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Water Purification – Carbon Filtration vs. Reverse Osmosis

Is RO better than carbon filters?

If you’ve been looking into getting a water purification system for your home, you’ve no doubt noticed the two most popular technologies – carbon filtration and reverse osmosis (RO). And you wouldn’t be the first person to wonder about the differences between them.

Here at Kinetico Utah, we often get questions about the options for water purification. The following guide should provide some answers, but you can always reach out to our professional team for more information on carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems.

Carbon Filtration

Carbon filtration is the older of the two technologies, and it works by running the water through a special carbon substrate. Contaminants and impurities become trapped inside the filter, which works to improve taste, reduce odor and can make the water safer for drinking.

With carbon filtration, the options run from inexpensive standalone systems and pitcher filters to high-end water filtration systems that also include reverse osmosis technology. Carbon filters have various particulate ratings, but most excel at removing larger particles and chlorine.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is an advanced method of water purification, and systems that feature this technology are capable of filtering out many potentially harmful particulates – much more so than any carbon filter system.

The RO process involves forcing water to flow through a semi-permeable membrane. Because the membrane’s pores are incredibly small, this action effectively removes a vast range of chemical and physical contaminants. High-quality purification systems, such as Kinetico’s K5 Drinking Water Station, are also customizable to eliminate specific impurities present in the household supply.

Which Type of Water Purification System Should You Choose?

Carbon filtration isn’t as powerful as reverse osmosis in terms of the level of purification the process provides. However, it’s worth noting that a premium carbon filter can be a better value than a bargain-basement RO system. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

As you explore your options for filtering or purifying the water in your Utah home, you’ll need to consider several factors. Space constraints could affect your decision on a type of system, and if you’re like most homeowners, price will also play a role. One of the most important considerations, however, is the exact contaminants present in your household supply – and testing is the only way to know what it contains.

At Kinetico Utah, we offer free, no-obligation water testing to homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah region. Schedule a consultation, and we’ll answer your questions about carbon filtration, reverse osmosis and what type of water purification system is right for you. Contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.

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Water Filters vs. Water Softeners – What’s the Difference?

Should you get a water softener or a water filter?

If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, you could invest in a high-tech water filter – reverse osmosis filtration systems are quite effective for Utah homes. But is installing a water softener a better idea?

To figure out the answer to that question, you need to understand how the two treatment options differ.

Water Filter Systems

Water filters, as you might expect, filter out harmful pollutants and contaminants from your household supply.

Carbon filters capture large particulates, and they can be formulated to address specific contamination concerns like arsenic or chlorine. High-quality reverse osmosis purification systems – like those made by Kinetico — can efficiently eliminate these along with a wide range of other impurities. As such, a reverse osmosis filtration system is likely to improve the quality of what’s flowing from your tap more than a carbon filtration system.

Water Softener Systems

Water softeners are filters – but instead of removing harmful contaminants, they filter out minerals that create hard water.

Hardness may not be hazardous to your health, but the effects can be problematic. The calcium and magnesium ions hard water contains cause soap scum buildup, dingy laundry and dry, itchy skin. Plus, the minerals leave limescale deposits in your pipes –which not only wreaks havoc on your plumbing system, but also shortens the lifespan of your washing machine, dishwasher and any other household appliance that uses water. Softeners do away with these issues, and Kinetico’s non-electric, on-demand softening systems feature a compact twin-tank design and use much less salt than softeners made by other brands.

Do You Need a Water Filter or Water Softener?

Depending upon where you live in Utah, you may have a number of contaminants threatening your household water supply. And while mineral composition differs from region to region, hardness is also a problem throughout much of the state.

The easiest way to decide on a treatment solution is to get your supply tested for impurities and minerals. After a thorough analysis, you’ll know exactly what it contains – and a treatment specialist can recommend a cost-effective system that solves your quality problems.

That may be a reverse osmosis filtration system, a softening system – or both. Homeowners don’t have to choose one or the other, and installing a reverse osmosis system in addition to a softener is often the ideal solution.

At Kinetico Utah, a decade-long industry leader serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area offers a selection of innovative filtration and softening systems. We’re known for providing advanced treatment solutions at affordable prices, and our commitment to customer service is second to none.

