Q. I'm considering a water filtration system... but do they really work? And, are they really necessary?

A. Water filtration systems do work when necessary... and they're necessary if you have hard water, acidic water, excess iron, or other impurities or chemicals in your water supply that you'd like remedied. If you suspect there's a problem with your water supply, your trusted plumbing professional can test it for contaminants.

Q. My water has a metal taste... any idea what this could be?

A. First off, your best bet is to get your water tested. But most likely you have acidic water - that's water with a low pH factor. You might notice blue-green stains on your sinks, drains, and clothes. Acidic water can also pose health risks if metal ions like lead, manganese, or copper are contaminating your water supply.

Q. My water has a foul smell... kind of like rotten eggs. What could this be?

A. The most probable cause is the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water supply. In order to eliminate this odor, the hydrogen sulfide gas will need to be oxidized by way of a tank that connects to your well.

Q. Should I be concerned about radon in my water?

A. If you are concerned, get your water tested immediately. The precence of radon is linked to lung cancer and unfortunately it's being found in more and more of Connecticut's water supply. Radon exposure occurs through the release of gas into the air when you run you faucet water. Consider a water filtration system that's designed to vent radon into the outdoor air before it enters your home.

Q. What's the easiest way to remedy a hard water problem?

A. Consider a professionally installed water filtration system designed specifically to treat hard water and transform it into soft. If you have hard water, you'll notice soaps don't form well, unsightly scale deposits appear on dishware and fixtures, and there's a reduced efficiency in your hot water heater. But no real worries; it's an easy problem to fix.