Have you ever taken a sip of your tap water and wondered why it tasted funny? You’re experiencing one of many reasons why water filtration systems are so important.
Clean water has more than just a clear appearance. It requires filtering to remove contaminants that affect odor and flavor or increase your risk of illness. Whole-home filtration systems are the superior alternative to DIY methods and costly bottled options.
What’s the best water filtration system, and how does this type of setup work? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about home water filtration so you can finally enjoy consistently clean water.
A Quick Introduction to Water Filtration Systems
If you’ve ever used a portable water filter to make your morning tea, you already have a good idea of how they work. Water filtration systems clear out common contaminants that can make your water taste bad or become unsafe.
While many homeowners limit water filtration to specific areas of the home, a whole-home water filtration system is more effective. You’ll enjoy consistent water-cleaning benefits throughout the house year-round, affecting everything from your health to the longevity of your appliances.
Want to talk to a water filtration expert? Give us a call at ARS®/Rescue Rooter® to speak with a member of our team.
What Are the Different Water Filtration Methods?
Just like in food preparation, you need multiple risk mitigation methods to keep your water as fresh and clean as possible. Water filtration takes several forms, including water softening, reverse osmosis, and carbon filtration.
How does a water filtration system work? Do you need multiple types in your home? Let’s take a look.
Water Softening
Have you ever noticed white or gray scum building up on the walls of your sink or shower? You’re witnessing hard water, which is water with a high concentration of minerals. These minerals usually include zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
While generally not a health risk, hard water can cause unpleasant side effects, such as chalky buildup in your bathtub or itchy skin. Your tap water may also taste sweet or stale, and you may struggle to get your clothes clean.
Over time, hard water can put extra strain on your appliances and plumbing system. The dishwasher filters may clog up faster, or the water pressure in the piping may be low. Water softeners filter out most minerals, keeping these annoying side effects at bay.
Reverse Osmosis
What is the best water filtration system for pathogens? While you may notice hard water in your home, more subtle contaminants can cause other side effects, including stomach upset and chronic health problems. Water can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, increasing your risk of sickness.
Reverse osmosis water filtration works by forcing water through a membrane, separating clean water from the contaminated ‘brine’. Not only can this process remove most types of bacteria and viruses, but it can also remove volatile organic compounds and lead when a carbon filter is in place. The only downside to this water filtration method is the removal of some healthy minerals, but you can supplement them in your daily diet.
UV Water Filter Systems
When you want to reduce as many viruses and bacteria as possible, you can combine reverse osmosis with a UV light filter for an even more powerful result. These systems work by using UV light to kill a wider variety of microorganisms.
Activated Carbon
Reverse osmosis may be powerful, but it still can’t capture everything. If you’ve found yourself frustrated by a stubborn chlorine taste in your tap water, activated carbon filters can quickly fix the problem.
Do water filtration systems work for odor? Absolutely. Not only will your water taste better with reverse osmosis and activated carbon, but it will also smell better. You may even notice your tap water is much clearer.
The Main Types of Water Filtration Systems for Homes and Businesses
What is the best whole-home water filtration system? Choosing the right model depends on the size of your home, your primary concerns, and your lifestyle. You can choose from under-sink water filtration systems, faucet mounts, or multiple installations around the house.
Top Filtration Solutions for Homes
Homes tend to do well with reverse osmosis and water softeners. These well-rounded solutions address common problems like scale buildup in showers and water that tastes funny.
Top Filtration Solutions for Businesses
Businesses often rely on a combination of reverse osmosis, water softeners, and carbon filters to improve water safety and taste. If you work in a healthcare setting, you may also need to look into UV sterilization.
Not sure which option is best for you? Call us to get a professional opinion.
How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System: 4 Steps
Before you look into what the best water filtration system can do for you, start with these steps. You’ll get a bigger picture of what your water supply is missing so you can choose a more targeted solution.
1. Test Your Water for Potential Issues
You may end up needing a completely different solution than the one you’re looking for. You can test your water using a home test kit or by consulting a water treatment laboratory.
For starters, you can use simple pH strips to check your water’s pH. This information is important for testing whether your supply is at risk of higher levels of hard water. You can also send water samples to a local water treatment laboratory to look for possible chemical or bacterial contamination.
2. Check Product Certifications and Warranties
You deserve to invest your hard-earned money in a product that works and lasts. When reviewing your water filtration systems, look for certifications and warranties that protect your investment.
3. Consider Your Needs
While some water treatment options are suitable for most people, you need to consider the finer details. Are you cleaning your water to enjoy fresher-tasting food and drink at home, or do you need to upgrade your business equipment? Considering your unique needs will ensure you’re getting the most personalized solution on the market.
4. Review Water Volume
How much water is flowing in and out of your home or business? A water treatment professional can help you measure this volume so you get a water filtration system that is appropriately sized.
Need help? Schedule an appointment to meet with a water treatment professional.
DIY Water Filtration Installation
What is the best water filtration system: DIY or a professional installation? It’s best to have a water treatment professional handle it.
A properly functioning water filtration system requires a connection to your city’s water municipality system or a private well. You also need plumbing knowledge to connect the system to fixtures throughout the home. An improper water filtration system can expose you, your family, or customers to an increased risk of contaminated water.
Are Water Filtration Systems Worth It?
Water filtration systems are among the most effective tools for removing impurities and reducing the risk of contamination.
Water filtration systems provide numerous benefits to homes and businesses, such as:
Cleaner fixtures
Longer-lasting appliances
Reduced risk of illness
Better-tasting food and drink
Consistent compliance with local health regulations
Enjoy the Benefits of a Water Filtration System
ARS®/Rescue Rooter® has been helping homeowners and business owners consistently enjoy cleaner and safer water for years. Our expert plumbers and modern tools are the solution to dirty, stinky, or bad-tasting water.
We offer financing options for those who qualify to help you get started with water filtration sooner. Our Exceptional Service Guarantee comes with clear written estimates, background-checked employees, and a promise to exceed your expectations.
Reliably clean water is just an installation away. Schedule your appointment today to start enjoying today’s best water treatment solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Whole-House Filtration System Cost?
The price of a whole-house water filtration system depends on your home’s size, lifestyle needs, and the amount of equipment needed. Call ARS at 866-399-2885 to get a free estimate!
What Is the Best Type of Water Filtration System?
Reverse osmosis is widely considered the best water filtration system because it can remove most viruses, bacteria, and parasites. However, it may need to be combined with other filtration methods, such as carbon filters, for a more effective result.
