What Is a Whole-House Water Filter and How Does It Work?
If you don't enjoy the taste of the tap water in your home, there are several alternatives available: buying bottles of water, getting a water cooler, or investing in a whole-house filtration system. While each of these options has its advantages, installing a whole-house water filter is an effective long-term solution. This type of filtration system can remove the impurities, chemicals, and minerals from your municipal water supply, improving the taste and eliminating unhealthy contaminants.
Overview of Whole-House Filtration Systems
There are different styles and brands of whole-house water filters, but most of them operate in a fairly similar way. In most cases, this type of filter is installed at the point of entry where water comes into your home from a municipal supply or a private well. As the water goes through the filter, the system removes chemicals and impurities. Once the water is filtered, it is then routed through your home's pipes to faucets, showers, and appliances.
A whole-house system works differently than a point-of-use filter, such as a countertop water cooler or an under-counter filter attached to a sink faucet. These filters generally purify water meant for drinking and cooking, whereas a whole-house filter affects all the water that enters your home, including what is used in your washing machine and dishwasher.
Water Filter vs. Water Softener
If you live in an area with hard water and have a water softening system, you may wonder if you need a whole-house filter as well. These two systems actually perform different functions. A water softener can eliminate the minerals that leave deposits in tubs and sinks. Depending on the type of whole-house filter you install, it can remove elements such as chlorine, iron, sulfur, and arsenic. You may want to install both a filter and a softener if you live in an area with hard water that is also odorous or full of chemicals you don't want to consume.
Benefits of a Whole-House Water Filter
When you invest in a whole-house water filtration system, you can enjoy many unique health and wellness benefits:
- Clean water that smells and tastes good
- Chlorine-free municipal water
- No mineral deposits in your pipes, water heater, and washing machine
- Sediment-free well water
There are also some environmental and financial benefits:
- Saving money on expensive bottled water
- Reducing the environmental impact of plastic bottles
- Eliminating the need to replace filters on multiple point-of-use systems
Additionally, installing a whole-house filter reduces maintenance on your home's plumbing. This type of system is a single unit that generally requires very little ongoing maintenance, and it protects your pipes and appliances from long-term corrosion.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Home
There are several brands, styles, and models of whole-house water filters. Before you schedule an installation, it's important to figure out what types of contaminants your water has so you know what kind of filter to get. Once it's installed, you can enjoy having clean water throughout your home. One of our water purification experts can help you determine which system is best for your needs. Give us a call at 336-852-2525 or fill out or form below to get started today!