Water Filtration - BudgetWater.com®

Water filtration is what BudgetWater.com® is all about. Water filtration systems at great prices. Water softeners, iron fitlers, Terminox™ Iron Filters, Rerverse Osmosis Systems (R.O. or RO), well water filtration systems, city water filtration systems. Basically all types of water filtration systems.

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Digital Water Test Kits for Testing Well Water pH Levels

Digital pH Meter for Well Water Testing

Digital Water Test Kits for Testing Well Water pH Levels

As a well owner you need to know how important it is to check the conditions of your well water. The importance of his can be related to the fuel gauge on a car, you always want to know where you stand. With new technological advances everyday it becomes more and more easy to make sure your well water is tested and within safe conditions, not only for consumption, but for well water filtration system operation as well. We carry many different products for testing well water, from water test strips and drops to digital pH meters and digital TDS meters.

If you have a water filter that does not use any type of chemicals to regenerate or “re-charge” itself, such as our Terminox™ Iron Filter, then you definitely want to keep an eye on the pH of your well water. We’ll use the Terminox™ ISM Iron Filter as an example. With this iron filter, you want to have your pH around 7.5 for optimal performance. When you test your well water with test strips, you will not get a completely accurate result, as these strips are mainly intended for pools and spas, where accuracy isn’t as crucial. A step up from the water test strips would be the water test drops. Drop pH test kits are pretty accurate for well water testing, but the use of color matching is where the flaw of this test kit lies. We all see colors differently and human error can lead to inaccurate results of your well water test. Not only that, but you usually only get whole number results and when you’re working with well water filtration systems you need to have an accurate pH reading.

A handy little pH chart for your reference.

The best way to test your well water would be to use one of our digital pH meters. Our digital pH meters read down to a tenth of a point and as an added bonus provide you with a water temperature reading. Our digital pH meters are delivered pre calibrated to 7.0 and can tell you exactly when you are at a 7.5 pH (which is perfect for the Terminox™ Iron Filter’s optimal performance). At an average cost of $50 they are well worth the money with a battery life of 2-5 years and the ability to be used in all types of water testing, including pools and spa’s.

As we’ve mentioned before, pH is critical with well water iron filtration and we encourage the use of digital pH testers at all times. We also offer Digital TDS meters which we’ll discuss more in a future blog. We offer many other tests kits as well, please take a look at our water test kits page for more information.

If you own a well, arm yourself with the tools professionals use from BudgetWater.com.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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How to find your well water flow rate

How to find your well water flow rate

Well Water Flow Rate

Flow rate is important because it’s crucial for back washing a filter correctly. If determining the flow rate is not done properly, the unit will fail in time due to improper back washing.

The following procedure to find your flow rate is very simple and will only take about 2 minutes tops. When the flow rate is determined and given to our techs, people usually get 20+ years of maintenance free quality water.

This is how to determine your flow rate:

All you have to do to get the correct flow rate is go to the nearest faucet past the pressure tank and turn on the water.

At this point, your not measuring or keeping track of time. You simply want the pressure tank to draw down and “click on”.

When this happens, turn off the water and count how many seconds it takes to fill up and “click off”.

Write this number down and then get yourself some type of container you can use to measure the water gathered. Many people will use either a gallon pitcher or a 5 gallon bucket.

At this point, turn on the water and start filling the bucket, you want to keep filling and keep track of how much you get before the pump turns back on, very simple and all done!

To sum it up. You turn on the water until your pressure tank cycles on, shut off and see how many seconds it takes to cycle off. Write down how many seconds. Then turn the water back on and see how much you can gather before the pump cycles back on.

You have all the information we need at this point to figure out your flow rate. Simply pick up the phone and give one of our techs a call at 1-800-701-9914. A example of what we might hear, “Hello Sam, the first part of the test took 30 seconds for the pump to cycle and then I was able to gather 5 gallons before it kicked back on.“

And that’s it! It’s that simple to find your flow rate. Thank you for taking the time to watch BudgetWater.com’s video on finding your flow rate.

Have a great day!

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Retention Tank Vacuum Breakers: Why the Vacuum Needs to be Broken

Retention Tank Vacuum Breakers: Why the Vacuum Needs to be Broken

This water filtration retention tank vacuum breaker could save you a LOT of money and headaches.

