nrh-plumbing-20260102145817

What is Hard Water?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:54:32 GMT

You’ve likely heard of “hard water” – but what exactly is hard water? What causes it? And is it something to be scared of?

Today we’ll break down everything you need to know about hard water.

“Water hardness” refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. The more of these minerals that are present, the harder the water. Hard water has a high concentration of these materials and is likely noticeable – it may show as white spots on faucets or cloudy film on dishes.

Hard water is extremely common in groundwater and well water systems.

Is Hard Water Bad?

What is Hard Water?

NHR plumbing is a family owned and operated residential and commercial plumbing contractor based in Ramsey, MN. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services, main line cleaning, as well as planned instillation including: water heaters, water softeners, water conditioners and plumbing fixtures.

What is Hard Water?

How to Get Rid of Hard Water

Luckily, reducing your water’s hardness is fairly easy. Installing a water softener will get rid of hard water. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium and replace them with softer minerals such as sodium and potassium. These softer minerals do not build up and are much easier on appliances, laundry, skin & hair. Having a water softener installed is the only way to remove hard water from your home or business.

We service & maintain all makes and models of water softeners. Reach out to us to find the right water softener for your home.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: hard water is not dangerous to drink. Having some calcium or magnesium in your water is generally a good thing – drinking water with these minerals helps your overall intake which improves your health. However, if there’s too much of these materials in your water, it can start to pose some external problems. While it’s completely safe to ingest, you may notice less-than-desirable effects:

Unsightly spots or buildup on surfaces that regularly come into contact with water (such as faucets, drains, tubs or glass doors)
Cloudy film left on dishes (both hand-washed and dishwasher)
A strange/undesirable taste to tap water
Negative impacts to hair (stripping moisture and increasing dandruff)
Skin irritation (itchy, red skin or under-moisturized skin)
Faded laundry

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:51:59 GMT

For homes with high nitrate levels: NitraMAX Nitrate Removal

Please note: in order to find the right filtration system for your home, you need to first test your water. Not all well water is going to contain the same contaminates, and even homes drawing on the same well water might not have the same contaminants. There are a lot of factors that determine what you might find in your water.

If you are interested in learning more about what you may have in your water, please contact our office for a free water test kit. With that information we are able to help you determine if you need a water filtration system and what type of system will work best for your home.

This list is intended to give you a jumping-off point in your research. These are some of the water filtration systems that we recommend from Water Control Corporation, based on your needs:

Well, well, well…it’s time to talk about well water. It’s what many of us in Ramsey rely on for our home water supply, and continues to be one of the most common sources of water in Minnesota no matter the city you’re in.

However with well water comes a lot of natural contaminants, sediments and other undesirables that can change the way your water tastes, performs, and even looks.

Today we’re going to recommend some water filtration systems from our friends at Water Control Corporation that are ideal for well water users. These filtration systems help remove contaminants from your water to provide cleaner, fresher-tasting water straight from the tap.

Iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide gas are problem elements often found in private well systems. BrassMaster Plus MEGAbite Iron Filters use oxygen injection to remove damaging minerals and unpleasant odors in a natural, effective, environmentally friendly manner.

Effective treatment of:

Ferrous and Ferric Iron
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (sulfur/rotten egg smell)
Manganese

Get More Info

Nitrates are a worrisome contaminant, often found in well water sources. Usually the result of agricultural pollution (from fertilizers and animal waste), they can lead to serious health conditions, including “Blue Baby Syndrome” (whereby infants are unable to absorb adequate levels of oxygen into their bloodstreams) and cancer. The USEPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate at 10 parts-per-million [10 mg/L]. BrassMaster Plus NitraMAX Nitrate Removal systems effectively reduce nitrate to levels below 10 PPM, making water safe for human consumption. Standard models incorporate additional water softening media for the reduction of hardness. NitraMAX units are also available without softening media for those homes that already enjoy soft water.

