Frequently Asked Water Questions

Water Testing FAQs | Water Filtration FAQs | Reverse Osmosis FAQs | Water Softener FAQs

Water Testing FAQs

How often should I have my water tested?

Private well owners should have their water tested at least once a year, according to the EPA. Additional testing is recommended if you notice changes in taste, odor, color, or after flooding, plumbing work, or well repairs.

What does a water quality test check for?

A free water test checks for contaminants and conditions such as hardness, pH issues, iron, chlorine, and total dissolved solids (TDS). We also offer lab testing for a fee that can check for many hard-to-detect substances, such as nitrates, lead, PFAS, bacteria, etc.

Do I need water testing if I use city water?

Yes. Municipal water is treated before distribution, but conditions inside your home’s plumbing or municipal lines can still affect water quality. Municipal treatment also does not address all water issues. Testing can identify hard water, chlorine, lead, iron, and other concerns that disinfection does not address.

Isn’t municipal/city water safe?

Municipalities often treat water with chlorine and other chemicals to kill bacteria. Although this meets many federal requirements, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns about health risks from long‑term exposure to disinfection byproducts in tap water.

Chemical disinfection also does not treat hard water, high iron, methane, arsenic, PFAS, etc. To learn more about the water in your area, view our contaminant map. At American Aqua, we have the best filtration solutions to combat a wide range of contaminants.

Is free water testing accurate?

Yes, American Aqua’s free water testing provides accurate information about common water quality issues like hardness and iron. If more detailed analysis is needed, laboratory testing may be recommended.

What are the signs that I should schedule water testing?

You should consider water testing if you notice staining, unpleasant odors, cloudy water, unusual tastes, low water pressure, scale buildup, or changes in your water’s appearance. Testing is also recommended if you use a private well, if your area has experienced heavy rain or flooding, agricultural activities, or local contamination concerns.

What is hard water testing?

Hard water testing measures the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals in your water. The results help determine whether a water softener or other treatment system may be beneficial.

Can water testing help me choose the right treatment system?

Yes. Professional testing identifies the specific issues affecting your water, making it easier to recommend the most effective treatment solution.

Can someone test my water for me?

Yes, our professional water treatment company can collect water samples, perform on-site testing, and recommend additional laboratory testing when necessary.

Water Filtration FAQs

Can you get a water filter for your whole house?

Yes, a whole-home water filtration system treats water as it enters your home, helping reduce contaminants before the water reaches your faucets, showers, and appliances.

What maintenance does a whole-house water filtration system need?

Maintenance depends on the type of system you have. It may include replacing filter cartridges, changing filtration media, inspecting valves, and scheduling routine service to keep the system working efficiently.

What is the difference between a reverse osmosis system and a whole-house filtration system?

A whole-house filtration system treats all the water entering your home. A reverse osmosis system is typically installed at a single faucet to produce highly purified drinking water.

If we install whole-house filtration, do we still need RO?

It depends on your water quality goals. Many homeowners use both systems because whole-house filtration treats water for bathing and cleaning, while reverse osmosis (RO) provides additional purification for drinking and cooking. You may also opt for a whole-home RO system, but still need a softener for hardness or UV treatment for bacteria.

How do I size a water filtration system for my home?

The proper size depends on your household’s water usage, flow rate, number of occupants, and the contaminants present in your water. Water testing helps determine the best system for your needs.

Reverse Osmosis FAQs

What is reverse osmosis (RO)?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to reduce many dissolved contaminants, improving drinking water quality.

Why should I call a professional reverse osmosis installer?

Professional installation helps ensure the system is properly sized, correctly connected, and operating efficiently while helping prevent leaks or other issues.

How do I know when I need a reverse osmosis water filter replacement?

Common signs include slower water flow, changes in taste or odor, or reduced water production. Filters should also be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

How often should reverse osmosis filters be replaced?

Most sediment and carbon filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Replacement schedules vary depending on water quality and household water usage.

How often should I replace the reverse osmosis membrane in my whole-home filter?

Most reverse osmosis membranes last between 2 and 5 years with proper maintenance. The lifespan of the membrane depends on incoming water quality and system usage.

What do carbon filters in RO systems remove from household water?

Carbon filters help reduce chlorine, unpleasant tastes, odors, and many organic compounds before water reaches the RO membrane. This helps improve system performance and your water quality.

Can a reverse osmosis system be installed on well water?

Yes. Many homeowners with private wells install reverse osmosis systems. Depending on the water quality, additional treatment such as sediment or iron filtration may be recommended before the RO system.

What should I do if my reverse osmosis system stops producing water?

Check for clogged filters, a full storage tank, low water pressure, or a closed supply valve. If the problem continues, schedule professional service with American Aqua.

What are PFAS and PFOS, and how can they be reduced in drinking water?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that can remain in the environment for long periods. PFOS is a primary subset of PFAS. Water quality systems such as reverse osmosis and specialty filtration systems can help reduce these contaminants in drinking water.

Can RO water be connected to my refrigerator?

Yes. Many reverse osmosis systems can supply purified water to both a drinking faucet and a refrigerator’s water dispenser and ice maker.

Can a reverse osmosis system make my ice cubes cleaner and clearer?

Yes. Many homeowners choose to connect their reverse osmosis system to both their kitchen faucet and refrigerator. This provides purified water for drinking, cooking, and ice, often resulting in cleaner, clearer ice cubes with improved taste and fewer impurities.

Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Many RO systems are highly effective at reducing PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, when properly installed and maintained.

During a boil notice, do I still need to boil water if I have RO?

In most cases, health officials recommend following the boil water notice for all drinking water unless they specifically state that properly maintained reverse osmosis systems are exempt.

Will installing RO require drilling my countertop?

Not always. If an existing hole is available, it may be used. Otherwise, a small hole is typically drilled to install the dedicated drinking water faucet.

Water Softener FAQs

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that is high in dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Hard water produces scale buildup in appliances like dishwashers, ice makers, water heaters, and washing machines, reducing their lifespan. It can also cause pipe wear and plumbing clogs, dry skin, dingy laundry, spotty dishes, and other issues.

Why should I purchase a water softener from you instead of another company?

American Aqua starts with professional testing to recommend a system that matches your home’s water quality. Our experienced team provides expert installation, routine maintenance, and dependable service to help your system perform efficiently for years to come. We also stand behind our work with personalized support and quality treatment equipment. We only offer customized solutions designed to meet your household’s needs, not one-size-fits-all options.

Will a softener help protect my appliances, like my hot water heater and dishwasher?

Yes. By reducing hard water minerals, a water softener can minimize scale buildup inside water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and other water-using appliances. This can improve efficiency and extend their lifespan.

How expensive is a water conditioning system?

A typical softener can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of your home and water usage. However, to get the most accurate pricing, we highly recommend you schedule a free water consultation with our WQA-certified specialists.

Why can’t I buy a water softener from the local home improvement store?

There are many different types of water problems, including various levels of hardness. A one-size-fits-all approach may not meet your needs. Although it may seem more cost-effective to buy a water softener from a local home improvement store, we know that a large majority of units we replace are from home improvement stores.

Replacement ends up costing you more in the long run than if you had the right system for your needs from the start. That’s why we recommend working with our water quality experts. We will test your water to understand what system will work best for your water supply and your budget.