Water Softener & Filtration FAQ — Pure Aqua Columbus | (614) 476-8711

Question 1

What is hard water?

Accepted Answer

Hard water contains elevated levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. These minerals are picked up as water moves through limestone and dolomite rock — which is exactly what Central Ohio sits on. Hard water is not a health hazard, but it causes scale buildup on fixtures, appliances, and pipes, reduces soap lather, leaves spots on dishes and glass, and shortens the life of water heaters and washing machines.

Question 2

How hard is the water in Central Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Central Ohio water is among the hardest in the state. Columbus city water typically tests 9–13 grains per gallon (gpg). Delaware County communities like Powell and Lewis Center often see 11–16 gpg. Licking County (Newark, Pataskala) and Fairfield County (Lancaster, Pickerington) can reach 18–20 gpg. Anything above 7 gpg is considered hard; above 10.5 gpg is very hard. Most of our service area falls in the "very hard" to "extremely hard" range.

Question 3

What does "grains per gallon" mean?

Accepted Answer

Grains per gallon (gpg) is the standard unit for measuring water hardness in the U.S. One grain equals about 17.1 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter. A reading of 10 gpg means there are roughly 171 mg/L of dissolved hardness minerals in your water. For reference: 0–3 gpg is soft, 3.5–7 gpg is moderately hard, 7–10.5 gpg is hard, and above 10.5 gpg is very hard.

Question 4

Is hard water safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Yes — hard water is safe to drink. The calcium and magnesium in hard water are not harmful and are actually essential minerals your body needs. The problems with hard water are practical and economic: scale buildup, appliance damage, dry skin and hair, soap scum, and spotty dishes. If you want to remove hardness minerals from your drinking water specifically, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective option.

Question 5

What are the signs I have hard water?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include: white or yellowish scale buildup around faucets, showerheads, and the inside of your kettle; spots on glasses and dishes even after washing; soap that doesn't lather well and leaves a film; dry, itchy skin after showering; dull or brittle hair; reduced water pressure from scale-clogged pipes; and a water heater that runs less efficiently or fails early. If you're in Central Ohio and haven't tested your water, the answer is almost certainly "yes, you have hard water."

Question 6

Can hard water damage my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scale buildup from hard water is one of the leading causes of premature appliance failure. A water heater operating in 10+ gpg water can lose 30–50% of its efficiency within a few years and fail 5–8 years early. Dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers are similarly affected. Scale also builds up inside pipes, gradually reducing water pressure and flow. A whole-house water softener eliminates these problems entirely.

Question 7

Does hard water affect my skin and hair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Hard water minerals react with soap to form calcium soap scum — a sticky film that stays on your skin and hair rather than rinsing away. This clogs pores, strips natural oils, and leaves skin feeling dry and tight. For hair, the mineral film coats each strand, making it feel rough, look dull, and become more prone to breakage. Many customers report dramatic improvements in skin and hair within the first week of installing a water softener.

Question 8

How does a water softener work?

Accepted Answer

A water softener uses a process called ion exchange. Water passes through a tank filled with resin beads that carry a sodium charge. As hard water flows through, calcium and magnesium ions swap places with sodium ions — the hardness minerals stick to the resin, and softened water flows out. Periodically, the system regenerates by flushing the resin with a salt brine solution, which washes the hardness minerals down the drain and recharges the resin with sodium.

Question 9

How much salt does a water softener use?

Accepted Answer

A properly sized and programmed water softener uses about 6–8 lbs of salt per regeneration cycle. Most households regenerate every 3–7 days depending on water usage and hardness level. That works out to roughly 25–50 lbs of salt per month. High-efficiency systems like the ones we install use demand-initiated regeneration — they only regenerate when needed, not on a fixed schedule — which significantly reduces salt and water consumption.

Question 10

Will softened water taste salty?

Accepted Answer

No. A properly functioning water softener adds a very small amount of sodium — typically 20–40 mg per liter, depending on your water hardness. For comparison, a slice of white bread contains about 170 mg of sodium. Most people cannot taste the difference at all. If your softened water tastes salty, it usually means the system needs servicing. If you want zero sodium in your drinking water, pair the softener with an under-sink reverse osmosis system, which removes sodium along with all other dissolved solids.

