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When it comes to water quality, what you don’t see can cost you more than you realize. Hard water causes stubborn stains, shortens the lifespan of appliances, and drives up energy costs, while bottled water contributes to environmental waste and unnecessary expenses. Fortunately, there’s a better solution—one that’s good for your home, your wallet, and the planet.

With a modern water filtration and softening system, you can enjoy fresh, filtered water without the environmental toll of plastic bottles and protect your appliances from the damaging effects of hard water. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals, skyrocketing energy bills, and wasteful habits.

Eco-Friendly Drinking Water

Buying plastic bottles of water might seem like a convenient choice but it comes with a hefty cost to the environment. Billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills each year and take hundreds of years to decompose. By replacing this routine with installing a water filter in your home, you’ll save money and eliminate the hassle of lugging around plastic bottles, all while making a positive impact on the environment.

Hard Water Stains and Harsh Chemicals

We all know that hard water can cause unsightly stains on glass, tile, porcelain and other surfaces. This leads many people to rely on harsh chemical cleaners to remove them. Many ingredients used in cleaning products can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in many cleaning agents are a significant source of pollution in the environment. With a water softener in place, you can prevent these stubborn stains from forming in the first place and avoid using harsh chemicals to remove them.

Effects of Hard Water on Appliances and Energy Use

Hard water doesn’t just cause pesky stains; it takes a toll on your home’s appliances and energy bills. Mineral buildup inside your hot water heater can lead to premature failure and reduced efficiency. This means your heater has to work harder, using up more energy and increasing your utility costs. Installing a water softener can prevent this by reducing the mineral content in your water, extending the life of your appliances, and keeping your energy bills in check.

Low-Waste Water Systems

Not all water softeners are created equal. Ones that use reverse osmosis technology don’t use any chemicals to make your water pure and safe. They use a semi-permeable membrane that separates water molecules from everything else. The leftover contaminants get drained away in waste water. However, the amount of wastewater a system produces is an important factor to consider when choosing a water softener. Some systems produce up to 3 gallons of waste water per 1 gallon of filtered water while others, like the Kinetico K5, produce only 1 gallon of waste water per gallon of filtered water. With an efficient water softener system, you’ll enjoy soft, filtered water without the excessive waste, allowing you to reduce your environmental footprint and lower your overall expenses.

Make the Switch Today!

By addressing hard water and ditching bottled water, you’re not just making your life easier—you’re investing in your home, your health, and the planet. Modern water filtration and softening systems offer a simple, eco-friendly solution for clean, soft water. Start saving money, energy, and time while protecting the environment. The benefits of soft, filtered water are crystal clear!

Whether you’re using a whole-house filtration system, water softener, or under-sink reverse osmosis setup, taking care of your water treatment system properly can ensure that it continues to work efficiently for years to come. Here’s a guide to help you maintain your system with some simple, yet important, practices.

1. Schedule Routine Inspections

Just like a car, your water treatment system needs regular check-ups. A yearly inspection is a smart, cost-effective way to make sure everything is running smoothly. Catching issues early can save you from expensive repairs down the road.

If you notice any signs that something’s off—like a difference in water quality or strange sounds from the system—don’t wait! Call in a professional to assess the situation. Addressing small problems before they become big ones is key to avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your system.

2. Install New Filter Cartridges as Needed

Most water treatment systems have an indicator that tells you when it’s time to change the filter, taking the guesswork out of the process. However, it’s still a good idea to check with your manufacturer on the recommended frequency for filter changes.

Keep in mind that cheaper systems might need their filters or membranes replaced more often, which can add up over time. For example, with Kinetico, we recommend just one annual sanitation and cartridge change for our under-sink reverse osmosis systems.

3. Understand the Specific Requirements of Your System

Before installing any water treatment system, take the time to understand what maintenance it will require. For example, water softeners need regular salt refills, and filtration systems with activated carbon will require the carbon to be re-bedded or replaced after a few years. Neglecting these maintenance needs can lead to system malfunctions or even complete breakdowns. So, make sure you know what your system needs and keep up with the schedule. Your system will thank you with reliable performance.

4. Flush the System Regularly

Over time, sediment, debris, and air can accumulate in your whole-home water filter system, leading to clogs or reduced efficiency. To avoid this, professionals recommend flushing your system periodically. Flushing helps maintain water flow and removes impurities that could affect water quality.

5. Sanitize the System

It’s also important to sanitize your system to prevent the buildup of bacteria, algae, and mold, especially in the filter housings. This can be done using a diluted bleach solution or another recommended disinfectant. Sanitizing keeps your system working properly and ensures that the water it delivers is safe and clean. And remember, don’t attempt to clean or service your system while it’s in use—always switch the system to bypass or shut off the water supply first.

