be a problem.

Softening systems use an ion exchange process to remove magnesium, calcium and other mineral contaminants. Softeners contain resin beads with ions that have an opposite charge to the ions in the minerals. As a result, the two sets of ions trade places, the contaminants stay behind and soft water flows from the system.

A high-quality softening system can last for decades, though it will need to be recharged periodically with fresh sodium or potassium.

Schedule a Free Professional Test

As we mentioned, professional testing is the best way to determine if you can benefit by installing a softening system. The experiment outlined above is informative, but it won’t tell you the hardness level of your water or whether any other issues are affecting your water quality.

For a free professional test, contact Kinetico. Our expert team can visit your Utah home and complete an assessment of your water quality. The results will show if you need a softening system and if you should consider other treatment devices, such as a reverse osmosis purification system or whole-house filtration system.

Kinetico, a Utah industry leader for over 30 years, offers high-quality softeners and treatment systems designed to last for decades – and our products are backed by a 10-year warranty. For more information, or to schedule a free professional soft water test, contact us today.

A water softener system eliminates issues with soap scum and lime scale, boosts the efficiency of your appliances and even keeps you from dealing with dingy clothing and dry skin.

But all softening systems are not created equal. If you live in Utah, choosing a Kinetico water softener is in your best interest. Here’s why Kinetico is the perfect solution for your hard water problems.

Non-Electric Systems

The water softener systems made by Kinetico do not use electricity. By choosing one of our softeners, you can save money on your monthly energy bills and have a reliable source of clean, soft water lasting a couple of decades– even during power outages.

Low-Salt Usage

Kinetico treatment systems use much less salt than other brands of softeners. In fact, our innovative, high-tech products require 50 to 80 percent less salt – and that translates to more savings and less hassle for you.

On-Demand Operation

With a Kinetico water softening system, you have water when you need it, without any waste. Unlike traditional treatment devices, our highly-efficient systems monitor your usage and operate only when necessary.

Twin-Tank Design

At the same time, Kinetico softeners have a unique twin-tank design to allow for an uninterrupted supply of water. So, even on days when you’re doing a lot of laundry or everyone is taking extra showers, running out of soft water will never be a concern.

Compact Size

The fact that our softening systems have a twin-tank design makes them sound large, but the opposite is actually true. Kinetico softeners are space-efficient and can be installed in areas where other models will not fit.

Dependable Products

Kinetico has been making water softening systems for several decades, and we engineer our products to provide 20 to 30 years of reliable service. Choose one of our softeners, and you can look forward to trouble-free operation and very little maintenance.

Comprehensive Warranty

When you buy a Kinetico water softener, you gain the best guarantee in the industry. Our products are backed by a 10-year warranty, so you can have the peace of mind in knowing your softener will work effectively for many years to come.

With all of these advantages, Kinetico water softener systems stand far above the competition. With Kinetico, you can count on the best products and an automatic supply of clean, soft water for your family.

An industry leader, Kinetico has been manufacturing high-quality, innovative treatment systems for nearly 50 years – and countless people in northern Utah enjoy better water quality with our softening systems. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for a Kinetico water softener system that meets your needs, contact us today.