Question 11

How long does a water softener last?

Accepted Answer

A quality water softener, properly maintained, should last 15–25 years. The resin bed typically lasts 10–15 years before it needs replacement. The control valve and brine tank can last the life of the unit with normal maintenance. Cheap big-box store softeners often fail within 5–8 years. The systems we install are built to last — we've serviced units that are 20+ years old and still performing well.

Question 12

What size water softener do I need?

Accepted Answer

Sizing depends on three factors: your water hardness (in gpg), your household water usage (gallons per day), and the number of people in your home. A general rule: multiply your daily water usage by your hardness level to get daily grain removal needs, then size the softener to handle 7–10 days between regenerations. For most Central Ohio homes (3–4 people, 10–13 gpg), a 32,000–48,000 grain capacity unit is appropriate. We always test your water and calculate the right size before recommending a system.

Question 13

Is salt-free water conditioning the same as a water softener?

Accepted Answer

No — and this is one of the most common misconceptions in the industry. Salt-free "conditioners" (also called template-assisted crystallization or TAC systems) change the structure of hardness minerals so they're less likely to stick to surfaces, but they do not remove the minerals from the water. True softening via ion exchange actually removes calcium and magnesium. Salt-free systems can reduce scale in some situations but are not effective for very hard water (above 10 gpg) and do not provide the skin, hair, and appliance benefits of true softened water.

Question 14

Can I install a water softener myself?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but we don't recommend it for most homeowners. Proper installation requires cutting into your main water line, installing bypass valves, connecting a drain line for regeneration discharge, programming the control head for your specific water hardness and usage, and ensuring the system is positioned correctly to protect your water heater. Mistakes can cause flooding, improper softening, or voided warranties. Professional installation typically takes 2–3 hours and ensures the system is set up correctly from day one.

Question 15

Do I need to soften my outdoor water?

Accepted Answer

No — and most installations bypass outdoor spigots. Softened water is not ideal for watering plants or lawns in large quantities because the sodium can affect soil structure over time. We install a bypass valve so your outdoor hose bibs continue to receive untreated water, while all indoor water — showers, faucets, appliances, water heater — is softened.

Question 16

What causes orange or rust-colored water?

Accepted Answer

Orange or rust-colored water is almost always caused by iron. There are two types: ferrous iron (dissolved, clear when drawn but turns orange on contact with air) and ferric iron (already oxidized, visibly orange or red in the water). Well water in Central Ohio commonly contains both. Iron stains sinks, toilets, tubs, and laundry orange-brown and gives water a metallic taste. An iron filter — not a standard water softener — is the correct solution.

Question 17

Can a water softener remove iron?

Accepted Answer

A water softener can remove small amounts of ferrous (dissolved) iron — typically up to 1–2 ppm — as a side effect of the ion exchange process. However, it is not designed for iron removal and will foul the resin if iron levels are higher. For iron above 2 ppm, or for ferric (particulate) iron, you need a dedicated iron filter. We often install an iron filter ahead of a water softener to protect the softener and handle the iron properly.

Question 18

What is the Iron Boss system?

Accepted Answer

The Iron Boss is our primary iron filtration system for Central Ohio well water. It uses a combination of air injection and catalytic media to oxidize and filter iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) without chemicals. The system automatically backwashes to clean the media bed. It handles iron levels up to 15+ ppm and is one of the most effective chemical-free iron removal systems available. We pair it with a water softener for comprehensive well water treatment.

Question 19

What is hydrogen sulfide and how do I get rid of it?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen sulfide is a dissolved gas that causes the "rotten egg" smell in water. It's common in well water throughout Central Ohio, particularly in areas with organic-rich soils or certain geological formations. At low levels it's not a health hazard but is extremely unpleasant. Our air injection iron filters also remove hydrogen sulfide — the air oxidizes the gas, which is then filtered out. For very high levels, we may recommend a dedicated aeration or chemical feed system.

