Water filtration removes impurities that could be impacting your water’s taste and safety. Water softening is another process that removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that can coat your plumbing fixtures and pipes, causing damage. Our knowledgeable plumbers at Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter can help you with both softening and water filtration in Oak Bay, BC.
Hard water naturally occurs when groundwater moves through rocks featuring limestone, gypsum, and chalk. The Canadian Water Quality Association measures hard water at 7.1 to 10.5 grains per gallon. Any rating over 10.5 shows extremely hard water. Even slightly or moderately hard water can benefit from water softening.
"Super grateful that Chris came out to fix our shower drain. Initially thought to be a clog, the problem was actually to do with the mechanics of our drain, and Chris was quick to figure that out and find a solution! Thanks for the quick troubleshooting and nice service Chris. Would recommend this business and their services." Ruby H.
Multiple water softener and filtration options are available, depending on your needs. Salt-based ion exchange water softeners are the most common for fixing hard water. They use ionized beads coated in sodium. As water passes over the beads, the magnesium and calcium stick to them, and the salt enters the water in an exchange process.
There are also non-saltwater filtration systems that use template-assisted crystallization (TAC). Although they do not remove the hard minerals, TAC systems convert them into minute crystals that will no longer adhere to surfaces. TAC systems offer less effective hard mineral control than traditional salt ionization systems.
Dual-tank water softeners are highly efficient at softening water. While one resin tank remains operational, the other regenerates for continuous softening. These systems are ideal for larger homes in Oak Bay or areas with severe hard water issues. For filtration, there are many options as well depending on what substances you want to prioritize removing.
A professional plumber can help you determine which water softener will be most effective for your home. They will help you base the decision on your water’s mineral content, water usage, available space, and maintenance requirements.
Understand the signs that may occur if you have a hard water problem in your home.
Limescale buildup on plumbing fixtures and components
Soap scum in showers and tubs
Spotted dishes and glassware
Bitter, medicinal, or metallic water tastes
Stiff, faded laundry
Reduced water pressure
Water heater problems
Although CRD Integrated Water Services treats the water at the municipal site in Oak Bay, it can pick up hard minerals as it travels to your home. Hard minerals can build up inside your pipes, slowing water or waste travel and clogging. Minerals can also cause limescale in fixtures like shower heads, and certain appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Over time, the limescale buildup can degrade the appliance’s function and cause it to break down prematurely.
Mineral buildups inside tanked water heaters can lead to inefficient heating and tank corrosion. The buildup can also increase electricity costs because the water heater must work harder to heat water. In extreme cases, it can lead to premature water heater failure.
Professional Water Filtration and Softening Services
Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter offers a variety of water filters and softeners to improve water quality and protect your plumbing system. Softening water leads to better water taste, softer skin, and less detergent and soap usage, and filtration makes it safer for your family to drink.
Our plumbing company started in 2019 and continues to offer the same comprehensive plumbing services. We install, maintain, and repair all makes and models of water softeners and filtration systems.
Call our experienced local plumbers at Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter when you need information on water softening and purification in Oak Bay.
