Home Water Filtration 101: A Beginners Guide To Better WaterUpdated a month ago

Home water filtration can feel overwhelming because there are so many different systems and terms thrown around, but at the core, it's about removing contaminants to make water cleaner, safer, and better-tasting. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Why Filter Water?

Tap water can contain a mix of contaminants, including:

 ✅ Sediments (dirt, rust, sand)
 ✅ Chlorine & Chloramines (used for disinfection but can cause bad taste/smell)
 ✅ Heavy Metals (lead, arsenic, mercury)
 ✅ Bacteria & Viruses (especially in well water)
 ✅ Chemicals & Pesticides (industrial runoff, agricultural chemicals)
 ✅ Hard Water Minerals (calcium & magnesium that cause scale buildup)
 ✅ Microplastics & Emerging Contaminants (newer concerns, often in city water)

Different filtration methods target different contaminants. Let's break down the main types of filtration methods...

2. The Main Types of Water Filtration Systems

There’s no one-size-fits-all system—different filters address different problems, which is why we always recommend talking to one of our experts before purchasing. 

The main types of filters include:

A. Sediment Filtration (Pre-Filters)

• What it does: Removes large particles like sand, dirt, and rust.
• Where it’s used: First stage in most filtration systems (well & city water).

B. Carbon Filtration (Taste & Odor Improvement)

• What it does: Removes chlorine, chloramines, bad taste, odors, and some chemicals (like VOCs).
• Where it’s used: Fridge filters, under-sink filters, whole-house systems, pitchers.
• Best for: People who just want better-tasting water without removing minerals.

C. Reverse Osmosis (RO) (Best for Ultra-Pure Water)

• What it does: Uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove nearly everything—chlorine, lead, fluoride, arsenic, bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and microplastics.
• Where it’s used: Under-sink systems, some whole-house setups (though not common).
• Downside: Wastes some water, removes healthy minerals (but can be re-added with a remineralization filter). However, we sell additional filters that can actually ADD these healthy minerals back into the water.

D. Water Softeners (For Hard Water)

• What it does: Removes calcium & magnesium to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
• Where it’s used: Whole-house systems for people with hard water.
• Does it purify water? No—it only softens it, so it’s often paired with another filter.

E. UV Purification (For Bacteria & Viruses)

• What it does: Kills bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms using ultraviolet light.
• Where it’s used: Well water systems, sometimes city water with biological risks.
• Does it filter out chemicals or metals? No—it only disinfects.

F. Specialty Filters

• Iron & Manganese Filters → Removes metallic taste & orange/brown staining.
  
• Fluoride Filters → For those who want to remove fluoride (often added in city water).
  
• Alkaline Filters → Reintroduce minerals to improve taste & pH after RO.
  
  

3. Choosing the Right System

The best filter always depends on your water source & concerns:

✅ City water? Carbon filters or RO to remove chlorine & chemicals.
✅ Well water? You may need sediment filtration, UV, or an iron filter.
✅ Hard water? A softener + filtration combo.
✅ Want the purest water? Reverse osmosis.

Testing your water (or looking at a local water report) is the best way to know what you need. We offer FREE Water Testing, you can learn more about how free water testing services by clicking this sentence.

4. Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use Filtration

• Whole-house systems → Filter water at the main line before it reaches any taps. Best for sediment, softening, or basic chlorine removal.
  
• Point-of-use systems → Under-sink filters, fridge filters, pitchers, etc. These focus on water for drinking & cooking.
  

Not sure which one you need? Well, it all depends on your current water and your water goals. we can provide our expert opinion and suggestions.

5. Maintenance Matters!

Filters don’t last forever—if they aren’t changed on time, they can stop working or even make water worse. Here's what we recommend in regards to typical replacement times:

• Sediment filters → 3-6 months
  
• Carbon filters → 6-12 months
  
• RO membranes → 2-3 years
  
• UV bulbs → 12 months

FYI, we offer an automatic subscription service available for parts and filters, so you never have to worry about forgetting to replace your filter again.

Final Thoughts

Once you understand what’s in your water and what you want to remove, it’s easier to choose the right system. If you ever feel stuck, just remember:

• Sediment filters → Dirt & rust
• Carbon filters → Taste & chlorine
• RO systems → Almost everything
• Softeners → Hard water minerals
• UV → Kills bacteria

The absolute best way to get the right system for you and your needs is to have a 1:1 free consultation with our team of water experts. To get that process going, all you need to do is fill out this brief 3-5 minute questionnaire and we'll be in touch quickly.