Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Soft water allows soaps and shampoos to rinse more effectively and reduces mineral residue. You may notice softer-feeling skin and hair, fewer spots on dishes, less scale and soap scum in showers, and easier cleaning.

A water softener uses water during its regeneration cycle to clean the resin and flush hardness minerals from the system. Modern systems are designed to regenerate based on water usage, helping minimize unnecessary water and salt use.

NMP Water Systems provides professional water softener installation based on your home’s water usage, size, and actual water conditions. We offer free in-home water testing, American-made equipment, and a 10-year warranty on equipment and workmanship.

Yes. Contact NMP Water Systems to ask about current financing options for a new water softener. Our team can explain available payment options and help you choose a system that fits your home’s needs and budget.

Space requirements depend on the size and type of water softener. Most systems need room for a mineral tank, brine tank, plumbing connections, and a nearby drain for regeneration discharge. The space should also provide room for adding salt and performing maintenance.

A water softener is typically installed near the home’s main water supply and requires an inlet, outlet, drain connection, and nearby electrical outlet. The exact plumbing requirements depend on your home’s layout.

Yes. A home does not necessarily need to be pre-plumbed for a water softener. NMP Water Systems can evaluate your plumbing and determine what modifications are needed for proper installation.

Yes. NMP Water Systems can evaluate the new home’s plumbing and determine how to add the necessary connections for a water softener. Planning the installation early can also help identify the best location for the equipment.

NMP Water Systems installs water softeners for both private well and municipal water supplies. We will test your water before installation because water may contain additional impurities, such as iron or manganese, that require treatment along with softening.

Regular service helps keep a water softener working efficiently and can identify minor problems before they become larger repairs. Contact NMP Water Systems to discuss the recommended service schedule for your equipment and available maintenance options.

A quality water softener can often last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper maintenance. Water hardness, usage, equipment quality, and service frequency can all affect its lifespan.

Possibly. A water softener primarily removes hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium. If your water contains chlorine, sediment, iron, PFAS, lead, odors, or other contaminants, additional water filtration may be recommended.

Many water softeners are programmed to regenerate overnight, when household water use is typically low. You can usually still use water during regeneration, but it may bypass the softener and remain untreated until the cycle is complete. Whether softened water is available throughout regeneration depends on the system’s design and settings. NMP Water Systems can explain how your specific equipment operates.

A water softener loop is a section of plumbing designed to make connecting a softener to the home’s main water line easier. It commonly includes exposed inlet and outlet pipes near the intended installation location, often close to a drain and electrical outlet.

Resin is the material inside a water softener’s mineral tank that performs ion exchange. Hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium attach to the resin and are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, producing softened water.

Water softener resin lasts about 10 to 15 years in a properly sized, well-maintained residential system. Its actual lifespan can be shorter when the water contains high levels of chlorine, iron, sediment, or other contaminants that can damage or foul the resin beads. Household water use, water hardness, system settings, and maintenance also affect how long the resin continues to perform effectively.

Regeneration is the process that cleans and recharges the softener’s resin so it can continue removing hard minerals. It is usually scheduled overnight because household water demand is typically lowest during those hours.

The process varies by water softener model. Check your system’s manual for instructions, or contact NMP Water Systems for help resetting the clock and confirming that the regeneration schedule is correct.

A water softener removes hardness minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, from water through ion exchange. This reduces scale, water spots, soap residue, and mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances.

A water softener passes hard water through a tank containing ion-exchange resin. The resin captures calcium and magnesium ions, exchanging them for sodium or potassium ions. The system periodically regenerates with a brine solution to recharge the resin, removing collected minerals.

Outdoor faucets used for lawns and gardens can often be configured to bypass the water softener. NMP Water Systems can evaluate your plumbing during installation and determine the best setup for indoor and outdoor water use.

Commercial water treatment typically serves properties such as restaurants, hotels, schools, laundromats, and multi-unit buildings. Industrial treatment is often designed for manufacturing, processing, production, and other applications with specialized water quality or high-volume requirements.

Industrial water treatment uses specialized equipment to prepare water for manufacturing, processing, cleaning, equipment operation, or other industrial uses. Treatment can remove hard minerals, sediment, dissolved solids, and other contaminants that interfere with operations.

Industrial water treatment uses different equipment to improve water quality for a facility’s specific needs. The system is designed around the incoming water and how the water will be used.

Depending on the application, treatment may include filtration to remove sediment, water softening to reduce minerals, or reverse osmosis to reduce dissolved solids. Some facilities may also need disinfection, wastewater treatment, pH adjustment, or other types of treatment.

The right solution depends on the water source, how much water the facility uses, and the water purity level required.

Yes. Water treatment can reduce scale, sediment, corrosion-related issues, and other water quality problems that affect boilers, water heaters, dishwashers, plumbing, manufacturing equipment, and more.

