Written by Plumbers of Perth
on 13 June 2024
Water is a fundamental necessity, essential for life and the health of our households. In Australia, the quality of tap water is generally high; however, it’s not immune to contamination from various sources. Whether you’re concerned about chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, or microbial contaminants, water filter systems provide a robust solution to ensure your water is clean, safe, and tastes great.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the types of water filter systems available, the benefits of installing these systems either for specific taps or as a whole-house solution, and how a whole-house water filter can significantly extend the lifespan of your plumbing appliances.
Understanding Water Filter Systems
Water filter systems are designed to remove impurities and contaminants from your water supply, making it safe and pleasant to use. There are various types of water filter systems, each with its unique filtration method and level of effectiveness. The main types include:
- Activated Carbon Filters: These are the most common filters found in household settings. They work by adsorbing contaminants onto the surface of activated carbon. They are effective at removing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and improving taste and odour.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out a wide range of contaminants, including lead, fluoride, nitrates, and bacteria. Reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive filtration methods available.
- UV Filters: Ultraviolet (UV) filters use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. They are often used in conjunction with other filtration systems to ensure biological contaminants are neutralised.
- Ceramic Filters: Made from natural ceramic material, these filters are effective at removing bacteria, cysts, and sediment. They are often used in countertop or under-sink systems.
- Whole House Filters: These are large systems installed at the point of entry where water enters your home. They provide filtered water to all taps, appliances, and fixtures throughout the house.
Benefits of Water Filter Systems For Specific Taps
Installing water filters on specific taps, such as kitchen faucets, offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Water Quality for Drinking and Cooking: Filtered tap water is free from contaminants like chlorine, lead, and other impurities, making it safer and more pleasant to drink and use in cooking.
- Cost Savings: Using filtered tap water reduces the need for bottled water, leading to significant savings over time.
- Convenience: Having a filter at the tap means you always have access to clean water without the hassle of buying and storing bottled water.
- Environmental Benefits: Reducing reliance on bottled water helps decrease plastic waste, contributing to a healthier environment.
Whole House Filtration Systems
Whole house water filter systems offer a more comprehensive solution with the following advantages:
- Consistent Water Quality Throughout the Home: All water sources, including showers, baths, kitchen taps, and laundry, provide filtered water. This ensures every drop of water in your home is clean and safe.
- Protection for Plumbing Systems and Appliances: Whole house filters remove sediments and chemicals that can cause buildup and corrosion in pipes and appliances. This extends the life of your plumbing system and appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
- Healthier Skin and Hair: Filtered water reduces exposure to chlorine and other chemicals that can dry out skin and hair, leading to a healthier appearance and feel.
- Reduced Scale and Soap Scum: Hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium can cause scale buildup and soap scum, which are minimised with whole house filtration, leading to easier cleaning and maintenance.
How Whole House Water Filters Extend the Longevity of Plumbing Appliances
Whole house water filters play a crucial role in maintaining the health and longevity of your plumbing appliances. Here’s how.
- Prevention of Sediment Buildup: Sediments like sand, silt, and rust can accumulate in your pipes and appliances, causing blockages and reducing efficiency. Whole house filters remove these particles, ensuring a smooth flow of water and preventing damage to internal components.
- Reduction of Chlorine Corrosion: Chlorine, commonly used in water treatment, can be corrosive to metal pipes and appliances over time. A whole house filter eliminates chlorine from the water, reducing the risk of corrosion and extending the life of your plumbing system.
- Minimisation of Hard Water Damage: Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can deposit as scale inside pipes and appliances. This scale buildup can impair the function of water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers, leading to higher energy consumption and frequent repairs. Whole house filters soften the water, preventing scale formation and ensuring optimal performance.
- Enhanced Appliance Efficiency: Clean, filtered water allows appliances to operate more efficiently. For instance, water heaters can heat water more quickly without scale insulation, and washing machines can clean clothes better without mineral residue. This efficiency translates to energy savings and lower utility bills.
