How to Choose a Water Filtration System | Pittsburgh | Terry's Plumbing

How to Choose a Water Filtration System


Is the water quality in your household a concern? Installing a water filtration system could be the next step to cleaner, better tasting water.

Why Should I Have a Filtration System?

In the United States, we are fortunate enough to not have to think much about our water quality. Most individuals simply turn on faucets to cook, clean, or bathe with the water that comes out. Though, in some households that just isn’t the case. Some household tap water may have a bad taste or a foul odor due to unseen bacteria or contaminants. If you have any reason to doubt the quality of your water then it’s time to think about installing a water filtration system.

Having a whole-house filtration system installed could be the answer to your problem. These types of systems are installed at the point where the main water supply enters your home. Intercepting the water before it reaches your plumbing helps protect your pipes more than you think. This ensures that the damaging effects of hard water, scale, and other unknown compounds and chemicals do not take a toll on your entire plumbing system.

How Does a Filtration System Work?

Most people are familiar with standard pitcher-style water filters or the small devices that attach directly to your faucet. Depending on the issues that you’re experiencing with your water quality, these types of filters just won’t cut it on their own. To take it one step further, you can install point-of-use filters at different points in your home. Point-of-use filters feature either single or multistage filtration and are quite easy to install and maintain. These filters can hook up underneath your sink, by your hot water heater, or even to your ice and water dispensers in your fridge.

As for how filtration systems remove impurities, there are three different ways. Some products on the market physically block the passage of the contaminants by using a filter medium. Other types of filters use a chemical process to remove contaminants. Finally, some filters work via ultraviolet light. No matter the design, water filters are almost always made of plastic or stainless steel–regardless of the material the housing is made of, the longevity of the filter varies. All types of filters loose effectiveness over time and must be replaced periodically to be effective.

Which Filtration System is Right for Me?

Before installing a filtration system doing your own research on different methods and filter types. The type of water problem you have determines the type of filter and filter media you would need. For example, hard water responds best to an ion-exchange water softener. If your water contains sediment, it is recommended that you install a reverse-osmosis system to prevent particles from passing through filter medium. If your goal is to target bacteria or organisms in your water, ultraviolet and chlorination filters are the way to go to ensure your water is sterilized. Lastly, if you’re looking to improve taste or eliminate odors, activated-carbon filters are what’s recommended.

It is also important to get in touch with professionals before making your decision. A seasoned professional will be able to test your water and help you determine the best course of action based on their findings and your usage habits.

Give Us a Call. You Won’t Be Disappointed.

When in doubt, give us a call at Terry’s Plumbing! As your reputable plumber in Pittsburgh, we can help you with your plumbing-related issues. Call today at 412-364-9114.