Do I Need a Whole House Water Treatment System? Pros vs. Cons

Water is essential to every home, and its quality can significantly impact your daily life. Deciding between whole house water treatment systems or opting for individual water filters can be daunting. This guide will help you understand the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of various water treatment options.

1. How Water Gets To Your House

2. How To Treat Your Water

3. Water Treatment Systems: 3 Options

At WaterSmart, we have 30 years of experience with whole house water treatment systems, and we'd love to share our expertise with you!

1. How Water Gets to Your House

Understanding how water reaches your home is crucial to choosing the right treatment system. Here’s a brief overview:

Residential Plumbing Basics

Water typically comes to your home through a municipal supply or a private well.

Municipal water is treated to meet safety standards, but it may still contain contaminants.

Well water is untreated and can vary in quality depending on local conditions.

Hard vs. Soft Water

Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, present in the water.

Hard Water: Common in many regions, hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave spots on dishes and fixtures.

Soft Water: Contains fewer minerals and is gentler on plumbing and appliances. However, soft water may taste different and lack essential minerals.

Water typically comes to your home through a municipal supply or a private well.

2. How to Treat Your Water

Several solutions are available to address water quality issues, each with its specific use case and benefits.

Water Softeners

Water softeners replace calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium or potassium ions, effectively reducing hardness.

• Pros: Prevents scale buildup, extends the life of plumbing and appliances, and improves soap and detergent effectiveness.

• Cons: Can add sodium to water, requires maintenance and salt replenishment, and may not remove other contaminants.

Brita Filters

Brita filters are popular for their convenience and effectiveness in removing common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and certain particulates.

• Pros: Easy to use, improves taste and odour, relatively inexpensive.

• Cons: Only treats water at the point of use, limited capacity, requires regular filter replacements.

Avoiding or Cleaning Mineral Buildup

Regular maintenance and cleaning can help mitigate the effects of hard water without installing a treatment system.

• Pros: Cost-effective, simple to implement.

• Cons: Labor-intensive, less effective in the long term, doesn’t improve water quality.

Choosing the right water treatment solution depends on your specific needs, water quality, and budget.

3. Water Treatment Systems: 3 Options

When considering whole house water treatment systems, you have several options, each with its pros and cons.

Whole House Water Treatment System

A comprehensive solution that treats all the water entering your home, ensuring consistent quality throughout.

• Pros: Treats water for the entire house, protects plumbing and appliances, improves overall water quality, and reduces contaminants.

• Cons: High initial cost, requires professional installation, regular maintenance needed.

Under-Sink Water Filters

These filters are installed under individual sinks to treat water at specific points of use, such as kitchen or bathroom sinks.

• Pros: Targeted treatment, relatively easy to install, and affordable.

• Cons: Only treats water at specific locations, requires multiple units for whole house coverage, regular filter replacement needed.

Faucet-Mounted Filters

Faucet-mounted filters attach directly to the faucet, providing treated water on demand.

• Pros: Easy to install, portable, and affordable.

• Cons: Limited capacity, may not fit all faucets, and regular filter replacement needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water treatment solution depends on your specific needs, water quality, and budget.

Whole house water treatment systems offer comprehensive benefits but comes with higher costs and maintenance requirements.

Under-sink and faucet-mounted filters provide targeted treatment at a lower cost but may not address all water quality issues.

Understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed decision for your home’s water treatment needs.

For more information, you can refer to these pages: Consumer Reports and Better Homes & Gardens.

Whole House Water Treatment Systems

Since 1994, WaterSmart Systems has consistently offered its customers in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas innovative, quality products and excellent service.

We are a water softener and FULL plumbing service company that you can trust.

That trust extends to our products and our expertise to improve the quality of your home's water.

“These guys deserve more stars , efficient, polite, on time, their price was a value. Cannot say enough of the easy and professional going communication from Greg and the plumber ... Highly recommended!”

— Harry Young

How to Purify Your Water at Home

There are numerous ways to purify your water right in your own home, ensuring every sip is clean, refreshing, and free from impurities. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to purify water at home using various methods:

1. Basic Filters for Tap Water

2. In-Fridge Jug-Style Filters

3. Larger Brita Filters (Under-Sink or Countertop)

4. Refillable Water Bottles

5. Reverse Osmosis

5. Further Reading and Resources

Whether you're looking for a convenient solution for your fridge or considering a comprehensive purification system, WaterSmart has got you covered. Contact us today.

