As you might think from the name, a whole home water filtration system filters all the water that enters your home. Whether the water is being used in your refrigerator, kitchen sink, bathroom or laundry, a whole home filter rids water of contaminants and particulates before reaching any fixture, appliance, or person. Sometimes, a whole home filtration system can have ultraviolet elements that sanitize the water.
With all these benefits, some property owners think a whole home filter may have a negative of reducing a home’s water pressure. This concern can be accurate. Water filtration systems work best when it holds and filters the water for a span of time. It’s possible for a whole home water filtration system to affect water pressure if it isn’t maintained regularly. A water filtration and plumbing pro can install and maintain a whole home water filter system so it won’t reduce water pressure around your house. The most effective means to avoid a water pressure issue is to keep up with normal maintenance so any problems are captured early and dealt with quickly.
Advantages of a Whole Home Water Filter
There are lots of reasons why you would look into a whole home water filtration system. This is specifically true if you have well water, which can consist of potentially harmful pollutants and, even if the contaminants are not unsafe, can change the taste of your water. We’ll go over a couple of benefits you can count on with a new whole home system.
Showering
Even if your water is safe to consume, it might be bad for your skin. Trace amounts of chlorine might be taken considered as officially safe in drinking water, yet it can dry you out throughout a bath or shower, causing skin irritability. By having a whole home water filter, you help ensure your showers and baths are as cleansing as possible.
Save Money
Hard water, or water high in mineral level, includes particles and minerals that can affect the taste, scent and health of your water. But did you know it can impact your pocketbook? Many people dislike the taste of tap water that has not been filtered, leading them to purchase bottled water all the time for their house (or water delivery services). In time, this costs more than the cost of buying, installing and keeping a filtration system. Other ways an whole home water filter system can save you money are, lengthening the life of appliances and decreasing deterioration on your plumbing system.
Kinds of Whole Home Water Filters
Water filters and filtration systems make use of different methods to remove pollutants from water. Several of the most common whole home filtration systems consist of:
- Activated carbon filters
- Ion exchange
- Purification
- Redox
- Catalytic conversion
- Ultraviolet systems
The most typical kind of filter utilizes activated carbon. This method works well for both residential and business buildings, and it’s commonly used. A carbon filter has a web of layers with small, microscopic pores throughout. As the water travels through the pores, the filters strain out gases, chlorine, odors and particulates.
One more frequently used type of whole house filtration is one that uses ion exchange. This is usually seen in water softeners. Beads within the filter exchange charged ions with elements in the water, getting rid of metals from your water. Whole home filtering systems can be mounted quickly by a specialist and will work without you needing to adjust or service them.
Tips for Improving Water Pressure
Consistent water pressure throughout your house is something we all expect. No one likes having weak water pressure, say, when there’s a shower and dishwasher running at the same time. So, if you experience a decrease in water pressure at any point, you want to fix the problem. A drop in pressure typically means something is obstructing the water flow.
Fortunately, there are some ideas you can DIY to improve the water pressure in your home.
Valves
Occasionally the fix is so basic, we don’t even think of it. Many people have found the pressure problem was resolved just by opening their valves more. Not any shutoff valves, however. We are strictly talking about these:
- Key feed valve near the water meter.
- Your home’s primary shutoff valve.
Generally, while changing water filters or any other plumbing job, we are advised to open the valve gradually to prevent a rise of water pressure. It is possible the last time you opened up the shutoff, you opened it just partway. We suggest you check the valves before going on to more complex remedies.
Pipelines
If your house has hard water (about 75% of Americans have hard water), the pipes may have developed a thick layer of scale gradually, due to natural buildup. This accumulation severely constricts water flow and you’ll have a gradual pressure decline. You can try using a salt-free water softener to dissolve the accumulation. Yet this kind of product won’t deal with all water conditions. As a last hope, you can try to unclog clogged pipes.
Faucets and Components
Are you experiencing water pressure being low only in particular areas or fixtures like the kitchen sink or one shower? It is likely there is a problem with this specific fixture. One faucet or pipe might have:
- An obstruction that is limiting water flow
- An accumulation of scale because of hard water
- A faulty part
Analyze the water fixture and try to replace obstructed elements to increase the water pressure. Another method is using vinegar and other natural remedies to unclog a drain or pipe. Vinegar will help dissolve limescale deposits that may have solidified and could be slowing water flow.
South End Water Filtration specializes in HALO Water Filter products including the HALO H2 Zero Whole Home Water Filter. HALO systems solve hard water problems, give your family clear, great-tasting water and are totally maintenance free. We’re just a click away to help and answer any questions. South End Plumbing and South End Water Filtration will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-486-1988 or contact us online to schedule a visit.