Get More Info

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

Arsenic is Number 33 in the Periodic Table of Elements. It is a naturally occurring carcinogen found in drinking water supplies all across North America. Long term exposure to arsenic has been proven to cause serious disease, including cancer. For this reason, the USEPA has set a very stringent Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts-per-billion (10μg/L) of arsenic in potable water. BrassMaster Plus Element33 Arsenic Removal treatment systems effectively reduce arsenic to low or non-detectable levels, making water safe for human consumption. They also remove low levels of other nuisance contaminants, including iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (sulfur/rotten egg smell).

Get More Info

We install and service a wide array of water filters , including the ones on this list. Reach out to us to find the right water conditioner for your home.

For homes with high iron levels: BrassMaster Plus MEGAbite Iron Filters

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

For homes with arsenic or Iron: Element33 Arsenic Removal + Iron/Manganese/Hydrogen Sulfide

3 Plumbing Upgrades to Make Before You Sell Your Home

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:48:22 GMT

1. Clean and Repair your Drains

If you are selling your home, you want to make your home the most appealing you can to potential buyers. Making upgrades to your home is essential to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

One of the best ways to increase your property’s value is to upgrade your plumbing. We know it sounds a little daunting, but upgrading your plumbing will help out with your home’s value both practically and visually.

Here are 3 plumbing upgrades you should make before you sell your home:

Upgrading appliances like water heaters, water softeners, and water conditioners is a great way to add more value, and it will give the homebuyer less to worry about. Homebuyers have a preference for appliances that work efficiently and will not need to be replaced shortly after buying the house.

Outdated water conditioners and water softeners can also cause problems in your water that are costly, so eliminating these problems before they start is a good idea.

Additionally, newer water heaters are designed to help with water and energy conservation. This will save you or future homebuyers more money each year on the water bill.

Updated appliances are a luxury when buying a new property. Homebuyers will be willing to pay more for what they get with the home. In short, the less they have to worry about in maintenance will mean more money for you when selling.

The home-selling process can be difficult, but you can make it easier on yourself by upgrading your plumbing. It’s a win-win situation, it will not only increase your home’s value but will also save your homebuyer time and money!

We install and service a wide array of water conditioners and home plumbing services. Reach out to us to take care of your plumbing needs at home.

When selling your home, you want to upgrade for function and for looks. Updating faucets and sinks is a nice way to make your home more aesthetically pleasing while also increasing the functionality. Leaky faucets can waste hundreds of gallons of water per week, costing the homeowner hundreds every year.

Fixtures vary in styles and materials. A good starting point for updating your fixtures is figuring out what material you would like to use. Depending on your home, you can choose a variety of options such as copper, gold, bronze, brass, stainless steel, etc.

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing your material is if it will work well with your home. For example, brass, nickel and bronze are all resilient materials that stand up to frequent use. Zinc and stainless steel are cheaper alternatives, but they may start to rust or stain quickly.

Making sure your faucets and sinks are updated will give you one less plumbing problem to worry about and will also give your home style points.

3 Plumbing Upgrades to Make Before You Sell Your Home

Clogged drains are a pain. They will not only cause problems for you, but for your future homebuyer. It’s pretty easy to take your drains for granted, because it’s one of those things that when they are broken or running slowly, you notice. Fixing plumbing problems will prevent clogs and leaks that lead to flooding and extensive water damage.

Check your drains to see if they need to be cleaned out and make sure that you take note of any drains that are running slowly or clogged. If your drains are running sluggishly, you might have a problem to take care of and it’s time to call a plumber.

Drain cleaning and maintenance are essential for anyone looking to sell their home. So making sure that your drains are sorted and updated out before you put your property on the market could save you lots of money down the road!

3. Replace Old Appliances

2. Update Fixtures

How Do You Purify Well Water?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:45:24 GMT

How Do You Purify Well Water?

