Whole House Water Filter & Do They Really Work?

Why should you invest in a Whole House Water filter for you and your family? Do they really work or is it just snake oil?

 

Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, so it makes perfect sense to ensure you are consuming water that is free of contaminants and rich in the right minerals. While it could be argued that you have always drunk from the kitchen tap and that you haven’t experienced any negative effects, it may be worth noting that you can reap many benefits from removing certain chemicals and pathogens from your water.

What is in the Sunshine Coast Drinking Water?

There is an abundance of chemicals and minerals found in your drinking water, some harmful and some beneficial for your body. Typically Chlorine is the most common chemical found in the Sunshine Coast drinking water, as it is used as disinfection method used in town water supplies. Common issues from chlorine include poor taste/smell and skin irritation. Chlorine also creates disinfection by products including Trihalomethanes (THM’s), which are a known carcinogen. Sediment is also commonly found in the drinking water. Sediment generally isn’t a problem within the water mains, however if Unity Water or other utility contractors are carrying out work on the water mains, sediment may be pulled into the water main pipes causing cloudy water or discoloured water to run out of your taps. Fluoride is another chemical found in the Sunshine Coast drinking water. Fluoride is added into our drinking water to enhance dental hygiene and reduce tooth decay, however there has been much controversy whether Fluoride should be removed from the water which we will touch on later in this article. 

 

So What is the Point of having a Water Filter?

 

• • Removes impurities: The primary benefit of home water filtration is that it removes impurities from your water supply, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. These impurities can cause a wide range of health problems, from simple stomach upset to more serious conditions.

• • Improves taste and odor: Filtering your water can also improve the taste and odor of your water. Chlorine and other chemicals used to treat tap water can leave a nasty taste and smell, which can be eliminated by using a home water filtration system.

• • Protects your plumbing: Impurities and minerals in tap water can cause damage to your plumbing over time. A home water filtration system can prevent this damage by removing these harmful particles before they have a chance to build up in your pipes.

• • Save money: Having a home water filtration system installed can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for bottled water and the costs associated with repairing damage caused by impurities in your tap water.
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  • Environmentally-friendly: Using a home water filtration system not only provides you with clean, safe water, but also helps to reduce your use of plastic bottles. This is beneficial to the environment and helps to reduce the plastic waste in landfills and oceans.

 

What should you consider when selecting a water filter system?

If you are considering installing a water filter system in your home and wondering where to start, these are the questions you NEED to ask yourself:

• What kind of water are you filtering?  Mains/Town Water, Rainwater or Bore Water?
• What contaminants do you want to remove or what do you want to achieve? A good start is to get your water tested to give you a base line
• What Kind of Water Filter System? Whole House, Under Sink or Reverse Osmosis?
• If you are installing a whole house system, how big is your house? You will need to understand that there will be a slight pressure drop with whole house systems (approx. 50kpa). Water flow will also need to be considered
• What is your budget? At the end of the day, you get water you pay for. By answering the questions above it will be a good place to start determining the best system suitable for your needs. We always suggest sticking to premium brands such as Puretec Water Filters

 

Type of water filters:

Whole House Water Filters:

• Installed at the point of entry into your house to ensure all fixtures are filtered
• Typically the most expensive form of home water filtration
• Generally comes in 10″ & 20″ Cartridge variations – Either Single, Dual or Triple Housing Set ups
• Usually weather-proof and wall mounted
• Ensures Clean, Pure Water: This filtration system effectively removes impurities, sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants commonly found in tap water. By ensuring clean water from every fixture. UV Water Filters can also be used for whole house filtration, especially when on rainwater.
• Extends Appliance Lifespan:  Whole House Water Filtration system helps prevent sediment and mineral build-up in appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. By reducing scale deposits, it can extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of these appliances.
• Preserves Plumbing System: The filtration system prevents sediment accumulation in your plumbing pipes, reducing the risk of clogs and corrosion. This can save you from costly repairs and maintenance in the long run.

