Home Water Filtration Systems Q&A
If you drink bottled water, or keep a filtered pitcher in your fridge, you might have at least considered installing a whole house filtration system in your home over the years. The question is, what stopped you?
A whole-house water filtration system may sound expensive, but it may cost less than you think – especially when you consider the many ways it saves you money over time.
In this Q&A, we’ll look a little more deeply into whole-house water filtration, and why it might be a good choice for your western Massachusetts home.
Q. What is a whole-house water filtration system?
A. Depending on where you live and how it is sourced, the water that comes from your faucets may contain impurities like rust, sediment and minerals. A whole-house filtration system removes impurities before it reaches those taps.
Q. What are the benefits of a whole-house water filtration system?
A. Healthier drinking water is the most obvious benefit of a water filtration system, but there are other benefits, too. For example:
- It’s better for the environment – Upgrading to a filtration system will reduce plastic waste in the form of disposable bottles. Those bottles are made from petroleum and water, so you reduce the need for those two commodities, too.
- It’s better for your clothes and dishes – Over mineralized water can break down soap, leaving your clothes and dishes less clean than they should be. A filtration system removes those minerals.
- It’s better for your skin and hair – Too many minerals can also worsen skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as well as dry out your hair.
- It’s better for your plumbing – That white, chalky residue on your pipes and faucets (or glassware) is a sign of minerals in your water. Over time, those minerals will wear out your pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Q. What are the types of water filtration systems?
A. There are several types of water filtration system, and the one that’s right for you depends on your home and water supply (a big reason why you should get a professional consultation when installing a system).
Some of the most common whole-house water filtration systems include:
- Activated carbon – Activated carbon filters (block and granular types) are designed to collect minerals and sediment as water passes through them. Both have filter cartridges that need to be replaced each year.
- Reverse Osmosis – Reverse osmosis systems filter water by forcing it through a fine membrane, which removes sediment, minerals, bacteria and heavy metals.
- Cation (or ion) exchange systems – These filters use an electromagnetic pulse to ionize the water. This reverses the charge of minerals in the water, which are then removed.
- UV disinfection systems – With this type of system, water passes under UV lights, which kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This system does not remove sediment or minerals from your water.
Q. What’s the first step in choosing a whole-house water filtration system?
A. Before installing a whole-house water filtration system, you’ll want to test your water to understand which system would most benefit you. You can purchase water testing kits online, or you can have your water tested by professionals.
Q. How long should a whole-house water filtration system last?
A. With proper care and depending on the type and your usage, reverse osmosis, ionization, and UV systems can last up to a decade or so. Carbon filters need to be replaced once a year.
Q. How much does a whole-house water filtration system cost?
A. The price of water filtration system installation ranges widely, depending on the type and complexity of the system you choose. Simpler systems cost less than $1,000, while more comprehensive ones can cost more than $5,000.
Q. Does a water filtration system require professional installation?
A. In most cases, yes. Simpler carbon filter systems can be installed at the tap, and less expensive under-counter models can probably be installed by a DIYer. But more advanced whole-house systems require professional installation to make sure you get the full benefit of filtration throughout your home.
Considering a whole house water treatment solution? We can help. Contact FSi today to request a FREE water test so that we can help you choose a water treatment system that is right for your western MA home.