The use of a water conditioner will help you in a few different ways such as:

Improving your overall health

Improving the health of your plumbing system by reducing scale buildup

Reducing effects of hard water

Making water safe to drink and irrigate plants

Carbon filters

Reverse Osmosis (RO Systems)

Softener filter combinations

Not only will water conditioners help you in these ways, but they will also give you peace of mind when it comes to your water at home. It can also help make your water taste better, and who doesn’t love water that tastes good?

We install and service a wide array of water conditioners. Reach out to us to find the right water conditioner for your home.

A water conditioning system remove sediments and chemicals like chlorine from the water. By removing these chemicals as well as scale buildup, water conditioners reduce the effect of the hard water and improve your overall health.

➙ Read now: The Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

First, it’s important to define a few terms and clear up some misconceptions.

Well water does not NEED to be purified. “Purification” refers to removing harmful contaminates, sustpended debris, and biological waste from water – the most common example is purifying standing water from a lake or pond to make it drinkable while camping. In that case, you’re actively filtering out large contaminates like dirt, bacteria, or debris to make water safe to drink.

➙ A vast majority of water from public sources will not require any purification whatsoever. And if it does, you’ll certainly hear about it in the news!

However, that doesn’t mean that just because your well water is safe to drink that it’s automatically “clear.” When people want purified home water, more often than not they’re looking for water that will:

Not have a distinct taste or smell
Not leave stains or spots
Look clear, even when left standing overnight

It’s easy to confuse this process for “purifying” water, although strictly speaking, those are not the same process. Well water can still contain contaminates like iron, arsenic, or nitrates. The process of removing them is called water filtration or water conditioning.

The best way to remove these contaminates is through a water conditioning system.

How Can You Benefit from a Water Conditioner?

What is a Water Conditioning System?

Water is one of the most valuable resources in your home. Whether you need it for cleaning, cooking, or drinking. We all need clean water to nourish our thirst and safely cook and clean, so how can we make sure the water we are using is safe and high-quality?

Many homeowners are concerned with purifying their well water to make it safe.

How Do You Purify Well Water?

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:21:16 GMT

For many homeowners, they dislike the taste, smell or color that sometimes comes with city water. Even when the water is perfectly safe to drink, that doesn’t mean that it won’t still have a specific taste, leave a residue or look cloudy.

For those homeowners, we strongly recommend a water filtration system to help keep water clear.

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

Please note: in order to find the right filtration system for your home, you need to first test your water. Not all city water is going to contain the same contaminates, and even homes in the same city not have the same contaminants. There are a lot of factors that determine what you might find in your water.

This list is intended to give you a jumping-off point in your research. These are some of the water filtration systems for city water that we recommend from Water Control Corporation, based on your needs:

For homes with high nitrate levels: NitraMAX Nitrate Removal

Chlorine and / or Chloramines are commonly used as additives in public water systems. The BrassMaster Plus MultiMAX LS water filtration system removes these undesirable additives. The result is clean, irritation-free water for your entire home.

Chlorine and chloramines are commonly used to disinfect city water systems and provide safe drinking water to end users. However, once inside homes and businesses, these chemicals can cause unintended problems. Excess chlorine can lead to taste and odor issues, as well as skin irritation. The effects of chloramines (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) are much less known; but beyond taste and odor issues, they have been attributed to skin rashes, digestive issues, the leaching of heavy metals like copper & lead, and the failure of rubber products in plumbing systems*. The MultiMax LS removes these chemical additives. The result is clean, safe, great-tasting, irritation-free water. This automatic system relies on specialized media. It regenerates every few days with water and air (requiring no additional salt or chemicals).

Effective treatment of:

Chlorine & Chloramines
Taste & Odor Issues

Get More Info

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

For homes with high chlorine or chloramines: BrassMaster Plus MultiMAX LS

Get More Info

We install and service a wide array of water filters, including the ones on this list. Reach out to us to find the right water conditioner for your home.

For homes with arsenic or Iron: Element33 Arsenic Removal + Iron/Manganese/Hydrogen Sulfide

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:16:26 GMT

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

If you notice your water bill increasing despite no change to your water usage habits, then you might have sprung a leak or burst pipe . A common place for a leak to be is your toilet, so you should check to make sure that there aren’t any obvious leaks first before assuming a burst pipe.