How to Purify Your Water at Home

Water is the essence of life, a vital component that sustains us every day. But what happens when the water flowing from our taps isn't as pure as we'd like?

From subtle odours to unseen contaminants, the quality of our drinking water can be a concern. Let's embark on a journey to discover how to transform ordinary tap water into a pristine source of hydration and wellness.

1. Basic Filters for Tap Water

• Types: You can start with basic faucet-mounted filters like those from brands such as PUR or Brita. These filters attach directly to your faucet and can remove common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and sediment.

• Installation: Installation is typically straightforward and requires no tools. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper setup.

• Maintenance: Replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 2-3 months or as needed based on usage and water quality.

Purify your water right at the tap.

2. In-Fridge Jug-Style Filters

• Usage: Brita pitchers with replaceable filters are popular for their convenience and effectiveness in improving the taste and odour of tap water.

• Process: Fill the jug with tap water, and let it pass through the filter into the lower reservoir. The filter removes impurities as water flows through.

• Filter Replacement: Replace the Brita filter according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually every 40 gallons or 2 months.

Get a Brita pitcher and keep it cold in the fridge.

3. Larger Brita Filters (Under-Sink or Countertop)

• Installation: Brita also offers larger filtration systems that can be installed under the sink or on the countertop. These systems provide filtered water directly from a separate faucet.

• Advantages: They offer enhanced filtration capacity and are suitable for households with higher water consumption.

• Maintenance: Follow the recommended filter replacement schedule for optimal performance.

Purify your water with a countertop system.

4. Refillable Water Bottles

• Purpose: These tanks are often used in areas where municipal water quality is a concern. You can purchase water from trusted sources and store it in these tanks for drinking and cooking.

• Considerations: Ensure the tank is regularly cleaned and sanitized to prevent bacterial growth. Use a filtration system if necessary for additional purification.

If you love the taste of bottled water but want to be more environmentally conscious, you could start using more economical and refillable large bottles.

At WaterSmart, we’ve been providing water bottle refill station service to our customers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area since 1994. We provide BPA-free 18L bottles.

We make sure you get the same excellent customer service and high-quality drinking water that we've been offering all of our customers for almost 30 years.

Did you know it takes manufacturers up to 3 litres of water to make 1 litre of bottled water?

5. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purification

• Process: Reverse osmosis is a highly effective water purification method that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants from water. It works by applying pressure to push water molecules through the membrane, leaving behind impurities.

• Contaminant Removal: RO systems can remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dissolved solids, bacteria, and chemicals, resulting in exceptionally clean and pure water.

• Installation: RO systems typically consist of multiple stages, including pre-filters for sediment and carbon filtration, the RO membrane, and post-filters for final polishing. They can be installed under the sink or as standalone units.

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance involves replacing pre-filters, the RO membrane, and post-filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal performance.

• Benefits: RO water is often considered one of the purest forms of drinking water, making it ideal for households concerned about water quality and taste.

• Considerations: While RO systems are highly effective, they may also remove beneficial minerals from water. Some models include remineralization stages to address this concern.

• Resources: Explore Watersmart's range of reverse osmosis systems to find a solution that meets your water purification needs. Link to Watersmart's RO systems page.

Incorporating an RO system into your home can elevate your water quality to new heights.

Reverse osmosis offers a comprehensive approach to water purification, delivering crisp, clean water that's perfect for drinking, cooking, and more.

6. Further Reading and Resources:

• Water Softeners: Learn about water softening systems and their benefits for improving water quality and extending appliance lifespan.

• Local Water Hardness Tips: Understand your local water hardness levels and how they can affect your choice of water purification methods.

• How effective are Brita filters?

By following these steps and choosing the right water purification method based on your needs and water quality, you can enjoy clean and safe drinking water at home.

We Can Help Purify Your Water

We've been providing water services to our customers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area since 1994.

If you need reverse osmosis or any other water system in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can trust WaterSmart.

We would be happy to help at a reasonable rate, and we even have financing options if you need a new unit.

Our expert, experienced plumbers will install your new water softener efficiently and at a price that you can afford.

If you purchase a water softener from us, your installation is free!

CONTACT WATERSMART TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE.