Retention tanks can be very useful tools for treating water, especially when prolonged contact time with chlorine is necessary.  They are pressurized tanks that ensure the water stays in contact for a specific period of time based on the flow rate and the size of the tank.  Because retention tanks are pressurized, though, certain precautions must be taken to ensure they work well and don’t get damaged.

Being in a closed system, the water can pull back on the tank if the well runs dry or there’s a sudden reversal of water flow for any reason.  If this happens without a vacuum breaker, the sudden reduction in pressure can damage or even collapse the retention tank.  A vacuum breaker allows the water to flow only one way so that if there is a sudden burst of back-pressure from the well the retention tanks will not be affected, but only the pipe prior to the vacuum breaker.  In order for us to guarantee our retention tanks a vacuum breaker must be used during installation but, in addition to the peace of mind that a warranty offers, they also provide the peace of mind of knowing that your system will be operational as it was intended.  If you’re considering retention to treat your water, speak to one of our water filtration technicians today about our options for retention tanks, vacuum breakers and chlorine injection systems.

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Is your water giving you the runs?

Is your water giving you the runs?

Why it may be your water that’s making you run for the toilet…

Here’s the little poop maker (aka, the rotavirus) up close and personal…

When you find yourself with the thunder down under one of the last places you may think to look for the cause of the problem would be your water. Though, if you don’t have an answer for your troubled stomach, it’s a good place to look. There are many reasons people find themselves afflicted with “The Diarrhea” and sometimes that reason is your water. Here is one possible (albeit rare) cause for the grumbling gastrointestinal discomfort that is, Diarrhea.

Rotavirus

Cool name… shitty virus (pun painfully intended). The rotavirus is found ALL over the United States and across the world. Over 3 million cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis occur annually in the U.S. alone. One of it’s main symptoms, as you can guess, is diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting, fever and dehydration. Yes. Water causing dehydration is the definition of irony. The rotavirus comes from infected feces… gross, we know. So, what’s infected feces (poop for those with a childish sense of humor, yours truly included) doing in your drinking water? Good question. VERY good question. Feces finds its way into drinking water more then you’d care to know and not all of it is broadcasting it’s presence by giving you diarrhea. If you have nitrates in your water, there’s a good chance you have feces in your water as well, more on that in later blogs. Feces can make its way into private wells through sewage overflow, polluted storm water runoff, sewage systems that aren’t working properly and animal farms (any farms upstream from you?).

Great, you’re thinking, there’s poop in my water.

One glass of water, hold the poop please...

Not only that, it’s infected with the rotavirus, our resident diarrhea inducing nemesis. Not all cases of the rotavirus are caused from contaminated water, but some are and we can help with those. The rotavirus can be extremely dangerous for children and if suspect you may have water contaminated with the rotavirus, then you need to address that right away. We’d recommend treating it the same as if we were treating e-coli or coliform. This is fool proof and will give you the piece of mind knowing the virus has been taken care of. The first step would be to find out your flow rate. Once we have the flow rate we can give you a proper recommendation. For example, lets say your flow rate was 12 gallons per minute, our recommendation would be:

First inline: A chlorine injection system.  This pump would wire into your pressure switch on the pressure tank. When your well pump turns on, this feed system would turn on and inject a small solution of chlorine into a “tee” between the well pump and pressure tank. Next the water would go into retention tanks, this would give the proper contact time. This is where the flow rate comes into the equation. For every gallon per minute of flow, 20 minutes of retention is required. This would mean for every 6 gallons per minute of flow rate, a 120 gallon retention tank would be needed. The  example above with a 12 gallon per minute flow rate, the person would need two 120 gallon retention tanks.

Once the water’s been treated for the virus we’d recommend carbon filtration or a Terminox ISM  which requires no maintenance and unlike carbon, does not work on absorption and won’t need replaced as often.

If you think you or someone you know may have been infected with the rotavirus seek medical attention immediately.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Another Happy Water Filtration System Customer

The following is an actual, unsolicited email we received from a satisfied water filtration system customer.

We would like to thank Gary for allowing us to use his words to show other potential customers looking for water filtration and water treatment equipment that we provide knowledgeable, friendly tech support and information to current and potential customers.

My name is Gary Gant and I had the pleasure of seeking help on line  from one of your staff members. His name is Joe and he did an outstanding job helping me. He went out of his way to help me. I own an electrical contracting business and do a lot of on line work and I would rate Joe one of the best.