Do the pipes in your home ever cross your mind? It’s pretty easy to forget about them, and the only time you really notice them is when there is a problem.

Burst or leaking pipes can occur year round, and they can be very costly. If you’re in the Midwest, the most common type of problem is freezing weather, but rust and poor installation can also cause a pipe to burst.

Here are some signs to watch for that could indicate a leaking or burst pipe, so you can get the problem fixed before it becomes and a costlier problem.

When pipes burst in the ground, water, dirt, and other contaminants can get into your water.

Burst pipes can also develop rust over time, turning your water brown and making it smell foul. Rusted pipes are also a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause health problems for your or your family if not treated.

If you notice an odor change or discoloration in your water, that could be a sign of a burst pipe.

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

Pipe bursts can result in a decreased amount of water coming through your pipes. If you notice any changes in how much water is coming out of your faucets or showerheads, you may have a burst pipe.

Contact a plumber to determine the source of the change in your water pressure.

Bad Odor

Changes in Water Pressure

High Water Bills

Clanging or Dripping Noises

There’s a number of reasons for noisy pipes or dripping noises. A change in water pressure can cause a sudden closing of the valve which can make your tap emit whistling noises or a hammering sound.

Other causes can be mineral deposits, faulty tap washers, or even scale build-up. If you hear any funny noises coming from your walls that is unusual, it’s probably time to call the plumber. Especially if you hear these noises when you’re not using your sink, tub or toilet.

Water Marks

Since most pipes run behind walls, you may see water marks on your wall or ceiling due to a burst pipe.

If you notice a sudden mark appearing, you should have a plumber look at it before you take any action yourself.

Pipe bursts are a common problem in households everywhere. Take note of anything that may not seem normal when it comes to your plumbing is helpful for avoiding more problems down the line.

We offer a wide array of services for your plumbing needs. Reach out to us if you have any problems with your pipes or plumbing.

Can City Water Be Hard?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:11:25 GMT

Can City Water Be Hard?

Do you notice white, chalky residue or spots on your dishes in your dishwasher? Clothes and linens that feel rough and look dull? Dry skin and flat hair? These are all possible signs of hard water.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is a natural result of minerals like magnesium and calcium accumulating during the water cycle. The more the minerals accumulate, the harder the water becomes.

We’re not saying hard water isn’t safe - because it is - you can drink and wash with hard water. But depending on the level of hardness, you’ll find that it can lead to plumbing problems down the line. Some of these costly problems include:

Stains in your sinks and tubs
Cost of replacing linens and clothes affected by hard water
Higher utility and water bills because your appliances work harder

Beyond that, it can just be unpleasant to drink or irritate your skin and hair. While hard water is safe, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal.

Can City Water Be Hard?

Absolutely! Cities will filter water to ensure it’s safe to drink, but since hardness isn’t a public safety issue it’s usually left unresolved.

Additionally, your home’s plumbing can increase the hardness of water, especially if your pipes are older. This is unavoidable without addressing the cause.

How Do You Determine How Hard Water is?

The hardness of your water is measured in GPG (grains per gallon), and hardness varies throughout the different parts of the United States. Most Americans have hard water, but the level of hardness differs by state.

According to HomeWater101, 85% of Americans have hard water. The following map provided shows how hard the water is in each part of the United States.

What Can You Do About Hard Water?

Millions of Americans use Water Softeners to combat the problems that come with hard water. Having a water softener has many benefits, they’ll remove the calcium and magnesium and replace them with softer minerals like potassium and sodium.

Water softeners provide other key benefits like:

Water-using appliances last longer
Laundry is cleaner with reduced fading and fabric wear
Dishes and glassware look cleaner and brighter
Skin and hair washed in softened water looks and feels better
Soft water maintains energy efficiency

NRH Plumbing services and maintains all makes and models of water softeners. Ensuring that your water is softened will help you in maintaining low-cost utility and water bills, cleaner dishes and clothes, and overall better health of your home and your family.