Question 20

Should I test my well water before buying a treatment system?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. Well water chemistry varies enormously from property to property, even within the same neighborhood. You need to know your iron level, hardness, pH, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, nitrates, and any other contaminants before selecting a treatment system. We offer free in-home water testing that covers the key parameters for Central Ohio well water. Never buy a well water treatment system without testing first.

Question 21

How often does well water need to be tested?

Accepted Answer

We recommend testing your well water annually for bacteria and nitrates, and every 2–3 years for a full panel including iron, hardness, pH, manganese, arsenic, and other contaminants. You should also test any time you notice a change in taste, odor, or color; after flooding or heavy rainfall near your well; after any work on your well or plumbing; or if a neighbor's well tests positive for contamination.

Question 22

What does reverse osmosis remove?

Accepted Answer

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most comprehensive water purification methods available. A quality RO system removes: dissolved solids (TDS), hardness minerals, sodium, chlorine and chloramines, fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, lead, PFAS/PFOA forever chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and most other contaminants. Our alkaline RO system adds a remineralization stage that puts beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) back into the purified water and raises the pH to 8–9.5.

Question 23

How is alkaline RO different from standard RO?

Accepted Answer

Standard RO produces very pure water but also slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5) because it removes the minerals that naturally buffer pH. Our alkaline RO system adds a post-filter remineralization stage that introduces calcium, magnesium, and potassium back into the water and raises the pH to 8–9.5. The result is water that is both ultra-pure and slightly alkaline — similar in mineral profile to premium bottled spring water, but produced at your tap for pennies per gallon.

Question 24

How much water does an RO system waste?

Accepted Answer

Traditional RO systems waste 3–4 gallons of water for every 1 gallon of purified water produced — a 75–80% waste ratio. Modern high-efficiency RO systems (like the ones we install) have improved significantly, with waste ratios of 1:1 to 2:1. The waste water goes down the drain. If water conservation is a priority, we can discuss permeate pump systems that further reduce waste.

Question 25

Where is an RO system installed?

Accepted Answer

Most RO systems are installed under the kitchen sink. The system connects to your cold water supply line and drain, and a dedicated RO faucet is installed at the sink (usually a small separate tap). A storage tank holds 2–4 gallons of purified water so it's available on demand. The system can also be connected to your refrigerator's ice maker and water dispenser for purified ice and chilled water.

Question 26

How often do RO filters need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

A typical 5-stage RO system has pre-filters (sediment and carbon) that need replacement every 6–12 months, the RO membrane itself every 2–3 years, and post-filters (carbon polish and remineralization) every 12 months. We offer annual service plans that include filter replacement and system inspection. Neglecting filter changes reduces water quality and can shorten membrane life.

Question 27

Is RO water better than bottled water?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. RO water is purified to a higher standard than most bottled water brands, which are often just municipal tap water that's been filtered. RO water costs roughly $0.01–0.03 per gallon to produce at home versus $1–3 per gallon for bottled water. You also eliminate the environmental impact of plastic bottles and the inconvenience of buying and storing them. Our alkaline RO system produces water that rivals premium spring water brands in taste and mineral profile.

Question 28

Is Columbus tap water safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Columbus Water Works consistently meets all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards, so by regulatory definition, yes — Columbus tap water is safe. However, "meets standards" and "optimal" are different things. Columbus water contains chloramines (used for disinfection), trace levels of PFAS, hardness minerals at 9–13 gpg, and other compounds that are within legal limits but that many homeowners prefer to filter out. A whole-house carbon filter removes chloramines and improves taste; an RO system removes virtually everything.

Question 29

What are chloramines and why are they in my water?

Accepted Answer

Chloramines are disinfectants formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. Columbus Water Works switched from chlorine to chloramines in the 1990s because chloramines are more stable — they stay active longer in the distribution system and produce fewer disinfection byproducts (DBPs) than chlorine alone. The downside: chloramines are harder to remove than chlorine (they require catalytic carbon, not just standard carbon), they can damage rubber plumbing components over time, and some people are sensitive to them. Our whole-house carbon filter systems use catalytic carbon specifically to remove chloramines.

