cleanwaterman

The greenest water treatment product available is the water softener.  Although much maligned since the 1970s, water softeners are green not because of what they put into the environment but because of what they prevent from going into the environment. On one side of the equation we see that salt is used as a regenerant, and we must acknowledge the fact that water softeners discharge salt, but let us be honest of where salt truly comes from - sea water or natural occurring underground... Read Full Story

We just bought and moved into a new home.  Our old home had a water softener but the home inspector for our new home said we didn't need one.  The hardness tested at ten grains.  I guess the inspector might be correct, but my hair is a mess and my skin itches.  Could I need a water softener? First I would like to point out that many home inspectors have a bias against water softeners.  Second, there are different degrees of needing a water softener.  The federal EPA does not have a limit... Read Full Story

The Northeast has had unusual amounts of rain and flooding has been a problem.  If the top of your well has been submerged by flood waters you should have your water tested for bacteria.  Even if your well has a seal on it, it is most likely vented to the atmosphere and it is very likely that the vent has been submerged when the top of the well was covered.  Cautious people in flood prone areas will want to get their wells tested for bacteria even if the top  of the well was not submerged... Read Full Story

I am moving from the city with municipal water and buying a country home with a well. I am worried about all of the things that could be wrong with well water and have an opportunity to back out of the deal. Am I being unreasonable with my worry about well water? Most likely you have unreasonable worries. While you are not specific about what concerns you, I can tell you that a local water treatment professional can help you solve all but one water issue, and that one unsolvable issue is no... Read Full Story

Connecticut has some very cold weather tonight and tomorrow night. To keep your pipes from freezing, leave a slow drip from the faucets into the sinks and tubs in your home. Even a slow drip is enough water to keep the pipes warm enough to prevent freezing. Read Full Story

Dear Clean Water Man: I have been looking for a solution to several water problems I have and have stumbled upon an internet company selling an electronic wave product. They claim that it easy to install and will solve ALL water problems. It seems like a great price compared to the filter systems that my local dealers have quoted me. What do you think of these electronic systems? Sincerely, Ready To Try It Dear Ready T o Try It: The tip that this is a scam is the claim that it will solve all... Read Full Story

but the contractor is interviewing YOU! As a water treatment contractor in Connecticut, I have an opportunity to work with many wonderful people, solving water quality problems. It is very gratifying knowing that I make my customers' homes more livable and enjoyable while helping them to protect plumbing, fixtures and appliances from destructive water issues. This leads to a tough thing to tell you: I avoid working for certain people. Most good contractors will also avoid working for certain... Read Full Story

Dear Clean Water Man: We also had a power outage and now have a water pressure issue. The strange thing is that for a time, we had air coming out of our faucets. Now when we shower, the water has a strange slow / fast pulsation. Was this caused by the power outage or is it just a coincidence? Hi and Lowis , Stamford, CT Dear High and Lowis : Just like the previous writer, your pressure problem was caused by the power outage, although for a different reason. You do not have a bladder tank... Read Full Story

Dear Clean Water Man: The other day, our power went out for several hours and ever since we have had very low water pressure. What is going on? Sincerely, Trickles, Greenwich, Connecticut Dear Trickles : After I met with you and inspected your water system, I repaired the problem. I wanted to post here so that my readers could know what happened. Your water system consisted of a submersible pump, a Well-X- Trol bladder tank, a backwashing aggregate filter, and a water softener. Here is what... Read Full Story

Dear Clean Water Man: As a follow up to a previous answer you gave to another writer, I was wondering about the need for neutral water in homes plumbed in PEX. Isn't PEX impervious to acidic water? My water is acidic and I don't want to pay to have it fixed since my home is plumbed in PEX. Frugal, New Milford, CT Dear Frugal: Yes, PEX is impervious to acidic water. No, that does not mean you won't need to address acidic water. While the majority of your plumbing is PEX, your water heater... Read Full Story