The Kinetico Utah team is always happy to answer questions, and we’d love to help make sure you and your family have a steady supply of safe, soft water. For more information on the products and services we offer, or to schedule a free, no-obligation quality test and consultation to determine if you need a water filter, water softener or both, contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.

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How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Utah RO system installation

Reverse osmosis is an advanced water purification process, one that can greatly improve the quality of your water. Installing an RO system is an effective way to get safe, great-tasting drinking water – and the components last a long time, so each glass will cost just a few pennies.

For details on how the water purification method works, what an RO system can remove from your drinking water and answers to your questions about installation, take a look at the following guide.

The Reverse Osmosis Process

Reverse osmosis is a high-tech solution to drinking water quality problems, but the way RO systems work isn’t all that difficult to understand.

The process essentially involves using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. The holes are just large enough to allow water molecules through – impurities are trapped, and even small contaminant particles get flushed away. As such, the drinking water produced through the RO process is clean, clear and delicious.

Impurities Removed through Reverse Osmosis

Install an RO system, and you won’t have to worry about the quality of your household drinking water – you’ll be providing your family with a supply that’s free of many potentially harmful contaminants. The pollutants and impurities filtered out by the semi-permeable RO membrane include:

  • Arsenic
  • Lead
  • Iron
  • Floride
  • Mercury
  • Copper
  • Sulfate
  • Cadmium
  • Sodium

And that’s just a few of the contaminants removed through the RO process. Organic, inorganic and chemical byproducts of the water disinfection process are also trapped, and high-quality RO systems contain additional filters to remove particulates and sediments.

Installing a Reverse Osmosis System

RO systems are typically installed under the kitchen sink or in the  basement or a utility closet.

You can also opt to hook up your reverse osmosis system to a refrigerator or ice maker. And if you already have a water softener or are planning on installing one, you won’t have any issues – in fact, because hard water damages the RO membrane, having a softener will extend the lifespan of your RO system.

Do you have any questions? For expert answers and advice on drinking water purification systems, turn to the professional team at Kinetico Utah.

An industry leader serving residential clients throughout the state of Utah, we’ve been helping homeowners get clean, great-tasting drinking water for more than 30 years. We offer a range of affordable treatment solutions, including the Kinetico K5 reverse osmosis system. To learn more, contact us and schedule a free consultation today.

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How Often Do Water Softening Systems Need Servicing?

Are water softeners hard to take care of

High-quality water softening systems, like those designed by Kinetico, require very little attention. Invest in one, and other than adding salt – which you’ll do far less often than with a traditional softener – you’ll only need to schedule regular service calls.

So, how often will that be necessary? Most softening system manufacturers recommend yearly servicing by a water treatment professional. Below, you’ll find four reasons why annual service calls are essential for a well-functioning water softener.

Cleaning & Sanitizing

During an annual service call, a treatment professional will thoroughly clean out the brine tank and sanitize your water softening system. These are tasks you could handle on your own, but neither is particularly easy – and if you’re like most homeowners, you’ll rest easier with an expert taking care of the cleaning and sanitization.

Settings Optimization

When you get your softening system professionally serviced, you can count on the settings being optimized to suit the needs of your family. You might be using more or less water than before, and an expert knows how to make sure that the equipment setup is right for your household.

Component Maintenance

High-quality water softening systems that don’t use electricity – like those we offer here at Kinetico Utah — don’t need repairs or replacement parts nearly as often as traditional models. That said, just like every other appliance, components can get worn over time. During a service call, a professional will inspect every part of your softener and, if necessary, complete any repair work. They’ll catch any problems early on, before they grow to cause more extensive issues.

Water Quality Testing

In addition to all of the above, treatment professionals also typically perform water quality testing as part of every annual service call. Based on the results, you’ll know if your household supply is safe or if it contains any biological, chemical or physical contaminants. And in the event the latter is true, an expert can recommend an effective filtration system, one that works with your softener.

