Water filtration systems help improve the quality of tap water by removing unwanted substances. These systems can remove or reduce the concentration of contaminants like sediment, bacteria, chemicals, and other suspended particles or impurities. Water filtration devices work by forcing liquid through a filter medium, barrier, or screen that allows water to pass through while trapping undesirable substances or contaminants.
Popular filter mediums include sediment filters, activated carbon filters, metal screens, and reverse osmosis devices. The overall purpose of a filtration system is to produce cleaner water for a range of household activities. But while the basics of filtration systems are straightforward enough, there are a host of underrated benefits of installing one in the home. A look at the top 10 advantages of water filtration systems can provide insight into how these devices can improve the quality of life within your household.
1. Improved Water Quality
One of the foremost benefits of a home filtration system is the improvement of the overall composition of your water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientists have detected more than 320 toxic substances in drinking water networks in the United States. Filtration systems work by treating all water that enters your house through the main line and helping to remove unwanted materials. Substances that filtration may eliminate from your water can include rust, algae, chlorine, dirt, residual limescale, and other particulate matter. Some filters can also remove lead as well as parasites, bacteria, pesticides, and some viruses. Using a filtration system can help ensure a consistent flow of higher-quality water throughout your home.
2. Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing in a water filtration system can help you save money in the long run. While installing the system has an upfront cost, use of the system can greatly lower the amount of money spent on supplies like bottled water. According to the International Bottled Water Association, total retail dollar sales of bottled water in the United States is approximately $48 billion. Help your family reduce the expense of buying purified water by ensuring that clean water is already available from the faucets of your home.
3. Positive Environmental Impact
According to the EPA, Americans throw away more than 60 million plastic bottles each day. However, only around 23% of these plastic bottles go into recycling. A related study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that only 5 to 6% of plastic in recycling gets repurposed into usable products. Unfortunately, this means that many plastic bottles end up in landfills or the world’s oceans. Because plastics are non-biodegradable, they often break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics can end up back into the food or water supply and have a detrimental impact on your health. Help do your part in reducing plastic waste in your local environment by installing a filtration system.
4. Reduced Risk of Plumbing Issues
Sediment and carbonates from untreated water can accumulate on the walls of your plumbing over time. This particle buildup can increase the risk of clogging and corrosion. Such plumbing problems often require professional intervention or repairs. Filtration removes solids and particulates from your water and helps extend the lifespan of your plumbing.
5. Improved Taste and Odor
Many municipal water suppliers use chlorine or similar substances to disinfect water or reduce harmful bacteria and pathogens. While chlorine is effective for this purpose, it can also leave behind a distinctive taste and smell. Water filtration systems help remove chlorine and metallic elements. This can improve the taste and scent of water that you use for drinking or food preparation.
6. Easier Household Cleaning
Water that has an excessive concentration of minerals and carbonates can result in the formation of limescale deposits. Limescale is a white, chalky substance that hardens on substances repeatedly exposed to mineral-dense or hard water. Not only is limescale unsightly, but it can also make faucets, fixtures, and other household surfaces difficult to clean. In addition, minerals in water can react with soap to produce soap scum. This is a sticky, insoluble substance that clings to walls and surfaces. Filtration helps remove excessive minerals from water to prevent the formation of limescale and soap scum.
7. Healthier Skin and Hair
By reducing the concentration of chlorine and other harsh chemicals in water used for showering or bathing, a home water filtration system is also beneficial for skin and hair. Abrasive chemicals in untreated water can strip natural moisture from your skin or disrupt the pH balance of your hair. In addition, water with high mineral content is harder to lather, so you may find yourself leaving the shower but still feeling unclean. Filtration can remove unwanted substances so that bathing is effective again. Experts also advise that individuals with conditions like psoriasis and eczema use water filtration systems to reduce skin irritation.
8. Improved Performance of Major Appliances
Water filtration systems can help improve the performance of large appliances like laundry machines, dishwashers, or water heaters. When sediment or minerals from untreated water build up in major appliances, the units can begin to strain and work harder to complete the same tasks. This causes undue wear and tear, reducing the unit’s efficiency and shortening its lifespan. Filtering out the particles eliminates the problem so that your appliance can live up to its full life expectancy. The use of filtration can also improve your satisfaction with the appliance.
9. Added Layer of Safety
Installing a water filtration system ensures an extra layer of protection against microbiological contaminants. With widespread outbreaks, it’s better to take precautions in advance to protect your family. Households with young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems can benefit from filtration that reduces the risk of consuming contaminated water.
10. Straightforward Maintenance
Most filtration systems have a straightforward installation and maintenance process. A professional can integrate the system within your plumber and change filters during routine maintenance sessions. Filtration systems are also durable, and some models can last up to 25 years with proper usage and upkeep.
Contact Us Today
Installing a filtration system can boost the availability of clean and fresh water for everyday household tasks. While the process of implementing a new system can feel overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. Liberty Comfort Systems provides water filtration services for homes in Anoka, MN and the surrounding areas. We specialize in a variety of systems, such as activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, KDF filtration, and sediment filtration. Our plumbers can install systems that remove excess iron, sulfur, manganese, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your water.
In addition to water filtration, we can also install softeners to reduce the detrimental effects of hard water. We can repair any water lines, pipes, or plumbing fixtures damaged from untreated or hard water. Reach out to us to fix your boiler or to replace your traditional water heater with a tankless model. No matter the issue, we are here to help. Contact Liberty Comfort Systems today for all your home plumbing needs.