Water treatment system is a very important part of the whole plumbing system. More and more families and businesses are looking for this system.
Common types include: reverse osmosis (RO) systems for removing a wide range of contaminants, water softeners to address hard water caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium, activated carbon filters for removing chlorine, pesticides, and organic contaminants, sediment filters to trap large particles, and ultraviolet (UV) filters to kill bacteria and viruses in the water.
Key points about each type:
Reverse Osmosis (RO):
Considered one of the most effective systems for removing a broad spectrum of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and bacteria, often used for drinking water.Water Softeners:Primarily used to address hard water by removing calcium and magnesium ions, which can impact soap effectiveness and appliance performance.
Activated Carbon Filters:
Effectively remove chlorine, chemicals, and organic compounds by adsorption onto the carbon particles, improving taste and odor.
Sediment Filters:
A basic filtration method that traps large particles like dirt and rust using a physical barrier like a mesh.
Ultraviolet (UV) Filters:
Kills bacteria and viruses by exposing them to UV light, but does not remove chemical contaminants.
Choosing the right system depends on:
Water quality concerns: What contaminants are present in your local water supply?
Desired water usage: Are you looking to treat only drinking water or the entire household?
Budget: Different systems have varying costs of installation and maintenance.
There are two ways to choose for whole house water treatment.
1.Sediment filter, Softener, Whole House Filter, UV, all installed at the entry point of the house:
Pro: protect all appliance, requires less filters for fridge and water heater. Less
maintenance in the future.Con: total cost is a bit high2.Sediment filter, Whole House Filter, UV, at the entry point of the house, RO drinking water filter under sink:
Pro: A bit lower initial cost, take less space in the house
Con: Fridge and water heater is not fully protected against hardness. Need to change filter every 6 months for RO system.
1 Choosing a System:
How do I know which water treatment system is right for me?
– Test your water to identify specific contaminants, consider your budget, water usage, and desired level of filtration.
What is the difference between a whole house system and a point-of-use system?
– A whole house system filters all water entering your home, while a point-of-use system only filters water at a specific tap, like the kitchen sink.
2 Installation and Maintenance:
How is a water treatment system installed?
– Installation typically requires a licensed plumber to connect the system to your existing plumbing lines.
How often should I change my water filter cartridges?
– Filter replacement frequency depends on your water quality and usage, but usually needs to be done every 12-18 months.
What maintenance is needed for a water treatment system?
– Regularly check for leaks, monitor salt levels in a softener, and schedule professional servicing as needed.
3 Contaminant Removal:
Can a water treatment system remove lead?
– Some systems can effectively remove lead, but testing your water to identify the level of lead is crucial.
Does a water softener remove contaminants like bacteria?
– No, a water softener only removes minerals causing hard water, not bacteria or other contaminants. Ultraviolet (UV) Filters can do that.
What is the best way to remove chlorine from water?
– A carbon filter is typically used to remove chlorine and other chemicals.
4 Cost and Budget:
How much does a water treatment system cost?
– Prices vary based on system type, features, and installation costs.
Are there any rebates or incentives available for water treatment systems?
– Check with your local government or utility company for potential rebates or programs.
5 Some detail about “Grain”
Water hardness measures the concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water. This concentration is most commonly measured in grains per gallon (gpg).
For example, you may have determined that your water hardness is 10 grains per gallon. If you have four people in your household and each uses an average of 75 gallons of water daily, your daily water consumption is 300 gallons. If you multiply 10 gpg by 300 gallons, you get 3,000 — the mineral grains your water softener must treat each day. With this number in mind, you can browse water softeners to find one that meets your capacity needs. For best performance, your softener should regenerate once a week, so having softening requirements of 3,000 grains daily means you need a softener that treats 21,000 grains weekly.
Do you have any other questions about choosing a family water treatment system? You can call us at 704-448-6884 to get the answers. Always consult with a qualified professional to determine the best system for your specific water quality and needs.