Start with a water test from NMP Water Systems and an evaluation of your facility’s water usage and operational requirements. Our professionals can use this information to design a commercial or industrial water treatment solution for your specific needs.

Yes. A point-of-entry commercial treatment system can treat water as it enters a building. The equipment must be properly sized for the facility’s flow rate, water consumption, water quality, and peak demand.

Point-of-entry systems treat water as it enters a building and can serve the entire property. Point-of-use treatment serves a specific location, such as a drinking water faucet, kitchen, production line, or piece of equipment.

Maintenance schedules depend on the equipment, water quality, water usage, and operating conditions. Regular inspections, filter or media changes, and system servicing help maintain performance and reduce unexpected downtime.

Often, yes. Commercial facilities can have very different flow rates, water quality requirements, equipment, and operating schedules. NMP Water Systems can design a treatment system around the specific needs of your business rather than a one-size-fits-all setup.

Treating hard water, sediment, and other water quality problems may reduce scale buildup, improve equipment efficiency, decrease cleaning needs, and extend the life of water-using equipment and plumbing. The potential savings depend on the facility and its water conditions.

Tankless water heaters are sized based on your home’s peak hot water demand and the temperature rise needed to heat incoming water. A professional can calculate the required flow rate and recommend a system that can handle all showers, sinks, and appliances running at the same time.

The process depends on whether you have a gas or electric, tank or tankless water heater.

For a gas water heater, turn the temperature dial on the gas control valve to a higher setting. For an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker, remove the access panel, and adjust the thermostat with a flathead screwdriver. If your unit has two thermostats, adjust both to the same temperature.

For a tankless water heater, use the unit’s control panel or remote to increase the temperature. A setting of 120°F is generally recommended for most homes to reduce scalding risk and energy use.

Because excessively hot water can cause burns, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional adjust the temperature safely.

A standard water heater installation can often be completed within a few hours. Installation time varies based on the type of water heater, plumbing connections, venting or electrical requirements, and whether modifications are needed.

Replacing a tank water heater often takes a few hours. Switching to a tankless system or making plumbing, gas, electrical, or venting changes can make the project take longer.

Consider replacement if your water heater is near the end of its expected lifespan, frequently needs repairs, leaks from the tank, produces rusty water, or no longer provides enough hot water. A professional inspection can determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

Common causes include a tripped breaker, failed heating element, thermostat problems, pilot or ignition issue, sediment buildup, or equipment failure. If basic troubleshooting does not restore hot water, schedule professional water heater service.

Many electric water heaters have a reset button behind an access panel, while tankless systems have model-specific reset procedures. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and call a professional if the unit repeatedly trips or requires resetting.

For a gas tank water heater, resetting typically involves relighting the pilot light or, on some models, pressing the thermal reset switch. Always follow the instructions on your water heater, since reset procedures vary by model. If the heater repeatedly needs to be reset, contact our professionals for service.

For many households, 120°F is a commonly recommended setting. It provides hot water while helping reduce scalding risk and energy use.

Heating time depends on the tank size, fuel source, incoming water temperature, and equipment. Gas tank heaters generally recover faster than electric models, while tankless units heat water on demand instead of storing it.

Turn off the water supply and the unit’s gas or electricity if it is safe to do so, then call for professional service. A bottom leak may come from the drain valve, connections, or the tank itself. A leaking tank usually requires replacement.

Water heater maintenance may include flushing sediment, checking the anode rod, inspecting valves and connections, and checking for corrosion or leaks. Regular professional maintenance can improve efficiency and help extend equipment life.

An expansion tank may be required when a home has a closed plumbing system or when local plumbing code requires one. As water heats, it expands; the expansion tank provides space for that extra volume, helping limit pressure increases and protect the water heater, plumbing, and fixtures.

Most tank water heaters should be flushed about once a year to remove accumulated sediment. Homes with hard water or high sediment content may need more frequent flushing to reduce scale and help maintain water heater efficiency.

Tankless water heaters generally need periodic descaling rather than a traditional flush to remove mineral scale and help maintain efficient operation.

Common signs of hard water include:

• White scale on faucets and shower heads
• Spots on dishes
• Soap scum buildup
• Dry-feeling skin and hair
• Itchy scalp
• Water-using appliances aren’t working efficiently or wear out quickly
• Plumbing issues and scale in pipes
• Stiff, dingy laundry
• Higher soap and detergent use and poor soap lather

A water hardness test measures calcium and magnesium levels to confirm the problem.

Hard water occurs when groundwater picks up dissolved calcium and magnesium as it moves through soil and rock. A water softener removes these minerals through a process called ion exchange.

