As a homeowner, you want your family to have consistent access to safe, clean drinking water. At first glance, a whole-home filtration system may sound like the perfect solution, but you may be wondering if they’re worth the investment.
Top water concerns in Clearwater and surrounding communities include hard water, sediment, chlorine and other potential chemical and biological contaminants. Fortunately, water purification systems are available that can reduce or even eliminate many of these problems from the water that enters your home.
The punctual plumbers here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are locally based and highly familiar with water quality issues in the greater Clearwater area. This article explains the differences between water filtration units and water softeners and details their various advantages. You’ll also find information that will help you decide whether a whole-home filtration system is worth the investment.
Quick Takeaways
- Water quality affects drinking, bathing, laundry and cooking
- Whole-home water filtration treats water at the main supply line
- These systems reduce chlorine, sediment, odors and other contaminants
- Cleaner, filtered water helps protect plumbing fixtures and appliances
- Many Florida homeowners combine filtration systems with water softeners
How Do Residential Water Filtration Systems Work?
Residential water filtration units are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Small units that treat the water flowing through an individual plumbing fixture are among the many options. These systems provide a single filtration step and are often referred to as under-sink units because they’re located beneath the kitchen or bathroom sink that they serve.
In contrast, whole-home filtration units treat water as it enters a residence. This type of system is installed where the main water line comes into the property and disperses cleaned water to fixtures throughout the residence via the existing plumbing lines.
Whole-home units typically utilize a multi-phase cleaning approach that starts with basic filtration. Advanced filtration using activated carbon or a different treatment media to remove commonly encountered contaminants then follows. Additional polishing steps to boost the clarity and aesthetics of the water may complete the treatment process.
What Do Whole-Home Water Filters Remove?
Whole-home filtration units improve water quality by extracting these frequently encountered contaminants:
- Chlorine
- Sediment
- Dirt and rust particles
- Bad tastes and odors
- Certain other chemicals and contaminants depending on filter type
What Do Whole-home Filters Usually NOT Remove
Calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron are naturally occurring elements found in groundwater and surface water sources throughout the United States. Due to central Florida’s predominantly limestone topography, this region is especially impacted by these hard-water-causing minerals. Even seemingly small concentrations in tap water can create buildup that clogs pipes, discolors plumbing fixtures and damages appliances.
Unfortunately, these problem elements cannot be removed in significant quantities using standard filtration methods. If they’re a concern, a separate water softener must be installed to complement the filtration unit.
Signs Your Home May Need Whole-home Water Filtration
Indicators your home may benefit from a new whole-home water filtration unit include:
- Chlorine smell in tap water
- Bad-tasting drinking water
- Dry skin and hair after showers
- Residue buildup on laundry
- Water stains or discoloration in plumbing fixtures
- Sediment in sinks or tubs
- Frequent plumbing issues due to limescale accumulation
The Benefits of Whole-home Water Filtration
The advantages of installing a whole-home water filtration system are many. Most homeowners who invest in these systems enjoy:
- Cleaner drinking water
- Better-smelling water
- Reduced sediment entering plumbing
- Cleaner sinks, tubs and showers
- Less residue on skin, hair and laundry
- Protection of appliances and fixtures
Whole-home Filters Versus Under-sink Filters
Under-sink filters are less expensive than whole-home filters, but they only serve one plumbing fixture. This means that additional units will be needed to provide filtered water to other parts of the home. A whole-home system may come with a larger initial expense, but a single unit can deliver purified water to every sink, tub and appliance in the house.
Homeowners who only want a polishing stage for their kitchen tap water might be able to get by with an under-sink filter. Whole-home filters are a better option for families seeking abundant quantities of treated water for use by their entire households.
How Much Maintenance Do Whole-home Water Filters Need?
Like most household appliances, whole-home water filters require occasional maintenance to stay in top operating condition. The most common maintenance needs are filter changes, sediment filter updates and filtration media replacement. Regular inspections and tune-ups conducted by skilled plumbing personnel are also a must.
Are Whole-home Water Filtration Systems Worth It in Florida?
Residents of the Clearwater area who utilize the public water supply receive tap water that has been treated in compliance with modern standards, so it’s considered safe for drinking, cooking and other household purposes. However, even after passing through a municipal water treatment facility, the water arriving at your tap could still contain contaminants that you’d rather not consume.
Old water supply pipes are often filled with rust and sediment that get picked up as water moves through the line. Water obtained from groundwater sources throughout Florida is notoriously hard, and hard water minerals aren’t removed by the water treatment process. The treatment process itself may even introduce chlorine and other substances into the water.
Many local homeowners choose to install whole-home filters and softeners to ensure the water their families use is as pure and clean as possible. These systems are easier than ever to install and maintain, and they’re capable of supplying abundant quantities of crystal-clear, fresh-tasting water for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a whole-home water filtration system worth the cost?
Purchasing a single whole-home filter unit instead of multiple under-sink units is generally worth the cost. Whole-home systems are usually more reliable and produce higher-quality water than smaller, localized units.
Does a whole-home water filter improve drinking water?
Whole-home filtration units are ideal for boosting drinking water quality because they’re especially good at removing chlorine and other odor-causing substances from water.
Can a whole-home water filter soften water?
No, a standard water filter system cannot remove hardness-causing minerals from water. To solve that problem, you’ll need a water softener unit.
How long do whole-home water filters last?
The service life of a whole-home water filter is heavily dependent on the system type, the frequency of maintenance, the contamination level of the water and other factors.
What’s the best water filtration system for Florida homes?
You’ll want to select a filtration system for your home based on the local water conditions, your household’s water usage levels and your budget. The team here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is standing by to address any concerns you may have about household water purification in the Clearwater area and go over all your options with you.
Upgrade Your Home’s Water Quality With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Whether your tap water quality could use a slight boost or a major upgrade, the punctual plumbers of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can tailor a solution for you. We have a history of great service throughout the Clearwater area, and we offer whole-home water filtration systems in a variety of styles to suit homeowners from all walks of life.
Contact us to schedule water testing and receive an estimate for a new whole-home water filtration unit, and get ready to enjoy cleaner, fresher-tasting water right away.