Whole House Solutions
Several types of Point of Entry (POE) systems are available, with various design options within those types, so you can build a solution that meets your specific water treatment needs, budget and living situation. A few types of systems are listed below.
- Water Softeners – This is the most well known POE treatment system, designed specifically to remove hardness-causing minerals in your water. If you have water quality concerns beyond hardness (e.g. lead, arsenic or bacteria), a water softener alone will not address your needs. You consider the addition of a separate POE or point-of-use (POU) device to treat those problems.
- Water Filters – Whole house filtration systems typically feature one or more filters along the home’s main incoming water line. This allows you to address specific contaminant concerns with one or more filtration devices – for example, one filter for sediment and another for lead or chemical contaminants.
- Specialty Devices – For severe water problems, sometimes incoming water must be treated with a specialized filtration system. These systems, ultraviolet or ultrafiltration devices for example, are typically about the size of a water softener.
Other Options: In addition to the above, your Whole House Solution alternatives include systems based on other treatment technologies, including oxidation/filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection, and distillation systems. These system types are covered in more detail in the Understanding Water Filtration and Treatment Technologies section of this site.
Price ranges: POE devices range dramatically in price, from $100 or so on up to $1,000’s of dollars. Systems that are more expensive initially may filter more water, reduce a greater number of contaminants, be more durable, and operate on longer-lasting filters. Your total cost over the life of such a system may be comparable to or less than another device whose initial purchase cost isn’t as high.
Discuss your particular needs with a water professional to determine what filtration/treatment system will give you the cleanest, safest water at the best long-term cost. Remember too, that treated water may extend the life of your appliances and clothes (in the case of a water softener), and may save you money on bottled water (in the case of health issues or taste concerns). So your investment in a quality water treatment system today may well pay off in the long run.
When a POE system is not the best choice: If plumbing in your home is leaching contaminants into the water, that contamination is occurring “down stream” of your Whole House device it cannot resolve the problem. In this case, consider a tap-based Point-of-Use (POU) system for water used for drinking, cooking, showering, etc.
Installation and Maintenance: If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person with some mechanical skills, you might consider installing a POE system yourself. Otherwise, you should contact a water professional such as a local water treatment dealer or licensed plumber for assistance.
Whether you own or rent your home – not to worry. Permanent and removable whole house system options are available.
- Removable POE systems – An excellent option for renters who may not be allowed to make any permanent changes to plumbing or who would prefer to take their filter system with them if they move.
- Permanent POE systems – Permanently installed designs are a good solution for those who own their home. Even if you sell your home in the future, the system becomes a valuable home improvement that can serve as a selling point.
Click for more information:
Water Softeners
Water Filters
Specialty Systems
« Previous Page