Common Water Problems & FAQs

That's mineral scale from hard water (Calcium and magnesium) that build up wherever water is heated or evaporates. A Water Softener removes those minerals at the source, so kettles, coffee makers, and appliances stay clear.

Chlorine or Chloramine used to disinfect municipal water can strip natural oils from skin and hair, and your tap water can carry as much chlorine as a swimming pool. A Dechlorinator removes it before it reaches your shower.

Dissolved minerals, Chlorine, or other compounds can affect taste even when water is technically safe to drink. A Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System filters those out for cleaner, better-tasting water at the tap.

Hard Water minerals bond to glass and dishware under dishwasher heat, leaving a permanent-looking film. A Water Softener stops the buildup before it starts.

That's hard water scale, Calcium and Magnesium deposits that accumulate on fixtures, showerheads, and inside pipes over time. Left untreated it can shorten the life of your plumbing and appliances; a Water Softener resolves it at the source.

Orange or reddish-brown staining is usually caused by dissolved iron in your water supply, common in well water and some municipal sources. An Iron Filtration System removes it before it can stain fixtures or laundry.

A sulfur odor is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, often from Sulfur bacteria in Well Water or plumbing. In most cases a properly sized Filtration System can eliminate the smell, we test your water first to confirm the cause and recommend the right fix.

Dark gray or black staining is usually a sign of Manganese in your water, a mineral commonly found alongside Iron in Well Water. Like Iron, it can typically be removed with a targeted Filtration System.

Hard Water contains high levels of dissolved Calcium and Magnesium. Telltale signs include white Scale on fixtures, soap that won't lather well, dry skin after showering, and spotty dishes. Many homes across our service area have moderately to very Hard Water. If you bring two samples, one from your bathroom cold faucet and one from your bathroom hot faucet, we can test yours for free!

Municipal water in our service area meets provincial and federal safety standards. That said, many homeowners remove Chlorine or Chloramine anyway for better taste, softer skin and hair, and to protect rubber seals in appliances, that's exactly what a Dechlorinator is designed to do.

A properly functioning Water Softener shouldn't make your water taste salty, only a very small amount of sodium is exchanged during the softening process. A salty taste is usually a sign your softener needs servicing or reprogramming, not a normal side effect. Get in touch and we'll take a look.

Most Water Softeners need a checkup once a year to keep performing properly, plus regular salt refills depending on water usage and Hardness. Our maintenance checklist covers what to check in between visits.

It can be tricky!

Here are two guides we have specifically for the filters we carry.
A200/K5
Water Softener Pre-Filter