Whole House Water Filter System: Key to Clean Water for Your Home
A whole-house water filter system is an invaluable investment in the effort to ensure that each and every drop of water used within the house is clean and safe. Unlike single-tap filters, a whole-house system operates at the point of entry and hence provides filtered water to all faucets, showers, and appliances.
What is a Whole House Water Filter System?
A whole house water filter system is designed to purify the water coming into your home. This would typically comprise a set of filters designed to work in unison in filtering out many different contaminants, including:
- Sediment: Particles such as dirt, rust, and sand.
- Chlorine: Added in municipal water treatment for disinfection but gives an unpleasant taste and smell.
- Heavy Metals: Such as lead and mercury.
- Bacteria and Viruses: Microorganisms that may cause diseases.
Advantages of a Whole House Water Filter System
- Thorough Water Quality: Ensures cleaner, purer, and safer water through cooking, bathing, and personal cleaning throughout the home.
- Convenience: Negates the need to install multiple point-of-use filters, which reduces the effort of maintaining different filters and ensures a uniform quality in water.
- Economical: Avoids or reduces dependence on bottled water and fewer point-of-use faucet filters.
- Healthier Lifestyle: Eliminates unwanted contaminants, hence assuring better health conditions for your family.
- Appliance Protection: Inhibits the formation of scales in the pipes and appliances, thus increasing their life and effectiveness.
Types of Whole House Water Filter Systems
- Activated Carbon Filters: Very effective in removing chlorine and in enhancing taste and odor.
- Sediment Filters: Effective in filtering larger particles that might block the pipes or appliances.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: A few whole house systems also contain reverse osmosis for added purification, particularly for drinking water.
- Ultraviolet Systems: These use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses, rendering the water microbiologically safe.
- Water Softeners: Although technically not a filter, part of a whole house system, it serves to reduce the hardness of water and inhibits mineral buildup in fixtures and appliances.
How to Choose a Whole House Water Filter System
To choose the right system for your home, consider the following:
- Water Quality Analysis: Have your water tested for specific contaminants and then select a system that addresses those problems.
- Flow Rate Requirements: Be sure the system is able to process your peak household usage with no loss of pressure.
- Ease of Maintenance: Opt for systems whose filters are readily changeable, besides having clear maintenance instructions.
- Installation Options: Choose whether to install the system yourself or have a professional do the installation for you.
Installation and Maintenance
Whole house water filter systems are usually installed by attaching the system to the main water line. While some homeowners do prefer the installation to be a DIY project, a professional is in a better position to install it well and correctly.
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Filter Replacement: Change filters according to the manufacturer's schedule.
- System Inspection: Inside the system, leaks or clogs may develop, so periodic inspection may be required.
- Water Quality Testing: Test your water periodically every six months to ensure that your system removes contaminants effectively.
Conclusion
The whole-house water filter system is a critical inclusion for any healthy home. It allows you to be sure that your family will have clean and safe water at every tap. Switch to better water quality and a healthy lifestyle today!