A rotten egg odor is commonly caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This may result from sulfur-reducing bacteria, naturally occurring groundwater conditions, or corrosion of the anode rod in your water heater. If the odor occurs only with hot water, your water heater may be the problem.

The right treatment depends on what is causing the odor. Solutions may include oxidation, carbon filtration, sanitizing a well or plumbing system, or servicing the water heater. Water testing helps identify the source before treatment is selected.

Sulfur odors typically result from hydrogen sulfide gas, usually caused by sulfur bacteria, groundwater conditions, or water heater issues. Methane can occur naturally in groundwater.

Depending on the gas and its concentration, treatment may involve aeration, oxidation, carbon filtration, or other specialized treatment.

Cloudy water can be caused by harmless air bubbles, sediment, minerals, or other suspended particles. If cloudiness does not quickly clear after the water sits in a glass, water testing can help identify the cause.

Sediment can include sand, silt, rust, dirt, clay, and other particles from wells, plumbing, or water mains. Whole-house sediment filtration can capture these particles before they reach faucets, fixtures, and appliances.

A metallic taste may be caused by iron, manganese, copper, low-pH water, or corrosion within plumbing. Because several water problems can cause a metallic taste, testing is the best way to determine the source.

Iron can occur naturally in groundwater or enter water through corroding pipes. Depending on the type and concentration of iron, treatment may include an iron filter, oxidation and filtration, or a water softener for low levels.

Nitrates are compounds that can enter groundwater from fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and natural sources. They have no obvious taste, smell, or color, so laboratory water testing is needed to detect them.

Nitrates pose significant health risks to infants under 6 months old and may cause blue-baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). Nitrates present in drinking water may also impact some adults, young children, and pregnant women and growing fetuses. High nitrate levels in water have also been linked to low birth weights.

Reverse osmosis and certain ion-exchange systems can reduce nitrates in drinking water. The appropriate treatment depends on the nitrate concentration, water chemistry, household water demand, and whether treatment is needed at one faucet or throughout the home.

Bacteria are microorganisms that can enter wells through groundwater, runoff, flooding, damaged well components, and other sources. Depending on the problem, treatment may include well disinfection plus chemical treatment or a UV water treatment system for continuous microbial disinfection.

Chlorine is a disinfectant commonly used by municipal water suppliers to control microorganisms. Activated carbon filtration (often found in reverse osmosis systems) can reduce chlorine and its noticeable taste and odor.

A whole-house carbon filter can treat water throughout the home, while point-of-use filtration can address drinking and cooking water at a specific faucet.

Chromium-6, or hexavalent chromium, is a form of chromium that can enter water from industrial contamination or natural mineral deposits. It is a contaminant of health concern and has been associated with cancer risk. Because it cannot be identified by taste, smell, or sight in water, laboratory testing is necessary to determine whether it is present.

PFAS are a large group of man-made, persistent synthetic chemicals. PFOS is one specific type of PFAS. Treatment technologies such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis can reduce certain PFAS compounds when the equipment is properly selected and maintained.

Depending on the water source and location, drinking water can contain arsenic, lead, radon, iron, manganese, nitrates, bacteria, PFAS, sediment, chlorine, hard minerals, and other substances. NMP Water Systems offers free water testing to identify common water quality problems and can recommend additional laboratory testing when needed.

Private well owners should have their water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants. If you use municipal water, testing is still recommended if you notice changes in taste, odor, color, or if you want to check for contaminants such as lead or PFAS.

A water quality test can check for hard minerals, pH imbalance, iron, manganese, bacteria, nitrates, lead, PFAS, arsenic, and other contaminants.

Yes. Municipal water is treated before distribution, but it can still contain metals, minerals, and pick up contaminants from aging pipes. Testing helps identify issues like lead, chlorine, hardness, and other water quality concerns.

Yes, free water testing is a reliable way to identify many common water problems, including hardness, iron, pH issues, and chlorine. If additional testing is needed for contaminants like bacteria, PFAS, lead, or arsenic, laboratory testing may be recommended. NMP Water Systems offers free in-home water testing and comprehensive lab testing for a fee.

You should schedule water testing if your water has an unusual taste, odor, or color, leaves behind stains or scale, causes dry skin, or if your water source has changed.

If you use a private well, testing is a good idea after well repairs, heavy rains or flooding, nearby construction or contamination alerts, boil water notices, and/or agricultural or industrial operations in your area. The EPA also recommends annual testing for private wells.

Yes. Professional testing helps identify the specific contaminants in your water so the right treatment system can be recommended.

Yes. NMP Water Systems offers free water testing and paid lab testing to evaluate your water quality and recommend the best treatment options for your home.

Hard water testing measures the amount of calcium and magnesium in your water. The results help determine whether a water softener is recommended and what size system will work best for your home.

