After you’ve decided that you want to improve your home’s water quality, one of the first questions you’ll have is, “What type of water filtration system should I install?” There are many different types of filtration systems out there, so it’s important to be familiar with your options so you can make an informed decision. Today we’re going to talk about the types of water filtration systems that are available and how to choose the right system for your North or South Carolina home!
Types of water filtration systems based on the method of filtration
One of the simplest ways to categorize water filtration systems is by their methods of filtration. Some of the most popular methods of water filtration include:
- Carbon filtration. This style of filter pushes water through a carbon-based media that attracts contaminants. As water passes through, contaminants stick to the media and pure water molecules flow through.
- Reverse osmosis. This style of filter pushes water through a membrane that’s filled with tiny pores. These pores are only large enough to allow water molecules to pass through, while contaminants that are larger than those water molecules are left behind.
- Sediment filtration. A sediment filter is like a strainer that catches large pieces of sediment as water passes through it.
- Ion exchange. Ion exchange is the method of filtration that’s used in water softeners. This method uses tiny resin beads that attract hardness minerals from your water in order to soften it.
Water softeners vs. water filters
It’s important to point out that water filtering and water softening are two separate things. Water filtering will remove contaminants that affect how healthy your water is, as well as the taste, smell and appearance of your water. Water softening will specifically remove calcium and magnesium from your water in order to prevent the many issues associated with having hard water in your home.
Although most water treatment systems will only perform one of these tasks, the Hague WaterMax is unique in that it both filters and softens your water using a single system.
Point-of-entry vs. point-of-use water filters
After you’ve decided on the type of filtration system that is right for your home, you must decide between a point-of-use and a point-of-entry system.
A point-of-use water filter will treat your water at one tap and one tap only. This is useful if you are on a tight budget and are most concerned about having a safe source of drinking water in your kitchen.
A point-of-entry filter will treat your water right after it enters your home. This type of filtration system will provide filtered water to every single faucet and shower in your home, as well as to your plumbing appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher.
Have your water tested and talk with North Carolina Water Consultants about your options
With so many options available to you, how are you supposed to choose the right filtration system for your home? NC Water Consultants offers free water testing to homeowners in North and South Carolina that will show you which contaminants are in your water and at what levels. Armed with that information, we can help guide you toward the perfect system for your home.
If you have any questions about the types of water filtration systems that are available, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants, your dealer of water filters and water softeners in North and South Carolina. We provide service all over the Carolinas, including towns like Mooresville, Maiden and Iron Station, NC.