Under Sink Water Filters:

 

• Installed under the sink either in-line connecting to the existing sink mixer tap (filtering only cold water) or installed with a dedicated tap
• Typically very slimline
• Only filters water at the sink
• Water Quality Improvement: Under-sink filtration systems are intended to eliminate pollutants, contaminants, and odours from tap water. They are capable of successfully reducing common pollutants including chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in cleaner and healthier drinking water.
• Convenience and accessibility: An under-sink filtration system provides filtered water right at your kitchen sink. This removes the need to buy bottled water or use pitchers that have built-in filters. You can get clean, filtered water right from your faucet, making it more handy for drinking, cooking, and other daily activities.
• Savings: Purchasing an under-sink water filtering system can result in long-term cost savings. Instead of purchasing bottled water on a daily basis, which can be costly and contribute to plastic waste, you can use filtered tap water. This can dramatically lower your costs over time while also providing a more ecologically responsible alternative.
• Under-sink filtration systems can help to better overall health by eliminating pollutants and impurities. They can aid in the elimination of any health concerns linked with the consumption of potentially hazardous water. Filtered water may also make tap water taste and smell better, making it more attractive to drink and promoting greater hydration.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters:

• Typically more expensive than other forms of water filtration
• The only way to remove 99.99% of impurities from drinking water – HOWEVER reverse osmosis system do discharge ‘impure’ water, thus your water consumption will increase
• The most effective method of removing fluoride from drinking water
• Because you are essentially removing everything from the water, including minerals it is important to remineralize the water if you are consuming it

• Effective Removal of Contaminants: RO filtration systems are highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants from water. They can eliminate impurities such as sediment, chlorine, heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.), fluoride, nitrates, sulphates, pesticides, herbicides, bacteria, and viruses. This process provides clean and purified drinking water.

   

• Improved Water Taste and Odor: Reverse osmosis filtration can significantly enhance the taste and odor of water. It removes unpleasant tastes and smells caused by chemicals, impurities, and pollutants, resulting in a refreshing and better-tasting drinking experience.

   

• Comprehensive Filtration: RO systems typically consist of multiple filtration stages, including sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and a semi-permeable membrane. This multi-stage filtration process ensures thorough purification and eliminates a wide range of contaminants for better water quality.

UV Water Filtration/Treatment:

• Essential for people drinking rainwater 
• Chemical Free way to treat water, safely and efficiently 
• Effective Disinfection: UV (Ultraviolet) water filtration systems use UV light to disinfect water by inactivating harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The UV light damages the DNA of these microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and causing them to become inactive. This process provides a reliable and chemical-free method of water disinfection.
• Removal of Microorganisms: UV filtration is highly effective in eliminating a wide range of microorganisms, including E. coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, and various types of bacteria and viruses. It provides an added layer of protection against waterborne diseases and helps ensure the safety of drinking water.
• Chemical-Free Solution: UV water filtration does not require the use of chemicals such as chlorine or other disinfectants. It uses UV light as the primary disinfection method, which means there are no chemical by-products or residual taste or odor in the treated water. This makes it a preferable option for those seeking chemical-free water treatment.
• Fast and Continuous Treatment: UV systems provide fast and continuous water treatment. As soon as water passes through the UV chamber, it is exposed to the UV light and undergoes disinfection. There is no need for contact time or waiting for chemicals to take effect, making it a convenient and efficient water treatment option.

What are the best Water Filter brands on the Australian Market?

We only supply and install premium water filter brands. These are our picks for home water filter systems

• Puretec Water Filters

• UV Guard

• PSI Water

• Taqua Water Filter Taps

 

Looking for a Water Filter System on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane area? We can specify, Supply & Install the correct system for your needs!

We are also one of the most well established Sunshine Coast Plumbing Companies, with local plumbers eager to assist with all aspects of plumbing. Contact Us today for a free quote.