Key Questions to Ask When Buying a Home Water Filtration System

Understand Your Water Quality

Before buying a water filtration system, start by assessing your current water quality. You can do this by:

1. Requesting a water quality report from your local utility.
2. Conducting a home water test using a DIY testing kit.
3. Identifying any potential contaminants like lead, chlorine, or bacteria.

Determine Your Filtration Needs

Next, figure out what contaminants you need to filter out:

1. Identify specific health concerns for your family.
2. Consider your drinking and cooking water needs.
3. Evaluate if you need whole-house filtration or just for drinking water.

Evaluate Different Filtration Types

Explore the types of filtration systems available:

• Activated Carbon: Best for removing chlorine, odors, and some contaminants.
• Reverse Osmosis: Effective for a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals.
• UV Filters: Kill bacteria and viruses but do not remove sediment or chemicals.

Consider the System’s Capacity

Check the capacity of the system to ensure it meets your family’s needs:

1. Look at the daily output of purified water.
2. Consider the flow rate and how many water outlets you will use.
3. Ensure there’s enough capacity for peak usage times.

Review Installation Requirements

Some systems require professional installation while others are DIY-friendly:

1. Identify if plumbing modifications will be needed.
2. Check if the installation kit is included in the purchase.
3. Consider hiring a professional if needed.

Check Maintenance and Filter Replacement

Different systems have varied maintenance needs:

1. Look into how often filters need to be replaced.
2. Calculate the long-term costs for maintenance.
3. Consider the availability of replacement parts.

Read Reviews and Brand Reputation

Before making a purchase, research different brands:

1. Read customer reviews on reliability and efficiency.
2. Look for brands with good customer service and support.
3. Check for any industry certifications.

Compare Costs

Finally, budget for the entire filtration system:

1. Compare upfront costs against long-term maintenance.
2. Look for any additional installation costs or warranties.
3. Consider financing options if necessary.