Why do water treatment tanks look so different?
Big water tanks, small water tanks, storage tanks… aren’t all water treatment tanks the same?
If you have a water treatment system in your home, you know that some water tanks are smaller or larger than others. Why is that? Why do you need so many water tanks? Wouldn’t just use one water treatment tank instead of two (or three) work?
Tank Size – Why are some tanks large?
Various reasons dictate using larger storage tanks. For example, suppose a customer calls us because their water is discolored (ferric iron). In that case, we can test onsite to confirm the type of iron and then install a system to remove this type of iron mechanically. However, the incoming iron heavy water must have enough time to stick to the media in the tank to remove the iron efficiently. The taller the tank, the more media inside the tank to filter out the iron. In addition, a larger tank also means the water flows through the media slower, making this process much more efficient. In short, in this example, a larger tank, more media, and a slower flow result in better ferric iron removal.
Sometimes, we have to use larger tanks to accommodate the flow rates demanded to sustain a home’s water needs. On the other hand, a smaller tank naturally has a slower flow rate, ideal for a small home. Therefore, a small ranch-style house with the same water contaminants as a larger one will require smaller treatment equipment.
Sprinkler Systems for Fire Control
Sprinkler systems for Fire Control in Homes are becoming increasingly common in some towns. In the event of a fire, many towns require general contractors to install sprinkler systems in the basements of new developments. A builder’s most common water treatment method is to install a large tank with a pump that feeds the fire prevention sprinkler heads alone. Large storage tanks are also helpful when a particular treatment filter is too slow, or a well’s recovery is too low. When a filter system cannot process water fast enough to keep up with demand, storage tanks are an easy solution for the newer developments.
Whole house or under-the-counter?
Reverse Osmosis is a very common system for contaminants like arsenic and uranium. Typically homeowners choose an under-the-counter RO system that is small, fits under-the-counter, and only feeds that particular faucet. There are two common reasons a customer would consider a whole house RO water treatment system over an under-the-counter system. First, the customer wants to remove arsenic and uranium from all the water that enters the house. Or second, there is saltwater present in the well water.
A whole-house RO system will demand large tanks. In addition to the whole-house RO system, the home will need a storage tank. A typical whole-house Reverse Osmosis system will process water at 1-2 gallons per minute. For reference, 1-2 gallons per minute is roughly what your kitchen sink faucet will provide. Therefore, we send the treated 1-2 gallons into a large storage tank to overcome this low yield or low flow rate. The homeowner can now use the water as needed, pulled from the storage tank, supplying a consistent quantity. These storage tanks, which store the water necessary for the entire house, are generally 175 gallons (or more depending on the size of the home).
Well water with a high concentration of salt
Another instance we use large storage tanks is when someone has a well that gets saltier when the house demands a lot of water. These storage tanks are set up the same way as “low yield” wells where the well doesn’t produce enough water for sanitary purposes. We restrict how much water the well pump delivers to the home in these cases. Some are so slow that we have to use specific valves to control the water flow to less than 0.3 gallons per minute. This can be 1 gallon per minute or less, sometimes taking all night to refill the tanks. The lower the flow into the tank, the larger the tanks are needed. The large storage tanks allow the homeowner to have enough water for the entire day.
Water chemistry determines the type and size of a water tank
The number and size of the Water treatment tanks depend on the water’s chemistry coming into your home. Your water can be quite different than your neighbor’s water, which is why we advocate for testing your water regularly. As you can see, water treatment is not a cookie-cutter industry, and the same water treatment systems simply cannot apply to everyone. Unfortunately, some water treatment companies install the same cookie-cutter equipment in every home. In short, the incoming water chemistry dictates the appropriate water treatment method. When you call FONTUS, we’ll discuss an efficient water treatment system appropriate for your water supply.
HOW FONTUS CAN HELP
The FONTUS experts will provide a free immediate-response water test onsite for minerals. We can also correctly collect any state-certified samples needed for health-related contaminants. Then we send them to a state-certified Maine Lab for a TSFHA water test. The TSFHA Water Test will test for Coliform Bacteria & E. coli (pos/neg), Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride, Chloride, Hardness, Copper, Iron, pH, Manganese, Sodium, Uranium, Lead, Arsenic, and Magnesium in your water. This test is an additional charge determined by the lab and paid to the lab. In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
WHAT IS A FREE IMMEDIATE-RESPONSE WATER TEST?
An immediate-response water test is a test done onsite, getting your results immediately. This test allows us to determine if and what iron levels, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and salinity are present in your water. By the end of our appointment, you’ll have all your questions answered. And, most importantly, you’ll have a plan in hand to make sure your water is clean and pure. In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
YOU CAN TRUST FONTUS WATER TREATMENT TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE
At FONTUS, we’re passionate about water purity. We pride ourselves on being reliable, hassle-free, and always available. For example, as the environment and your water change, we’re here to help evaluate your water. Through testing, installation, and maintenance, you can trust FONTUS to ensure clean, pure water for your home or office.