Thanks and have a blessed day

Gary G.

FROM MANAGEMENT

We cant thank you enough for this email. We strive to have the best customer support and the most knowledgeable water filtration technicians in the business, so when we receive unsolicited praise like yours we know our hard work is paying off. We’re very happy that Joe was able to help you with your water issues and we hope if you ever need anything in the future you won’t hesitate to take advantage of our free lifetime technical support.

We want you to know that we truly appreciate your business and value you as a customer.

Have a wonderful and blessed day yourself, BudgetWater.com® Management

Thanks again Gary!

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Clean Water and Health

Clean water and the effect of water on your health.

Clean water is essential to the human body.

What does clean water have to do with the human body?

Water is important to the mechanics of the human body. The human body cannot work without clean water. In fact, all the cell and organ functions that make up 75% of our entire anatomy depend on clean water for their functioning. People that drink from an untreated private well or spring can sometimes suffer from chronic infection of the small intestine and this can lead to malabsorption, which in turn can lead to serious health risks.

Since clean water is such an important component of our body and our health, it makes sense that that we pay attention to the quality of the water we consume. Having your water tested before consuming it is very important.  If it is found to be contaminated, having the right water filtration system is the key to clean water for your health. Drinking water should always be clean and free of contaminants to ensure proper health and wellness.

Some water should not be consumed, as it could be hazardous to your health.

What is in drinking water?

Groundwater that fills wells can become contaminated. Some elements it picks up from rocks as it seeps through the ground, but run-off pollutants can also seep into groundwater.  Iron, sulfur, manganese, and deadly organisms such as e-ccoli and coliform bacteria may be in your drinking water, we say this not to scare you, but to make sure that you have your water tested for your own safety. If any of these contaminants are in your water then it is in need of filtration in order to have clean drinking water.

How do we get clean drinking water?

Having the right water filtration system for your water source is very important in many ways. Another reason to have proper water filtration is to preserve the life of your water using appliances. For example, iron can cause discoloration/staining on tubs, toilets, sinks, fixtures, and  driveways. If you have a high level of hardness in the water, you may have irritated skin, spotted dishes, or even corroded plumbing fixtures from calcium build up. If you notice a rotten egg smell in the water, it is most likely sulfur, manganese, or both.

All water conditions differ, so please give us a call at 1-800-701-9914 if you have any questions or would like a free water test. We have knowledgeable water technicians that can diagnose your water problem and provide you with the right water filtration system that will leave you with clean healthy drinking water.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Well Water Flow Rate

How to determine your well water flow rate.

Many of the well water treatment systems we offer at BudgetWater.com® are dependent on the flow rate of the water past the pressure tank.  While it is possible to estimate this flow rate based on variables like the pipe diameter and pressure tank pressure, we recommend a method that tends to give very accurate results:

Locate a tap or faucet within earshot of the pressure tank and turn the cold water all the way on.

Wait until you hear the pressure tank turn on and, with a timing device in hand, turn the water all the way off.

Count how many seconds it takes until you hear that pressure tank turn off again and make note of this time.

Without running the water again beforehand, take a container of easily measured size (i.e. a 5 gallon bucket or 1 gallon jug) and count how many gallons of cold water you can draw from that tap or faucet before the pressure tank again turns on.

In doing this, you can determine the water regeneration time of the pressure tank as well as the water capacity able to be drawn from that tank.  If you take this data you can extrapolate to gallons per minute using the following formula:

Flow Rate = Water Drawn X 60                        Regeneration Time

Flow rate is especially important for backwashing filters for two reasons. If the flow rate is too low there may not be enough water pressure to lift the bed of media during backwash, which can in time damage the media.  On the other end of the spectrum, too high of a flow rate can cause excessive media washout during backwash.  While we do have guidelines in place for recommendations and proper sizing of equipment, there are a lot of factors at play in determining which size unit to go with a particular flow rate.