Clearly, annual servicing by a water treatment professional is key to ensuring a water softener operates efficiently for as long as possible. If you’re ready to schedule a service call – or if you’re interested in installing a new softening system – reach out to Kinetico Utah.

We’ve been a trusted regional industry leader for more than 30 years, known for our advanced water treatment solutions, competitive pricing and exceptional customer care. For more information on our water softening systems or their servicing needs, contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.

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Is DIY Water Filtration System Installation a Good Idea?

How to install a water filter

Are you thinking about taking the do-it-yourself approach to water filtration system installation?

Many people wonder it going the DIY route is possible, and yes, the task can be done. But as the saying goes, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Here’s why you may be better off if you work with a water treatment professional.

Expertise in How to Improve Water Quality is Essential

Saving money is the primary reason people consider DIY water softening or filtration system installation. That might seem to make sense, but is keeping a few bucks in the bank worth the risk that the system installed actually may not do what you wanted it to?

To provide effective filtration, you need to understand how to assess the quality of the water. Without knowledge of what’s wrong with your supply, you can’t determine how to make improvements. And while you can use a kit to test the water yourself, professionals have the necessary expertise to properly interpret the results. Try that on your own, and you might end up choosing the wrong treatment system.

If you want to install a system yourself make sure you consult with a professional to ensure you are getting what you really need.

Improper Installation Can Result in Damage to your Home

Let’s assume you perform your own quality test, and you figure out which system is the best option to meet your water filtration needs. Why not make the installation a DIY project?

The truth is, reading tutorials and watching online videos may not be enough to learn how to handle the task. Installing a water filtration system can be a complex process, and it will involve plumbing modifications. If you make a misstep during the installation, you could inadvertently have leaks which can easily do hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage – which is exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.

Quality of DIYSystems

When looking to install a water softener or water filtration system the options available for DIY are generally going to be a big box store or find something on the internet. Generally these options are lower quality and need to be replaced much sooner. They may also provide less than the desired results and when parts or filters are needed they are very difficult, if not impossible to find.

We regularly work with clients who have gone this route and within a couple of years we are removing their DIY system and they are telling us that this was the most expensive way they could have tried to improve their water.  This is because the water system didn’t work very well, didn’t last very long or was so expensive to maintain.

Professional Installation Takes Much Less Time

How much time are you willing to spend on your filtration system? Getting a good grasp of how to effectively treat your water and the proper steps to take for installation is going to take a rather large time investment – and so is actually completing the work.

Let a water treatment professional take on the installation, and aside from the initial consultation and follow-up visit, the project will likely only take a couple of hours. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that the work was done correctly. Given that you’re pursuing water filtration to make sure your household supply is clean, safe and free of impurities, opting for professional installation is in your best interest.

Kinetico Utah, a decades-long water treatment industry leader based in Draper and serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area, offers solutions that are innovative, efficient and affordable. To learn more about our products, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for professional water filtration system installation, contact us today.

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Three Facts About Reverse Osmosis

woman drinking water

Even though many companies offer home water softening systems, we think that we offer customers the very best options. Reverse osmosis water is some of the purest and most delicious water available anywhere in the world – and you can have a virtually unlimited supply at your home with surprisingly little cost. Your entire family can enjoy the pure, perfect taste of RO water just the way nature intended it.

Pressure Is Used to Remove Major Contaminants

A reverse osmosis system utilizes the finely tuned application of pressure to drive water through a semi-permeable membrane.  This membrane is only about as thick as a sheet of plastic but it is capable of removing many different inorganic solids that are dissolved into water.  Dissolved solids are any minerals, heavy metals, salts, etc that were once a solid that have now dissolved into the water.

You Never Come in Contact With Contaminants

The contaminants removed from the water by the reverse osmosis membrane are removed and flushed away. Your home reverse osmosis system will remove many major contaminants, including:

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Iron
  • Sulfate
  • Sodium
  • Nickel
  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Cyanide
  • Chloride
  • Phosphate

A home reverse osmosis system will also include two to four additional filters to remove other impurities that affect the taste, smell and quality of your drinking water.  These additional filters will remove sediments and particulates, chlorine and many other chemicals.

All that is left is clear, deliciously drinkable water.