Question 30

Does Columbus water contain PFAS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at low levels. Columbus Water Works has detected PFAS compounds in source water and finished water. The levels have historically been below the old EPA advisory limits, but the EPA's new 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS are far stricter — 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually. Columbus Water Works is working toward compliance, but in the meantime, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective way to remove PFAS from your drinking water at home.

Question 31

Where does Columbus get its water?

Accepted Answer

Columbus Water Works draws from two primary sources: the Scioto River (treated at the Dublin Road Water Plant) and Hoover Reservoir (treated at the Hap Cremean Water Plant). Both sources are surface water, which means they're subject to seasonal variation in quality — runoff, agricultural chemicals, and algae blooms can affect source water quality. The treatment process removes most contaminants, but hardness minerals (9–13 gpg) pass through treatment and reach your tap.

Question 32

Is the water quality different in suburbs vs. Columbus proper?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sometimes significantly. Communities that purchase treated water from Columbus Water Works (Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, etc.) receive similar water quality to Columbus proper. Communities with their own water systems (Newark, Lancaster, Marysville) may have different hardness levels, treatment methods, and contaminant profiles. Well water communities (rural areas of Delaware, Licking, and Fairfield counties) have entirely different water chemistry. Our suburb-specific water quality pages detail the hardness and water source for each community we serve.

Question 33

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard whole-house water softener installation takes 2–3 hours. An iron filter installation takes 2–4 hours. An under-sink RO system takes 1–2 hours. Combined systems (softener + iron filter, or softener + RO) take 3–5 hours. We handle all plumbing connections, programming, and testing before we leave. You'll have softened or filtered water the same day.

Question 34

Do I need a plumber for water softener installation?

Accepted Answer

No — our technicians handle all plumbing work as part of the installation. We are licensed and insured in Ohio. We cut into your main water line, install bypass valves, connect the drain line, and program the system. You don't need to arrange a separate plumber. If we discover any pre-existing plumbing issues during installation (corroded pipes, improper fittings, etc.), we'll let you know and can address them.

Question 35

Where is the water softener installed?

Accepted Answer

Water softeners are typically installed on the main water line where it enters the house — usually in the utility room, basement, or garage. The system needs to be positioned before the water heater so the heater receives softened water. It also needs access to a drain for regeneration discharge and an electrical outlet for the control head. We'll assess your home's layout during the free water test visit and recommend the best installation location.

Question 36

What maintenance does a water softener require?

Accepted Answer

The main ongoing maintenance is adding salt to the brine tank — typically every 4–8 weeks depending on your water usage and hardness. We recommend checking the salt level monthly. Every 6–12 months, you should clean the brine tank and check the resin bed. Every 2–3 years, a professional service visit is a good idea to inspect the control valve, check resin condition, and verify the system is programmed correctly. We offer service plans that cover annual inspections.

Question 37

What type of salt should I use?

Accepted Answer

We recommend high-purity evaporated salt pellets (99%+ purity) for most systems. Avoid rock salt — it contains impurities that can foul the resin and clog the brine tank. Solar salt is acceptable but slightly less pure than evaporated salt. For systems treating iron-containing water, iron-out salt (with a rust-removing additive) can help keep the resin clean. We'll specify the right salt type for your system at installation.

Question 38

Do you service systems you didn't install?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We service most major brands of water softeners, iron filters, and RO systems regardless of who installed them. If you've moved into a home with an existing system, or if you're unhappy with your current service provider, give us a call. We'll inspect the system, advise on its condition, and handle any needed repairs or reprogramming.

Question 39

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve a 75-mile radius around Columbus, covering 60+ communities across Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Union, Pickaway, Madison, Morrow, Knox, and surrounding counties. From Springfield to Newark, Marysville to Lancaster — if you're in Central Ohio, we likely serve your area. Call us at (614) 476-8711 to confirm service in your specific location.

Question 40

How much does a water softener cost?

Accepted Answer

A professionally installed whole-house water softener in Central Ohio typically costs $1,200–$2,800 depending on the system size, features, and your home's plumbing configuration. This includes the equipment, all installation labor, and programming. Big-box store units cost less upfront but are lower quality, often fail sooner, and don't include professional installation or ongoing support. We offer financing options that make the investment manageable — many customers pay less per month than they were spending on bottled water.

