If you are looking for a way to improve the quality of your water at home, you may have heard of whole-house water filter systems. But what are they and how do they work? In this post, we will answer these questions and help you decide if a whole-house water filter system is right for you.
A whole-house water filter system, also known as a point-of-entry (POE) filter, is a filtration system that treats water where the main water line enters your home, ensuring the water that flows from every faucet, every showerhead, and even in your washing machine, is clean and filtered. Whole-house water filters are different from point-of-service water filters, which are designed for use at a single faucet, such as in a kitchen or bathroom.
A whole-house water filter system can remove various contaminants and impurities from your water supply, depending on your home’s water source and your specific needs. Some of the common benefits of a whole-house water filter system are:
– It can reduce water hardness, which is caused by a high concentration of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause problems such as scale build-up in your pipes and appliances, soap scum in your shower, stiff and faded laundry, and dry skin and hair. A whole-house water filter system can soften your water by removing these minerals through a process called ion exchange.
– It can remove sediment, such as dirt, rust, sand, and debris, which can clog your faucets and showerheads, reduce your water pressure, and affect the taste and appearance of your water. A whole-house water filter system can filter out these particles using a sediment filter, which is usually the first stage of filtration.
– It can eliminate the smell and taste of chlorine, which is often added to municipal water supplies as a disinfectant. Chlorine can make your water smell like bleach and affect the flavor of your food and beverages. It can also irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. A whole-house water filter system can remove chlorine and its by-products using an activated carbon filter, which is usually the second stage of filtration.
– It can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in your well water or in case of a contamination event in your municipal water supply. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and cholera. A whole-house water filter system can disinfect your water using an ultraviolet (UV) purification system, which is usually the final stage of filtration.
– It can neutralize acidic water, which is caused by a low pH level. Acidic water can corrode your pipes and fixtures, stain your sinks and tubs, and damage your appliances. It can also leach metals such as copper and lead into your drinking water. A whole-house water filter system can balance the pH level of your water using an acid neutralizer, which is usually an optional stage of filtration.
As you can see, a whole-house water filter system can provide many benefits for your home and health. However, not all whole-house water filter systems are the same. There are different types, sizes, and features available in the market. To choose the best one for your needs, you should consider the following steps:
Step 1: Test Your Water Quality
The first step to choosing a whole-house water filter system is to find out what contaminants are in your water and at what levels. You can do this by either using a home test kit or sending a sample to a certified laboratory.
Read also: contaminants in drinking water.
Step 2: Compare Different Types of Filters
The next step is to compare different types of filters that can remove or reduce the contaminants in your water. There are many types of filters available, but they have different functions and capabilities. Some of the most common types are:
– Activated carbon filters: These use activated carbon granules or blocks to adsorb chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, and some other organic chemicals. They can also improve the taste and odor of your water. However, they cannot remove heavy metals, microorganisms, or dissolved minerals.
– Reverse osmosis filters: These use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out almost all contaminants in your water, including heavy metals, microorganisms, VOCs, nitrates, fluoride, and salt. They produce very pure water, but they also waste a lot of water in the process and require a storage tank and a separate faucet.
– Ultraviolet filters: These use ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms in your water. They are effective against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cysts. However, they do not remove any other contaminants or improve the taste or odor of your water.
– Distillation filters: These use heat to boil your water and then collect the steam as purified water. They can remove most contaminants in your water, including heavy metals, microorganisms, VOCs, nitrates, fluoride, and salt. However, they also remove beneficial minerals from your water and require a lot of energy and time to operate.
– Sediment filters: These use a mesh or a cartridge to trap sediment, rust, sand, dirt, and other particles in your water. They can protect your pipes and appliances from clogging and damage. However, they do not remove any chemical or biological contaminants from your water.
Step 3: Check the NSF Ratings and Pore Size of the Filters
The third step is to check the NSF ratings and pore size of the filters you are considering. NSF International is an independent organization that develops public health standards for products. One way to figure out what a water filter does is to look for an NSF certification on the label. You can look up specific products in the NSF database online to see what they are certified to protect against.
