Have you ever taken a sip of tap water and noticed something funky? While tap water is technically potable, it can still have a lot of impurities. Therefore, many homeowners choose to install a whole house water filter.
To see if a whole house water filter is right for your home, it’s helpful to learn a little about how they work.
Quick Takeaways
Here are the basics you need to know:
- Whole house water filters treat water as soon as it enters your house.
- Filters include multiple filtration stages including sediment and carbon filters.
- Whole house filters can remove debris, contaminants, and even chemicals like chlorine.
- Every tap in your house will use the filtered water.
- Whole house water filtration improves water taste, appliance lifespan, and water feel.
How Does a Whole House Water Filter Work?
A whole house water filter sits on your main water supply line. It’s positioned at the point of entry, so water goes through the filter before it even reaches your house.
As water flows from your well or city water supply, the filter removes contaminants. It then lets the water flow to your house where your plumbing system will distribute the water.
Where a Whole House Water Filter Is Installed
The precise location of a whole house water filter varies depending on your plumbing system. It needs to be somewhere between your water shut-off valve and your water heater. This ensures it treats water before the water goes to any plumbing fixtures. Depending on your home’s design, the filter might be in your garage, utility room, or basement.
The Main Stages of Whole House Water Filtration
Most whole house filters will involve these steps.
Sediment Filtration Stage
These types of filters are screens with tiny gaps. This stage is excellent for removing sand, dirt, rust, and other large particles. It helps to remove large pieces of grime that can damage your plumbing.
Carbon Filtration Stage
The next stage passes your water through activated carbon. This porous material absorbs and traps small chemicals. It’s ideal for removing chlorine, lithium, lead, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
Additional Filtration Media (If Applicable)
The final stage is specialized filters. If your water has high levels of heavy metals, you might need kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) filters. Another common option is catalytic carbon filters that remove chloramines and other chemicals that standard activated carbon cannot absorb.
What Does a Whole House Water Filter Remove?
A whole house water filter can remove a wide range of materials including:
- Dirt, silt, and sand
- Chlorine
- Lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals
- Volatile organic compounds
- Flouride
- Pharmaceuticals and pesticides
- Sulfur and other odorous compounds
What a Whole House Water Filter Does NOT Remove
Keep in mind that whole house water filters can’t remove minerals that are fully dissolved into the water. Therefore, they can’t automatically remove dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that result in hard water.
Unless you have a specialized filter, it probably cannot remove certain viruses and other microorganisms. Most standard filters will also struggle to remove PFAS forever chemicals.
How Filtered Water Moves Through Your Home
Filtered water uses your plumbing system to move throughout your home. If you have the standard design, this means water will go straight from your filter to your cold water taps.
For hot water, the water will go from the filter, to your water heater, and then to your hot water taps. Filtered water will be used to supply every appliance including your toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines.
When Do You Need a Whole House Water Filter?
You can use a whole house water filter any time you have concerns about your water quality. Whether you’re tired of the chlorine aftertaste of Clearwater municipal water supplies or you’ve noticed a sulfur taste from your well water, filtration can help. Some common signs you need a filter include:
- Strange tastes or smells in your water
- Sediment flowing out of your water taps
- Skin or hair that looks dry and chalky
- Clothes that smell after being washed
Benefits of Whole House Water Filtration
The detailed filtration of a whole house water filter provides you with many advantages:
- Cleaner water for bathing
- Water that tastes and smells better
- Less exposure to harmful contaminants
- Water that’s less damaging to your appliances
Whole House Water Filter vs Point-of-Use Filters
Don’t confuse whole house water filters with point-of-use filters that only attach to a single faucet or appliance. A whole house filter ensures all water in your home is filtered, so it provides comprehensive coverage. Meanwhile, a point-of-use filter is a more budget-friendly option if you only want one faucet or appliance to have clean water.
FAQs About Whole House Water Filters
Here are some essential details to know about whole house water filters.
How Long Do Whole House Water Filters Last?
Usually, you’ll need to change your filters every three to 12 months. However, the main filter system can last up to 15 years.
Do Whole House Filters Reduce Water Pressure?
In some cases, you might notice a small drop in pressure after getting a filter system. This is often a sign it’s time to change your filter.
Can a Whole House Filter Remove Chlorine?
Yes, chlorine is one of the main chemicals removed by a whole house filter.
Do I Still Need a Drinking Water Filter?
Usually, you won’t, but you might need one if you’re concerned about a specific contaminant that a standard filter can’t remove.
Is a Whole House Water Filter Worth It?
Yes, if you want the cleanest, freshest water possible, a whole house filter is a very easy way to get it.
Enjoy Clean, Fresh Water in Your Clearwater Home
If you like the idea of a whole house filter, turn to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Homeowners throughout the Clearwater region know us as the “Punctual Plumbers” due to our reliable scheduling and fast service.
We’ll help to evaluate your home, recommend a quality system, and install it for you. Contact our team today to get started on the path to better water.