How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Your Home
- Great Lakes Plumbing Services
- May 19
- 7 min read
When it comes to ensuring the quality of water in your home, water filter can be an invaluable investment. It filters the water at the point where it enters your home, ensuring every tap delivers clean, safe water. However, selecting the right filters depends on the specific contaminants present in your water supply. At Great Lakes Plumbing Services, we offer tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best filter for your home based on common water contaminants.
Common Water Contaminants and Their Solutions
1. Sediment
Sediment in your water supply is a prevalent issue that can lead to various problems affecting both water quality and the longevity of household appliances. Sediment consists of small particles like sand, dirt, and rust, which can enter your water system from multiple sources such as rivers and lakes, which often contain sand and dirt inherently present in the water. In older homes, aging infrastructure is a common culprit, with corroded pipes releasing rust particles into the water supply. Nearby construction activities can also disrupt the ground, introducing dirt and debris into the water system. Even municipal water systems are not immune; they can contribute to sediment issues if their filtration processes are inadequate or if there are disruptions in service. These particles can make water appear cloudy and unappealing, but more importantly, they cause significant wear and tear on plumbing and appliances over time. Sediment can originate from natural sources
When sediment accumulates in pipes and fixtures, it can lead to clogging, which reduces water flow and pressure. This inefficiency can result in higher water usage and increased utility bills. Additionally, the abrasive nature of sand and dirt can cause wear and tear on appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, ultimately reducing their lifespan and efficiency. Sediment buildup can also cause scale deposits in water heaters, decreasing their efficiency and leading to higher energy costs. Consequently, appliances affected by sediment often require more frequent maintenance and repairs, which can become costly over time.
When sediment accumulates in pipes and fixtures, it can lead to clogging, which reduces water flow and pressure. This inefficiency can result in higher water usage and increased utility bills. Additionally, the abrasive nature of sand and dirt can cause wear and tear on appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, ultimately reducing their lifespan and efficiency. Sediment buildup can also cause scale deposits in water heaters, decreasing their efficiency and leading to higher energy costs. Consequently, appliances affected by sediment often require more frequent maintenance and repairs, which can become costly over time.
2. Chlorine and Chloramines
Imagine taking a sip of water that’s clean, refreshing, and free from harsh chemicals—no lingering chlorine taste, no dry skin after a shower, and no concerns about long-term exposure. Reducing chlorine in your home's water isn't just about taste; it’s about health, comfort, and quality of life. Chlorine can leave behind an unpleasant chemical flavor, making your drinking water less enjoyable. Filtering it out ensures pure, crisp water every time, enhancing the overall drinking experience. Additionally, chlorine strips natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation. By reducing chlorine, you help maintain soft skin and healthier hair.
Moreover, while chlorine is effective for disinfecting water, prolonged exposure to its byproducts has been linked to respiratory issues and other health concerns. Removing it lowers your risk of exposure, making it a crucial step in protecting your health. For those with pets or houseplants, chlorine-free water supports better hydration and plant growth without unwanted chemicals interfering. Furthermore, chlorine can speed up corrosion in pipes and appliances, leading to wear and tear over time. Filtering your water can extend the lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and plumbing systems.
To effectively address this issue, activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing chlorine, thereby significantly enhancing the taste and smell of the water. For the particular challenge of chloramines, catalytic carbon filters are available, which are specially designed to break down these compounds more efficiently.
3. Iron and Manganese
Iron in water can cause several problems, affecting both your home and health. While iron is an essential nutrient, excessive amounts in your water supply can lead to unpleasant tastes, stains, plumbing issues, and bacterial growth. High iron levels can make water taste metallic or earthy, impacting everything from drinking water to coffee and tea. Iron deposits leave behind brown or reddish stains in sinks, tubs, toilets, and even on laundry, making clothes look dingy. The buildup of iron can also clog pipes, damage water heaters, and shorten the lifespan of washing machines and dishwashers, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, certain bacteria thrive in iron-rich water, forming slimy deposits that clog fixtures and create unpleasant odors. Bathing in iron-heavy water can make hair feel dry or brittle and may cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
Our iron filters utilize oxidation and filtration to remove iron and manganese, preventing stains, eliminating unpleasant odors, and significantly improving water quality. This advanced technology ensures that your water is not only clean but also refreshing, providing peace of mind and enhancing the overall experience of using water in your home. With the elimination of these contaminants, you can protect your plumbing systems and appliances from damage, while also enjoying clearer, better-tasting water. Whether for everyday use or specific applications, our iron filters offer a reliable solution for maintaining high water standards.
