Water Filtration Systems: Which Type Is Best For Your Home and Why

The water terminology used by professionals in the industry can confuse many homeowners. What is the difference between water softening and water conditioning? And which should you use in your home?

Water conditioning is a broad term used for devices that filter water systems. One factor that will help you choose your filter is what chemicals you need removed, such as sediment or iron.

Removing certain chemicals can improve the taste of water or extend the life of your home’s pipes.

However, knowing what type of filtration system to install can get confusing. If you want to determine the right water conditioning method for your unique home or situation, learn more about each method below.

Water Softening

Water softeners strongly reduce magnesium and calcium from water. You may have heard the term “hard water” before. This term means the water contains unnecessary minerals that can cause scaling. Water softeners reduce the amount of these harmful minerals to one grain per gallon or less. The benefits of water with fewer minerals include:

Prevents clogs in the pores of your skin
Increases life of fabrics
Reduces friction on shaving blades to help them last longer
Reduces water spots on dishes, shower doors, and glassware
Decreases need for soap by nearly 80%

If you want to extend the life of your appliances and prevent scaling in your pipes, consider a water softening system.

Iron Filters

Have you noticed your water starting to smell like rotten eggs? Iron filtration systems remove sulfur minerals that cause odors. Iron filters also allow you to remove sediment leaving your water with a fresh taste. If you have noticed a foul taste or a noxious odor coming from your water, install an iron filter to solve the problem.

Additionally, too much iron in your pipes can lead to rust. After years of iron buildup in your pipes, you might need to start replacing them. An iron filter keeps your pipes free of rust and extends their life expectancy.

Reverse Osmosis

One of the most effective ways to get pure drinking water is through reverse osmosis. This system exerts pressure on the water molecules to reduce minerals. Many people choose this system for the health benefits.

Reverse osmosis reduces lead and sodium in water. Extreme consumption of lead could result in infertility, reduced nerve development, muscle damage, or high blood pressure. The low sodium can help those with kidney or liver disease.

This type of water is also ideal for cancer patients or patients on immune system-suppressing drugs because it removes tiny germs within the water.

UV Filters

Ultraviolet radiation filters use UV rays to destroy bacteria within your water. The rays target illnesscausing microorganisms by destroying their ability to reproduce. UV filters are ideal for homeowners who suspect that they have giardia, E. coli, or cryptosporidium in their water. Not only is this method effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly.
Some additional benefits of UV filters include the following:

Uses nearly the same amount of energy as a 60-watt light bulb
Requires low maintenance
Doesn’t leave any odor or chemical taste in water
Doesn’t require additional heat or chemicals

The downside of UV filters is they require a reverse osmosis system in order to purify water completely.

Have you found your ideal water system yet? Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all water filtration systems available. If you find yourself looking for hot water softeners or injection systems, talk with a water installation company. They can help you find a solution for your needs.

You can also browse the rest of our blog to learn more about your water filtration system options.