Breaking Down the Best In-Home Water Filtration Systems
Plumbing has come a long way since Ancient Romans installed the first toilets. One of the most significant advancements of the last few centuries is the advent of drinkable, safe tap water. But, what qualifies as safe-to-drink in the United States may surprise many homeowners.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes 80 common contaminants found in drinkable water and regulates how much of a pollutant is allowed in water to be considered potable. Some of these contaminants include ammonia, arsenic, silver, mercury, and various strains of bacteria. These contaminants are allowed in drinking water because small doses do not cause immediate death, but the EPA recognizes that they contribute to chronic illnesses over prolonged exposure.
There are several steps homeowners can take to reduce their exposure to these contaminants, and one of the best ones is installing an in-home water filtration system. Of course, choosing the right filtration system for the home is different for everyone.
Things To Consider With ALL Filters
When looking for a water filter, verify what it is certified to filter out of water. Check if a filter is NSF certified. The NSF develops public health standards for products, and if a product is certified through them, it must list its filtering capabilities on the NSF site.
Additionally, keep in mind that not all filters are made equal. Filters with smaller pore sizes catch smaller contaminants, making them more efficient. Some filters handle more significant amounts of water, and others restrict the water efficiency of the home. Keep these in mind while exploring the common types of filters used for at-home drinking water.
The Affordable: Faucet-Mounted Filters
Pros: Inexpensive; easy to install; found in most home improvement and grocery stores.
Cons: Require frequent filter replacement; detract from aesthetic; limited range of use.
Faucet-mounted filters are a budget-friendly solution for home drinking water. They easily attach to most faucets and do not require a professional installation. Most models cost under $100. However, these filters only work on the sink they are mounted to, meaning any drinking water must come from the sink it is attached to. Additionally, filter costs are increased for this model, as they usually require filter replacement every couple of months.
The Discrete: Undersink Water Filters
Cons: Takes up cabinet spaces; filters cost more to replace; limited range of use.
Undersink water filters are the middle ground when it comes to filtering model selection. These models easily hide under the sink, though they do take up storage space as a result. They can be installed by a handy DIYer, though professional installation is recommended, as they often require retrofitting of the existing sink. Keep in mind that the filters of these systems do cost more to replace than faceted mounted models, but they usually last longer, which waylays some of the cost. They only purify water coming out of the sink they are attached to, meaning that their services are limited as well.
These models typically filter water better than faucet-mounted fixtures, as they tend to have smaller pores and denser filter layers.
The Best In Show: Whole-Home Water Filtration
Pros: Filters all the water used in the house; filters more contaminants than other models; lasts longer than other models.
Cons: Cost; space.
For healthy, contaminant-free water for use in every sink and faucet in the house, a whole-home water filtration system is the way to go. These systems sit near the water heater of a home, and they filter every ounce of water that a home uses. Not only is the drinking water cleaner and tastier, but the water used for washing clothes will clean better, and the water in the shower and bath won’t dry out the skin. Whole-home water filtration systems also help prevent plumbing damage by removing hard minerals from the water, thus stopping corrosion and clogs.
Keep in mind that whole-home water filtration systems are expensive to purchase and require professional installation. However, the cost savings over the unit’s lifetime more than makeup for the initial cost of installation.
A local plumbing expert can help make choosing the right filtration system for a home stress-free. They’ll evaluate a home’s needs and advise on the best solution to fit demands and the homeowner’s budget.
About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC
At Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC, Stuart, FL homeowners come first. Their focus is on providing quality, affordable plumbing solutions that make their customer’s life easier! They have over three decades of solving plumbing emergencies under their belt, meaning that they can take on any plumbing project that comes their way! Give them a call today for water filtration services!
