Tap water is not clean. Home water filtration systems can help! Suitable for homes with brackish water, salt water, hard water, problems in the water pipe system, and homes that use groundwater.
Whole house water filtration system is the installation of water filters into the house’s water supply system to improve the quality of water used in the house before distributing it to various parts of the house for consumption, including bathrooms, kitchens, washing machines, and drinking water filtration systems.
Although most tap water is filtered by water treatment plants before being piped to our homes, in some areas, there may still be problems with old and damaged water pipes, contamination, brackish water, salty water, or hard water. In addition, some homes also pump groundwater for use.
Installing a whole house water filter system gives us peace of mind that the water quality is clean, safe, and free of residues. It also filters tap water first before sending it to the drinking water filter system to obtain even cleaner water.
For maximum efficiency, you should install a water filter next to the water meter to filter out dirt and residue from water that is sent through the central water pipe before being sent to the water tank and water pump for distribution to various parts of the house.
Types of water filters
It is divided into 3 main types. The type to install depends on the amount and pattern of water usage in the home.
1. Water Filter Cylinder: Compact and Easy-to-Use for Small Households
Water filter cylinder is a small water filter. Most cylinders are made of hard plastic. There are both clear and opaque types. Suitable for small houses with 1-2 residents or condominiums that do not use much water.
Therefore, there is no need to install a water tank and water pump. The advantage is that there is a ready-made filter that you can purchase and replace easily. The lifespan is shorter than the other 2 types.
2. Fiberglass Tank Water Filter: Ideal for General Household Use
Fiberglass tank water filter is the most suitable type for general houses. It supports more water filtration than cylinder type. It has good filtration efficiency, is easy to use, and can change the filter media by yourself. You must install it together with a filter head to wash and clean the filter media inside.
You can install multiple filter tanks together to increase the efficiency of filtration through various types of filters, which solves different water quality problems. There are also filter tanks that come with a multi-layer filtration system in a single tank to choose from.
3. Stainless Steel Tank Water Filter: Durable and High-Performance for Large Systems
Stainless steel tank water filter is a large filter. Advantages are strong, resistant to sun and rain, high filtration efficiency, and can store a large number of filters. Limitations: requires a lot of installation space, the machine is heavy, and if you need to change the filter, you must hire an expert technician.
Filter type
There are many types of filters available, each of which solves different water quality problems. You choose which filter to install based on the water quality problem that needs improvement before the water can be used for consumption. There are four popular types of filters that you can use for the whole house water filtration system.
- Activated Carbon filter is a small black powder that absorbs dirt, reduces water turbidity, removes suspended solids, organic matter, and chlorine, and helps solve problems with taste, odor, and color of water.
- Anthracite filter is a granular, shiny material made from coal which is high in carbon. It has the ability to filter suspended matter and reduce sediment in water. It is commonly used in both tap water and groundwater filtration systems.
- Resin filter is a small yellow pellet that helps adjust the charge to reduce the hardness or salinity of water. It filters limestone, calcium and magnesium, making it suitable for filtering raw water, brackish water and groundwater.
- Manganese filter is a brown to black granule that helps remove iron and rust from water. It is another type of filter that is popularly used for groundwater filtration.
Filter head type
What you must do regularly when installing a water filter system is to clean the filter cartridge through the filter head device. There are 2 popular types:
- Manual filter head set for cleaning the filter yourself every week. There are 2 types.
- Automatic filter head set for cleaning the filter. You can set the cleaning time automatically.
Water purification in urban networks: methods and techniques
In the city water supply system, water purification plays a very important role. It is regularly reviewed and improved, which is why the system is well-established and includes several stages.
- Filtration, during which large physical contaminants (grains of sand, foreign elements) are removed from water.
- Disinfection, including the destruction of microbiological contaminants and any viruses.
- Chemical treatment that removes all unnecessary compounds and unpleasant odors from water.
Thanks to such multi-stage purification, tap water reaches residents in a form that is available for use not only for hygiene purposes, but also for cooking. However, wanting to enhance the effect and get the most harmless and even tasty water at the outlet, apartment owners buy additional filters. They can be different in appearance, power and characteristics. At the same time, they have a similar structure and most need to change the cartridges regularly.
The need for cleaning in a country house
The main advantage of having your own wells is that you have water constantly and it will not be turned off due to repair work in the water supply system. However, in country houses you have to organize water purification yourself.