4. Hard Water (Calcium and Magnesium)
Hard water isn't ideal for your home because it contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause a range of problems over time. While not harmful to drink, hard water can negatively impact plumbing, appliances, cleaning efficiency, and even personal care. One of the main issues is scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Additionally, the minerals in hard water interfere with soap and detergent, reducing their effectiveness. This makes it harder to lather and can lead to residue on dishes, clothes, and skin. Moreover, hard water strips natural oils from skin and hair, causing dryness, irritation, and dull hair over time. It also leaves cloudy residue and water spots on dishes, glassware, and shower doors, making cleaning more frustrating. Furthermore, the scale buildup in water heaters reduces their efficiency, leading to higher energy costs as they have to work harder and use more energy to heat.
To address the issue of water hardness, a water softener can be installed alongside a whole house filter. Although a softener is not a filter itself, it works effectively in tandem with filtration systems to reduce the hardness of the water. This combination ensures that you enjoy the benefits of both softened and filtered water throughout your home. Our high-efficiency water softeners are designed to minimize salt usage, offering an eco-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on performance. By optimizing the use of salt, these softeners deliver maximum results, providing you with softened water that is gentle on your appliances and better for everyday use.
5. Lead and Heavy Metals
Heavy metals, such as lead, can contaminate your home's water supply, posing significant health risks. These contaminants often infiltrate drinking water through old plumbing, industrial pollution, or natural sources. Lead typically enters water from corroded pipes, solder, or fixtures in older homes and can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, and various other health issues. Arsenic, found in groundwater, may result from natural deposits or industrial waste, leading to skin problems and increased cancer risks. Mercury and cadmium can infiltrate water through mining runoff and industrial waste, potentially causing kidney damage and neurological effects. Though copper is essential in small amounts, excessive levels from corroded pipes can lead to digestive issues and liver damage. Older plumbing materials, like galvanized pipes and faucets, can leach heavy metals into water, especially if they contain lead solder or brass fittings.
Reverse osmosis and specialized filters designed specifically for the removal of heavy metals offer comprehensive protection against these contaminants. Our systems are meticulously equipped to handle such impurities, ensuring that the drinking water you receive is safe and clean. By utilizing advanced filtration technology, we are committed to providing reliable solutions that effectively address the presence of heavy metals, safeguarding your health and well-being.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can dissolve in water and evaporate into the air. They often originate from industrial pollution, household products, and contaminated groundwater. VOCs can pose health risks and affect water quality, which makes filtration and testing important. VOCs can enter your home's water supply through various sources. Industrial waste from factories, dry cleaners, and gas stations may release VOCs into groundwater. Agricultural runoff, including pesticides and herbicides, contains VOCs that seep into water sources. Additionally, some older plumbing materials, such as pipes and adhesives, may leach VOCs into drinking water. Disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter during water treatment can also introduce VOCs like trihalomethanes (THMs).
Exposure to VOCs in drinking water can lead to several health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, liver and kidney damage, increased cancer risk due to carcinogenic compounds like benzene and chloroform, and respiratory issues. To reduce VOCs in water, regular water testing is crucial to identify VOC levels in your home’s water. Filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, are effective at removing VOCs. Proper storage and disposal of chemicals are also important to prevent contamination of groundwater. VOCs can persist in groundwater for years, making filtration and prevention essential for ensuring clean drinking water.
Why Choose The Plumber Is Here?
At Great Lakes Plumbing Services, we understand that every home is different, and so are its water filtration needs. Our team of experts conducts thorough water testing to identify the specific contaminants present in your water supply. Based on the results, we recommend the most suitable filter or combination of systems to ensure the highest water quality. Our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction means you can trust us to deliver the best solutions for your home.
Get Started Today!
If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at (616) 218-2529, email info@theplumberishere.com, or Theplumberishere.com to schedule a water test and consultation. Let our experts help you choose the perfect filter to ensure clean, safe water for you and your family.
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