Another area of treatment in which flow rate plays an important role is the treatment of E. Coli or Coliform bacteria.  When using an ultraviolet light to sterilize the water it’s crucial to make sure that your UV light is sized to match your flow rate, though in this instance over-sizing the unit isn’t of as much concern as under-sizing the unit.  If the unit is under-sized the bacteria won’t be exposed to the UV light for a long enough time to be neutralized, leading to potentially harmful bacteria getting into your water.  For this same reason, when using chlorination and retention, it’s important to have at least 20 gallons of retention capacity for every gallon per minute of flow rate to ensure that the bacteria is in contact with chlorinated water for at least 20 minutes.  Because there can be other factors in play when choosing or sizing a unit, we highly suggest calling one of our experienced water technicians at 1-800-701-9914 if there’s any uncertainty whatsoever as to what the best solution for you is.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Iron Bacteria in Well Water

Iron Bacteria in Well Water

What is Iron Bacteria?

Here you can see a pool of surface water infected with Iron Bacteria.

Iron Bacteria is a name for a large diverse group of bacteria that have a significant effect on water filtration systems. Iron bacteria need energy to grow, they get this energy from the oxidation of the soluble Ferrous Iron (which is very common in groundwater) to the insoluble Ferric form. Only a small amount of energy is produced from this reaction, therefore Iron Bacteria have to oxidize large amounts of iron in order to grow. The result is an accumulation of Iron Precipitates along with Bacteria that form into Biofilms that excrete “slime”. This “slime” enables the Iron Bacteria to attach to surfaces such as water filtration pipes and pumps. Iron Bacteria causes restricted well performance from the plugging of groundwater extraction as well as the clogging of well parts including screens, casing, inlets etc. The blocking of these components can be extremely rapid, and reduce the flow of wells to below operational requirements in a short period of time. In some cases it can cause pump burnout or the complete obstruction of components and prevent water flow completely. This of course, increases the cost of repairs, plumbing and maintenance. Iron Bacteria can also cause other problems such as corrosion of plumbing, turbidity, odor, and staining of water (which is usually red, orange or brown).

What Causes Iron Bacteria?

The source of Iron Bacteria is often unknown. Iron Bacteria may already be present in the groundwater and become introduced into a bore through the plumbing after a well is drilled. Iron bacteria can also be introduced into a bore due to cross contamination from equipment previously exposed to Iron Bacteria. This includes tools, equipment, water used for drilling and second hand parts. It is important to sterilize equipment before use.

How to Tell if You Have Iron Bacteria:

A simple home test can be done to Check for Iron Bacteria. A sample of water can be collected from the closest outlet to the bore in a clear sealable bottle (such as a clean water or soda bottle) Let the water sit for 24 hours, if Iron Bacteria are present they will generally form small clumps of iron colored material suspended in the water. Other indications of Iron Bacteria are rusty colored slimy build up on pipes, reduced water flow or rusty colored water. A Visual Test can provide information as well.

How to Treat Iron Bacteria:

The Terminox™ Iron Filter removes Iron.

The best treatment for iron bacteria in private well water is normally the combination of a Chemical Feeder System and a Terminox™ ISM backwashing filter. Not only is this system extremely efficient and economical in removing iron bacteria, but it also removes sulfur, manganese, dirt, turbidity, taste, smells, color and even strong chemicals such as chlorine. One of the huge advantages of this system as well is that it can also raise the pH of the water if needed in most cases. This is a great water treatment solution for private wells, irrigation systems, sprinkler systems and virtually every other situation where iron bacteria is present in your water supply. And this system makes the water clean and tasty for your whole family!

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Iron Filter Vs. Water Softener

Water softeners are good for one thing... softening water. Water softeners are NOT iron filters.

Iron Filter Vs. Water Softener

At BudgetWater.com® our mission is to create a relationship with each individual customer. When you call us you will be advised, long before a sale, to send in a sample of your water in an effort to find out what water filtration system would be suitable for your family and your home. For example, one of our biggest recommendations is that customers never use a water softener as an iron filter. A water softener will reduce the concentration of iron in your water, however the life of your water softener will be reduced significantly. Big box companies and some fly-by-night, in-home water filtration salesmen will almost ALWAYS recommend a simple water softener to their well water customers despite the fact that it will only serve as a softener and will not filter iron or take away the smell, which is likely what brought your attention to our product in the first place. We don’t want to give you the idea that a water softener is something you can’t benefit from because that is not true. We just recommend that you have your water tested (we offer a free water test) to see if it is in need of iron removal.

On to the question “Why an Iron Filter before a Water Softener?”