Yes, a whole-home water filtration system treats the water entering your home. This improves water quality for drinking, cooking, bathing, plumbing, and appliances.

Maintenance depends on the type of system. Most require periodic filter changes, while some systems also need media replacement or annual inspections to keep them performing properly.

A whole-house filtration system treats all the water entering your home. Typically, a reverse osmosis system provides highly purified drinking water at a specific faucet and/or to your refrigerator.

In many homes, yes. Whole-house filtration removes larger contaminants and improves overall water quality, while RO removes many dissolved contaminants to provide cleaner drinking water.

Proper sizing depends on your water quality, household water usage, and flow rate. A professional water test helps determine the right system for your home’s needs.

You may need a whole-home water filtration system if your water has a bad taste or smell, causes staining, scale buildup, or contains contaminants like chlorine, iron, or hard minerals. Many homeowners also install whole-house systems after testing reveals hidden contaminants, like PFAS, bacteria, or lead.

The best home water filtration system depends on your water quality, source (well or municipal), and household needs. At NMP Water Systems, we perform water testing before installing a customized whole-home water filtration system that targets specific contaminants in your supply.

A whole-house water filtration system is usually installed at the main water line where water enters your home. This allows the system to filter all water before it reaches your showers, faucets, and appliances, providing clean, filtered water throughout the entire house.

A whole-home water filtration system treats all the water entering your home, providing filtered water for bathing, cleaning, and appliances. Point-of-use systems, like many reverse osmosis units, are installed at a single faucet to provide purified drinking water.

Many homeowners choose to use both for customized protection. For example, you may use a whole-home water softener and sediment filter to protect your plumbing system and appliances, while only using an RO unit at your kitchen sink.

A professionally installed reverse osmosis system is properly sized for your home’s water usage and connected for reliable, efficient performance. At NMP Water Systems, we start with free in-home water testing to identify contaminants in your water and recommend the right RO system for your needs.

Our experienced installation team ensures everything is set up correctly, and every installation is backed by a 10-year warranty on equipment and workmanship for added peace of mind.

Common signs include:

• Changes in water taste or odor
• Reduced water production or flow
• You are reaching the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule date

Most RO pre- and post-filters require replacement every 6 to 12 months.

Most sediment and carbon filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on water quality and usage.

Most reverse osmosis membranes last about 2 to 5 years, depending on water conditions and maintenance frequency.

Carbon filters reduce chlorine, unpleasant tastes and odors, and many organic compounds while helping protect the reverse osmosis membrane.

Yes. Reverse osmosis water systems perform effectively with well water when correctly tailored to your water quality. Pre-treatment may be recommended if your water contains high levels of iron, sediment, or minerals.

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

Yes. Many homeowners connect their reverse osmosis system to both a drinking water faucet and their refrigerator for cleaner water and clearer ice.

Reverse osmosis is a water filtration process. It uses a semipermeable membrane to remove many dissolved contaminants. This produces cleaner, better-tasting drinking water.

Yes. High-quality reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at reducing many PFAS compounds.

Yes. Unless local officials specifically state otherwise, you should follow all boil water notices, even if your home has a reverse osmosis system.

Not always. If there is an available opening, such as a soap dispenser hole, it can often be used. If not, a small hole may be drilled to install the dedicated drinking water faucet.

DI water is commonly used in manufacturing, laboratories, electronics, metal finishing, pharmaceutical operations, automotive applications, and other industries where dissolved minerals could interfere with products, equipment, rinsing, or production processes.

Reverse osmosis uses pressure and a semipermeable membrane to reduce a broad range of dissolved contaminants. Deionization uses ion-exchange resin to remove electrically charged dissolved ions. RO and DI can also be combined, with RO providing pretreatment and DI providing additional polishing.

Yes. DI resin eventually becomes exhausted as it captures dissolved ions. We provide periodic DI tank exchange and system service to help facilities maintain high water purity.

DI water is primarily produced for commercial, laboratory, manufacturing, and industrial applications rather than everyday drinking. Drinking water systems are designed around different treatment goals and requirements.

RO physically separates many dissolved contaminants from water using a membrane, while DI uses ion-exchange resin to remove charged minerals and salts. When very high-purity water is needed, DI can be installed after RO as a final polishing stage.

DI tanks should be exchanged when the treated water no longer meets the required purity level. Conductivity or resistivity monitoring can indicate when ion levels are increasing, and the resin is becoming exhausted. NMP Water Systems can establish an exchange schedule based on your facility’s water use and treatment requirements.

DI water can be more aggressive toward certain plumbing and system materials because it has very low levels of dissolved minerals and ions. It may leach metals or other constituents from unsuitable piping, fittings, storage tanks, and distribution components. The appropriate materials depend on the required water purity, application, temperature, flow conditions, and system design.