Why Do I Need A Water Filter?
When it comes to plumbing, there are a lot of things that homeowners need to be aware of. One of the most important is the fact that you need to have a filter on your system. A filter helps keep your plumbing running smoothly and helps protect your home from potential damage. In this blog post, Oak Plumbing will discuss why you need a filter and what it can do for your home!
What is water filtration?
Water filtration is the process of removing impurities from water. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is through the use of a filter. Filters are designed to remove contaminants from water, such as dirt, sediment, and other particulates.
What are the types of water filtration?
There are a number of different types of filters that can be used for filtration, but the most common are activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters. Activated carbon filters are designed to remove organic contaminants from water, while reverse osmosis filters are designed to remove inorganic contaminants.
Why do I need water filtration?
There are a number of reasons why you might need water filtration. If you get your water from a well, for example, it is likely that there are contaminants in the water that you would not want to drink. Filters can also be used to improve the taste of water or to remove chlorine from municipal water supplies.
What are the benefits of water filtration?
Water filtration is environmentally friendly
Bottled water creates pollution, as the plastic bottle takes 300 years to degrade. A ton of water is wasted due to it taking 3 times as much water to produce the bottle itself than it does to fill the bottle. Filtering tap water at your home or business will help reduce environmental waste and impact.
Filtration removes impurities
Water filtration can remove impurities such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, sediment, minerals, and man-made chemicals from your water. This is important because these impurities can cause serious health problems if consumed. There are many types of advanced water filters available, each with its own benefits. Activated carbon filters can remove stubborn pollutants that can harm your health, reverse osmosis filters can cleanse your water of impurities, alkaline water ionizers increase the pH of your water to make it healthier to drink, infrared filters remove harmful contaminants from your water supply, and UV filters kill bacteria and viruses in your drinking water.
Filtered water smells and tastes better
Water that has been filtered tastes and smells better than water that has not been filtered. This is because filtration removes the impurities that can cause water to have an unpleasant taste or smell.
Filtration is more affordable than buying bottled water
Filtered water is more affordable than buying bottled water because you only need to filter the water once and then you can drink it indefinitely. This is opposed to buying bottled water, which can be very expensive, and which you need to continue buying in order to have a constant supply.
Filtration protects your appliances
Filtration also protects your appliances by removing the impurities that can damage them. For example, if you have a coffee maker, the water filter will remove the impurities that can build up and clog the machine. This extends the life of your coffee maker and helps it to perform more efficiently.
Water filters are low maintenance
Another benefit of having a water filter is that they are low maintenance. Unlike many other appliances in your home, you don’t need to regularly maintain or clean water filters. All you need to do is replace the filter cartridge every few months, and you’re good to go!
Water filters are good for your health
Another reason to invest in a water filter is for your health. By removing the impurities from your water, you’re also removing harmful bacteria and contaminants that can make you sick. This is especially important if you have young children or elderly family members in your home, as they are more susceptible to getting sick from contaminated water.
Signs that you should start filtering your water
Your water tastes bad
If your water tastes strange or bad, it’s a good indication that it’s time to start filtering it. This is usually caused by high levels of chlorine, iron, or other minerals in your water. Similar to the taste test, if your water smells bad, it’s likely due to high levels of contaminants. Consult this chart:
- Contaminant: Chlorides
- Acceptable Limit: 250 mg/l
- Effects/Taste: Salty or brackish taste; corrosive; blackens and pits stainless steel
- Contaminant: Copper (Cu)
- Acceptable Limit: 1.3 mg/l
- Effects/Taste: Blue-green stains on plumbing fixtures; bitter metallic taste
- Contaminant: Iron (Fe)
- Acceptable Limit: 0.3 mg/l
- Effects/Taste: Metallic taste; discolored beverages; yellowish stains, stains laundry
- Contaminant: Manganese (Mn)
- Acceptable Limit: 0.05 mg/l or 5 ppb
- Effects/Taste: Black stains on fixtures and laundry; bitter taste
- Contaminant: Sulfates (SO4)
- Acceptable Limit: 250 mg/l
- Effects/Taste: Greasy feel, laxative effect
- Contaminant: Iron Bacteria
- Acceptable Limit: Present
- Effects/Taste: Orangeish to brownish slime in water
You have hard water
If you have hard water, it means that there is a high concentration of minerals in your water. This can cause a number of problems, including dry skin, dull hair, and stained clothing. It can also lead to build-up on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. While you can treat hard water with a water softener, installing a whole-house filter is a more effective solution.
Your plumbing is constantly clogging
If your plumbing is constantly clogging, it’s probably because of all the sediment and minerals in your water. Over time, this build-up can cause serious damage to your pipes. A whole-house filter will remove all of the sediment and minerals from your water, preventing them from causing any further damage.
Your home was built before 1986
If your home was built before 1986, there’s a good chance that your pipes are made of lead. While lead pipes are no longer used in new construction, they can still be found in older homes. If your water is coming into contact with lead pipes, it can lead to serious health problems. A whole-house filter will remove any lead from your water, keeping you and your family safe.
You use well water
If you have a well, it’s important to filter your water to remove any bacteria or contaminants that may be present. A whole-house filter will do this, ensuring that the water you and your family are using is clean and safe.
Your clothes look dingy after washing
If your clothes seem to be losing their color or looking dingy after you wash them, it could be because of the water you’re using. Hard water can cause fabrics to fade and lose their luster. A whole-house filter will soften your water, making it easier on your clothes and giving them a longer lifespan.
You're scrubbing excessively
If you find yourself scrubbing your sink, shower, and toilet more than usual, it could be because of the water you’re using. Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that are difficult to remove. A whole-house filter will soften your water, making it easier to clean surfaces and preventing build-up over time.
Want a filter for your home? Contact Oak Plumbing!
We created Oak Plumbing to provide outstanding customer service, help our community, and reintroduce expert plumbing. The safety of your family is always our top priority. Our Oak Plumbing team knows it's essential to use the latest plumbing technology while still adhering to our family values. That's why we only hire licensed and background-checked professionals — so you can feel confident that your home is in good hands. Plus, most of our clients leave five-star evaluations, so don't hesitate to call us!