Some of the NSF standards applicable to water treatments can be found in the following link:
NSF standards for water treatment systems
https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/standards-water-treatment-systems
The pore size is the size of the tiny holes in a filter that let water through. Think of a strainer or colander: The smaller the pores, the smaller the contaminants they keep out. If a filter has an “absolute” pore size of 1 micron, for example, each and every one of the filter’s pores is 1 micron or smaller. This means that any contaminant larger than 1 micron, like Cryptosporidium, will be caught in the filter and will not go into the filtered water. Filters with a “nominal” or “mean” pore size of 1 micron have an average pore size of 1 micron which means that some pores are smaller and some pores are larger than 1 micron, so contaminants like Cryptosporidium can travel through the larger pores and into the water you filter.
Step 4: Choose the Best Filter for Your Specific Use
The final step is to choose the best filter for your specific use. Depending on your water quality, your budget, your space, and your preferences, you may want to choose a different type of filter or a combination of filters.
For example, if you have high levels of chlorine and VOCs in your water, you may want to choose an activated carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system. If you have high levels of microorganisms in your water, you may want to choose an ultraviolet filter or a distillation system. If you have high levels of sediment and rust in your water, you may want to choose a sediment filter.
You may also want to consider the flow rate and capacity of the filter system. The flow rate is how much water the filter can deliver per minute. The capacity is how much water the filter can treat before it needs to be replaced or cleaned. You want to choose a filter system that can meet your household’s water demand and last for a reasonable amount of time.
You may also want to consider the maintenance and installation costs of the filter system. Some filters require more frequent replacement or cleaning than others. Some filters require professional installation or special plumbing modifications. You want to choose a filter system that fits your budget and your DIY skills.
Finally, you may want to consider the taste and appearance of your filtered water. Some filters can improve the taste and odor of your water by removing chlorine and other chemicals. Some filters can also remove beneficial minerals from your water, which can affect its pH and hardness. You want to choose a filter system that suits your personal preference and health needs.
Recommended whole-house water filter systems
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of some of the best whole-house water filter systems available on the market today. We have based our selection on criteria such as customer reviews, expert ratings, performance, features, and value. Here are our top picks for 2023:
– Best Overall: 3M Aqua-Pure™ AP900 Series Model #AP904
This system offers high-performance filtration with a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute (GPM), a filter lifespan of 100,000 gallons or one year, and a single-stage carbon block filter that reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and scale. It also features a stainless steel head that allows for easy installation and replacement without tools. The system comes with a 25-year limited warranty on the stainless steel head and a one-year limited warranty on the filter cartridge.
– Best 3-Stage Filter: iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole-House Water Filtration
This system provides comprehensive filtration with a flow rate of 15 GPM, a filter lifespan of 100,000 gallons or one year, and three stages of filtration: a sediment filter that removes dirt, sand, and rust; a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter that reduces chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents; and a carbon block filter that further reduces chlorine and other chemicals. The system also comes with a pressure gauge that monitors the filter status and a one-year limited warranty.
– Best for City Water: iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole-House Water Filtration
This system is designed for municipal water sources with low levels of sediment and high levels of chlorine. It has a flow rate of 15 GPM, a filter lifespan of 50,000 gallons or six months, and two stages of filtration: a sediment filter that removes dirt, sand, and rust; and a carbon block filter that reduces chlorine taste and odor and other chemicals. The system also comes with a pressure gauge that monitors the filter status and a one-year limited warranty.
– Best for Well Water: Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Whole-House Well Water Filter System
This system is specially designed for well water sources with high levels of iron, manganese, sulfur, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. It has a flow rate of 7 GPM, a filter lifespan of 500,000 gallons or five years (for the main tank) or one year (for the pre-filter and post-filter), and five stages of filtration: a sediment pre-filter that removes dirt and debris; a salt-free water conditioner that prevents scale buildup; a copper-zinc and mineral stone filter that reduces iron, manganese, sulfur, chlorine, and other heavy metals; an activated carbon filter that further reduces chlorine and other chemicals; and a UV sterilizer that kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. The system also comes with an optional pro-grade installation kit that includes brass fittings, bend supports, shut-off valves, and more. The system has a five-year limited warranty on parts (excluding filters) and a 10-year limited warranty on the main tank.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best whole-house water filter system for your home. Remember to always test your water quality before buying any filtration system and consult with a professional plumber for installation and maintenance. With proper care, a whole-house water filter system can provide you with clean and safe water for years to come.