Winter Protection

Winter Protection

SpringWell published a how-to on protecting whole-home filtration systems from freeze damage while promoting their neoprene filter jackets as a professional solution. Author Tommy Stricklin outlines eight key protection strategies including insulating components that hold water, shielding systems from wind, adding supplemental heat when necessary, and draining systems during unavoidable exposure to freezing conditions. The company covers both temporary measures like maintaining minimal water flow during cold snaps and permanent solutions such as installing systems in climate-controlled areas or using temperature monitoring sensors. Their approach positions their neoprene filter jackets as offering "durable, streamlined alternative to improvised wraps or bulky enclosures" that maintain professional appearance while providing protection.

GE Fights Counterfeit Filters

GE Appliances opened a new factory in Louisville, Kentucky to produce water filters in-house as part of an industry-wide battle against dangerous counterfeit products that have plagued refrigerator manufacturers for over a decade. The company explains that fake filters sold online often leak or overflow due to substandard parts, while also introducing dangerous chemicals including arsenic and ethanol from non-food-grade plastics into drinking water. The company joins other manufacturers like Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung in combating counterfeits. The highly automated Louisville facility will produce several million filters annually with just 30 employees using robotic pick-and-place systems guided by cameras.

Testing the Culligan MaxClear

WQA Certified Water Specialist Brian Campbell (aka Water Filter Guru) wrote a review positioning the Culligan MaxClear gravity filter as a potential replacement for discontinued Berkey systems. Campbell's lab analysis using Tap Score testing found the MaxClear effectively removed 100% of copper, uranium, molybdenum, zinc, phosphorus, and fluoride, while achieving 97% barium reduction, earning it an 8.55 overall score. The review highlights the filter's unique certifications for microplastics, lead, and total PFAS reduction, making it the only gravity filter with this specific combination of NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications. However, Campbell identified significant concerns including an unexplained detection of dichloromethane post-filtration, extremely slow flow rate (0.3 gallons per hour), and high ongoing costs of $1.20-$1.58 per gallon compared to competitors' $0.10-$0.50 range.

Water Softener Salt Delivery

Aquanology released a guide on water softener salt delivery while demonstrating how convenience services can build recurring revenue and deeper customer relationships. The upstate New York company offers two service levels: basic delivery to the door for DIY customers, and full-service including tank filling, system checks, and filter changes for maximum convenience. The company explains common signs customers need salt delivery including low brine tanks, poor soap lathering, dish spotting, and return of dry skin symptoms, positioning themselves as proactive problem-solvers rather than reactive repair services. The team is using salt delivery as an opportunity for regular system inspections and maintenance upsells, creating touchpoints that help identify issues before they become costly failures. Aquanology emphasizes proper storage guidance and monthly monitoring tips, educating customers while positioning themselves as water care experts rather than just equipment vendors.

What else is happening:

• Iowa House Democrats released a proposal aimed at improving the quality of Iowa’s drinking water and waterways through increased monitoring

• Texas-based Knee Deep Plumbing has expanded its residential offerings to include comprehensive water quality systems

• Moleaer, a nanobubble technology company, writes how their work is improving car wash efficiency

• American Pump and Drilling explains how water conditioners differ from water softeners

• Perry's Pump Repair details what residents need to know about wells in Florida