Do You Need a Whole House Water Filtration System?

A whole house water filtration system has two basic parts: one to treat the water used for bathing, cleaning and laundry. The second part is placed on the sink to filter residential drinking waters. These systems are effective for removing impurities and softening for residential use. Larger units are made for commercial use.

Residential water treatment systems are necessary if you have very hard water. You will notice scaling and staining on your laundry, dishes, sinks, toilets and home appliances. Another reason for a whole house filtering system is contaminants in the drinking water. Pollutants like chlorine and other chemicals used in treatment plants are found in homes with a municipal supply. If you have a private well, you may be concerned about bacteria, viruses, parasites and industrial or agricultural run off. Contaminated wells have been found in many areas of the country, causing health concerns.

The best way to know what is in your well is to have it independently tested. Too often, unscrupulous salesmen will exaggerate the condition of your water in an attempt to sell you a higher priced whole house treatment system, costing several thousand dollars. Sometimes these systems are needed, but often you could get away with a much less expensive residential filtration system. If you have a well, have it tested yearly. Runoff and water table levels change from year to year. Just because it comes up clean now, doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

An under sink water filters are sometimes used in conjunction with whole house treatment systems. These provide better purification for the water you drink and cook with. They are installed under the sink and often come with a separate faucet. You can tie it into your ice maker in the freezer for cleaner ice. Under the sink water purifiers and filters are either carbon or reverse osmosis systems.