Fort Myers Water Filtration & Water Softener Services: Reach Out for Hard Water Treatment

We Sell & Install NSF Certified Water Filters

For proper water filtration in and near Fort Myers, FL, it’s important to work with a team that’s certified, reliable, and has the expertise and experience to back up everything they offer. That’s why so many in North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Estero, Naples, and more rely on us for it all. Here’s what you need to know about working with us:

• Most of the water filter units we sell are manufactured in the United States and many are NSF certified.
• We custom build all units using the most up-to-date applications, such as ozone generators and ultraviolet lights. 
• We utilize the quietest pumps available, ensuring your household stays quiet and comfortable.
• Our iron water treatment filters function without the use of caustic oxidizers such as potassium permanganate (the “purple stuff”).
• Many applications are structured with bacteriostatic media to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

In addition, all of our water treatment filters, sulfur removal systems, and water softeners are protected by either a limited 5-year warranty, a 10-year warranty, or a lifetime warranty.

Remember – water and plumbing systems are based on science and proper execution of the mechanics. Both must be right in order for the systems to function. Many of the water systems that we didn’t install, but which we are asked to work on, failed because of lack of attention to details.

Water Softener Repair & Installation: What Is Hard Water & Why Is It Bad?

Do you have trouble working up a good lather when you shampoo your hair? Or does your morning shower leave you feeling slightly sticky rather than squeaky-clean? Are there telltale rings around your tub, your sinks, or even your coffee pot? If so, you may have hard water in your Fort Myers home.

Hard water is a common issue for many households in the Southwest Florida area, but because it doesn’t pose a direct health risk, it often goes unnoticed…at least at first. The easiest way to describe hard water is that it contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your plumbing and appliances over time, leading to inefficiency, buildup, and damage.

How does water become hard?

Groundwater acquires calcium, magnesium and other minerals as they dissolve from surrounding soil and rock. Without the benefit of water filtration, water purification, or softening, these minerals course through your home’s plumbing system, building up on the inside of your pipes, water heater, your coffee maker, etc. in the form of scale.

Scale reduces the flow of water through your pipes and is a poor conductor of electricity. The scale can eventually totally clog your pipes. You can combat hard water in various ways, including filtering it by distillation or reverse osmosis or running it through a water softener.

What Are the Signs of Having Hard Water?

Wondering how to tell if you have hard water in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, or anywhere else nearby?

• Soap scum and film: If you notice a white, chalky residue left behind on shower walls, sinks, or your dishes (even after a good scrub) this could be caused by your hard water reacting with soap. You may also find it harder to get a good lather with soap or shampoo.
• Stiff or faded laundry: Clothes that come out of the washer feeling stiff or looking dull may have been washed in hard water. Over time, mineral buildup in the fabric can make clothes wear out more quickly and feel rough against your skin.
• Spots and streaks on dishes and glassware: After running your dishwasher, you might find water spots or cloudy streaks on your glasses and dishes. This is due to mineral deposits left behind during drying.
• Reduced water pressure: Over time, scale buildup inside your pipes can narrow the openings and restrict water flow. If you’ve noticed that your water pressure is lower than it used to be, hard water might be a contributing factor.
• Appliance inefficiency: Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water-using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. Scale buildup inside these appliances forces them to work harder, often leading to more frequent repairs or early replacement.
• Dry skin and dull hair: Because hard water can strip away natural oils, many people with hard water experience dry, itchy skin and hair that feels brittle or looks lifeless.

If you’re noticing any combination of these signs, it may be time to consider water testing. We offer free water testing, and can test your water’s hardness level, as well as recommend a solution.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

Because water becomes hard due to too much calcium and magnesium, you need something to combat that and balance it out, which is the job of the water softener.

A water softener contains a tank full of small, negatively charged polystyrene beads, which are bonded to positively charged sodium ions. What does this mean? It means that, as the water flows through the beads, the sodium ions swap places with the calcium and magnesium ions, which carry a stronger positive charge.

After several cycles, calcium and magnesium replace all of the sodium in the beads. The water softener then enters a regeneration cycle during which it soaks the beads in a strong solution of water and salt.

The sodium in the brine solution then causes the calcium and magnesium ions in the beads to release and the beads are recharged with sodium. Following the regeneration cycle, the water softener flushes the brine solution, which now contains the calcium and magnesium, through a drainpipe, so that it doesn’t enter back into your household’s water stream.

Our water softener installations and repairs are performed in a very professional manner, so they not only function properly…but look good as well. All wires and loose ends are tied down, the pipes are straight, and all of the small details are attended to.

We also offer salt delivery and maintenance services for your water softening system, so you can ensure it stays in good shape and working well for many years to come.

Does Tap Water Have Iron In It? Is Iron in Drinking Water Bad for You?

Yes, water can naturally contain iron – especially well water. As water moves through soil and rock, it picks up iron from the earth and carries it into your home’s water supply. Iron can also enter through corroded pipes or plumbing fixtures. 

What did this mean for those drinking it? In general, small amounts of iron in water are not considered a health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies iron as a secondary contaminant, meaning it affects taste, color, and odor, but isn’t toxic at low levels. 

That said, excessive iron – especially above 0.3 mg/L – can cause unpleasant effect, such as:

• A metallic taste in drinking water or food made with tap water.
• Upset stomachs, particularly for people with conditions like hemochromatosis (a disorder where the body stores too much iron).
• More bacterial growth, such as iron bacteria, which can clog plumbing and cause slime buildup.

All in all, even when not dangerous to your health, iron in water can be a nuisance. Common issues include rust stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets, as well as clogged pipes, reduced appliance efficiency, and ruined laundry loads.

What Are Signs of Iron in Water?

Iron in your water supply can reveal itself in many ways. Small amounts of iron are not typically obvious, but moderate to high levels often leave behind clear signs. Here are the most common indicators:

• Rusty water or water stains. If you see orange, reddish, or brown discoloration in your tap water, this is often due to the presence of iron. This discoloration can also appear as streaks or stains in toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
• Metallic taste. Water that has a noticeable metallic or bitter taste is often high in dissolved iron, which can affect not only your drinking water, but also the taste of food or beverages made with tap water (coffee, tea, etc.).
• Clogged or slimy fixtures. Iron encourages the growth of iron bacteria, which creates a slimy, rusty-colored buildup in toilet tanks, well heads, pipes, and plumbing fixtures. You might notice a reddish slime or a musty odor coming from your faucets or drains.
• Stained or faded laundry. Iron in water can cause freshly washed clothes (especially whites and light-colored fabrics) to appear yellowed, rust-stained, or dingy-looking. Even small amounts of iron can damage fabrics and leave behind hard-to-remove discoloration.
• Reduced water pressure. Over time, iron buildup will narrow pipe openings and clog appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. If you notice a gradual drop in water pressure, iron deposits may be to blame.

Can you check one – or multiple – of these issues? A professional water test can confirm whether iron (or any other harmful mineral) is present in your water. Ask us about our free water testing, so we can help you determine the best treatment plan, such as an iron filter or water softener, to restore your water’s clarity, taste, and function.

For Water Treatment Services in Southwest Florida, Reach Out

Aqua Care Water Treatment and Plumbing is trusted in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. We provide our water filtration service to both Lee and Collier County, including cities like Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, and more. We have a wide range of services tailored to solve your water treatment and plumbing needs.

If you have any questions regarding water filtration and water purification near Fort Myers, contact us today!