Iron will coat the softening resin (zeolite) prohibiting the water softener from doing its intended job, namely softening the water (removing scale and hardness). So you’ve purchased an expensive water softener, which is not softening your water nor removing iron from your water. Not only is it not functioning as intended it’s reducing the life of the water softener, making it so that you will have to call the company that originally sold you this equipment for a “house call”. This leads you to find out that the purchase you made, which was recommended to you by water softener salesperson, has done nothing but cost you money and earned them money, leaving your water issues unresolved.

The Terminox™ Iron Filter removes Iron.

This is where BudgetWater.com® comes in, after a thorough water test we will recommend a proper treatment method for your water that will prove effective for the long term.  If iron is detected, our recommendation will likely include a Terminox™ ISM Backwashing Iron Filter, which will oxidize the iron, sulfur, and manganese from your water using no salt or chemicals. Our customers love this unit because of the chemical and maintenance free features. Most customers can put the filter inline and will have 20+ years of doing nothing but enjoying great water. Give one of our expert techs a call at 1-800-701-9914 and see if a Terminox™ Iron Filter would meet your water needs.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Treating E-coli In Your Water – Option Two UV Water Treatment Systems

Treating E-coli In Your Water – Option Two UV Water Treatment Systems

E Coli in Water... not particularly inticing.

In our last blog, Treating E-coli and Coliform In Your Water – Option One Chlorination and Retention we discussed treating Escherichia Coli (E-coli) and Coliform bacteria with Chlorination and Retention. In this blog we’ll discuss another option that’s effective for treating E-coli and Coliform, UV Water Treatment Systems.

In a UV water treatment system water passes through a stainless steel chamber and a powerful Ultra-Violet light obliterates the bacteria in the water.  Most in-home water treatment sales companies and other inexperienced on-line companies would recommend this system without really explaining much more in detail. There are many things to take into consideration when it comes to UV treatment for your water. The flow rate must be determined AFTER the pressure tank and not based off the well output rate.  Most companies use a UV light that has a wide range flow rate.  Although not completely wrong, we have found that some applications have had too high of flow rate or too low for the water to be disinfected.

A UV Water Treatment System sold by BudgetWater.com®

The reason we need the flow rate AFTER the pressure tank and not the well out put rate is because virtually all equipment is installed past the pressure tank. Flow rate is much more important then some questionable companies make it out to be and it is crucial that it be known before installing or even purchasing the correct water treatment equipment. UV water treatment can only be used after you have filtered iron out of your water with an iron filter, like the Terminox™, the water must be soft or contain less then  7 grains of hardness and needs to be free of other sediment and turbidity that might “shield” the bacteria and put you and your family at risk. What is “shielding”?  Shielding is the number one reason UV can be a trickier water treatment system to install since most companies don’t filter the water completely prior to the UV.  Most companies will tell you to install a water softener and then the UV, this is negligent as they are ignoring sediment and other contaminants that a water softener will not remove.  We always recommend a Terminox™ iron filter followed by a demand water softener and a 5 micron sediment filter prior to the UV.  If you are going to use UV the above recommendation is the best application you could have.

E-coli can be very harmful to your health.

If you think UV is the choice for you, make sure that you purchase a UV light with an alarm and warning lights and a monitoring system for the intensity of the light.  Whatever choice you make for your water filtration needs, be it a Chlorination and Retention system or a UV system, BudgetWater.com® is here to answer your questions and make sure that you have the best possible system you and your family. If you have any questions about these systems feel free to give us a call at 1-800-701-9914.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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E-coli and Coliform In Your Water

Treating E-coli and Coliform In Your Water – Option One Chlorination and Retention

E-coli in your water? Gross.

Treatment for Escherichia Coli (E-coli) and Coliform bacteria can be confusing and if not addressed properly, it can be dangerous.  With the improvements in water treatment technology and various water treatment companies telling you many different things, it can be hard to know the correct way of treating such harmful and potentially lethal bacteria.  We at BudgetWater.com® know of two possible solutions that have been proven to work.  The two treatment options we suggest are: Chlorination and Retention and the newer UV Treatment Systems. We will explore both options, but today we will be talking about Chlorination and Retention.

