FAQs
YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
What is the best filtration system for my home?
Think of water filtration or water softening like your kitchen. Every appliance in your kitchen has a specific job. Your microwave is not going to keep your food cold and your fridge is not going to wash your dishes!
With water filtration, every system has it's own job. Some systems can multi-task (they are probably females!), but for the most part, each one has it's own specific contaminate it is in charge of reducing.
- Looking to take chlorine out of the water? Your best bet is some type of carbon.
- How about bacteria? Look not further than a UV system
- Water Hardness? I prefer a water softener, but there are other ways as well.
- Low pH? A Acid Neutralizer will do the trick.
Your best bet is to have your water tested 1st, then choose a system to remove whatever was showing up in the test.
Guess what? We offer FREE water testing!
Once my water softener is installed, how much salt do I add to the system and which type of salt should I use?
All water softener installations by Patterson’s Water & Plumbing include 200-640# of solar salt. You should always keep salt in the brine tank.
There are several types of salt on the market; crystal salt, pellet salt, and potassium chloride salt (for people on salt-free diets). Pellet salt is a cleaner grade of salt, however, it does tend to bind together in the brine tank and form a salt bridge and it can also form a "brine mush" on the bottom of the salt tank. Brine mush looks like mashed potatoes. Ever try to run water through mashed potatoes? it does not work! So when this happens on the bottom of the salt tank water cannot flow through it, therefore your softener is not really getting a good cleaning. That's why we recommend crystal salt. It is better for your softener and better for your wallet since it is a bit cheaper!
If you decide to change salt types, empty your brine tank first. This can either be done manually or by running the system through extra regeneration cycles.
How much does a new Water Softener cost to install?
A water softener cost can vary, depending on what size the system is. So that leads to your next question...what size water softener do I need in my home? A water softener is sized based on 3 components:
1) What is the softener taking out. A basic water test will show us the iron and water hardness levels from the untreated water. We offer this for FREE!
2) How many gallons of water will be used daily? Is there a family of 4 or 14? Are outdoor lawn sprinklers also requiring treated water? Once we have this data, it is just a 4th grade math equation to calculate the amount of water being used per day in the household.
3) What is the pipe size in the home? For instance, if the pipe size is 1 1/4" it would be a disservice to you to install a 3/4" water softener. The softener valve should be the same size as the plumbing it is serving.
Once we have collected all of this data we can size your system based on YOUR needs, not based on what your neighbor has in their home! So, to swing back to your original question....what does it cost? Well, it could be anywhere from $2300 to $9500 or more. Don't panic though! Lets get your system specs 1st, then we can create a water system based on that alone.
How often should I have my system serviced?
We recommend most water treatment systems to be serviced on an annual basis.
Our database alerts us when all of our systems are due to be serviced. We then mail our customers a reminder postcard to call and schedule an appointment.
How do I remove PFAS from my water?
There are several types of carbon system from 20" inline whole house filters to carbon tanks that will recue PFAS.
There is also a specialized resin that can reduce PFAS.
The NJ DEP is also helping homeowners by paying for a PFAS reduction system! Yes, you read that right! PFAS is serious and the DEP is stepping up to the plate and heling homeowners live safely with their water.
There are some hoops for the homeowner to jump through, but we can help with that! Give us a call and we can start getting the ball rolling for you.
Here are a couple of short video on PFAS:
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
Great Question! Hydrogen Sulfide is a non harmful gas that comes form the ground and produces a odor very similar to rotten eggs!
It is more prevalent 1st thing in the morning after the pipes have been sitting untouched all night. The 1st one up in the morning gets the brunt of it!
It is super easy to remove this from your water. Any type of carbon system will do the trick. However, if the odor is very bad it may require a chemical injection, like chlorine, to kill the odor followed by a carbon system to remove the chlorine.
here is a short video about stinky water:
https://youtu.be/2EfLyPBCIZE?si=8K8tthoRXz0Fw4Ws https://pattersonsqualitywater.com/you-tube-test
How do I get rid of iron or rust stains from well water?
Iron in the water can cause havoc on plumbing fixtures, laundry, outside walkways, and anything it come sin contact with.
Don't fret though! There is good news! You can remove iron from your well water with a water softener system or with a saltless AIO iron removal system.
Both work great and both system have pros and cons.
A water softener system does require maintenance in regards to adding salt to the brine tank. Carrying 40 lb. bags of salt from Home Depot to your trunk, then to your basement may excuse you from going to the gym that day! Or you can hire us to do the heavy work for you!
Our AIO systems do not require salt, which is a plus! Instead they require oxygen. During the regeneration cycle it takes air into the tank which then oxidizes the iron and makes it filterable. It is a simple process that does not require homeowner help. The down side of an AIO system is that it does NOT remove water hardness. So if you like soft water, this probably is not the system for you.
I have a single tank water softener in my home. I am thinking about getting a sprinkler system but don't want the orange stains outside. Will my current water softener be able remove iron for both my household and sprinklers?
A single tank water softener may be undersized for both the household and the sprinkler system. Eventually the system may fail causing iron to pass through, staining appliances, laundry, plumbing fixtures and sidewalks and bright rust color.
We recommend treating your home and sprinkler system with a twin tank metered water softener. This system has a meter set to a certain gallon usage. Once the gallons have been satisfied, the system automatically switches to the second tank while the first tank goes into its regeneration mode. The water usage is never interrupted for regeneration purposes. This system allows the household to have 24/7 clean water!
In a nutshell, a twin tank water softener allows for a daily higher volume of water to pass through it and still keep clean water for all use.
