A whole house water filter refers to a filtration system that removes contaminants from a home’s entire indoor water supply. Homes with a municipal water supply have their water line split at the meter into outside landscaping water and indoor house water. Private well water systems may split into indoor and outdoor lines at a different point (check your plumbing plans). Whole house water filters help remove water borne contaminants like chlorine, disinfection byproducts, chemicals, sulfur, iron, microplastics, soluble heavy metals and more from the water, thereby bringing cleaner water to every tap in your house - toilets, shower, bath, dish and clothes washers, etc. Additionally, water filters also treat the water to eliminate suspended particles, sediment, dirt, silt, clay, and organic matter. To treat hard water, scale, a water softener is recommended.
According to a 2022 report, 77% of Americans filter their drinking water at home and this figure is steadily growing. Although the EPA says that 90% of US public water systems meet the standards, using a water filter is strongly recommended.
Importance of whole house water filters
Whole house water filter systems have the following twelve benefits:
1. Protection of Health
Water from municipal supplies or wells can contain various contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses. Whole house water filters remove or reduce these impurities, safeguarding your health. Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking, bathing, and overall hygiene.
2. Comprehensive Filtration
Unlike point-of-use filters, which are typically installed on faucets or under sinks, whole house water filters treat water at the point of entry into your home. This means that all water sources, including faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, receive filtered water. It provides consistent filtration throughout your home, protecting your appliances from sediment and organic clogging, and providing healthier water across all water outlets.
3. Protection for Plumbing and Appliances
Contaminants present in water can cause damage to your plumbing system and household appliances over time. Sediment, organic matter, and other impurities can accumulate in pipes, leading to clogs, reduced water flow, microbial growth and even corrosion. Whole house water filters prevent these issues by removing sediments and other particles, prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances.
4. Improved Water Taste and Odor
Most people notice an improvement in the taste and odor of water after installing a whole house water filter. Chlorine, which is commonly used for water disinfection, can impart an unpleasant taste and smell. Iron, H2S sulfur can smell like rotten eggs and/or taste metallic. Whole house filters often include activated carbon, or the more powerful catalytic carbon, which effectively removes chlorine and its by-products, resulting in fresher, better-tasting water. Removal of soluble (clear water) Iron and H2S sulfur up to 3ppm combined contaminant load is best accomplished with an Iron filter containing manganese greensand, katalox, pyrolox, birm or other similar media. Iron and H2S sulfur up to 5ppm combined contaminant load can be removed by a water softener. A chlorine or hydrogen peroxide feed injector is best for higher Iron and H2S sulfur levels followed by a whole house filter to filter out the chlorine or H2O2, and the sediments created from the Iron and H2S sulfur reduction.
5. Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness
With a whole house water filter, you don't need to install separate filters on individual faucets or appliances. This saves you the hassle of maintaining multiple filters and ensures that every water outlet in your home receives filtered water. Moreover, it can be both cost-effective and time efficient compared to purchasing and replacing multiple point-of-use filters.
6. Environmental Impact
By using a whole house water filter, you reduce the need for bottled water or lower capacity plastic filters. This contributes to the reduction of plastic waste and pollution created during the transportation of the bottled water or lower capacity plastic filters which helps protect the environment. It is a sustainable solution that provides clean water without the environmental drawbacks associated with disposable water bottles or lower capacity filter cartridges.
7. Removal of Chemical Contaminants
Whole house water filters are designed to remove or reduce harmful chemicals such as chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your water. These chemicals can have adverse effects on your health, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potential long-term health risks. By filtering out these contaminants, whole house water filters help provide cleaner and healthier water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Additionally, chloramines are considerably more harsh on the skin, causing rashes on some people, and they also degrade orings, seals, and rubber hoses more rapidly leading to leaks. When treating chloramines, it's important to use catalytic carbon rather than activated carbon, as the chloramine splits into chlorine and ammonia upon contact with activated carbon. Most of the chlorine gets adsorbed by the activated carbon, but most of the ammonia passes through. Catalytic carbon gets the ammonia too.
8. Elimination of Sediment and Particles
Whole house water filters effectively remove sediment, sand, rust, suspended organic matter, and other particles that may be present in your water supply. These particles can not only affect the taste and appearance of your water but can also clog plumbing fixtures and appliances. By removing sediment, whole house filters prevent potential blockages and ensure the delivery of clean, clear water throughout your home.
