6 Kinds of Water Filtration Systems: Which One Is the Best Choice for Your Home

Installing a water filtration system is one of the most impactful ways to upgrade your residential property in terms of health, comfort, and safety. It’s no wonder, then, that many families are prioritising the installation of water filtration systems in their homes.

If you’re interested in doing the same, get in touch with plumbers Dunedin homeowners trust and ask them about the most suitable filtration system. Our experienced technicians at Main Plumbers can help you determine which of these systems meet your home’s needs and how they can address the particular challenges of your water supply.

Carbon Filtration Systems

Among the most popular options for homeowners in New Zealand, carbon filtration systems work by using activated carbon to trap impurities through a process called adsorption. This effectively removes contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain pesticides from the water coming into your home. These systems are versatile and come in various forms, from faucet-mounted filters to whole-house units.

If your water at home is already treated and safe to drink but has aesthetic issues like an unpleasant taste or odour, a carbon filtration system is ideal and can make a noticeable difference.

Pros

• Carbon filtration systems are effective at improving water taste and odour.
• The process can remove chlorine and some organic compounds from the water.
• These systems are relatively low cost and the equipment needed is easy to install.
• These systems are available in various forms, including faucet filters, countertop units, and whole-house systems.

Cons

• The process is not effective against heavy metals, nitrates, bacteria, or viruses.
• Carbon filters require regular replacement.
• The effectiveness of carbon filtration systems drops if the water contains high sediment levels.
  

Reverse Osmosis Systems

If you’re aiming to remove a wide range of contaminants from your water supply, perhaps you can check out reverse osmosis (RO) systems. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities such as heavy metals, nitrates, and dissolved salts. The process works by pushing the water through the membrane under high pressure, which leaves behind contaminants as it delivers purified water into the household.

Homes in areas with water quality issues are the ones that can best benefit from RO systems. If you’re worried about high levels of heavy metals, nitrates, or dissolved salts and want the highest level of purification for your drinking water, this type of system is an excellent choice. Keep in mind, though, that RO systems are often used in combination with other filtration methods.

Pros

• RO systems remove a broad spectrum of heavy metals, nitrates, and some bacteria and viruses.
• They produce very clean water with a neutral taste.
• They are available as under-sink units or whole-house systems.

Cons

• These systems can be expensive to purchase and install.
• It wastes a significant amount of water, around 3-4 litres of waste for every litre of filtered water.
• The process removes beneficial minerals from the water.
• The system requires regular maintenance and membrane replacement.
  

Ultraviolet Purification Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) purification systems offer a chemical-free way to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in your water. The system works by passing water through a chamber containing a UV lamp, which inactivates pathogens without altering the water’s taste or odour. The system is an ideal solution for homes where microbial contamination is a concern, such as those that depend on rainwater or untreated surface water. This system is often used in conjunction with other filtration methods, such as carbon filters, to ensure comprehensive water treatment.

Pros

• These systems are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• The process does not require additional chemicals, so there’s no change in the taste or odour of the water.
• It has low maintenance requirements, and frequent filter changes are not needed.

Cons

• These systems do not remove chemical contaminants, heavy metals, or sediments.
• Electricity is needed to operate UV purification systems.
• The effectiveness of the process decreases if the water is cloudy or contains high levels of sediment.
  

Ceramic Filtration Systems

Ceramic filters use porous ceramic material to filter out bacteria, protozoa, and sediment from your water. These filters sometimes contain silver to enhance bacterial removal and prevent mould growth, offering a reliable option for those using untreated water sources. They are well-suited for households that rely on untreated water sources, such as rainwater or bore water. Ceramic filtration systems can also make a significant positive impact in areas with limited access to electricity. For the best results, these filtration systems should be combined with other systems, like UV purification or carbon filtration.

Pros

• Ceramic filtration systems are effective at removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediment.
• The equipment for this filtration system is long-lasting and can also be cleaned and reused.
• The process does not need additional chemicals or electricity.

Cons

• These systems have a slow filtration rate.
• They are not effective against viruses or chemical contaminants.
• Ceramic filters can clog and require frequent cleaning.
  

Ion Exchange Systems

If hard water is an issue for you, then you might benefit from using ion exchange systems. They soften water by removing calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness, and replace them with sodium or potassium ions that help prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances. This type of filtration system can be particularly beneficial for households that experience frequent scale buildup in plumbing, and they can even help extend the lifespan of your appliances and improve their efficiency.

Pros

• These systems are made specifically to soften hard water.
• Using them reduces scale buildup in plumbing and appliances.
• They can be used in conjunction with other filtration systems for comprehensive water treatment.

Cons

• They do not remove contaminants like bacteria, viruses, or organic chemicals.
• They must be regularly replenished with salt or potassium.
• These systems increase sodium levels in the water, which may not be suitable for people on low-sodium diets.

Distillation Systems

Distillation systems purify water by heating it to create steam, then condensing the steam back into water, leaving contaminants behind. This method effectively removes most impurities, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved salts, making it one of the most thorough filtration methods available. Distillation systems are ideal if you need highly purified water, especially in areas with severe water quality issues. The process is energy-intensive, which is why this system is commonly used for drinking and cooking water rather than for whole-house applications.

Pros

• Distillation systems produce highly purified water.
• They remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and pathogens.
• The process does not need additional chemicals.

Cons

Distillation requires a lot of energy and is a slow process.

The process removes beneficial minerals, resulting in flat-tasting water.

Regular cleaning is also required to remove scale buildup in the distiller.

Get in Touch with Mains Plumber for Expert Assistance

Choosing the best water filtration system for your home is a decision that depends on your specific needs and the quality of your water supply. Whether you’re looking to improve the taste and smell of your water, protect against microbial contamination, or remove heavy metals, our team at Mains Plumbers can help you find the right system that meets your requirements. 

Aside from installing water filtration systems, we can also assist you with your other plumbing needs. If you need gas fitting services, drainlaying services, or 24/7 emergency plumbing services in your home in Dunedin or surrounding areas, get in touch with us. Give Mains Plumbers a call so we can offer you expert plumbing services right away.