What’s the Best Water Filtration System for a House?
Most folks think that drinking water in the United States is entirely safe to drink. While drinking water in the USA is undoubtedly safer to drink with the help of water treatment plants and modern technology, it’s not necessarily the healthiest water to drink. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 80 known hazardous contaminants are found in water across the United States. But the good news is, there are ways to remove these chemicals from a home’s drinking water with the help of filtration systems.
There are three main types of filtration systems used in the modern home: faucet-mounted, under-sink, and whole-home filtration.
The Simple: Faucet-Mounted Filters
Faucet-mounted filters have been around for a while. They’ll show up on commercials and have been a popular replacement for pitcher filters. Faucet-mounted filters attach directly to the sink faucet, usually through an attachment that tightens to the spout and aerator. The Cost
Faucet-mounted filters vary depending on brand, efficiency, and style. The cheaper models cost around $20-$30, while the higher-end models can cost over $100. A DIYer can manage to install most models without the help of a plumber.
The Benefits
Faucet-mounted filters are relatively inexpensive to buy and take less than an hour to install. Most hardware stores carry common brands, making them easy to find and buy. They provide filtered water on demand and require minimal maintenance.
The Downside
Faucet-mounted filters don’t match all kitchen fixtures and can be an eyesore. Additionally, they do require regular filter replacement that adds to the overall cost of their use. Faucet-mounted filters also reduce the efficiency of the sink.
The Discrete: under-sink Water Filters
under-sink water filters are similar to faucet-mounted filters in that they directly purify water from the sink they are installed to.
The Cost
Most under-sink filters range between $100 and $200, though higher-end machines may cost as much as $500.
The Benefits
Under-sink filtering systems are discrete and do not detract from a kitchen’s aesthetic. They require fewer filter replacements than faucet-mounted filters and typically use more than one type of filtration method to remove impurities from water.
The Downside
The replacement cost of filters for these units is much higher than faucet-mounted units per filter. However, the filters for under-sink machines last a year, if not longer. These systems take up space under the sink and generally require professional installation.
The Super-Star: Whole-Home Water Filteration
The chemicals found in drinking water aren’t just harmful to consume; they’re also terrible for bathing and cleaning purposes. Dry skin and faded clothes are typical results of chemical-laced water in a home. A whole-home water filtration system purifies all the water used in a home, including the water used for washing clothes and showering. These machines are the super-stars of home water filtration.
The Cost
Whole-home water filtration systems are not cheap. They range between $200 and $5,000 depending on the system, and some may cost more than that. This is because whole-home water filtration systems utilize various technologies, including carbon filters, reverse osmosis, deionization, and even UV light. The more technology included in the filter, the higher the cost.
The Benefits
Whole-home water filtration systems purify every ounce of water used in a house. This means that people aren’t bathing in or wearing clothes cleaned with chemicals. These units are more efficient than other filtration systems, and they reduce the wear and tear hard water imposes on plumbing.
The Downside
While-home filtration systems require professional installation, adding to their cost. Additionally, many homes require retrofitting of their existing plumbing to work with the new filter. The filter also takes up space, usually in the basement or near the water heater.
The right water filtration system is different for every home. A local plumber can help homeowners decide which method is best for their environment, budget, and needs.
About Twin Belle Plumbing
Since 1999, Twin Belle Plumbing has been providing affordable plumbing solutions to their Westchester County community. Their experts know the stress an unexpected plumbing problem can bring, and that’s why they guarantee to arrive on time and within one hour for emergency calls. Let the experts at Twin Belle Plumbing take the stress out of any plumbing project. Give them a call for water filtration installation in Westchester County today.
