Last time, we discussed that pressure in the plumbing makes it almost impossible to open a Cartridge Filter, and how to release the pressure to make the job easier.

Today I would like to discuss another reason that Cartridges are hard to open, which is over tightening. This happens quite often because the Filter leaks, and has to be tightened until the dripping stops. The goal here is to be able to change the Cartridge when it plugs. So, lets spend some time on why Cartridges leak in the first place.

Usually the reason for the leak is that the O-Ring has become soiled with grit and sediment. When the Cartridge Housing is re-tightened the grit is then driven down into the O-Ring creating divots and wear spots. The O-Ring should also have a nice healthy layer of silicon, potable water grade, sealant on it to stop leaks. Next Time your Cartridge Filter leaks don’t just keep tightening it with the wrench. Stop and inspect the O-Ring, wipe off any Grit and Sediment from it and reapply the sealant if necessary. Many times there is enough sealant in the head of the Filter Housing to seal the O-Ring and get you out of an emergancy. You can just flip the O-ring over to get sealant from the underside onto both sides.

These easy steps can save you a world of frustration in a few months when its time to change the Cartridge. Remember O-Rings are cheap. Call us if you need some sealant and a new O-Ring. We will mail it right out to you. Or ask the technician for one when you schedule your next Service call.

Remember don’t overtighten your Filter and life will be a lot easier later on, and enjoy your great Water!

That’s right I’m talking directly to you Blog readers we’ve been counting the hits to our blog and have seen a steady increase in interest every single month. With that in mind we want to announce the creation of the new Secondwind Water Systems Facebook Fan Page. Please take the time to log into Facebook and become a fan of Secondwind Water Systems. We will be offering you opportunities to get involved in discussions on water quality issues and events. You will also find the Secondwind Water Blog and postings of the different things we are doing here at Secondwind.

We’re excited about it and hope that you will be joining us at the Secondwind Water Systems fan page and click on “Become a Fan”.

Until next time, enjoy your great water!!!

Many people in the Northeast own Acid Neutralizing Filters. These Water Treatment Systems allow Calcium to dissolve slowly into the Water stream over time. This will result in the reduction of Acidity, increase of pH, and also increase Calcium Hardness, which can result in a thin protective layer in the pipes. Although there can be some benefits to the low levels of Calcium in the water, too much can also result in scaling of the plumbing and fixtures. This is easily removed with a Water Softener which leaves the Acidity /pH levels corrected. It is very common to see both a Neutralizer and a Softener in a home.

The side effects of scaling usually result in a white chalky film in the sink area, glasses, silverware, and is usually worse in the hot water areas. It can also result in a solid sediment type particle that looks a lot like sand or fine rock particles. It has confused many a customer when they have a Filter and yet there is sediment in the water. One easy way to know if the sediment is from Calcium is to put some of the sediment and water into a glass and add some vinegar to it. Leave it some place safe over night and if the sediment disappears then it is very likely Calcium. If you are having any of these issues please call us for a free consultation.

Thanks for reading, and until next time enjoy your great Water!

We hear it now and then from customers. All of this equipment and still I don’t like to drink my water. Of course no one ever calls to say everything is great, do they? Usually this is caused by a high level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). TDS is usually made up of Sodium, Hardness, Chloride, Sulfate, or Alkalinity. Most water systems will remove Solids from water, and Softeners will exchange Sodium ions for Hardness ions, but they don’t lower TDS. In Residential applications the only practical way to lower TDS is with Reverse Osmosis (RO). RO is quickly becoming a household word because they work so well and require so little homeowner maintenance. By lowering TDS by 90-99% all that is left is great tasting water. Call us today for a free consultation and information on a Kinetico Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System, and enjoy your great water.