Frequently Asked Water Questions
Pure Water Works helps Michigan homeowners solve common water problems with customized treatment systems, testing, and expert service. Browse these FAQs by topic to learn more about hard water, odors, cloudy water, and other water quality concerns, as well as treatment systems.
Water Softener FAQs
Hard water contains dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. Hard water may also leave spots on dishes, soap residue on glass, scale on fixtures, mineral staining throughout your home, cause dry skin, dull laundry, and other issues.
A water softener system works by using resin beads that attract and remove minerals from water. The system then flushes those minerals away during a cleaning cycle called regeneration. Regeneration allows the resin to remove minerals again by “recharging” it with sodium or potassium chloride.
Many homes have different water conditions, usage levels, and plumbing needs. A basic store-bought unit may not be sized or programmed correctly for your water or home. Professional water testing and custom recommendations often lead to better long-term results, efficiency, and system life.
Cost depends on the size of your home, water usage, and the type of system needed. A typical softener can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. A professionally installed system is an investment that may help reduce soap use, protect appliances, and improve cleaning. The best way to get accurate pricing is with a water quality test and consultation.
Reverse Osmosis & Drinking Water FAQs
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration process that pushes water through a specialized membrane to reduce many dissolved impurities. It is commonly installed at the kitchen sink to improve drinking and cooking water.
Many reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing certain PFAS compounds when properly selected, installed, and maintained. Laboratory water testing is the first step to determine if PFAS are present and what treatment option is most appropriate.
Yes, many homeowners connect a reverse osmosis system to both the sink faucet and refrigerator ice maker. This can help improve taste and produce clearer ice cubes.
A metallic taste in water may come from iron, manganese, copper, other dissolved minerals, or aging plumbing. Testing the water helps identify the cause so the right filtration or treatment system can be recommended.
City water is treated to meet public standards, but treatment does not always address taste, odor, hardness, or every contaminant homeowners may want reduced. Many families choose additional filtration for better taste and improved water quality.
Municipalities often treat water with chlorine and other chemicals to kill bacteria. Although this meets many federal requirements, it’s not recommended to consume these chemicals regularly. There is also a risk of consuming chlorination byproducts and other disinfection byproducts. Chemical treatment also does not address problems such as hard water, high iron, methane, lead, PFAS, etc. At Pure Water Works, we have the right filtration solutions to combat these contaminants and more. To learn about your public water source, visit the EWG website.
Water Odor & Appearance FAQs
A rotten egg smell is often linked to hydrogen sulfide gas, and sometimes comes from sulfur-reducing bacteria in water. This odor is common in well water systems, but can also appear in plumbing due to bacterial growth. Water heaters with a corroded anode rod may also produce a sulfur odor, which is noticeable when running hot water.
The right solution depends on the source of the sulfur odor. Common treatment options include oxidation and aeration systems plus filtration, activated carbon, chemical disinfection for bacteria, or water heater service. Laboratory water testing can help you select the best fix.
Cloudy tap water is often caused by tiny air bubbles that clear after the water sits for a short time. It may also be related to sediment, hardness, tannins, or other water quality issues. If cloudiness is a constant problem, schedule a water test today.
Water Filtration FAQs
Chlorine is commonly reduced with activated carbon filter systems and reverse osmosis. These may be installed at one faucet or as part of a whole-home system, depending on your needs.
Nitrates are commonly reduced using reverse osmosis, anion exchange systems, or other specialized treatment methods. Because nitrate levels can vary, testing is important before choosing equipment. Proper maintenance is also crucial to ensure your system continues to function optimally.
Water Testing FAQs
Water testing helps identify water quality problems like hardness, iron, PFAS, nitrates, chlorine, pH imbalance, and other issues. This allows treatment systems to be selected based on real results instead of guesswork.
Private well owners should test their water regularly, especially if taste, odor, or appearance changes occur. The EPA recommends yearly well water testing. City water users can also benefit from water testing when they notice quality concerns.
Do You Need Help With Your Water?
Pure Water Works provides water testing, reverse osmosis systems, softeners, service and repairs, and additional water treatment support throughout Michigan. Contact our skilled team for personalized recommendations based on your water supply.