LOCATION:

14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331

“I went in today for the first time to refill 6 jugs for my work. The person who helped me was just so nice, and even carried 5 of the jugs back to my car for me!
”

— Satisfied customer

3 of the Best Water Softeners You Can Buy Right Now

Are you tired of dealing with hard water issues at home? From scale buildup on faucets to dry skin and dull laundry, hard water can cause a myriad of problems. But fear not!

We've curated a list of the best water softeners available right now to help you make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of soft, clean water in your home.

1. Econo Series Water Softener

2. Smart Series Water Softener

3. Tahoe Series Water Softener

WaterSmart is a family-run business that has been in business for 30 years! We pride ourselves on providing great quality work and products at great prices. To learn more about us click here. 

3 of the Best Water Softeners You Can Buy Right Now

1. ECONO SERIES WATER SOFTENER

The Econo Series is your economical solution for water softening in your home! This water softener comes with a 5-year parts warranty and a 1-year labour warranty.

• 30,000-grain water softener

• Regenerates on demand - based on water usage

• Solid-state programmable computer

• Fully adjustable regeneration cycle times

• Capacitor backup with two hour power carryover

• 12-volt transformer

• Full one-inch diameter riser tube

• Pol-E-Wound fibreglass resin tanks provide superior strength - do not deteriorate, rust or corrode

• Stylish twin tank system in matching black colours

• Warranty: 5 Year parts, 1 Year Labour

• Includes installation, by-pass valve and a 20kg bag of salt

2. SMART SERIES WATER SOFTENER

The Smart Series water softener is compact in design but big on performance! It comes with a 5-year part and labour warranty.

• 30,000 or 45,000-grain water softener

• 'Look ahead' feature to maximize regeneration efficiency

• Countercurrent (up-flow) regeneration - Uses 45% less water (compared to Econo)

• Uses less than $2.00 worth of hydro annually

• Dry brine tank technology for increased salt savings

• Compact space-saver design - same size or smaller than most cabinet designs

• Noise cancelling silencer on the valve - reduces noise by up to 50% as compared to other softeners

• Fully adjustable regeneration cycle times

• Capacitor backup with two-hour power carryover

• 12-volt transformer

• Full one-inch diameter riser tube

• Pol-E-Wound fibreglass resin tanks provide superior strength - do not deteriorate, rust or corrode

• Stylish twin tank system in matching black colours

• Sweat jacket on resin tank

• Warranty: 5 Year parts, 5 Year Labour

• Includes installation, bypass valve and a 20kg bag of salt

3. TAHOE SERIES WATER SOFTENER

The Tahoe Series water softener features a rugged design with functionality in mind. It comes with a 7-year parts warranty and 5-year labour warranty.

• 30,000 or 45,000-grain system

• Uses less than $2 worth of hydro annually

• Backlit board which allows for easier visibility in dark spaces. 

• Colour changes when in normal operation/cycles & fault modes

• Proportional brine feature- reduced salt usage

• Tahoe settings are saved in memory as long as the battery lasts

• ‘Look ahead’ feature to maximize regeneration efficiency

• Compact space-saver design – same size or smaller than most cabinet designs

• Dry brine technology for salt savings

• Countercurrent (up-flow) regeneration

• Noise cancelling silencer on the valve – reduces noise by up to 50%

• Safety float brine valve that prevents salt tank overflows

• Fully programmable regeneration times

• Condensation prevention sweat jacket

• Stylish twin black tanks

• Optional ozone generator + brine recovery system

• Warranty: 7 Year parts, 5 Year Labour

• Optional bypass valve included

Get The Best Water Softeners From WaterSmart!

Every water softener we offer is made in Canada.

Basic installation is FREE with the purchase of any new WaterSmart water softener!

And with our financing option, you can easily purchase a water softener, Canada wide.

To find the ideal water softener for your home, use our water softener calculator. Here are our top resources you can check out to learn more:

1. Water Softener Cost: Installation, Purchase & Rental Fees, and More

2. Water Softener Rentals: Is Renting Or Owning Right For Me?

3. 8 Water Softener Benefits For You & Your Home

4. How Do I Know if There Is Hard Water In My Area?

5. Water Softener Services, Repairs, Installations and More

The above resources will help you learn more about water softener costs, installation, benefits, and more.

Contact WaterSmart today for a free quote.