If you’re not familiar with your system or don’t feel confident working on it, it’s best to leave this task to the professionals. If you open up the system or tamper with certain components, you could void your warranty.

6. Take Notes of Any Changes in Water Quality

If you notice any changes in water quality—whether it’s a shift in taste, color, odor, or pressure—it’s helpful to keep a record. These fluctuations can point to underlying issues that may need attention. If you need to call a professional, having a detailed log of changes will make troubleshooting much easier and help your technician address the issue more efficiently.

7. Handle Components with Care

If you need to handle any parts of the system that come in contact with water, make sure to sanitize them before putting the system back into service. For instance, when changing a UV bulb, use gloves to avoid getting fingerprints on the quartz sleeve. Fingerprints can cause permanent etching when the system is running, which could compromise the UV light’s effectiveness.

Maintaining your water treatment system doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require attention. By scheduling routine inspections, staying on top of filter changes, understanding your system’s needs, and keeping up with cleaning and sanitizing, you’ll ensure that your system continues to provide you with safe, clean water for years to come. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional—sometimes a little expert help goes a long way!

Before you can choose the right water filtration system for your home, you need to understand what each water filtration system has to offer. 

Water Softeners

Hard water is classified as water that has high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. While safe to drink, these minerals can build up in your house’s plumbing and appliances leading to reduced productivity. They can also negatively impact the health and appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. To combat this, water softeners work to remove these harsh minerals from your water. 

Water Unlimited offers a wide variety of water softeners to perfectly fit the needs of you and your home. 

• The Kinetico Series – The flagship series, these dual tanks provide an endless supply of clean, soft water for homes facing multiple or severe water issues. They operate without electricity and require no manual adjustments. 
• The AquaKinetic Series – With a smaller design, this series operates based on efficiency, only regenerating based on your real-time water consumption.
• The Powerline Water Softeners – This single tank design is tough on hard water, but easy on the wallet. It allows you to schedule the water regeneration for when you need it.
• The Kinetico Premier Series Water Softeners – This series harnesses the energy of moving water to provide clean, soft water for years to come. 
• The Kinetico Signature Series Water Softeners – This series ensures a continuous supply of clean water, regenerating based on your usage to save money, water, and salt. 
• The Kinetico Essential Series Water Softeners – This compact, single tank design is perfect for when space is limited, while still providing a solution to basic water issues and protecting your appliances. 

Water Filters

In addition to hard minerals, your water could also have potentially harmful contaminants or unappealing odors. If your water has an unpleasant smell or if you are worried about the source of your water, a water filter could be the right solution for you. 

Luckily, Water Unlimited offers several options to keep your water safe and clean.

• Whole House Water Filters – These systems are designed to handle water issues such as cloudy water, blue-green staining, or unpleasant odors head on.  
• Whole House Membrane System – This no-salt solution effectively rids your water of contaminants, iron, minerals, and odor-causing impurities. 
• Whole House Disinfection System – This system passes your water through intense ultraviolet light, neutralizing viruses and bacteria to make your water safe for consumption. 

Drinking Water Systems

If clean, safe drinking water is your primary concern, then a drinking water system could be the exact thing for you. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other pollutants can be found in even municipally treated water, so being aware and proactive is key

If you are concerned about your drinking water, check out these drinking water solutions offered by Water Unlimited.

• K5 Drinking Water Station with VOC Guard – The pinnacle of reverse osmosis technology, this drinking water filter can produce over 40 gallons of clean water daily.
• AquaKinetic – This three stage system makes maintenance a breeze and delivers fresh and clean water for drinking and cooking.
• MACguard Filter – For those prioritizing the taste and odor of their water, this filter offers a cost-effective option for home water filtration. 

Whatever your water problems might be, Water Unlimited has the solution for you. Reach out today to find out more about how Water Unlimited can help you. 

For many households, especially those in areas with hard water, installing a water softener can be a game-changer. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can have significant implications for everyday life and household appliances. Here’s why investing in a water softener might be one of the best decisions you make for your home:

1. Protecting Your Plumbing and Appliances

One of the most compelling reasons to install a water softener is its ability to protect your plumbing and appliances. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that can build up over time, clogging pipes, reducing water flow, and potentially damaging appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. A water softener removes these minerals, preventing costly repairs and extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.

2. Cleaner and Softer Skin and Hair

Hard water is notorious for leaving a residue on skin and hair, making it difficult to achieve that squeaky-clean feeling after a shower. This residue can also exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dryness. By softening your water, you can enjoy cleaner, softer skin and hair, as well as reduce the amount of soap and shampoo needed for washing.

