Water Filtration Systems: Here’s What You Should Know

Poor water quality can cause myriad problems for a homeowner, such as mineral scale accumulations, sediment buildup, exposure to a variety of biological contaminants, or an unpleasant taste and odor from added chemicals like chlorine and ammonia. Fortunately, there are whole-home water filtration systems available to address these issues and improve your water quality.

Water Filtration Systems Offer Many Benefits

The first benefit you’ll experience when you have a filtration system installed is a boost in water quality throughout your home. A whole-home unit is installed where the supply enters the structure, so water gets routed through it before it’s piped to all the different fixtures and appliances. There are three main methods used to improve water quality: filtering, chemical processing and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Before you choose a system, have your water tested to identify the exact problem that needs correction, then get the input of a knowledgeable, licensed plumber about whether the ideal solution is:

• A reverse osmosis system to trap sediment.
• An ion exchange unit to soften hard water.
• A UV unit to kill bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants.
• An oxidizing or activated-carbon filtering unit to correct bad taste and odor.
• A multi-stage unit that offers a combination of treatment methods.

With the right whole-home system in place, you can enjoy:

• Good tasting water that doesn’t pose a health risk. When chlorine and chemicals are removed, or contaminants like bacteria and viruses are destroyed, your water will smell and taste better and be safer for your family to drink.
• Longer plumbing system and appliance life. Softening the water to prevent mineral buildups can extend the lifespan of water-using appliances like your clothes washer, dishwasher and water heater, and help you avoid clogged plumbing pipes and reduced water pressure.
• Fewer worries about city supply problems. You’ll have a flow of clean, safe water in your home and peace of mind if the Water Bureau’s supply gets contaminated or a main breaks.

For expert advice about whether you can benefit from having a water filtration system installed in your Portland-area home, contact us today at Roth Heating & Cooling.