After working out at the gym, chasing your kids around, or spending all day in the sun, do you crave the filtered water from your refrigerator? We know we do! This water is unbelievably crisp, refreshing, and better than anything that comes from your kitchen tap. The noticeable difference in water quality comes down to a simple carbon filter inside the fridge, which removes chlorine and other common impurities. We bet that if we said you could get this same crystal-clear water from every single faucet in your home, you would jump at the opportunity. And the incredible news is that you can! With a whole-house water filtration system, you can get premium-quality water everywhere in your home.
These comprehensive filtration systems are installed at the main point where water enters your home, ensuring that every drop that flows through your pipes is treated and purified. This offers a remarkable range of benefits, from healthier skin and hair to longer-lasting appliances and pipes. Of course, as with any major home upgrade, a whole-house system isn’t the perfect solution for every household or every situation.
To help you decide if investing in one of these filters is the right move for your space, we’ve put together a comprehensive list covering the pros and cons of water filtration systems.
The Pros of Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems
Installing a whole-house water filtration system can feel like a significant upgrade, and the advantages often extend far beyond just better-tasting water. Let’s explore the compelling reasons why so many homeowners are investing in these powerful water purification systems.
1. Superior Water Quality and Taste, Everywhere.
A whole-house system removes a wide array of contaminants that a simple pitcher or faucet-mounted filter can’t handle. For example, chlorine, chloramines, sediment, rust, pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significantly reduced or eliminated, resulting in water that tastes and smells clean and pure from every tap. This improves the flavor of your coffee, tea, and even the food you cook.
2. Health and Wellness for Your Whole Family.
While municipal water treatment facilities in the U.S. do a commendable job of making our water safe to drink according to EPA standards, “safe” doesn’t always mean “optimal.” Treatment plants use chlorine and chloramines to disinfect the water supply, and while effective, these chemicals can be ingested and absorbed through the skin. Filtering them out means you’re reducing your family’s chances of exposure to these chemicals.
Some systems are also designed to remove more specific and harmful contaminants like lead, which can leach from old pipes, or arsenic and nitrates, which can be present in certain regional water supplies. By taking control of your water quality at the source, you provide an extra layer of protection for your family’s health.
3. Softer Skin and Healthier Hair.
Have you ever stepped out of the shower with dry, itchy skin or brittle, lifeless hair? The culprit is often unfiltered water that contains chlorine or has a high mineral content. A whole-house system with a carbon filter component or water softening capabilities excels at removing these harmful contaminants. Your skin and hair will feel softer, look shinier, and be more manageable without the harsh effects of chlorine, calcium, and magnesium.
4. Protection for Your Plumbing and Appliances.
Calcium, magnesium, chlorine, and other chemicals and minerals can be corrosive over time, causing premature wear and tear on your pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances. Without sediment and scale buildup, plumbing and appliances will last longer and run more efficiently. This saves you money on costly repairs and replacements down the line.
5. A More Sustainable and Convenient Choice.
If your household currently relies on bottled water for drinking, a whole-house filtration system is a far more environmentally friendly and convenient option. With this simple switch, you’ll significantly reduce plastic waste and your family’s carbon footprint. It will also save you from having to lug heavy cases of bottled water from the grocery store. It’s a win-win situation all around!
The Cons of Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems
While the benefits are extensive, you can’t ignore the potential downsides of a whole-house water filter. Installing one of these systems is a significant investment, and there are practical and financial factors to consider before you commit.
1. The Significant Upfront Investment.
There’s no getting around it: a whole-home water filtration system is a major purchase. The cost of the unit itself can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of system, its capacity, and the specific contaminants it’s designed to target. On top of the equipment cost, you must factor in professional installation. This is not typically a DIY project, as it involves cutting into your home’s main water line. The total initial outlay can be a substantial barrier for many homeowners.
2. Ongoing Maintenance and Filter Replacement.
The system doesn’t just run on its own forever. To keep it functioning effectively, you need to perform regular maintenance. This primarily involves replacing the filter cartridges every few months to once a year (depending on the type of system installed and your family’s usage habits). These replacement filters come at a cost, which needs to be budgeted as an ongoing operational expense.
3. It Might Be Overkill for Your Needs.
For some households, a whole-house system is simply more than what is necessary. If your primary concern is just the taste of your drinking water, a high-quality countertop or under-sink filter in the kitchen might be a much more cost-effective solution. If your municipal water quality is already very high, the marginal benefits of a whole-house system might not justify the significant expense. It’s wise to get your water tested first to understand what specific contaminants, if any, you need to address.
4. Takes Up Physical Space.
A whole-house filtration system isn’t a small appliance. It typically consists of one or more large tanks or filter housings that need to be installed in a utility closet, basement, or garage near the main water shut-off valve. In smaller homes with limited space, finding a suitable location for the installation can be a challenge.
5. Not Feasible for Renters.
If you rent your home or live in an apartment, installing a whole-house water filtration system is likely not an option. These systems require permanent modifications to the property’s plumbing infrastructure, and landlords and property management companies will almost certainly prohibit such a significant alteration. Even if you were to get permission, the investment is tied to the property, and you can’t take it with you when you move. Renters are better off exploring non-permanent solutions like high-quality pitcher filters, countertop units, or faucet-mounted filters.
So, Is a Whole-Home Water Filter Worth It for You?
Ultimately, the decision to install a whole-home water filtration system is a personal one that depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget. If you live in an area with known water quality issues, have family members with sensitive skin, or are committed to protecting your home’s plumbing and appliances, the long-term benefits can absolutely outweigh the initial costs.
However, if your budget is tight or your water quality is already excellent, a more targeted approach might be more prudent.
Ready to Explore Your Options? Saffer Plumbing Can Help.
If you believe a whole-house water filtration system is the right choice for your home, our expert plumbers at Saffer Plumbing are here to guide you through the process. We will perform a professional water quality test to identify the specific contaminants in your water and then recommend a water treatment unit that is correctly sized for your space and effectively targets your problem areas without being overkill.
Once a system is chosen, our licensed and insured plumbers will handle the installation with precision and care. Finally, we will walk you through the maintenance schedule so you can enjoy your filter’s benefits for years to come.
Elevate your home’s water from “blah” to spectacular by contacting us today! We look forward to helping you take the first step toward pure, refreshing water in every room of your house.