Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or if your home’s water is tasting unusual, here’s what you need to know (and do) before upgrading the water filter.

Research Your Water Source.

The quality of your water source will help determine what kind of water filter you’ll need. It’s important to know which contaminants may exist in your water before you start searching for a water filter.

If you obtain your water from a private well or cistern, then you should consider contacting your local health department for information on contaminants in your area. Local health officials may be able to suggest which types of water tests you should obtain. Testing your water on a regular basis will provide you with valuable information that you can use to maintain the quality of your home’s water.

If your water comes from a public system, then you will receive a report on your water each year. The report will include information about the quality of drinking water and contaminant levels. This report is sent by July 1st of every calendar year and will be attached to your water bill.

Research Different Types of Filters.

There are four different treatment devices for filtering water: an activated carbon filter, an ion exchange unit, a reverse osmosis unit and a distillation unit. 

An activated carbon filter does the following:

  • Absorbs organic contaminants that affect taste and odor
  • Removes chlorination byproducts
  • Removes cleaning solvents and pesticides

This type of filter effectively removes metals but does not remove nitrates, bacteria or dissolved minerals.

An ion exchange unit does the following:

  • Removes minerals that make water “hard”
  • Removes radium, barium and fluoride

This filter will become coated or clogged and lose its softening ability if the water contains oxidized iron or iron bacteria.

A reverse osmosis unit (with carbon) does the following:

  • Removes nitrates, sodium, other dissolved inorganics and organic compounds
  • Removes foul taste, smells and colors
  • Reduces the level of some pesticides, dioxins, chloroform and petrochemicals

The filter does not remove all inorganic and organic contaminants.

A distillation unit does the following:

  • Removes nitrates, bacteria, sodium, hardness, dissolved solids, heavy metals, radionuclides and most organic compounds
  • Destroys bacteria

The filter does not remove all pesticides, volatile solvents and volatile organic contaminants. In addition, bacteria may recolonize on the cooling coils when the filter is not in use.

Obtain Expert Advice

With so many filters and brands on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Roger The Plumber team members are well-versed in all things water filtration and are happy to answer any questions you may have about upgrading your home’s water filtration system. Give us a call!