9. Reduction of Heavy Metals
Whole house water filters containing KDF media can target soluble heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and copper, which can be present in the water supply due to various sources like old plumbing systems or environmental contamination. These metals are known to have detrimental health effects, particularly when consumed over time. By removing or reducing heavy metals, whole house water filters help safeguard against potential health risks associated with long-term exposure.
10. Protection against Bacteria and Viruses
Certain whole house water filters employ technologies like UV disinfection or advanced nanofiber filtration media to remove or inactivate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This is especially important if your water source is prone to microbial contamination, and isn’t subject to chemical disinfection from municipal chlorination or a home chemical feeder. By ensuring that your water is free from these pathogens, whole house filters provide an added layer of protection against waterborne illnesses and contamination.
11. Improved Skin and Hair Health
The removal of chlorine, chloramine and other chemicals from water by whole house filters can benefit your skin and hair health. Chlorine, commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment can cause excess dryness, irritation, and can strip the natural oils from your skin and hair exacerbating existing skin conditions. By reducing chlorine and chloramine levels, whole house water filters can help maintain the natural balance of oils on your skin and scalp, resulting in healthier, softer skin and hair.
12. Enhanced Digestive Health
Drinking and cooking with filtered water from a whole house water filter can contribute to better digestive health. Removing contaminants, chemicals, and unpleasant odors and tastes from your water can make it more palatable, encouraging increased water consumption. Staying properly hydrated with clean water is vital for optimal digestive function, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal health including producing normal movement of one’s bodily waste.
Understanding Your Water Quality
Around 829000 people globally, are estimated to die each year from diarrhea as a result of unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hand hygiene, primarily in developing countries. In the US and Europe the concern is more focused on removing contaminants that municipalities miss, allow at levels known to cause cancer or whose effects are as yet unknown or unconfirmed such as microplastics. Therefore, understanding your water quality is essential for identifying potential contaminants and making informed decisions about water treatment options. Here are some steps to help you assess and understand your water quality:
-
Obtain a Water Quality Report
Contact your local water utility or supplier to request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or Water Quality Report. This report provides information about the water source, treatment process, and any contaminants found in the water supply. It will detail the levels of regulated substances and potential health risks associated with the water.
-
Conduct Water Testing
If you have concerns about specific contaminants or if you rely on a private well for your water supply, consider conducting additional water testing. There are various water testing kits available, including DIY kits and professional laboratory testing services. These tests can help identify the presence of specific contaminants, such as heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in your water.
-
Review Local Environmental Factors
Research potential environmental factors in your area that may impact water quality. This could include industrial activities, agricultural practices, mining operations, or proximity to sources of pollution. Understanding the local environment can give you an idea of potential contaminants that might be present in your water.
-
Assess Signs and Symptoms
Pay attention to any signs or symptoms that may indicate water quality issues. Taste and order are a great place to start. Also, if you experience frequent gastrointestinal issues after consuming tap water or notice staining on plumbing fixtures or laundry, it could suggest the presence of specific contaminants. These observations can help guide your investigation, and subsequent home water testing, and inform your water quality assessment.
-
Consult Water Treatment Professionals
If you're uncertain about interpreting water quality reports or test results, consider consulting with a water treatment professional. They can help you understand the data and recommend appropriate water treatment options based on your specific needs. They may suggest filtration systems, disinfection methods, or other treatment approaches to address the identified contaminants.
-
Stay Informed and Updated
Keep yourself informed about changes in water regulations, potential emerging contaminants, and new technologies or treatment methods. Stay connected with local environmental agencies, health departments, or water quality organizations to stay up-to-date on any advisories or recommendations related to your water source.
Remember that water quality can vary depending on the source, geographical location, and local factors. Regular monitoring and understanding your water quality can help you make informed decisions about the need for water treatment and the appropriate steps to ensure safe and clean water for you and your family.
Determining Your Water Filtration Needs
According to the water quality and the contaminants you wish to target, there are several types of water filters available, each designed to accommodate different needs. Here are some common types of water filters:
-
Activated Carbon and Catalytic Carbon Filters
These filters use activated and/or catalytic carbon, typically in the form of granules or blocks, to adsorb contaminants and impurities. They are effective in removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), certain pesticides, chloramines and some metals like iron in the case of the catalytic carbon. They also help improve taste and odor.
