Water treatment for Vernon and the North Okanagan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about water softeners, installs and service. Can't find yours? Call or text 250-309-7144.

Water softeners

How does a water softener work?

Through ion exchange. The resin in a softener acts like a magnet, pulling the hardness out of the water. Once the resin is full, the softener cleans itself by regenerating, using salt or a salt substitute to rinse the hardness off the resin.

What is water hardness?

Hardness is calcium and magnesium rock dissolved in your water. It stops soap from lathering and leads to scale in pipes and water heaters. It's measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm).

Why should I buy a water softener?

A softener prevents costly scale build-up in your plumbing and fixtures. CMHC and appliance manufacturers recommend one if your water is 5 grains per gallon or harder. Soft water also lowers water-heating costs, extends the life of water-using appliances, cuts cleaning supplies by up to 75% and helps clothing last 30% longer.

Does a WaterBoss softener add salt water to my drinking water?

No. The regenerant cleans the resin inside the tank and is washed down the drain at the end of regeneration. The WaterBoss smart softening system keeps regenerant out of your drinking water while it's in service.

When should I add regenerant to a WaterBoss softener?

Check your softener every month. Whenever you see water above the salt, fill it with salt or potassium chloride.

Why is WaterBoss better than a conventional softener?

WaterBoss has a separate built-in, self-cleaning dirt and sediment filter, and a patented directional flow screen that lets it use the whole tank for resin. It uses up to 50% less salt and up to 80% less water per regeneration, runs on 12 volts and can regenerate in as little as 15 minutes. If you have guests or go on vacation, the computer adjusts automatically.

I don't have much space. Can I still get a softener?

Yes. We have water softeners that fit in a park model home, even under the sink, such as the MicroBoss II 400.

Testing, installs and service

Do I have to get a water analysis?

We highly recommend it. On well water we test hardness, iron and pH; on city water, hardness, pH and chlorine, plus iron if you see iron staining. We need the results to choose the right equipment and the numbers to program it properly. Basic testing is free.

How much does water treatment cost?

It depends on whether you need one system or a whole-house setup with a softener, reverse osmosis and UV. A water test tells us which systems you actually need, and the good news is it's not as costly as you might think.

How long does an install take?

Budget about 1.5 hours for an under-sink drinking water system and 2 to 6 hours for larger systems such as a softener or UV system. It depends on the location and type of plumbing.

Do you offer different plumbing materials?

Yes. If your mechanical room is copper and you don't want plastic pipe in it, we offer a copper pipe package for all installs.

I have Poly-B plumbing. What now?

Not to worry. We have techniques to adapt from Poly-B so your water system is the safest part of your plumbing.

What if I don't have time for maintenance?

We offer service plans from $70 a year and can deliver salt to your door. Pick up the phone and leave the rest to us.

Can you do other plumbing jobs while you're here?

We can do light plumbing repairs while installing your water treatment equipment, such as new faucets, PRVs and expansion tanks. Let us know beforehand so we bring the right parts. For larger plumbing work, we can connect you with a trusted plumber.

Do you build commercial systems?

Yes. We build systems for dairy farms, breweries, stratas, chicken farms, grow operations, mobile home parks, wineries, car washes, laundromats and more.

Do you ship across Canada?

Yes. We ship water treatment equipment anywhere in Canada using couriers experienced with water treatment products.

Free water test

Find out what's in your water

Book a free basic water test. Call or text, or send us a message and we'll set up a time.

250-309-7144 · call or text
okanaganaquatech@gmail.com
7805 Senita Ct, Coldstream BC V1B 2C4

Areas we serve

Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Shuswap, Kamloops, Grindrod, Mara, Sicamous, Lumby, Nakusp, Oyama, Winfield, Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton and Osoyoos.

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