Whether you have a plumbing problem that needs to be fixed, or you’re planning a remodel or construction project, you’ll find lots of helpful plumbing tips here. Our resident experts offer up advice on fixing leaky faucets, choosing the right water heater, and finding the right professional, when necessary, to handle your plumbing issues.
Whether you’re the parent of babies and young children or just generally concerned about the quality of drinking water, you’re part of a growing cadre. In fact, surveys indicate six out of ten Americans are uneasy about public drinking water quality, and these concerns are effecting changes. In 2014, for example, a number of compounds...
More than 60% of Americans are concerned about health risks associated with trace drugs, medications and chemicals found in drinking water. In 2014 to respond to these concerns, the National Sanitation Federation collaborated with ANSI to issue NSF/ANSI Standard 401, identifying fifteen emerging contaminants (ECs) and defining pivotal standards for the water treatment devices used...
While some consider American drinking water the safest in the world, others aren’t convinced. For example, the EPA has established MCLs (maximum contamination levels) and enforceable standards for 114 potentially harmful pollutants, along with guidelines for 90 unregulated compounds. In spite of these standards, however, numerous pollutants can find their way into your drinking water,...
Water quality affects the flavor of everything from the food you prepare to the coffee you drink. If you’re crazy about coffee and want a water treatment system that supports this particular passion, it’s important to focus on essentials. Specifics vary, but most coffee aficionados agree the secret to consistently superb coffee is a combination...
If you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, you’re not alone. In fact, some surveys indicate between 30% and 40% of households avoid drinking tap water and opt to buy bottled water instead. Depending on your location and the brand you buy, bottled water costs 300 to 1000 times as much as straight...
Whether your drinking water comes from a municipal system or private well, it’s easy to take water quality for granted. Unfortunately water provides a natural habitat for bacteria, molds, parasites and viruses, and because it’s a universal solvent it can dissolve, dilute or carry countless chemicals, minerals, metals and similar compounds. To begin mastering the...
For all practical purposes, well disinfection systems fall into two broad categories: Those that are chlorine-based and those that aren’t. Both categories and each specific methodology offer advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at some particulars. Chlorine Disinfection Chlorine disinfection methods have been used since the 1920s. While chemical disinfection poses some concerns, its long...
As a water well owner, you face unique water quality challenges. One of them is biofouling, the term used to describe the biological buildup and encrustations that can form on the well sides, bottom, screens, submersed components and pipes. These buildups can impair well yield because they form dense, slimy mats that clog screens, block...
Over time, well yields tend to decline for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the casing has deteriorated or mineral and biological buildup is clogging the well screen and rock fractures at the well bottom. Reduced pumping rate, water level and total well depth are common symptoms, often accompanied by higher levels of sediment. Wells have a...
If you have a low-yield well, you face a special set of challenges. Often, the well fulfills your basic water needs, but it can’t produce sufficient water to meet peak demand periods. If your household is typical, you need about 1440 gallons of water a day (1 gpm), but during peak usage you may use...