“I was impressed, even amazed, at how helpful and pleasant the staff at Watersmart Systems and Plumbing were in solving my water softener problems. They will be the first place I’ll go to with any water softener concerns. ”

— Richard

How Do Brita Filters Work? Water Filter Explanation

How do Brita filters work, anyway? Brita filters have gained popularity for their effectiveness and ease of use. In this guide, we'll delve into what Brita filters are, why water filtration is important, alternatives to Brita filters, and how to obtain filters and services from reputable providers like Watersmart.

1. How do Brita filters work?

2. When is water filtration desirable and what problems does it solve?

3. Alternatives to Brita filters and other water filtration options

Water filtration is a crucial step towards ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water. By choosing WaterSmart, you can enjoy the benefits of reliable filtration solutions tailored to your needs. Find out how.

Water Filter Explanation

1. how do Brita filters work?

Brita filters are innovative water filtration systems designed to enhance the quality and taste of tap water.

They utilize a combination of physical and chemical processes to remove impurities, contaminants, and undesirable substances from water.

Filtration Mechanism:

1. Activated Carbon: One of the key components of Brita filters is activated carbon, a highly porous material derived from natural sources like coconut shells or coal. This carbon has a large surface area with countless microscopic pores, making it effective in adsorbing (not absorbing) impurities.

2. Adsorption Process: When water passes through the activated carbon filter, contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, lead, pesticides, and organic compounds adhere to the carbon surface. This process, known as adsorption, traps pollutants and prevents them from passing through, resulting in cleaner and safer water.

3. Improving Taste and Odor: In addition to removing impurities, Brita filters also improve the taste and odour of water. Chlorine, commonly used in municipal water treatment, can impart a strong taste and smell to tap water. The activated carbon in Brita filters absorbs chlorine and its by-products, leading to fresher-tasting and odour-free water.

4. Particle Filtration: Along with chemical contaminants, Brita filters also capture larger particles like sediment and rust that may be present in the water supply. This helps prevent these particles from reaching your glass or water bottle, ensuring a visually clear and aesthetically pleasing drinking experience.

5. Ion Exchange Resin: Some Brita filters incorporate ion exchange resin along with activated carbon. This resin is effective in reducing limescale buildup by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, thereby softening water and reducing the formation of mineral deposits in appliances like kettles and coffee makers.

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance of Brita filters. This includes replacing the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every 2-3 months or after filtering a certain volume of water), cleaning the filtration system periodically, and following proper storage practices to prevent bacterial growth.

Brita filters enhance the quality and taste of tap water.

2. When is water filtration desirable and what problems does it solve?

Water filtration is desirable in various situations, such as:

• Improving Taste and Odor: Filtration enhances the taste and odour of water by removing chemicals and pollutants.

• Removing Harmful Substances: It eliminates harmful substances like lead, mercury, and bacteria, making water safer to drink.

• Protecting Appliances: Filtration can prolong the lifespan of appliances like coffee makers and kettles by reducing scale buildup.

• Health Benefits: Clean water promotes better health by reducing exposure to contaminants that may cause health issues.

Safety concerns related to water quality include the presence of pathogens, heavy metals, and chemicals, which can lead to health problems if consumed regularly.

Water filtration helps address these concerns by providing a reliable method to purify drinking water.

3. Alternatives to Brita filters and other water filtration options

While Brita filters are popular, several alternatives offer similar or enhanced filtration capabilities:

• Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants, including dissolved salts and minerals.

• UV Water Purifiers: UV light is used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in water.

• Whole House Filtration: These systems filter water at the point of entry into the house, providing clean water for various uses.

• Faucet-Mounted Filters: Similar to Brita filters, these attach directly to the faucet and provide on-demand filtration.

Choosing the right filtration system depends on factors like water quality, budget, and specific filtration needs.

Getting filters and service from Watersmart

WaterSmart is a reputable company known for its water filtration products and services. To obtain filters and services:

• Consultation: Contact WaterSmart for a consultation to assess your water quality and filtration requirements.

• Installation: Upon choosing a suitable filter, WaterSmart will install it professionally, ensuring optimal performance.

• Maintenance: WaterSmart offers maintenance services to keep your filtration system running efficiently, including filter replacements and troubleshooting.

Expectations for a new installation include improved water quality, enhanced taste, and peace of mind knowing that your water is safe and clean for consumption.

“I get my bottled water here and have never had a problem. Always greeted with a smile and lent a hand carrying out the water.”

— Brody Peace