Worried about the water that’s coming out of your faucets and showers? If you’re concerned about sediments, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, or even the levels of chlorine in your water, getting a whole-house water filtration system could be worth it. Below, we’ll take a more in-depth look at what whole-house water filtration systems are, the different types, how they work, and their benefits.
Key Takeaways
• Different whole-house water filtration systems remove different contaminants.
• Whole-house water filtration systems have a higher initial cost than under-sink or countertop filters.
• Whole-house water filtration systems are point-of-entry filters, providing clean filtered water throughout your home.
• Whole-house water filtration systems eliminate the need for water bottles.
What Is a Whole-House Water Filtration System?
While some people are satisfied with just having filtered water from one faucet, others like the idea of having clean, filtered water throughout their home. That’s where a whole-house water filtration system comes in. These systems ensure that water flowing through your faucets, showers, laundry machine, and dishwasher is not only clean but also filtered.
Whole-house water filters can be tailored to your individual needs. If you’d like your filtration system to simply soften your hard water, there’s a system designed for that. Alternatively, if you’d like your system to remove sediments and chemicals, there are systems that can meet those needs as well.
How Do Whole-House Filtration Systems Differ From Other Types of Water Filters?
Whole-house filtration systems are installed where the main water line enters your home, ensuring that all the water flowing into your house is filtered. These differ from under-sink and countertop filters.
Under-sink filters are installed under your sink and only filter water coming from that faucet. Similarly, countertop filters attach directly to your faucet, filtering the water coming from that specific tap.
What Are the Different Types of Whole-House Filtration Systems?
Here are some whole-house filtration systems you may want to consider.
Ultraviolet Purification System
An ultraviolet purification system is an ideal solution if you’re worried about microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites in your water. If your area is under a boil water advisory, then an ultraviolet purification system can ensure your water is safe to drink and use.
UV purification systems use UV light to damage the RNA and DNA of any microorganisms in the water so that they’re unable to replicate or spread disease. It’s important to note that these purification systems are more effective when combined with sediment filters, as debris and dirt can block the UV light.
UV purification systems destroy:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Viruses
- Algae
- Parasites
Sediment Filtration System
Sediment filtration systems remove a variety of sediments from water, such as clay, dust, sand, and even rust particles from old pipes. Sediment filters are installed at your main water line’s point of entry and contain pores that are too small for particles to pass through. Essentially, these systems remove any suspended solids from your water.
Sediment filters remove:
- Dust
- Debris
- Rust flecks
- Sand
- Clay particles
Carbon Filtration System
Carbon filtration systems are designed to specifically remove chlorine from your water. While the levels of chlorine in drinking water are safe to consume, according to the EPA, many people dislike the taste and smell.
These systems contain activated carbon filters that significantly reduce the amount of chlorine and chloramine in water. Although chloramines can be difficult to remove from water, activated carbon filters can effectively break apart their molecules.
Carbon filters remove:
- Chlorine
- Chloramine
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
Why Having a Whole-House Water Filtration System Is Worth It
So, are whole house water filtration systems worth it? If you’re worried about contaminants that could put you and your family’s health at risk, then the answer is yes, a whole-house water filtration system is definitely worth it. Here are some of the benefits you’ll notice:
Provides Healthier Drinking Water
Whole-house filtration systems remove a variety of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, and even pesticides. Once you prioritize which contaminants you’d like to remove, you can find a filtration system to meet your needs.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Pipes and Appliances
A lot of the sediments and chemicals flowing through your plumbing system can clog and damage your pipes over time. By installing a filtration system at the point of entry, you’ll be ensuring all your pipes and appliances only come into contact with clean, filtered water.
Eliminates Your Need for Bottled Water
With filtered water available throughout your home at all times, you won’t have to rely on bottled water, reducing plastic waste.
Benjamin Franklin
If you’d like to explore your whole-house water filtration services further for your Gainesville home, contact the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin. We can help you zero in on the type of filtration system that will work best for your needs.
FAQs
Are there disadvantages to having a whole-house water filtration system?
Whole-house water filtration systems come with a higher upfront cost than under-sink or countertop filters. You will also need a professional plumber to install the system. Lastly, it can reduce the water pressure in your home. However, you can combine your filtration system with a water booster pump.
Do I need a whole-house water filtration system?
That’s entirely up to you. If you’re worried about pesticides, chlorine, fluoride, hard metals, sediments, and other organisms in your water, then you may want to consider a whole-house water filtration system.
How often do I need to replace a whole-house water filtration system?
Depending on the type of filtration system you have, you will need to replace the filters every 3-6 months (for sediment filters) or 9 months (for carbon filters). The tank has a lifespan of about 10 years.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to install a whole-house filtration system in your Gainesville home, turn to the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about our whole-house filtration systems.