Question 41

How much does an iron filter cost?

Accepted Answer

An iron filter installation typically costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on the system type, iron level, and whether it's combined with a water softener. A combined iron filter + water softener system for well water typically runs $2,500–$4,500 installed. Given that iron damage to appliances, fixtures, and laundry can easily cost thousands of dollars over time, most customers find the investment pays for itself within a few years.

Question 42

How much does a reverse osmosis system cost?

Accepted Answer

Our alkaline RO systems are typically $600–$1,200 installed, depending on the number of stages and whether it includes a refrigerator connection. Annual filter replacement costs run $80–$150 per year. Compare this to bottled water: a family of four spending $50/month on bottled water spends $600/year — the RO system pays for itself in 1–2 years and produces better water.

Question 43

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer flexible financing options with approved credit, including 0% interest promotional periods. Many customers finance their system for $30–$80/month — often less than their current bottled water or salt delivery costs. Visit our financing page or ask during your free water test appointment for current offers.

Question 44

Is there a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All systems we install come with manufacturer warranties on parts (typically 5–10 years on the control valve, lifetime on the tank) plus our own labor warranty. We stand behind our installations — if something goes wrong due to our workmanship, we'll fix it at no charge. Extended service plans are also available.

Question 45

How much money will a water softener save me?

Accepted Answer

The savings are real and significant. Hard water costs the average Central Ohio household an estimated $800–$1,500 per year in: premature appliance replacement (water heater, dishwasher, washing machine), increased energy costs from scale-insulated water heaters, extra soap and detergent needed to overcome hard water, bottled water purchases, and plumbing repairs. Our savings calculator at /hard-water-savings-calculator lets you estimate your specific annual cost based on your water hardness and household size.

Question 46

What's the difference between a water softener and a water filter?

Accepted Answer

A water softener specifically removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) through ion exchange. It does not remove chlorine, chloramines, PFAS, or other contaminants. A water filter removes contaminants (chlorine, sediment, chemicals, bacteria) but does not soften water. Most Central Ohio homes benefit from both: a whole-house softener for hardness and a carbon filter for chloramines, or an under-sink RO system for drinking water. We often install combination systems that address both.

Question 47

Should I rent or buy a water softener?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend buying. Rental programs (offered by Culligan and others) typically cost $30–$60/month indefinitely — you never own the equipment and can spend $5,000–$10,000+ over 10–15 years with nothing to show for it. Buying a quality system outright (or financing it) means you own the equipment, your monthly cost is just salt ($10–$20/month), and the system adds value to your home. The math strongly favors buying in almost every scenario.

Question 48

How does Pure Aqua compare to Culligan or Kinetico?

Accepted Answer

The main differences are price, ownership model, and local service. National chains like Culligan typically charge 2–3x more for similar equipment and push rental programs. Kinetico makes quality non-electric systems but at premium prices. Pure Aqua Columbus installs high-quality systems at fair prices, you own the equipment outright, and you're dealing with a local Central Ohio business — not a call center. We've been serving this area for 30+ years and our technicians know Central Ohio water chemistry intimately. See our full comparison at /compare.

Question 49

Is a whole-house filter better than a pitcher filter?

Accepted Answer

For most purposes, yes. Pitcher filters (like Brita) only treat a small amount of drinking water and require frequent filter changes. They do nothing for your shower, laundry, appliances, or plumbing. A whole-house carbon filter treats all the water entering your home — every faucet, shower, and appliance benefits. For drinking water specifically, an under-sink RO system is more thorough than either a pitcher filter or a whole-house carbon filter.

Question 50

Do I need both a water softener and an RO system?

Accepted Answer

They serve different purposes and work well together. A water softener removes hardness minerals from all the water in your home — protecting appliances, improving skin and hair, and eliminating scale. An RO system provides ultra-purified drinking water at one tap. The softener actually extends the life of the RO membrane by removing hardness before it reaches the RO unit. Many of our customers install both: a whole-house softener for the home and an under-sink RO for drinking and cooking water.

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