3. Brighter and Softer Clothes

Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of laundry detergents and leave clothes looking dull and feeling stiff. With a water softener, you’ll notice that your clothes come out brighter, softer, and cleaner after each wash. This not only improves their appearance but also extends their lifespan by reducing wear and tear caused by abrasive minerals.

4. Improved Efficiency of Water Heating Systems

Heating hard water requires more energy compared to soft water. The mineral deposits in hard water create scale buildup in water heaters, which forces them to work harder and consume more energy to heat water effectively. By installing a water softener, you can reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and prolong the life of your water heating system.

5. Cleaner and Spot-Free Dishes

If you’ve ever noticed spots on your dishes after washing them, it’s likely due to hard water. These spots are caused by mineral deposits that remain on dishes as water evaporates. A water softener eliminates these minerals, leaving your dishes sparkling clean and spot-free without the need for additional rinsing or drying.

6. Reduced Cleaning Time and Costs

Cleaning showers, sinks, and faucets in areas with hard water can be a constant battle against limescale buildup. This stubborn residue not only looks unsightly but also requires harsh cleaning products and extra scrubbing to remove. By softening your water, you’ll spend less time and money on cleaning, as there will be fewer mineral deposits to create limescale. 

7. Environmentally Friendly

Using a water softener can also have environmental benefits. By reducing the need for harsh detergents and cleaning agents, you’ll decrease the amount of chemicals being deposited into the water supply. Additionally, using less energy to heat water and prolonging the lifespan of appliances contributes to a more sustainable household.

Investing in a water softener is more than just improving the quality of your water, it’s an investment in the overall well-being of your household. From protecting your plumbing and appliances to enjoying softer skin and clothes, the benefits of installing a water softener are clear. Whether you’re looking to save money on maintenance costs, reduce your environmental footprint, or simply enhance your daily comfort, a water softener can make a significant difference in your home and lifestyle.

While the tap water here in Reno may be safe to drink, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for your skin and hair. In fact, water quality can have a huge impact on the health of your skin and hair. 

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Hard or soft water all depends upon the mineral content. Water that is high in calcium and magnesium is considered hard whereas water with low amounts of calcium and magnesium is considered soft. In the United States 85% of homes have hard water. Despite that staggering number, hard water continues to have adverse effects on everything from home maintenance to personal hygiene. 

Effects of Hard Water on Hair 

According to the National Library of Medicine, hard water has a huge impact on the health of one’s hair. Specifically in the breakage and fragility of the hair. In a study done in 2018, the strength of hair washed with hard water as compared to soft water was put to the test. The study concluded by saying that there is, “a significant statistical decrease in the strength of hair,” after being treated with hard water.

Effects of Hard Water on Skin

Similarly to the negative effects that hard water can have on hair, your skin is not left unaffected. One such example is in the occurrence and severity of eczema. In a 2022 study conducted in the UK it was concluded that, “increasing levels of hard water…were associated with an increased prevalence of eczema in adults.” Additionally, hard water can lead to problems with dry skin. A study published in 2021 concluded that water hardness, by itself, could lead to severe dry and irritated skin. While dry skin on its own might not seem so bad, it can then act as a conduit for a slew of other skin issues including irritation, acne, inflammation, wrinkles, and premature aging.

Hard Water Making Your Life Hard?

Now that we all know about the adverse effects that hard water can have on your hair and skin, you may be feeling worried about the state of your own water. The good news is that we are here to help! Water Unlimited offers a Free Water Analysis test to see where your water may lie on the hard to soft scale. You can schedule your appointment here. 

From there, we can determine the next best step for you and for your water! 

¹ Luqman MW, Ramzan MH, Javaid U, Ali R, Shoaib M, Luqman MA. To Evaluate and Compare Changes in Baseline Strength of Hairs after Treating them with Deionized Water and Hard Water and its Role in Hair Breakage. Int J Trichology. 2018 May-Jun;10(3):113-117. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_115_16. PMID: 30034190; PMCID: PMC6028999.

²Lopez DJ, Singh A, Waidyatillake NT, Su JC, Bui DS, Dharmage SC, Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ. The association between domestic hard water and eczema in adults from the UK Biobank cohort study. Br J Dermatol. 2022 Nov;187(5):704-712. doi: 10.1111/bjd.21771. Epub 2022 Aug 18. PMID: 35822417; PMCID: PMC9804584.

³Henning MAS, Ibler KS, Ullum H, Erikstrup C, Bruun MT, Burgdorf KS, Dinh KM, Rigas A, Thørner LW, Pedersen OB, Jemec GB. The association between water hardness and xerosis-Results from the Danish Blood Donor Study. PLoS One. 2021 Jun 2;16(6):e0252462. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252462. PMID: 34077478; PMCID: PMC8171951.