Thoughts and ideas from one of the best area home inspectors in the Bloomington Normal area.
Posts tagged Water
Total Hardness and Water Quality
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Total Hardness and Water Quality
By Anna Hart?
Most adults have learned that water can be soft or hard. They have learned, too, that there is a connection between total hardness and water quality. Hard water reduces the power of your soap. In fact, hard water is often detected by noting the amount of soap required to form lather. Hard water may build up in hot water pipes and appliances, producing scale.
Hard Water Defined
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts such as iron. The greater the amount of dissolved minerals in the water, the harder it is.
Total hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). If water contains less than 3.5 gpg, it is considered soft water. If it contains more than 7 gpg, it is considered hard water. The American Society of Engineers’ water hardness classification table breaks it down this way.
* Soft: 0 to 3.5 gpg ? 0 to 60 ppm
* Moderate: 3.6 to 7 gpg ? 61 to 120 ppm
* Hard: 7.1 to 10.5 gpg ? 121 to 180 ppm
* Very Hard: More than 10.5 gpg ? more than 180 ppm
Making the Connection
Total hardness and water quality are connected. Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, but it can cause problems.
One way in which total hardness and water quality are connected is the effect of such water on household plumbing. Total hardness means a build-up of scales inside pipes, especially those carrying hot water.
Total hardness and water quality are also connected in their effect on appliances that use water. Dishwashers and washing machines can decrease in cleaning and laundering ability. Water heaters can become less efficient. Refrigerators that dispense water can become clogged.
Aesthetically, total hardness and water quality are connected in those white, chalky deposits that accumulate on tubs, sinks, and cookware.
U.S. Water Quality
According to the 1997 National Water Quality Survey, 1 of 5 people surveyed in the U.S. is dissatisfied with the water quality in his or her home. This is related to the fact given by the U.S. Geological Survey: that 85 percent of the U.S. has hard water. Many people install water softeners in their homes to improve water quality.
Determining Water Quality
You can have your water quality tested if you are moving into a new area or a new home. If you have been living in the same home for a while, you will know if your water is hard by looking for these 7 signs:
1. You have difficulty working up lather from a bar of soap.
2. Your soaps and detergents don’t seem to clean well ? you have dingy laundry in spite of your efforts to get it clean.
3. In the shower or bath, your soap leaves a film on your body and hair ? you have dry skin and dull, limp hair.
4. You have to battle soap scum on bathtubs, shower tiles and doors, basins, and fixtures.
5. You see an increasing buildup of scale on your cookware such as tea kettle, coffee maker, and pasta pot. Your plumbing also contains scale.
6. Clogged pipes or appliances mean that water flow is reduced.
7. Your water heating costs are increasing due to scale buildup and mineral deposits, and you have to replace hot water heating elements more often.
Improving Water Quality
Treatment can improve water quality. You may use electromagnetic water conditioners, water filters, or water softeners.
Electromagnetic water conditioners improve water quality by sending water through a magnetic field. As the water passes between the magnets, its calcium and magnesium ions lose their scale-causing properties. Studies show that this relatively new invention does not technically soften water, but water quality is improved in that it no longer causes buildup of scales. Clothing also lasts longer, which is a definite increase in water quality.
Water filters are a second option for improving water quality, especially drinking water. Water filters can provide healthy drinking water by removing chlorine and other contaminants contained in water. Water filters can soften water, but they will not prevent scale buildup in pipes and water heaters.
Water softeners are a common way of improving water quality, and come in two types: chemical and mechanical. The water produced by chemical water softeners is not acceptable drinking water. Packaged chemicals are added directly to improve water quality in laundering and bathing, and are effective both in protecting clothing and guarding against dry skin and hair. Mechanical water softeners installed in your home will replace dissolved calcium and magnesium salts with sodium. This water is also not acceptable for drinking, especially by those who have hypertension. The water quality is greatly improved, however, for other uses. Lime scale is prevented; water heaters function efficiently; and laundered clothing is both cleaner and longer-lasting.
Soft Water
On the other end of the spectrum, total hardness and water quality are a benefit when that hardness level is below 3.5 gpg or 60 ppm. Soft water allows you to use less shampoo and soap, yet have shinier hair and softer skin. Soft water requires less soap or detergent in shower, laundry, kitchen, and household cleaning chores. It helps close look cleaner and last longer. It keeps water-using appliances and plumbing from wearing out as fast. Soft water keeps dishes and eating utensils spot-free, and extends the life of tea kettles and other cookware. Soft water reduces cleaning time by eliminating soap scum and buildup of scales.