Chemical Feed System sold by BudgetWater.com®

Treating E-coli in your water with Chlorination and Retention is based off years of experience. The Chlorination system we recommend is a Chemical Feed System that injects chlorine as the water comes out of the well and before the Retention tank.  Flow rate is crucial since the amount of retention time is based on the flow rate. We recommend 20 minutes of contact time per gallon per minute of flow rate.  For example, if you have a flow rate of 6 gallons per minute or less, 6 gpm x 20 min = 120 gallons of retention.  The Chemical Feed System would be installed with a 120 gallon retention tank.  For every 6 gpm, a 120 gallon retention tank is needed. The flow rate CAN NOT be rounded down. If you have 6.2, 6.5 or 6.9, etc. gpm you need two (2) 120 gallon retention tanks (a smaller retention tank may be utilized depending on flow rate, ask a knowledgeable BudgetWater.com® technician for more information). Most people choose to keep the same size tanks to keep the plumbing simple and clean, but as long as you have the proper amount of contact time you can use whatever configuration you like.  The retention tanks hold the water and chlorine and kills the bacteria. The water can then move on to be filtered by a Terminox™ ISM for any residual chlorine and to remove the iron, sulfur and manganese that may be present in the well water and finally a water softener may be installed at the end of the line. The water that is purged from the backwashing of the Terminox™ unit will not have any bacteria and your septic system will not be polluted with any bacteria, nor would it have any chlorine that might kill the organics that a septic system needs.

E-Coli indicates the presence of fecal matter... in you water.

When presented with the issues of harmful bacteria, such as E-coli and Coliform, in your water Chlorination and Retention is a wonderfully effective option.  Be very cautious of water treatment companies that don’t want your flow rate or companies that don’t give you options.  We only recommend what we would do for our own families and we consider our customers family. In our next blog we’ll discuss treating E-coli and Coliform in your water with a UV Water Treatment System.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Sediment Filters

Sediment Filters    

Sediment Filter sold by BudgetWater.com®

Sediment filters are the first step that many people take in their search for clean, quality tap water and are oftentimes all that is necessary to treat the water.  To properly implement a sediment filter treatment, care must be taken in selecting the proper level of filtration for your particular water problem.

Many people assume that going to the sediment filter with the smallest mesh immediately is their best bet, because it will catch the most sediment.  This approach is often a bad idea for specifically this reason.  Using a sediment filter with a fine mesh with significantly larger sediment will cause the filter to clog prematurely, leading to a drop in pressure across the sediment filter.

Sediment filter cartridges are inexpensive and most fit universal housings, so it’s best to start with a higher mesh sediment filter cartridge and test to see what your best solution is.  Often, it’s best to use a multi-stage sediment filtration process, wherein a larger mesh sediment filter cartridge or series of sediment filters take out large particles; then a finer mesh sediment filter cartridge acts as a finisher.

For applications in which sediment filter cartridges are soiled quickly it’s recommended to step up to a backwashing sediment filter.  A backwashing sediment filter removes the need to replace cartridges by cleaning its media bed on a timed schedule.  Using different media for sediment filtration can increase or decrease the mesh diameter of a backwashing sediment filter.

In circumstances in which there is iron or manganese present in the water, it’s often more efficient to use a backwashing, oxidizing filter such as a Terminox ISM to treat the water.  The Terminox ISM media also acts as a sediment filter down to 20 microns, so when a Terminox is used it is rarely necessary to have a separate sediment filter in line as well.

As always remember to have your water tested. You must always start with water quality and then move on to the water filtration equipment. Many people mistakenly start with the water filtration equipment instead of the water quality. You can’t take a “cookie cutter” approach to treating water. We want you to get it right the first and only time. Please feel free to send us a sample of your water and we’ll test it for free!

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Water Filtration Systems BudgetWater.com® Vs. Big Box Store

Water Filtration Systems BudgetWater.com® Vs. Big Box Store     

Every day we get calls from people asking what the difference is between our water filtration systems and those of Big Box Stores.

Big Box Stores marginal water filtration systems. BudgetWater.com® beats em everytime...

The difference is that we sell quality water filtration equipment and we know all about the equipment we sell. We find it funny that these Big Box Stores stores sell their own version of water filtration equipment, but also have an affiliation with a separate in-home water filtration sales company that sells units for thousands of dollars on average. At the Big Box Store, if you sign up for a free water test there is a good chance that at a later point, you will have someone at your house that doesn’t work for the Big Box Store, but for one of these separate in-home water filtration sales companies and they’ll most likely be there for hours doing a dog-and-pony show. If the equipment these Big Box Stores sold at the store was of high quality, why on earth would they have a SEPARATE company come out to sell you something? The answer, in our opinion, is the in-home sales company sells the customer a premium system (highly overpriced) and the customer will remember the Big Box Store even though they didn’t sell them the system. These Big Box Stores get a nice kick-back on each unit the in-home water filtration sales company sells as well. BudgetWater.com® sells the same premium equipment for thousands less and our prices are usually better then the price of the marginal equipment sold inside the Big Box Store.