Reverse Osmosis Is Very Affordable

In terms of cost-per-glass, reverse osmosis is one of the most affordable water filtration systems available. The system’s components last so long that each glass costs homeowners only pennies. Your family can cook, make ice cubes,   and enjoy clean delicious drinking water all without breaking the bank. The system’s ease of use and overall convenience also make it a valuable addition to any home.

Discover RO Water Today

Contact Kinetico of Salt Lake City Utah today to learn more about this water purification technology. In no time you can discover exactly what makes reverse osmosis water so exciting.

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Banana Filters

Ripe Banana

Having a recycle-first mindset can open a person to a world of new possibilities regarding the use of everyday items they would otherwise throw away. One of the most surprising items that’s proven to have a multitude of different uses is the humble banana peel. The fruit refuse has uses as silver, leather, and plant polisher, but it can also be a water filter.

Banana Guardians

According to a report published in ACS’ Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, minced banana peels have a better performance rate in filtering away potentially toxic chemicals from water. These chemicals include lead and copper residue from mining processes, runoff farms, and industrial waste. Allowing such toxins to enter the water supply can have adverse effects on people’s health, as well as the environment.

The current methods available to large-scale industries in dealing with such threats are expensive, and can even produce toxic residue. Previous studies have shown that similar plant wastes, such as coconut fibers and peanut shells, can remove toxins from the water. This is the reason researchers hypothesized that a similar plant waste, like the banana peel, can perform a similar function.

An apparatus using the minced banana peels quickly removed metals from the contaminated water just as well as—or better than—the other materials. According to the report, the banana peels could be used up to eleven times before they start losing their metal binding properties. The team adds the economic benefits of using banana peels as a filtration alternative is a significant factor, considering its low cost.

Industrial Only

Homeowners, however, shouldn’t make the mistake of putting minced banana peels in their water supplies and expect it to become more potable. This is because banana peels can attract and bind heavy metal toxins, but can’t do the same for dirt and bacteria.

The only way copper and lead can reasonably be present in a home’s water supply – other than outside contamination – is pipe corrosion.In this case, a complete replacement of the plumbing may be a safer long-term solution. There are hundreds of different solutions for every water filtration need, and most of them are right here. Contact us today about the situation you’re facing, and we’ll work with you to find the best and simplest answer.

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Benefits of the Reverse Osmosis Drinking or Home Filtrations Water System

Kinetico Utah - Water Filtration Systems Utah - Reverse Osmosis Water systems Utah

Did you know that according to the EPA there are over 80 contaminants that could potentially be in your drinking water? Do you really know what is in your tap water?

According to the Mayo Clinic an average healthy adult should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day which equals about 1.9 liters of water. Depending on the circumstance your body may require more water than another person due to things like activity, illness or environment. Our bodies must stay hydrated in order to stay in good working condition.

It is easy to see that clean water is vital to our state of health and wellness. In order to stay healthy and happy we must consume water that is free of harmful contaminants. We use water not only to hydrate ourselves, but the people we love.

Some of the contaminants that may end up in our drinking water can be hazardous to our health. Some of the contaminants you should be concerned about are:

Tetrachloroethylene is a contaminant that researchers at Boston University Medical Center have found to cause higher rates of stillbirth and placenta abruption in women. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people who have been drinking water containing high levels of tetrachloroethylene for many years could have problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Arsenic is a very toxic heavy metal classified by the International Academy for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Category I carcinogen, which means it is definitely a cancer causing agent. This is another contaminant that might end up in your drinking glass.

Fluoride is a very toxic substance that has been banned in several countries! There are some U.S. cities that have even banned the use of fluoride.

Chlorine is a chemical added to water to kill some bacteria but once it enters the human body it actually triggers the production of free radicals and causes cell damage.

The simple fact is that we can’t take the quality of our drinking water for granted anymore. Private well water can be affected by a number of factors and even municipally treated water that meets all of the federal guidelines has been found to contain bacteria, viruses and protozoa, some which may end up in your drinking water!

A Kinetico Reverse Osmosis K5 Drinking System offers clean, clear and worry-free drinking water and is certified to remove more contaminants than any other Reverse Osmosis drinking system.

