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General FAQ's
Question:
I just bought a new home, but it's not pre-plumbed for a water softener. Can we still install a water softener?
Answer:
Yes! We just need some specs to your home. Such as, is your home 1 or 2 story? Which side is your water meter located, same side as driveway/ garage or opposite? Depending on your plumbing. We will customize a softener loop for you. Click the icon to download the home survey.
Question:
Why do we need a water softener?
Answer:
Texas has the most hardest water in the country. Water softening is the process of removing minerals from water that make it “hard” and generally unsuitable for household applications. These minerals include calcium and magnesium, they can lead to scale build-up in plumbing and household appliances.
Question:
What's the difference between sodium chloride (salt) and potassium chloride?
Answer:
When you consider the usage of sodium vs. potassium, there is room for each one in the market. This is because different people will have different needs and preferences, and this is what will make them pick one over the other if they are informed of the details.
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Sodium Chloride - Based on cost efficiency, sodium chloride would be the more cost-effective option because it’s easier and more affordable to attain. If cost is a major determinant when you are looking for a water softener, skip potassium chloride as it can cost up to three times more than sodium chloride. However, if your water softener drain discharge to your garden or French drains in the ground. Sodium may not be a option as sodium may burn or kill your vegetation.
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Potassium Chloride - When it comes to health impact, potassium chloride is the better option because it adds beneficial potassium to the body. It’s also better for use by people with hypertensive disorders as it does not add any potentially harmful salts to their diet. Potassium chloride is still the better option when it comes to environmental impact, as it has a smaller effect on the environment. The biggest concern with the salts used to soften water is with their disposal, and since potassium is commonly used in fertilizers, it’s going to have a positive impact if anything on the environment when discharged.
Question:
I see options online that you can purchase a salt-free water softener system. What’s the difference between a salt-free water softener and a conventional water softener system?
Answer:
Some companies claim that they have a device that softens the water without salt. This is simply not true. Technically, salt-free water softeners don’t “soften” the water at all. They’re not true water softeners; they’re “water conditioners”. Salt-free water conditioners work by altering the chemical structure of water minerals through the descaling process, which prevents solids from depositing in pipes and water-using fixtures.
Salt-free system is the introduction of citric acid into the water stream. The problem with this technology is that it lowers the pH of the water, which could potentially create corrosion. I believe they prevent that problem by only injecting a small amount into the water supply. However, that makes it less effective in preventing scale. Another concern with “no-salt systems” is they’re not as effective in places where water sits, like in your water heater. Those areas can still get a buildup of limescale.
On the other hand, in conventional water softeners, salt removes minerals, including calcium and magnesium—which cause hard water—through a process called ionic exchange and replaces them with soft minerals like potassium and sodium.
Question:
What happens if our power goes out? Will we still have soft water?
Answer:
Yes, you will still have soft water. A super capacitor maintains this for a minimum of 8 hours during breaks in power. Without power your system will operate filter itself though kinetic energy.
Question:
Do I need to do any maintenance to my system?
Answer:
Your only maintenance is to make sure you never leave your brine tank empty. Always have sodium or potassium in the brine tank. Refill as needed. If your system misses a regeneration cycles without the ion exchange, you may have future damages to the filters and hard water may re-enter your home.
Question:
How do I know when its time to change my filters?
Answer:
Aqua Viva uses the highest grade resin and filters in todays market. Guaranteed to last up to 10 - 15 years. However if you start to notice low pressure. Notify us right away, and at the mean time, turn your softener valve to bypass. If high pressure comes back after bypass, that will be one of the first indications. If water stains and spots appear. Then it maybe time to replace the filters.
Question:
Is it safe to drink out of our tap after we install the softener?
Answer:
Aqua Viva's unique built-in filtration system that will allow you to drink Alkaline water throughout every spigot of your home. No additional filters or reverse osmosis needed.
Question:
How many bags of salt or potassium should put in my brine tank?
Answer:
We recommend to fill about half-way; 2 - 3 bags depending on the size of your brine tank. Anymore can possibly cause a bridge and prevent your system of having a proper regeneration.
Question:
I have a child who has eczema. Will a water softener help with my child's skin?
Answer:
That's a good question! We've had customers in the past who has expressed their testimony on how after installing our water treatment system, the effected areas of their skin has gotten smoother, less irritating, itching and inflammation.
Question:
If we move to a new home can we bring our filtration system with us?
Answer:
Yes! We do provide a service to disconnect your system and transfer over to your new home, in town. If you're moving out of state, we will be more than happy to properly box it up for you.
Question:
I'm currently renting a home and I noticed there's a loop for a water softener in the garage. Could we get one installed, even if we don't own the home?
Answer:
Yes, however we would need a written consent from the owner or landlord to proceed and move forward.
Question:
Could we get a water softener installed in our Apartment?
Answer:
Unfortunately a water softener can not be installed in Apartments. However there are other options and alternatives. Call us today for more details 210-771-0530
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