Low water pH is a contaminant that is considered acidic, naturally soft and corrosive. Low pH can damage your pipes and fixtures which causes a sour or metallic taste. Over time, staining will appear in sinks, drains, and in laundry. Without proper treatment, the acidic water deteriorates your copper pipes, creating tiny pin holes that will lead to leaks.
Water with high pH indicates there is a high level of alkalinity minerals which can cause build-up in plumbing and lower efficiency of electric water heaters.
Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate material that is relatively inexpensive and can be used to neutralize acidic or low pH waters. When properly applied, it corrects pH only enough to reach a non-corrosive equilibrium. Upon contact with Calcite, acidic waters slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate to raise the pH which reduces the potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing systems. Periodic backwashing will prevent packing, reclassify the bed and maintain high service rates. Depending on pH, water chemistry and service flow, the Calcite bed will have to be periodically replenished as the Calcite is depleted. As the Calcite’s calcium carbonate neutralizes the water, it will increase hardness and a Water Softener may become necessary after the neutralizing filter.