It’s no secret that water is essential for life. What may not be as well known, however, is the fact that not all water is created equal. In fact, some water can be downright harmful to your health.
If you’re not sure whether or not you should start filtering your home’s water, keep reading.
This post will list seven signs that it’s time to make the switch to a whole house water filtration system.
Key Takeaways:
- Unusual taste or smell in your tap water
- Cloudiness or discoloration of the water
- Reddish, brown, yellow, or black stains on porcelain fixtures and clothing after washing
- Low water pressure
- White residue on dishes and flatware after being washed
- Presence of sediment in the water
- Excessive amounts of limescale buildup on faucets and fixtures
What’s in our water?
Before we get into the signs that you need to start filtering your water, let’s take a quick look at what might be lurking in your home’s tap water. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tap water can contain any number of harmful contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants.
While most of these contaminants are at low levels, they can still have a negative impact on your health. In fact, the EWG has found nearly 100 contaminants have the potential to cause cancer. Yikes!
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from these harmful chemicals? One solution is to start filtering your home’s water with a whole house filtration system — more on this later.
What are The Tell-Tale Signs You Need a Water Filtration System?
Most common signs are easily detected and some tell tale signs of bad tap water can be unnoticeable. To determine if you should start filtering your water, pay attention to the following:
1. Water Taste Bad?
One sign that it’s time to start filtering your water is if your tap water tastes bad. If you’re used to the fresh, clean taste of filtered water, but are now experiencing a stale or metallic taste, this could mean that contaminants have gotten into the system and are contaminating the taste of your home’s water.
Many people don’t realize that contaminants in the water can cause the taste of their home’s tap water to change. If you notice that your normally sweet-tasting water is tasting more like chemicals, it may be time to invest in a whole house filtration system — before you start feeling sick!
2. Occasional Skin Rashes
If you’re suddenly experiencing skin rashes that you can’t seem to get rid of, it’s possible that they’re being caused by contaminants in your water. Many people don’t realize that their skin is their largest organ and that it can be a target for toxins.
If you’re finding yourself scratching more than usual, or if you’re just not happy with your current skincare routine, it may be time to start investing in a whole house filtration system that will help eliminate these contaminants from the water you’re using every single day.
3. Do Your Clothes Look Dingy?
Another tell-tale sign that you need to start filtering your water is if your clothes are looking dingy. If the whites in your wardrobe aren’t so white anymore and seem to be more yellowish, it’s possible that contaminants have started leaching out of the fabrics.
These contaminants can even get trapped between fibers of towels or facecloths, which can then be used to clean your skin or hair. Talk about a double whammy! If you’re noticing that your clothes are looking dingy and that your skincare and haircare routines aren’t working as well as they used to, it may be time to start filtering your water.
4. Your water isn’t crystal clear
Chances are that your water isn’t as crystal clear as it once was. Most tap water contains minerals that have settled into hard-water deposits over time. So what’s the big deal? While you might not be able to see these minerals with the naked eye, they’re still present in your water and can contribute to a number of negative health outcomes when consumed over time.
If you’re noticing that your water isn’t as clear as it used to be, or if your water is starting to look a bit murky, it may be time to start filtering your water. This will help remove these hard-water minerals from your daily routine, and could even lead to better skin and hair health in the long run!
5. Your Water Smells Funny
Many people don’t realize that their water smells bad, but this is easily solved with the installation of a whole house filtration system. If your tap water smells like chemicals or chlorine, it’s time to start filtering.
You might be wondering why some tap water has a chemical smell while some don’t — well, contaminants in the ground could be the culprit. If you live near a chemical plant or landfill, for example, these contaminants seep into the ground and are eventually washed into your water supply.
6. Water Makes You Nauseous?
If you’re feeling nauseous every time you drink water, it’s possible that there’s something wrong with your water. Many people are unaware that their water could be making them sick, but nausea is one common symptom of contaminated water.
If you’re experiencing any other symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, it’s definitely time to start looking into a filtration system. This will help to eliminate all of the contaminants from your water, which in turn should help to improve your overall health!
7. Was Your house was built before 1986?
If you’re not sure whether or not your house was built before 1986, you can easily find out by calling your local building department. If your house was built before 1986, it’s likely that you have lead pipes. According to the EPA, lead pipes are a common source of drinking water contamination.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have lead pipes, it’s best to play it safe and start filtering your water. Not only can contaminants in your water lead to health problems, but they can also cause damage to your home’s plumbing system.
If you answered yes to any of these signs, chances are you need a filtration system or similar. By filtering your water at home, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful contaminants that can lead to health problems down the road.
Why You Should Get a Water Test
If you’re not sure whether or not you need to start filtering your water, it’s a good idea to get a water test done. This will help you determine the exact level of contamination in your water and will allow you to find the best filtration system for your needs.
You can also look at your local water department’s website to view their annual water test results for your area. If you notice that your numbers are off, it’s a good idea to start looking into a filtration system.
If you’re on well water, you should definitely get a water test done before installing a new filtration system. Some people mistake the smell of their water for contamination when in fact they have perfectly safe water. By getting a water test done, you’ll be able to rule out any potential problems and find the best filtration system for your needs.
What is a Whole House Water Filter System?
A home filtration system is an in-line tank that gets attached directly to your main water supply. It works by filtering all of the water in your home at once rather than individual faucets or appliances.
One of the benefits of using a whole house water filter is that it removes contaminants and sediment from your water before it even enters your home. This can help to improve the taste and quality of your water while also protecting your appliances and plumbing from build-up.
Read: how whole house water filters work
What Types of Whole House Systems Are there?
There are three different types of water filtration systems for whole-house use:
- Carbon Block Filters – These filters use activated carbon to remove chlorine and other contaminants from the water supply. Carbon block filters can be effective at removing lead and chemicals like benzene, but they aren’t as thorough as some other options on the market.
- Ion Exchange Filters – Ion exchange filters use a resin bed to remove hardness, chlorine, and other impurities from the water. This type of filter is effective at removing dissolved minerals like lead and copper, and it can also improve the taste and smell of your water.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems – Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective type of whole house filter and they can remove virtually all impurities from your water. This system uses a semipermeable membrane to remove chemicals, bacteria, and dissolved minerals from the water supply. It is also effective at reducing the levels of arsenic and fluoride in your water
How Much Does a Home Filtration System Cost?
There is a variety of different types of water filtration systems on the market, and each one will have a slightly different price tag. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500 or more for a complete system. The cost of installation could range from $800 to $1700 or more, depending on the type of filter you choose and the size of your home.
Further reading: How much do water filtration systems cost
Final Thoughts
Now that you know some of the signs that you need to start filtering your water, it’s time to get started! Not only will this help improve your overall health, but it will also help to protect your appliances and plumbing from build-up.
When it comes time to choose a whole house water filter system, be sure to do your research and find one that is right for your needs. Remember, not all filters are created equal – so be sure to select one that will remove the contaminants that are of most concern to you.
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