Water Treatment & Softening FAQs

General Water FAQs

Q: What is the difference between softening water and filtering water?

A: Filtering water involves separating mineral particles such as iron, arsenic, sediment or other organic matter, from water. By passing water through a media bed which acts as a filter, these particles get trapped - and clean water passes through the media. Softening water involves an ion exchange process to remove dissolved minerals from water. Softeners use different resins which have specific attractions (like magnets) depending on the contaminant which must be removed such as calcium, ferrous iron, magnesium and radium. When the resin is cleaned (regenerated) with brine solution (salt water) it attracts sodium ions, knocking off the contaminants to be discharged from the system. As contaminated water enters the tank again, dissolved minerals are "traded" for the sodium ions. The process repeats to continuously provide softened water. Water filtering or softening, which do you need? Whether you use a filter or a softener depends on what contaminates are in your water. Call now to schedule a certified Hague Water Specialist to give you a complimentary water analysis 800-566-1964. The beauty of the Hague Watermax is that it can be configured to be both a water filter and a softener in one unit.

Q: What should I consider before buying a water treatment solution?

A: Identifying the contaminants in your water is key. In Maryland well water there are myriad of contaminants - calcium, radium, barium, arsenic, magnesium, to name a few. Iron is pervasive in the aquifers and is generally the most challenging issue to deal with because most wells with heavy iron contain more than just ferrous iron, and a water softener will not adequately treat ferric iron, iron algae, iron bacteria, or organically bound iron for any length of time. Placing a water softener in these conditions drastically reduces the life expectancy of the unit from iron fouling, and even from the initial installation these units rarely reach the desired reduction of iron to below 0.3 ppm. Hague has been at the forefront in the treatment of the most severe iron problems, we are able to configure the WaterMax unit to filter of ferric iron, iron algae, iron bacteria, and protect the resin to remove the ferrous iron, calcium, and radium. The unit also has built in sediment filtration and a bacteriostat to inhibit bacteria growth. Your water usage, water production and pressure. The amount of water used as well as water flow and pressure are major factors to consider when selecting a water treatment solution. Household size may influence consumption, but different families have different needs and require different capacities. Determining well production and pump capacity is key in determining if the water treatment will be able to adequately regenerate (clean) itself. Pump capacity is also key to desirable showers! Have a Hague certified water specialist out today to get a water analysis and a well pump capacity test to see how you can improve your water today!! 800-566-1964. Payment Options: We have a number of different options to make purchasing your new water treatment system easy on the pockets. Choose the option that fits your needs the best. Hague provides financing from a number of local banks through home improvement loans. We also have a very attractive rent with purchase option - call today to find out more. 800-566-1964.

Q: Why you should avoid a "quick fix" or Bulk Box Stores for water treatment solutions?

A: Fixing your existing water problem is your primary goal, but don't be too eager to settle for the least expensive solution. Big Box Stores systems may work for some consumers but it's vital that you find the best water treatment solution for your specific water problems; having a professional with the knowledge and certification to determine those is the first and most important step. Hague covers you from beginning to end. We offer a free in-home water analysis to insure the most accurate results straight from the well or faucet. Our water treatment specialist will write down your readings and explain all of the findings with out a pushy-magic show sales pitch. Also, if there is a health concern that you would like to further research through a state certified test we are able to help you with things like bacteria, lead, radium, arsenic and many more. He/She will provide you with a detailed estimate of the equipment, installation details and operating costs. When it’s time to install your water treatment system, a professional crew will arrive at your home, perform your installation according to county code, clean up after and take time to go over the unit with you. Once you are enjoying your water, you can rest easy that our award-winning service department is only a call way. Service is not what we strive to give you if something goes wrong but service is what we give when everything is right. Quality, Commitment, Knowledge, Service and Warranty may come with a higher price tag then the Bulk Box Stores but it's like the saying "you get what you pay for."

Q: What about warranties for water treatment systems?

A: Hague's is the only major manufacturer of water treatment still in the United States, the WaterMax line carries a 25 year Manufacturer's limited warranty and is the most efficient water softener in the industry - don't be fooled by lifetime warrantees, read the fine print to find out how your equipment manufacturer is going to back its product, ask where they make their water treatment units - don't be surprised to find out it is in a highly unregulated market overseas.

Q: What questions should I ask when I have decided on a water treatment solution?

A: Is installation of the water treatment system included in the price? Does installation include a hard plumbed bypass; will there be an untreated outside hose bib to water the lawn? If you lease do you have an option-to-buy provision? Does the dealer you've selected have an established business in the area; will their service team be able to take care of you if you have problems? Does the dealer have customer references available? Will a representative come out and perform a water test to determine the proper equipment for your water? Did the representative establish your well pump production to ensure the unit will work properly? If you are treating for health related reasons, is the representative state certified to draw samples for testing at a state certified lab? Did the representative answer all questions regarding design, function and cost of the equipment? Does the dealer offer service on their equipment water treatment system; do they provide follow ups on routine maintenance? Does the equipment carry a specific written warranty? Have you read and understood the warranty?

Q: What is point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE)?

A: Point-of-entry (POE) products are typically installed at a point where it treats all the water used within a building (Hague WaterMax is a POE unit). Point-of-use (POU) water filtration products treat only the water intended for direct consumption (Water filtration coolers and Reverse Osmosis Units are good examples).

