Pro H2O Articles

A whole house water filter is simply that - a filtration system that connects to your main water line right as it enters your house from the street or your own well.

So essentially, a whole house system filters every drop of water that you use inside and outside of your house.

Some people move into a house and don’t even realize what those cylindrical towers are connected to their piping. This is troublesome for the simple fact that these systems typically need regular maintenance to not only continue purifying the water but also to avoid clogging up or breaking down. Most whole house water filters are cylindrical towers that connect to piping and force water through high micron fibers, sediment-reducing membranes, and houses activated carbon and resins which pull away:

• Microscopic sediments
• Chlorine
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Volatile organic compounds
• Odors
• Cloudy or unsightly tint

Let’s quickly discuss the pros and cons of a whole house water filter:

Pros

• Has a larger treatment area with multiple stages of mechanical (floss, membranes, fibers, etc) and chemical (carbon, resins) filtration
• Treats water from your faucets to your shower to the water coming from your outdoor hose for your trees and gardens
• Acts as a mini treatment plant in your home and is ideal as a first stage of filtration if you use secondary countertop or faucet adapter filter units

Cons

• Difficult to install (requires plumbing tools and a fair amount of plumbing skill)
• Positioning the units for easy maintenance access may complicate installation procedure and needs to be carefully planned ahead of time
• May waste filtration on outdoor water usage (though plants do benefit from unchlorinated water)

A couple other things to note:

After installation it may take two weeks or more for the sediment and unfiltered water in your piping system to flush out completely. Don’t automatically assume you need a secondary point-of-use system until you have given adequate time for the flushing to take place. A knowledgeable professional will not the difference as what matters is that the new water coming through is free of the contaminants it previously had.

It is not recommended to install your own filtration system though the entire units can be purchased through retail. Instead, it is suggested to deal with a local licensed professional who offers units with manufacturer warranties and monthly maintenance plans if desired.

This article has been provided by Pro H2O in Florida servicing Citrus County, Sumter County, Hernando County and Marion County. They are licensed professionals who specialize in water softeners, iron filters, chlorination and reverse osmosis systems for whole house or point-of-use systems. Free water analysis available to local residents or in-store by appointment.