It is important to understand that all water, without exception, needs purification. Even that which is collected from more than 100 m deep: it is true that dangerous microorganisms do not penetrate into it, but most often the threshold of salts, iron and manganese is exceeded in it. Do not hope that everything is definitely okay with your water: the filter has never harmed anyone yet, but how many it has saved!
How to choose a whole house water filtration system?
One of the main difficulties that many people face when buying a country house is the lack of centralized water supply. The best solution to this problem is considered to be drilling a well, which provides residents with water for drinking, cooking, hygiene needs, as well as performing household tasks: washing dishes, laundry, cleaning and other household chores.
It is almost impossible to overestimate the importance of water supply, but it is important to remember that it is not enough to just make a well, you also need to choose the right water purification system. After all, unpurified water does not meet either physical or chemical quality requirements and will only harm the body.
Water purification systems for home
First of all, you should choose the cleaning system based on what your analysis shows. After all, despite the fact that most systems have similar functionality, each has its own characteristics.
At the moment, among the most popular solutions for a whole house water filtration system, one can name a reverse osmosis system (RO), in which water, passing through a special membrane, is purified from all unnecessary substances and larger molecules. Such a system is the most multifunctional and in demand, as it fights all types of pollution.
Systems consisting of a fine and coarse filter are quite effective. They are suitable for softening drinking water, removing iron from it, and regenerating its beneficial properties. The following types of filters are also popular among private home owners:
- Ion exchange, softening water and removing salt from it;
- Electromagnetic, which destroy scale and bring the structure of even coarse water closer to spring water;
- Hollow fiber, purifying water from organic matter, chemical compounds and microorganisms;
- Aeration, removing excess iron;
- Carbon filters that remove unpleasant odors and tastes, and combat chlorination and pollution.
Tips on how to install a whole house water filtration system
You can’t be 100% sure that the water coming out of your tap is clean and free of impurities. There have been many issues with the purity of tap water over the years. The only way to be sure of the quality of your tap water is to take matters into our own hands and protect your family by purchasing a whole house water filtration system.
You can install a whole house water filter system at the inlet and not only purify your drinking water, but also the water in your shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and other household appliances. Use these tips after purchasing a water filter to make the installation process much easier.
1. Check if the installation requirements match your home
Before purchasing a home water filtration system, be sure to check the installation requirements to make sure the system you are purchasing will work for your home. Whole house water filters can come in a variety of sizes, and most need to be installed indoors or at least in an enclosed space.
Not all systems are suitable for all types of home fixtures, so make sure you purchase a system that is suitable for your home. Otherwise, you may have to return the filtration system or, worse yet, you may have to deal with a filter that is not installed properly.
2. If your water pressure is too strong, use a pressure reducing valve
The device you buy should tell you exactly what its maximum pressure is. If your water pressure is too strong, you can buy a pressure reducing valve separately and connect it to your appliances.
Be aware that water pressure can vary at night. Sometimes water pressure at night can be stronger than water pressure during the day. So be sure to check at different times of the day to see if you might need a pressure reducing valve.
3. Connect your filtration system directly to the mains supply before the water heater
Most water purifiers are designed to work with cold water and can be damaged if you use hot water. Even when cleaning, you should never run hot water through the system as it can damage it. However, you should also install the system in a location where the water in the system will never freeze, especially in the winter.
4. Install a pre-filter before the filtration system
Depending on the quality of your home’s water, a pre-filter may be necessary to help produce the cleanest water possible and extend the life of your water treatment system. You can also install a water bypass system. This will make it easier to replace the pre-filter and troubleshoot potential problems.
5. Open the nearest water tap before installation
The first step during installation is to shut off the main water supply. However, since the pipes are usually laid horizontally, there is likely to be some air and water left in the pipes. To prevent any leaks during the process, open the nearest faucet to get rid of any air and water inside the internal parts.
6. After cutting the main inlet pipe, use a bucket to catch the water
To connect the filtration system, you will need to cut a section of your main water supply pipe. There may be residual water left inside the main line, so make sure to place a bucket under the area you are going to cut to catch any water that drips. Alternatively, you can hold a towel under the opening, but since you need both hands while working, this is not as efficient as using a bucket.
The Bottom Line
A whole house water filtration system is an effective way to protect your family from impurities and pathogens in your water. Installing it is a relatively easy process. Using these tips will help you avoid unnecessary mess when installing your new filtration system.
To buy the best water purifier, simply visit the Aquaguard Solutions store in Crandall, Royse and Frisco TX, and after consulting with our experts, order a device that is appropriate for the water quality in the area where you live.