Makes you think a little.

Something else to think about, when a new Big Box Store opens in an area do you think they put ads in the newspaper for a water quality expert? They hire good people and put them in the department they know the most about. If you go to a Big Box Store for a water filtration system, you’re most likely talking to someone who knows a lot about plumbing, not about treating water issues. When it comes to water treatment you can’t take a cookie-cutter approach.

Out 15k Demand Water Softener

You can buy a small softener big enough for two people for as little as $319 at BudgetWater.com®. You can get a top of the line digital “On demand” unit for $429.

These units are far superior to the low quality cabinet models you buy at the Big Box Stores. Those units generally have the electronics in the same container as the water and salt, which is a highly corrosive environment. The average life expectancy on those units seems to be from 6 months to 2 years before customers start reporting problems. Our average life expectancy on our top of the line name brand component units mentioned here is 25 to 35 years. The average first call for assistance is 14 years. 90% of all issues can be resolved in few minutes over the phone with no service call or replacement parts needed. In fact, our customers should virtually never need a service call as all of our units are made with only the finest easy to replace components. On top of that, we offer lifetime phone support privileges, even on Sundays and Holidays! . Try getting help from these Big Box Store suppliers on a weekend (If you can even figure out how to contact them!).

If you want to have some fun call a Big Box Store and say you bought a water softener there and you need someone to fix it. The answer might get you thinking… Then call us and say you are a customer and need to speak with a tech. If you really want to have fun with it, call us both on a Sunday evening at dinner time. It will likely make your decision quite easy. Our customers have access to a private installation site complete with pictures and instructions, along with 7 day phone support. Our techs won’t let you mess it up! They are number one in the world for customer service. If you don’t want to install the equipment, a handy friend could do the job, even if he has never plumbed before! If none of that works for you we can almost always recommend someone to you in your area that has helped other customers install.

When it comes to Water Filtration Systems, BudgetWater.com® beats a Big Box Store ANY day of the week. Call us and find out more 1-800-701-9914.

-Water Filtration Wizard

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The newest Terminox™ site to hit the internet, check back frequently as it will be updated with more and more useful Terminox™ Iron Filter information!

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pH Levels and Water Filtration Systems

A handy little pH chart for your reference.

pH Levels and Water Filtration Systems

Water Filtration pH Basics

Any time you’re using an iron filter (such as our Terminox™) on well water and your pH is below 7.0 it is considered acid water by any knowledgeable water technician.  Since the beginning we’ve been taught that a pH of 7.0 is neutral, 7.0 and below is acidic and 7.0 and above is alkaline. And, this is the case, unless you happen to be using an iron filter on well water. Acid water can only be treated with acid neutralizers.  BudgetWater.com® offers many different sizes of Backwashing Acid Neutralizers. You should never consider any “multi-media” filter offered by other water treatment companies that are marginal at best.  Your options for acid neutralizers are Backwashing Acid Neutralizers that contain a single media (mineral) such as Calcite or Calcite plus and Chemical Feed injection systems with soda ash (sodium carbonate not sodium bi-carbonate also known as “pot ash”).

Soda Ash is used in some cases to bring up low pH levels.

My pH is 6.8 and I was told by the in-home salesman that my pH is good. Your pH is not good and your water is in fact acidic and in need of neutralizing. The best option for you in this case would be a Chemical Feed pump that would inject soda ash into your water line before the pressure tank. The Chemical Injection system is a relatively simple piece of equipment composed of a pump, a mixing tank, and an injector with hoses.  Neutralizing acidic water is quite simple with the Chemical Feed, on average, once a month you would mix soda ash with water. The cost of soda ash is 50 pounds for $50 and on average will last an average household a year or more.   We recommend the chemical injector because it can double up as a chlorinator. The same pump can take care of iron bacteria, which is another common well water problem. On average, you mix 3 to 6 pounds of soda ash to 15 gallons of water.  A Calcite Backwashing Acid Neutralizer is an option, but if you also need to take care of iron bacteria the Chemical Injection system would be best, and there’s no need for the neutralizer tank since Chemical Injection will treat pH from 6.0 to 7.5.  Acid neutralizer tanks are not adjustable since they contain a set amount of mineral that once absorbed pH is what it is. You should always test the pH after the Backwashing Acid Neutralizer Also, pH is critical to test before running the water into your Terminox ISM. Acid water will “burn up” the natural oxidizing mineral.