Total hardness and water quality are closely connected, and you may find it worthwhile to use a water treatment system to improve your water quality ? especially your drinking water.
?2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about water quality at http://www.healthydrinkingwaterblog.com Anna has also posted information on that site about salt water. If you want to learn why you should not drink water softened with sodium, you won?t want to miss her article on that subject.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Going Green With Your Septic System?
Going Green With Your Septic System?
By David Goodwin
Are you looking for a “green” septic system? Today, most people are trying to find ways to conserve energy, reduce their fuel bills, and use more of our earth’s natural resources. While it’s good to consider alternative fuel and alternative energy, have you ever considered water conservation? Many experts believe that the battle over water might become one of our world’s greatest natural resource struggles.
Have you ever stopped to consider how much water you might be wasting each and every day, and how that water can be used to help reduce your water bill? Have you considered how this simple decision could reduce your impact on our lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers? Most people don’t realize that each day a typical family of 4 can use between 650-1000 gallons of water within a 24 hour period. Think about that for a moment — can you imagine 18,000-30,000 gallons of water going right into the ground each month? If you multiply that number by the population in your town you can get a better appreciation of how much water is being wasted. What if I could show you a way to take that same water and use it to water a beautiful landscape daily — for FREE!
The Aerobic Treatment Unit link describes how Aerobic Treatment Units work, but there are other benefits of using this system. When we install an ATU we install an optional drip irrigation system that willl take the chlorinated water from your septic system and water each plant in the most efficient way – by drip irrigation. This eliminates inefficient above ground watering, and now delivers water directly to the root system below ground. Think of how you could convert that desert landscape into a beautiful green garden. What about all of the beautiful birds, hummingbirds and butterflies you could attract — what about sharing this idea with your neighbors and showing them how to turn a barren landscape into a lush green garden?
While energy conservation is important, I would urge you to think about water conservation as well — adding more trees, flowers, shrubs and vines not only beautify, they help promote local wildlife and add value to your home.
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David Goodwin Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Goodwin |
Pipes and Ductwork in Unheated Areas
Pipes, both supply and waste as well as heating pipes passing through potentially cold or cool areas should be insulated to at least R-4, but more if possible. Realize that even the best insulated pipe can eventually freeze if the water in the pipe is not flowing. Insulation slows the rate of heat loss, but does not eliminate it. Depending upon the situation, it is frequently better to move the pipes to a heated area or provide heating elements on the pipes under the insulation where possible.
Ductwork in unheated areas should ideally be insulated to a minimum of R-7 to prevent heat gain and/or heat loss wherever possible. Some ductwork comes insulated in a fashion, by the manufacturer. In some cases the insulation is on the inside of the ducts and is not visible.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts have two main purposes. First, they divert water away from the walls of a building which would ordinarily run off the roof onto them. This drainage can damage the walls and cause isolated erosion at ground level.
Second, they contribute towards ensuring a basement does not become damp or wet. Whatever the type of foundation wall, there is always the possibility for water penetration. The less water there is in the earth near the foundation wall, the less likely water will penetrate into the basement. Gutters should collect most water run-off, and downspouts ideally discharge the water into proper drains or onto the ground a significant distance away from the foundation walls.
Exterior Site Grading Slope and Water Control
One of the most frequent complaints home inspectors hear is regarding wet basements and deteriorated foundation walls due to excessive moisture. Wet basement walls put the foundation at risk to damage from hydrostatic and frost pressure. Soil sloping toward the building funnels water toward the structure and can cause extensive damage. Different standards are applicable to each specific situation but a good rule of thumb is that the soil around a structure slopes away from the home at a rate of 1 inch per foot for a minimum of 6 feet. Generally home inspectors will not take the exact measurements to confirm this but rather look for a visible slope. Drives and walkways do not need to slope this significantly away from the home, but can be exponentially more damaging if sloped towards the home.
Settling is common especially in new construction and grading typically needs adjusted after a few years. Also remember the soil should not come in contact with your exterior siding, especially wood. Provided there is adequate clearance between the ground and the siding this is a relatively cheap adjustment that can dramatically affect the longevity of your foundation.
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