FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Water Quality, Filtration, and Maintenance

At Real Water Systems, we believe that clean water starts with clear answers. Below, we’ve compiled the most common questions we get from homeowners, business owners, and property managers across Diamond, MO, and the surrounding areas.

Whether you're curious about how filtration systems work, what makes well water different, or how to maintain your softener, we’ve got you covered.

Water Quality FAQs

  • Signs of poor water quality include:

    Stains on sinks or toilets (orange, red, or white)

    • Rotten egg or metallic odors

    • Dry skin and hair

    • Cloudy or off-tasting water

    • White buildup on faucets or glassware

    The only way to know for sure is with a professional water test. We offer in-person testing at no cost, so you can make an informed decision.

  • Yes. Annual testing is highly recommended for all private wells, especially for bacteria, iron, pH, and sulfur. You should also test after floods, heavy rain, plumbing changes, or if you notice taste or odor changes.

  • City water is pre-treated with chemicals (usually chlorine) and follows EPA guidelines — but it may still contain hardness, residual chemicals, or taste issues.

     Well water is untreated and varies widely in quality — often containing iron, sulfur, sediment, and bacteria. Both sources can benefit from tailored filtration.

Filtration & Softening Faqs

  • A water softener removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium to reduce scale.

    • A water filter removes contaminants like chlorine, iron, sulfur, sediment, or bacteria.

    • Some homes need one system; others may benefit from a combination.

  • Salt-less systems don’t soften water in the traditional sense. Instead, they condition water using physical processes that prevent scale buildup — without removing minerals. They’re great for low-maintenance scale control, but not always ideal for homes with very hard water.

  • RO systems are ideal for drinking water at the kitchen sink or refrigerator. They remove:

    • Heavy metals

    • Fluoride

    • Chlorine

    • Sodium

    • VOCs and other contaminants

    We often recommend RO alongside a whole-home filter or softener, especially for families with health concerns.

  • Not always. Well water often requires additional treatment for iron, sulfur, or bacteria. City water, on the other hand, may only need a softener and chlorine filter. That’s why we always test first and build a system based on your water source and needs.

Installation & Maintenance Faqs

  • Yes — all installations are completed by our trained, local technicians. We do not subcontract. We handle plumbing, programming, and testing to ensure your system runs perfectly from day one.

  • Salt-based softeners require:

    • Salt refills every 1–2 months, depending on usage

    • Annual system checks

    • Occasional cleaning or resin servicing (every 3–5 years)

    We offer maintenance plans, salt delivery, and annual system inspections to make it easy.

  • It depends on your system and usage:

    • Sediment filters: every 6–12 months

    • Carbon filters: every 6–12 months

    • RO membranes: every 2–4 years

    • Pre/post filters in RO systems: every 6–12 months

    We can help you track replacements and provide all needed filters.

  • No. Modern softeners are septic-safe when installed and configured correctly. We use efficient units that minimize backwash volume and reduce sodium discharge.

General Questions

  • Costs vary depending on the system type, water condition, and installation needs. We offer:

    • Free consultations and water testing

    • Transparent, up-front quotes

    • No high-pressure sales

    Many systems can be installed affordably — and they often pay for themselves by protecting appliances, saving on detergents, and improving efficiency.

  • We offer two different finance options. Foundation Finance or Aqua Finance.

  • Yes. We offer ongoing maintenance, filter replacements, and salt delivery plans. Whether you want to be hands-off or just need reminders, we’ll help keep your system running worry-free.