Reverse Osmosis Filtration is a process where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that filters inorganic contaminants like metals and nitrates. It is customizable to your home’s specific filtration needs. If your needs change over time the Kinetico K5 Reverse Osmosis System is also expandable. Only the Kinetico Reverse Osmosis K5 Drinking System gives you this level of protection: three fixed filters- a PreFilter, Reverse Osmosis Filter and PostFilter- and then you also have 2 FlexFilters that allow for complete system customization for tackling your waters specific filtration needs.

Stay on track for a healthy and happy future protecting yourself and your family. Contact one of our water professionals today for a free water test at Kinetico Utah. Local callers: 801-576-8600 or call us toll-free at 1-800-969-4420.

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Utah's Whole House Water Filtration Checklist

simplify

Congratulations on choosing to buy a Kinetico home water filtration system for your home! Purchasing a home filtration system is one of the best choices you make when it comes to taking care of your family and home. You and your loved ones deserve to have safe and clean water without having to invest in products that require you to continually invest more money or more of your precious time, time that you can’t get back.

Below is a simple checklist along with related links to help you understand the undisputed value of a Kinetico Quality Water Filtration System.

  • Warranty –Kinetico is known to have the best warranty in the industry. Don’t let anyone fool you. Make sure you understand that a lifetime warranty doesn’t mean “your lifetime”. If you sell your home and the Kinetico Home Water Filtration System is kept at the original installation sight, it will still be under warranty. If you move and want to take your home filtration system with you, you will still be covered under warranty. Learn more at about the water filtration warranty.
  • Water Test –We take a water sample to determine the best sized water filtration system for your home.  Click here for more information about a free water test.
  • Non-electric- Kinetico is a Non-electric patented home water filtration system that uses natural engineering without taking a toll on the environment. Learn more about the benefits of home filtration today.
  • Dual Tanks- The Kinetico Dual tank water filtration system allows an uninterrupted supply of soft water enabling consistent regeneration of soft water protecting the water filtration system, requiring less salt and the reason why a Kinetico Home Filtration System lasts much longer than any other system on the market!
  • Customization- We offer several different water filtration systems to address a variety of water problems. Some of the less desirable contaminants include: Chlorine, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Hydrogen Sulfide (rotten egg smell) Learn more about a variety of water problems and contaminants here.
  • Certifications- A Kinetico Home Filtration System is certified through the Water Quality Association and also by NSF International. Learn more about the NSF mark and Kinetico certifications.
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Which Water Filter is Best for Me?

under sink

There are many different types of water filters and it’s easy to become confused about what type of water filtration is best going to solve your specific water problem. Water filters can be placed into four different categories, sediment, carbon, reverse osmosis (RO) and distillation.

Sediment: This type of water filter is used to remove particulates from the water like dirt, oxidized iron, and other particles that are suspended in the water. A sediment filter acts like a very small screen that filters out the sediments in the water. Sediment filters are sized by the size of particle they remove and can be very small to take out very fine materials like silica or much larger for removing sand from the water.

Carbon: Carbon filters are the most common type of water filter and are a key component of virtually every home water purification system. Carbon is very effective at removing dirt and sediments from water, chlorine, and many other chemicals. Carbon filters have very fine pores that are able to trap the particulates. In addition, the carbon acts like a sponge and is able to absorb the chlorine and other chemicals. It is very important to change the filter as the manufacture recommends ensuring the effectiveness of the filter. This type of filtration is used primarily to improve the taste of water and in removing the objectionable odors, like chlorine.

Reverse Osmosis: This is the most common way to purify water for drinking and cooking. A reverse osmosis system incorporates carbon filtration and a semi permeable membrane. The membrane is used to remove Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) which are minerals, salts, heavy metals, etc. that have dissolved into the water. This provides excellent tasting water that has as much as 99% of most of the impurities that can be in the water removed.

Distillation: A Distiller boils the water and the condensation is collected leaving the total dissolved solids behind, very similar to boiling water in a tea pot and the scale residue collects on the bottle of the kettle. This is an effective way to produce purified water, although, many object to the flat taste the water has.

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