I have that rotten-egg odor in only my hot water lines. Is this coming from my well?
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that has a similar odor to rotten eggs. However, if this gas was present in your well you would smell it in both the hot and cold lines. When the odor is in only in the hot lines it most likely is caused by the anode rod in the hot water heater.
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc that protects the tank from corrosion. Once this rod has corroded it gives off that rotten egg odor.
The anode rod can be easily removed from the hot water heater, replaced with a new one and the tank can be disinfected.
I have a carbon filtration unit installed for odor removal. My water pressure has suddenly decreased. What can I do about this?
A sudden loss of water pressure can be an indication that it is time to change your carbon or sediment cartridge. Once the cartridge is clogged it will decrease your household water pressure.
My plumber told me I need a water treatment device that will prevent pinhole leaks in my copper plumbing. Which water treatment unit is right for me?
First, call us for your FREE water test.
Your pH (potential for hydrogen) is likely to be low. Anything under 6.5 will cause corrosion in copper plumbing, which in turn causes green/blue stains in sinks and tubs.
An acid neutralizer will prevent this from happening. An acid neutralizer is a tank filled with a mineral called calcium carbonate which dissolves in water to regulate your pH.
After time (about a year) this calcite will need to be replenished in order for pH to be properly regulated.
Are Tankless Water Heaters worth the investment?
First, call us for your FREE water test.
Your pH (potential for hydrogen) is likely to be low. Anything under 6.5 will cause corrosion in copper plumbing, which in turn causes green/blue stains in sinks and tubs.
An acid neutralizer will prevent this from happening. An acid neutralizer is a tank filled with a mineral called calcium carbonate which dissolves in water to regulate your pH.
After time (about a year) this calcite will need to be replenished in order for pH to be properly regulated.
Why do I run out of hot water quickly?
As a water heater ages it can start failing to keep up with the hot water demand of a household. A few issues can cause your tank to run out of hot water quickly:
- Sediment build up inside tank reducing efficiency
- Burned out heating element in electric water heaters
- Family is growing and water heater is too small for demand
- Thermostat failing
- damaged dip tube allowing cold water to mix with hot water
Signs that my boiler needs to be replaced?
If your boiler is pushing 20 years old, you may want to see if it also has some warning signs which can includes:
- increased heating bills
- Frequent repairs
Uneven heating, some rooms getting warmer while others staying cold. Here are 7 warning signs your boiler may be nearing the end of its lifespan:
Your Boiler Is 15–20+ Years Old – Older boilers may become less efficient and require more frequent repairs. Some well-maintained boilers can last considerably longer.
Rising Heating Bills – If your heating costs keep increasing without a change in usage, your boiler may be losing efficiency.
Frequent Repairs – Are you calling a plumber every winter? Repeated repair costs may make replacement a better long-term investment.
Uneven Heating – Some rooms are warm while others stay cold. This could indicate circulation problems, improper system balancing, or boiler performance issues.
Unusual Noises – Banging, rumbling, or whistling sounds may indicate sediment buildup, circulation problems, or failing components.
Water Leaks or Corrosion – Visible rust, recurring leaks, or deterioration of the boiler's heat exchanger may indicate serious problems.
Your Home Takes Longer to Heat – If your boiler struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures, it may no longer be performing as it should.
How often should be water heater be flushed?
Water heaters can accumulate a lot of sediment, silt and debris on the bottom of the tank, causing it to be inefficient heating your water. This is why your water heater should be flushed every 12 months.
This is a service we include in our membership plans!
Does a water treatment professional have to be licensed in their field?
Under the New Jersey Plumbing Code Book, any professional who cuts through a water line MUST have a NJ Master Plumber's License. Before hiring a water treatment professional please ask if they are working under a Master Plumbers License.
How much does anew water heater cost?
A new water heater installation can start at around $2400, however The cost depends on several factors, including the type of water heater, tank size, fuel source, and installation requirements.
A traditional tank-style water heater is generally more affordable upfront, while a tankless water heater typically costs more initially but offers energy savings, a longer potential lifespan, and continuous hot water when properly sized.
Other factors that affect installation costs include plumbing modifications, venting requirements, permits, and whether you're replacing an existing unit or upgrading to a different system.
At Patterson's Water & Plumbing, our licensed plumbers will evaluate your home's hot water needs, explain your options, and provide upfront pricing so you can make an informed decision.
I have white stains on my pots and pans, my dishwasher, glassware and in my shower. What causes this?
When water that has excessive minerals is heated, those minerals precipitate out of the water and stick to surfaces. hence the white film on the shower door, the spotty glassware, the white film inside the pots. And guess what else? that white film is on YOU after you shower!
This can cause dry itchy skin, dry, brittle & frizzy hair, clean laundry looking dingy, and decrease the life of your water using appliances.
To learn more about hard water, check out this video: https://youtu.be/ZxF6nyr9gVo?si=8YzkpwCGEWDYPHok
I have city water. What should I be concerned about removing?
Anyone using municipal water should be concerned about chlorine and chloramines levels and disinfection by-products like trihalomethanes. water hardness is also very common in city-water.
Did you know that your body will absorb more chlorine in a 10 minute hot shower then it will by drinking 8 8oz glasses of that same water!
We offer a variety of systems to remove chlorine, chloramines, byproducts and water hardness.
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Enter your ZIP code in the EWG Tap Water Database to explore reported contaminants in your local water supply—then contact Patterson's Water & Plumbing for a personalized water quality evaluation!