-
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
RO systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, salts, heavy and light metals, and some chemicals. RO systems typically have multiple filtration stages and are known for their high effectlivness.
A reverse osmosis system in combination with a whole house water filter and water softener is the perfect solution for clean, pure water. It is a custom solution that removes a broader range of contaminants including removing hardness minerals. Softened and purified water is more satisfying for healthy drinking and improved bathing and washing clothes too. It provides high-quality filtration, just short of the level of purification obtained by distilling water. Also, it is more sustainable to produce as it doesn’t need electricity-intensive processes.
3. Counter Top Water Filters
If you are traveling, renting, or looking for improved water quality with simple installation without any drilling, counter top water filters are the best option for you. They take up minimal space and easily fit on any sink top.
They are broadly of two types:
-
Home Master Junior Series F2 Elite
These filters use a blend of coconut shell activated and catalytic carbons, as well as activated alumina and KDF85. It helps in removing Fluoride, chloramines, chlorine, hydrogen, sulfide, pesticides, herbicides, THMs, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and many other chemicals. Home Masters' powerful KDF85 media included in the 5 stage Elite junior filters eliminate soluble heavy metals like iron, manganese and lead and light metals like aluminum. F2 and F2 Elite model filters need to be replaced quarterly for optimum fluoride filtration. Taste, odor, and chlorine filtration lasts up to 1 year.
-
Home Master Mini Series
Mini filters come with a 1-micron absolute coconut shell activated carbon block filter. The PLUS version has a lead specific filtration media, and the 1CCB version utilizes catalytic carbon vs activated carbon for superior chemical filtration with chloramine removal. All will remove giardia and cryptosporidium microorganisms. They need to be replaced yearly or as needed.
4. Whole House Water Filter Systems
Whole house water filter systems give you clear, clean water at every faucet and showerhead of your house with minimal impact on the overall water pressure depending on the model selected. Choose from single stage, two stage, or three stages. Make the decision after determining the types of contaminants present and in what amounts.
It's important to note that some filtration systems combine multiple technologies to provide comprehensive filtration. When choosing a water filter, consider the specific contaminants you want to address, your household's water usage, and any specific requirements you may have, such as whole-house filtration or point-of-use systems.
Researching and Comparing Whole House Water Filters
The global home water filtration unit market was valued at USD 10.85 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% from 2022 to 2030. You must research and compare different types of whole-house water filters to find the most suitable option for your specific needs. Here are some steps for whole house water filters guide:
1. Determine Your Filtration Goals
Clarify your filtration goals and priorities. Do you want to focus on removing specific contaminants like chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, or microorganisms? Consider factors such as taste, odor, health concerns, and overall water quality improvement.
2. Research Filtration Technologies
Familiarize yourself with different filtration technologies commonly used in whole-house systems. Some common technologies include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, and UV disinfection. Learn about how each technology works, its strengths, limitations, and what contaminants it can effectively remove.
3. Consider System Capacity
Assess your household's water usage and determine the appropriate flow rate and capacity for a whole-house water filter. Consider factors such as the number of occupants, bathrooms, appliances, and your average daily water consumption. Ensure that the system you choose can handle your household's water demand without compromising filtration efficiency or water pressure. It is also important to consider how frequently the system needs service.
4. Compare Features and Specifications
Compare various whole-house water filters based on their features and specifications. Pay attention to filtration capacity, flow rate, filter lifespan, ease of maintenance, installation requirements, and any additional features such as water pressure gauges or bypass valves. Evaluate if the system meets your specific needs and preferences.
5. Read Product Reviews and Ratings
Look for customer reviews and ratings of the whole-house water filters you are considering. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the system's performance, durability, ease of use, and customer satisfaction given the application. Consider both positive and negative feedback to get a well-rounded perspective.
6. Compare Costs and Maintenance
Consider the initial cost of the system, including the filter unit and installation expenses. Evaluate ongoing maintenance costs, such as filter replacements, and determine the frequency and cost of replacements. Factor in the long-term cost of ownership to make an informed decision.
7. Seek Expert Advice
If needed, consult with water treatment professionals to get their recommendations based on your specific water quality and filtration requirements. They can offer valuable insights and help you select the most appropriate system. Its important to get the right tool for the job.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can compare whole-house water filters effectively and make an informed decision that aligns with your water quality needs, budget, and household requirements.
Reach out to our support team for assistance in understanding your water quality, and water pressure needs.