Chemical Feed Pump

My pH is 6.5 and I was told that I need an acid neutralizer tank. In this situation it would be OK to install a Backwashing Acid Neutralizer, but the best option would be the Chemical Feed pump.  Backwashing tanks need the mineral to be replaced about once a year depending on your water usage.  We offer EZ fill tanks that are easy to refill with Calcite or Calcite plus.  You should still at this point consider the versatility of the Chemical Feed system, but if maintenance is an issue then a B.A.N is the right choice.  If your pH is under 6.0 the correct way to treat your water is to install a backwashing tank and compliment it with a Chemical Feed pump just in case one tank does not neutralize your water.

Backwashing Acid Neutralizer

My pH is in the range of 4.5-5.5. The correct treatment would be to install two Backwashing Acid Neutralizers, one with Calcite plus to be followed by a Calcite tank.  (Tank size depends on flow rate, to determine your flow rate please visit our Articles & FAQ’s and read item number 7.)  An average size is a 10” x 54” 1.5 cubic foot B.A.N.  Our acid neutralizers come with digital Autotrol control valves.  These valves automatically backwash at a set time of 2am, but can be altered to suit your lifestyle.  Backwashing is necessary so the mineral doesn’t harden and become useless. The energy savings that some companies offer with their non-electric valves does not equal the importance of proper backwash. Non-electric valves do not offer proper pressure and length of time appropriate to keep the mineral at its optimal performance.

NOTE: The proper way of treating acid water is your choice, but please follow our advice, we always keep the customers best interest at heart and recommend only the best and correct equipment. The complexity of Backwashing Acid Neutralizers or setting up Chemical Injection requires careful directions and our expert technicians are always available 7 days a week, even on holidays.  

Effects of acid water

Green or blue stains in the bathroom sinks, bath tubs, showers, and appliances.

Metallic taste if copper pipes are used in the home.

Causes problems with PVC and PEX plumbing.

Damages the Alkalinity balance of our internal body.

Damages teeth.

The proper treatment for pH is important since acidic water can affect our health, homes and plays a big role in the performance of iron, sulfur, and manganese treatment.

When considering acid neutralizers, backwashing tanks with single media are best.  We are always on the cutting edge of technology.  Minerals used in our neutralizing tanks and iron filter units, never use harsh chemicals that others need for regeneration.  Greensand filters are a thing of the past and they should remain there. Our Chemical Feed systems in conjunction with Terminox™ are a one, two punch that is not matched by any other company out there today.  Please call our expert water technicians for free advice at 1-800-701-9914.  They will never ask you to buy anything, but will offer the best advice in the nation!

-Water Filtration Wizard

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Common Causes and Solutions to Smelly Water

Smelly Water is no fun... Terminox™ may be the solution.

Common Causes and Solutions to Smelly Water

We often hear complaints of smelly water from potential water filtration customers. It’s usually described as a “rotten egg smell” or “sulfur smell”. While this is usually the case, there are times when the culprit is not actually sulfur itself. Water with high manganese levels can smell very similar to sulfur.

One of the easiest ways to differentiate between the two is to determine whether the hot water, cold water, or all water has a sulfur smell. Manganese typically presents a smell similar to a sulfur smell only on the hot water side, whereas sulfur typically affects the cold water. The presence of significant amounts of manganese can also cause discoloration ranging from grayish water to black slime in the water.

While certain levels of sulfur in your water can be treated with chlorine injection, the presence of manganese or sulfur and manganese is best treated with a water filter such as the Terminox™ ISM, which can treat water for iron, sulfur and manganese simultaneously in addition to dirt and turbidity. Terminox™ iron filters are self-backwashing units that require little to no maintenance to provide clean water free of odor or discoloration for years. Feel free to read more about our Terminox™ iron filter in our blog post  Terminox™ on August, 1.

-Water Filtration Wizard