Working Water FAQs

Q: What is Hard Water?

A: Hard water is the most common water problem, found in both well and municipal water. Hard water spots your glasses and dishes, makes laundry dull, and causes soap scum and scale to build-up, making cleaning a chore. Hardness acts like cholesterol in the water system, clogging pipes and shower heads; coating the heating elements in the water heater - reducing the effectiveness of the water heater (this includes electric, gas, and tankless water heaters). The most common hardness causing minerals are Calcium and Magnesium. According to the Water Quality Association, hard water is water that contains dissolved hardness minerals above 1 GPG (grains per gallon). Relative levels of hardness have been established as: Soft Water - less than 1 gpg Slightly hard - 1 to 3.5 gpg Moderately hard - 3.5 to 7 gpg Hard - 7 to 10.5 gpg Very Hard - 10.5 and higher gpg Using an ion exchange water softener is the most common form of treatment.

Q: How much soap should I use with softened water?

A: Softened water makes soap go a lot farther. Start out using a quarter of what the product recommendation is. Adjust accordingly to produce the desired results.

Q: Is a water softener hard to maintain/service?

A: No, addition of sodium or potassium to the tank at periodic intervals (dependant on water quality and usage) is generally all that is required. If that is more than you want to take on, have us do it for you - we will deliver the salt right to your water softening machine on a scheduled (or call in, if you prefer) basis. This also gives our tech an opportunity to check the settings, and operations of your unit. All remaining salt bags will be stacked neatly, and empty bags discarded into your trash. Call our service department today for more information on this terrific time-saver. 800-566-1964.

Q: Are there harmful effects of water softener discharges on household septic tanks?

A: According to the Water Quality Association (WQA), water softener regeneration discharges do not pose a problem to septic systems or to the leach field. Studies have shown that water softener discharge not only do not interfere with the septic tank system drain field soil percolation, but, actually could improve soil percolation, particularly in fine-textured soils.

Q: Will softened water affect my lawn or garden?

A: For outside use on lawns or gardens, using softened water is wasteful. Where the concentration of hardness minerals is high, the sodium content after softening may be high enough to retard plant growth and harm grass. This is especially true in climates where rainfall is scarce. Areas that receive regular rain are not as sensitive to sodium accumulation because the rainfall alleviates the sodium from the ground. Ask the dealer who is installing your water softener about a bypass for lawn and garden faucets, and a faucet for un-softened water.

Q: Should I use soft water in my humidifier?

A: Soft water provides for easier maintenance of a humidifier. When hard water evaporates, a hard scale forms that normally requires some drastic removal techniques. When soft water is used, the residue is commonly called "soft" and can usually be removed by flushing the unit with water or going over the surface with a brush. Remember, softening water does not reduce the total amount of minerals present; ion exchange softening exchanges the calcium and magnesium hardness causing minerals with sodium minerals. The most common humidifier in homes has an open pan, a small tube connected to a water source, and float valve. When water evaporates, the float valve opens to permit make-up water to flow into the pan. Eventually this type of unit fills with minerals deposited by the water. Using soft water will keep the mineral build-up down and the humidifier functioning properly.

Drinking Water FAQ's

Q: What is Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purification?

A: The most cost effective way to enjoy great tasting water in your home is with a reverse osmosis (RO) system. In simple terms, reverse osmosis is the process by which water molecules are forced through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. Reverse osmosis systems provide filtered water everywhere, from homes and commercial applications like restaurants and hotels, to breweries and car washes – reverse osmosis water purification can even purify water in space shuttles!! Household RO systems typically filter water using the following steps: Raw tap water first flows through a sediment filter to remove dirt, rust and other solid objects. The water then flows into a carbon filter that takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals. The next stage is the reverse osmosis membrane, the model H3500 is NSF certified to remove 96.7% of dissolved solids from the water molecules. These impurities are rinsed down the drain, and the product, "pure water" is stored for delivery to a designate faucet. When you open the valve the water is filtered one last time with a carbon block "polishing filter" right before it reaches your glass. Using an RO membrane for filtration provides much more pure water than a faucet mounted filter alone. It is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the highest quality water possible.

Q: Why should I use RO instead of bottled water?

A: To begin with, it costs significantly less to produce your own water than it does to buy bottled. The quality of water you produce is known - from Hague H3500 you will remove 96.7% dissolved solids. It is much more "green" to reuse a BPA free water bottle than to continue to add plastic bottles to the island of plastic that floats around Pacific Ocean - which is roughly twice the size of Texas and can be seen from the space shuttle.

Q: How much water should I drink each day?

A: Water constitutes 85% of the body and is critical in regulating all body organs, temperature, dissolving solids, and moving nutrients throughout the body. Because water is naturally low in sodium, has no fat, cholesterol or caffeine and isn't flushed straight through the body like many other beverages, it's the natural solution to help reach your body's daily fluid quota. The Institute of Medicine advises that we consume roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. This does vary by activity level, health circumstances (including pregnancy) and even by age.

Q: How can I encourage better hydration in my family?

A: Here are some tips to help you get serious about water while keeping your hydration habits fresh and tasty at the same time: Pour the water into an attractive glass or easy-to-use water bottle. Add ice, or chill your water. Drink moderate-size portions spread over the course of a day, rather than trying to drink it all at one time. Make drinking water a habit - drinking water at the same time each day will make it much easier to remember.