Paso Robles Plumber Announces the Pros and Cons of Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Systems

Since both processes remove minerals, it can be assumed that both produce soft or mineral-poor water.

PASO ROBLES, California (PRWEB)
January 26, 2021

The taste of drinking water, the harmful build-up of minerals in pipes and equipment, and the ability to consume potentially harmful substances are some of the main reasons people buy a reverse osmosis system or water softener. Which system to choose can be confusing and Sky Sepulveda, the plumber from Paso Robles of Quality 1st Plumbing and Drains, has some information to help clear up the questions.

Basically:

• Reverse osmosis purifies water by reducing salt, minerals, and other contaminants.

• Water softeners reduce the hardness of the water caused by an excess of certain types of minerals by replacing those minerals with sodium or potassium.

Since both processes remove minerals, it can be assumed that both produce soft or mineral-poor water. Reverse osmosis has the added benefit of removing unwanted substances that may be unhealthy.

The benefit of reducing or removing minerals and contaminants from water is, in some cases, improved taste and reduced mineral build-up in pipes, plumbing, faucets and appliances, and cleaner looking toilets, sinks, tubs and showers. Softer water can extend the life of pipes, fittings and equipment.

The decision for a reverse osmosis system or a water softener depends on whether you choose purified water or just soft water. The Paso Robles plumber can help by discussing goals with you and recommending the highest quality products for a reverse osmosis system or water softener.

Some of the puzzles can be solved by understanding how minerals get into water:

• Water contains naturally dissolved minerals and gases that give it taste. The most common dissolved minerals are sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate. The percentage of certain dissolved minerals per volume of water makes water “hard”. The minerals and the density of these minerals in the water depend on the geology of the water source, which is why some regions have hard water. Water sources can be groundwater from aquifers, lakes, rivers, artificial reservoirs, and even captured rainwater. Other terms that describe water are “bitter”, “salty” and “sweet”. Bitter water tastes bitter due to an excessive amount of magnesium. Salt water is high in sodium. Calcium can give water a sweet taste.
• Public water systems tend to filter and disinfect drinking water with chlorine or chloramine, which gives the water an unpleasant taste. Public water can come from groundwater, lakes and rivers, reservoirs or even be obtained and stored from other sources.
• Well water, drawn from private groundwater sources, is pumped from deep aquifers and rarely requires cleaning, but may need to be softened depending on mineral content and taste.

Before deciding which process is the best choice for individual needs, it is helpful to know what minerals and other substances are in the water supply.

• Home water test kits are relatively inexpensive
• Healthy county departments or public water authorities can test water
• Agricultural offices and drilling companies can also test well water

Some health professionals advise against drinking too much demineralized water. However, a July 2019 article in Healthline reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, MD reports that drinking hard or soft water has no adverse health effects. If mineral deficiency is a problem, discuss the matter with a doctor.

When you have decided on a reverse osmosis system or a water softener, contact your Paso Robles installer for advice on the best quality product for installation and maintenance.

Sky Sepulveda has lived on the central coast for 30 years, specializing in troubleshooting and problem solving, and never shying away from challenges. He has numerous certifications in the plumbing industry and is fully licensed and insured. Sepulveda prides itself on building lasting relationships with customers by providing excellent service at affordable prices and staying on the cutting edge of plumbing solutions.

Quality 1. Plumbing and drains

Paso Robles, Ca 93446

(805) 835-7460

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