Many different types of filters are available to consumers. Determining which type is most appropriate for you—or whether you need a filter at all—depends on what functions you want a filter to provide. No filter eliminates all contaminants, so understanding what filters do and do not do is important.
Read the label to see if it is NSF-certified. If it is, you can search NSF’s database to learn more about what a particular model is certified to protect you against. Labels on water filters also typically state the contaminants that are reduced, which can help to guide your choice. Be sure to read labels carefully yourself and verify the manufacturer’s claims with an independent source, as not all sales representatives will be familiar with your needs.
Keep in mind that most brands include many different types of filters. Sales people might be able to help you make an appropriate selection, but remember that they are sometimes paid to sell a particular brand. You should check claims and read the fine print on filter packaging for yourself and ensure that it will work for your purposes before purchasing.
Don’t assume that if the filter removes one contaminant, it also removes others. Filters that remove chemicals often do not effectively remove germs, and vice versa. Some water treatment devices that remove chemicals, such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or distillation systems, might also remove fluoride. Children who drink water with levels of fluoride <0.6 ppm might need a fluoride supplement. Check with your child’s pediatrician or dentist for specific recommendations.
The prices of different filtration systems can vary widely, from simple systems that can cost under $20 to complex systems costing hundreds of dollars and requiring professional installation. In addition to the price of purchasing and installing the system, consider the cost, schedule, and ease of maintenance, such as changing filter cartridges. In order to continue to work properly, all water treatment systems require maintenance.
Some filters are slow, while others can filter large amounts of water quickly. If you only need the filter for personal drinking water, you may not need a fast filter.
Filters commonly found in homes and stores include water filter pitchers, end-of-tap or faucet-mounted filters, faucet-integrated (built-in) filters, on-counter filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house treatment units. No filters or treatment systems are 100% effective in removing all contaminants from water, and you need to know what you want your filter to do before you go shopping (see Step 1). Not all filters of a particular type use the same technology, so you should read the label carefully.
If you’re considering installing a whole house water filtration system for your home, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn the benefits of a water filtration system and tips for finding the right one for your home.
Whole house water filtration systems treat all the water flowing into your home. These systems — also known as point-of-entry (POE) systems — connect to your home’s main water supply, meaning all your faucets, showers, washing machines, and other water-using appliances dispense filtered water.
Point-of-entry systems are different from point-of-use (POU) systems, which include products like shower filters and undersink and countertop filters. Wherever you install a point-of-use system, it only treats water in that specific location, not the entire home. With a point-of-entry system, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting a one-stop solution for all your water needs.
Getting a whole house water filtration system is an investment, so you want to ensure that you’re getting the right one for your home. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your choices.
Many whole water filtration systems are sized based on the number of bathrooms in your home. Some filtration systems are designed to accommodate homes with 1-3 bathrooms, while others are built to treat homes with 4-6 bathrooms. Knowing the number of bathrooms in your home is usually a quick, easy way to help narrow down your choices and determine the best size for your house.
Flow rate is the amount of water able to flow through your water dispensers such as faucets, showers, dishwashers, and toilets. It’s important to know the flow rate of your dispensers because if it’s lower than the water filter’s flow rate, there’s a chance of leaking and burst hoses. On the other hand, if the flow rate is higher than the water filter’s flow rate, the water flow may be too weak, potentially causing choking due to air filling.
You can calculate the flow rate of your dispensers by yourself, but if you schedule a free in-home water consultation, a home water expert will ensure your filtration system meets your home’s requirements.
Every home is different, especially when it comes to water problems. Your house’s water supply may come from a well, which can present challenges such as water hardness due to groundwater flowing through or over limestone. Or perhaps you get water from your city’s supply, which can be brimming with chlorine that causes your water to taste and smell foul.
These are just some examples of why you may need a whole house water filtration system. Take time to examine your water supply and see if you come across any of these common water issues:
Whenever you’re looking for a whole house water filtration system, ensure that it’s certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). When you purchase an NSF-certified product, it means:
You should also look into the sellers’ and manufacturers’ shipping, services, and warranty. Pentair provides free shipping over $49, a comprehensive system warranty, and a money-back guarantee. We also offer white glove service and our Water Shield Autoship Program, so you can take the worry out of maintaining your water treatment system.
There are many different types of water filters for your home. Many whole house water systems are designed to reduce up to 97% of chlorine in your water supply. Water softeners can reduce moderate to very hard water to help lessen scale buildup and extend the lifespan of your appliances. Additionally, UV systems may provide fast-acting disinfection without using harmful chemicals. With all these options at your disposal, it can be difficult to know how to choose the best water filter for your home.
The best and easiest way to determine the type of whole house water filtration system you need is to purchase a home water testing kit. It tests for common contaminants found in water, such as chloride, total iron, manganese, water hardness, copper, and more. Our 16-Point Rapid Water Test gives you a clear snapshot of what’s in your water, so you can get the right solution for your home.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the right whole house filtration system for your needs.