- Prolonged Lifespan of Appliances: By protecting appliances from sediment, chlorine, and hard water damage, whole house filters significantly extend their operational lifespan. This means fewer replacements and lower long-term costs for homeowners.
- Maintenance Cost Savings: With fewer blockages, reduced scale buildup, and less corrosion, the need for maintenance and repairs is minimised. This not only saves money but also reduces the inconvenience of dealing with plumbing issues.
Choosing the Right Water Filter System for Your Home
Selecting the right water filter system depends on various factors, including your water quality, budget, and specific needs. Here are some considerations
- Water Quality Testing: Before choosing a filter, it’s essential to test your water quality to identify the contaminants present. This will help you select a filter that effectively addresses your water concerns.
- Filter Capacity: Consider the capacity of the filter system, especially for whole house filters. Ensure it can handle the water flow rate and volume of your household.
- Maintenance Requirements: Different filters have varying maintenance needs. Some require regular filter changes, while others have longer lifespans. Choose a system that aligns with your maintenance preferences.
- Budget: Water filter systems vary in cost, from affordable faucet filters to more expensive whole house systems. Determine your budget and find a system that offers the best value for your investment.
- Certification and Standards: Look for filters that are certified by reputable organisations, such as NSF International, to ensure they meet established standards for contaminant removal and performance.
Installation and Maintenance of Water Filter Systems
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for the optimal performance of your water filter system. Here are some tips:
- Professional Installation: For whole house filters and complex systems like reverse osmosis, it’s advisable to hire a professional plumber for installation. This ensures the system is correctly set up and integrated into your plumbing.
- Regular Filter Changes: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement. Regularly changing filters ensures they remain effective and prevents clogs that can reduce water pressure.
- System Sanitisation: Periodically sanitise your water filter system to prevent microbial growth and maintain water quality. Some systems have specific sanitisation procedures outlined in the user manual.
- Monitoring Water Quality: Even with a filter system in place, it’s a good practice to periodically test your water quality. This helps ensure the system is functioning correctly and continues to provide safe, clean water.
Whole House Water Filter in Action
To illustrate the benefits of whole house water filters, let’s look at a case study of a family in Sydney who installed a whole house water filter system.
The Challenge
The family, living in an older home, faced several water quality issues:
- Chlorine Odour: The strong smell of chlorine in the tap water was unpleasant for drinking and bathing.
- Sediment in Water: Visible particles in the water caused concerns about the overall water quality.
- Appliance Longevity: Frequent repairs were needed for their dishwasher and washing machine due to scale buildup and sediment clogs.
The Solution
After testing their water quality, they chose a comprehensive whole house water filter system with the following components:
- Pre-Filter: To capture large sediments and particulates.
- Activated Carbon Filter: To remove chlorine, VOCs, and improve taste and odour.
- Water Softener: To address hard water issues and prevent scale buildup.
The Outcome
The installation was performed by a professional plumber, ensuring a seamless integration with their existing plumbing system. The results were immediate and significant:
- Improved Water Quality: The chlorine odour was eliminated, and the water was clear and pleasant to use.
- Enhanced Appliance Performance: The dishwasher and washing machine operated more efficiently, with no further issues of scale buildup or sediment clogs.
- Cost Savings: Reduced need for bottled water and fewer appliance repairs led to substantial cost savings over time.
- Healthier Skin and Hair: Family members noticed softer skin and hair, free from the drying effects of chlorine.
The family’s experience highlights the transformative impact of a whole house water filter system. Not only did it improve their water quality and appliance performance, but it also contributed to better health and cost savings.
Invest in Your Home’s Water Quality
Water filter systems are a worthwhile investment for any Australian household. Whether you opt for a specific tap filter or a whole house system, the benefits are clear: improved water quality, enhanced appliance longevity, and better overall health and wellbeing.
By choosing the right system for your needs and ensuring proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy clean, safe, and great-tasting water throughout your home. If you’re ready to take the next step, consult with Plumbers Of Perth!