Water Treatment FAQs

Your Questions About Water Softeners, Filtration & Reverse Osmosis – Answered.

At Half Moon Plumbing, we know that choosing the right water treatment system can come with a lot of questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries about water softeners, filtration systems, and reverse osmosis so you can feel confident about improving your home’s water quality.

General Water Treatment FAQs

  • If you experience hard water stains, unpleasant odors, chlorine taste, or buildup on fixtures and appliances, your home could benefit from a water softener or filtration system. The best way to determine your water quality is through a free in-home water test.

    • Water softeners remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup.

    • Water filters remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria to improve taste and safety.

    • Many homeowners benefit from using both to ensure soft, clean, and healthy water throughout their home.

  • Kinetico systems are:
    Non-electric – No timers, motors, or costly repairs.
    Efficient – Uses less salt and water compared to traditional systems.
    Reliable – Works on demand, so you never run out of soft or filtered water.

Water Softener FAQs

  • A water softener removes hard water minerals using ion exchange, replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium to prevent scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

  • ❌ Dry, itchy skin and dull hair
    ❌ White spots on dishes and glassware
    ❌ Soap scum buildup on tubs and showers
    ❌ Stiff, rough-feeling laundry
    ❌ Higher energy bills from inefficient water heaters

  • Kinetico softeners use up to 80% less salt than standard softeners due to their efficient regeneration process, which only runs when needed.

  • No! The amount of sodium added during softening is minimal and undetectable in drinking water. However, for the purest drinking water, we recommend pairing a softener with a reverse osmosis system.

Water Filtration FAQs

  • Kinetico whole-home filtration systems remove:
    Chlorine & Chloramine – Improves taste and eliminates chemical smells.
    Sediment & Rust – Prevents buildup in pipes and appliances.
    Heavy Metals – Filters out lead, mercury, and other contaminants.
    Pesticides & Pharmaceuticals – Reduces harmful chemicals in drinking water.

  • Yes! Water softeners remove hardness, but they don’t filter out chlorine, bacteria, or contaminants. Many homeowners combine both systems for the best results.

  • Kinetico systems have long-lasting, high-efficiency filters that typically last longer than standard filters. Replacement frequency depends on water usage and local water quality, but many filters only need to be changed annually.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) FAQs

  • Reverse osmosis (RO) pushes water through a semipermeable membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including:
    ✅ Lead & Heavy Metals
    ✅ Bacteria & Viruses
    ✅ Chlorine & Chemicals
    ✅ Pesticides & Pharmaceuticals

  • Yes! RO water is just as pure—if not purer—than bottled water, and it’s more convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

  • Kinetico RO filters typically last longer than standard RO filters, but regular maintenance is recommended. Most homeowners replace pre-filters and post-filters annually, while the RO membrane lasts several years.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help! Whether you need a water softener, filtration system, or reverse osmosis unit, Half Moon Plumbing has the perfect solution for your home’s unique water quality.

Step 1 | Schedule a Free Water Test

Step 2 | Get a Customized Water Treatment Plan

Step 3 | Enjoy Clean, Soft, Great-Tasting Water Every Day