Need help finding Water Softener for your home? Contact us to help you decide what Water Softener will meet your budget and needs!

Running Water Sound in Bathroom Wall: What does it mean?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:04:54 GMT

Running Water Sound in Bathroom Wall: What does it mean?

Hearing a dripping sound behind a bathroom wall can be a nerve-wracking and confusing experience. Several factors can attribute to this sound, and not all of them are serious. However, most of them should be addressed through a professional plumber.

One of the main reasons you might hear a dripping sound is simply because a faucet is running. If this is the case, the dripping noise will stop shortly afterward. We still recommend getting this looked at by a plumber because it could mean there’s a leak somewhere in the pipe. This is one of those things that isn’t a problem now, but could become a huge problem later.

Cause: running faucet

Cause: clogged pipes

Another reason why you might hear a dripping sound behind your wall is when pipes are becoming clogged. Clear drains usually allow quick passage of water, resulting in dripping water sounds stopping sooner.

With partially blocked pipes, you might hear that dripping sound more persistently, because it’s taking longer for that water to get through. You can use solutions like baking soda or vinegar to try to unblock the pipes. If the dripping sound doesn’t go away, it might be time to call a plumber.

If you notice any water collection or pools of water near the walls, any discoloration of the walls or floors, different textures being formed on your walls, or even any mildew or mold formation, these factors can be key identifiers of a water leak within your walls.

Water leaks can cause bigger problems down the line, and in turn, create a leak in your pocket. Ensuring that you’re taking the necessary precautions when you hear a dripping sound in your bathroom walls is crucial in saving money in your pocket.

If problems persist, you should reach out to your local plumber to see how you can fix any outstanding problems with dripping sounds within your walls.

If you don’t take the necessary precautions when you hear these sounds, you could find yourself in a position of water leaks behind your wall.

Do you need more help when it comes to your bathroom plumbing ? Reach out to us to see how you can save more money and be proactive in your plumbing so it doesn’t cause more and more problems down the line.

NHR plumbing is a family-owned and operated residential and commercial plumbing contractor based in Ramsey, MN. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services, mainline cleaning, as well as planned installation including: water heaters, water softeners, water conditioners, and plumbing fixtures.

nrh-plumbing-20260102145817

What is Hard Water?

Is Hard Water Bad?

What is Hard Water?

What is Hard Water?

How to Get Rid of Hard Water

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

For homes with high nitrate levels: NitraMAX Nitrate Removal

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

For homes with high iron levels: BrassMaster Plus MEGAbite Iron Filters

Best Water Filtration Systems for Well Water

For homes with arsenic or Iron: Element33 Arsenic Removal + Iron/Manganese/Hydrogen Sulfide

3 Plumbing Upgrades to Make Before You Sell Your Home

1. Clean and Repair your Drains

3 Plumbing Upgrades to Make Before You Sell Your Home

3. Replace Old Appliances

2. Update Fixtures

How Do You Purify Well Water?

How Do You Purify Well Water?

How Can You Benefit from a Water Conditioner?

What is a Water Conditioning System?

How Do You Purify Well Water?

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

For homes with high nitrate levels: NitraMAX Nitrate Removal

Best Water Filtration Systems for City Water

For homes with high chlorine or chloramines: BrassMaster Plus MultiMAX LS

For homes with arsenic or Iron: Element33 Arsenic Removal + Iron/Manganese/Hydrogen Sulfide

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

Bad Odor

Changes in Water Pressure

High Water Bills

Clanging or Dripping Noises

Water Marks

Can City Water Be Hard?

Can City Water Be Hard?

What is Hard Water?

Can City Water Be Hard?

What Can You Do About Hard Water?

Running Water Sound in Bathroom Wall: What does it mean?

Running Water Sound in Bathroom Wall: What does it mean?

Cause: running faucet

Cause: clogged pipes

Signs of a larger problem