The Complete Guide to Water Filtration Systems for Your Home

Are you worried about what’s really in your tap water? You’re not alone. Every homeowner wants to know their family’s water is safe, clean, and tastes just right. But with so many options—filter pitchers, under-sink cartridges, whole-house systems—choosing a water filter can feel as confusing as reading a foreign recipe.

At New Age Plumbing, we handle water filtration for emergencies and everyday living. We know the codes. We know the risks. And we see the real-world results—both good and bad—every week. Let’s help you sort through the noise and find a system that fits your home, your water, and your peace of mind.

Types of Water Filtration Systems 🏠

When it comes to home water filters, think of them as different tools for different jobs. Here’s a break-down of the main types we install and service:

Pitcher Filters

• Simple, affordable, and portable.
• Great for renters or anyone who wants a quick fix for taste and odor.
• Most use activated carbon. They’re like a Brita or PUR pitcher—a good start, but not a cure-all.
• Best for: Chlorine taste, minor sediment, basic odor issues.

Under-Sink Filters

• Mounts below the kitchen sink, plumbed into a dedicated faucet.
• Removes contaminants right where you need the cleanest water—drinking and cooking.
• Options range from simple carbon blocks to multi-stage systems, including reverse osmosis.
• Best for: Lead, chlorine, pesticides, and some bacteria. Models with NSF/ANSI certification meet strict public health standards (see EPA guidelines).

Whole-House (Point-of-Entry) Systems

• Installs where the water line enters your home.
• Treats every drop: showers, dishwashers, laundry, and every tap.
• Common types: sediment filters, carbon systems, water softeners, and specialty media for iron or sulfur.
• Best for: Well water, hard water, rust, scale, smelly water, or if you want all fixtures protected.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

• The gold standard for removing the widest range of contaminants.
• Forces water through a semipermeable membrane, trapping lead, arsenic, nitrates, and more.
• Usually installed under the sink; some whole-house RO systems exist, but they’re large and require expert setup.
• Best for: Highly contaminated water, well water with nitrates, or immune-compromised households.

How to Choose the Right Filter

Choosing a water filter isn’t one-size-fits-all. Imagine choosing shoes: You wouldn’t wear flip-flops in the snow. The right filter depends on your water’s unique “personality.”

Step 1: Know Your Water Source

• City water: Treated and disinfected, usually with chlorine or chloramine. May have lead (from old pipes), PFAS (“forever chemicals”), or minerals that change taste.
• Well water: More unpredictable. Can include bacteria, nitrates, iron, sulfur, and sediment. Regular testing is vital—at least once a year.

Step 2: Test Your Water

• Home test kits can reveal pH, hardness, chlorine, lead, and bacteria.
• For a truly clear picture, get a certified lab test.
• Look for issues like cloudiness, odd smells, metallic taste, or staining on sinks and clothes.

Step 3: Match Concerns to Filter Type

• Hard water/scale: Water softener or whole-house conditioner.
• Chlorine taste/odor: Carbon filter (pitcher, under-sink, or whole-house).
• Lead/heavy metals: NSF/ANSI 53-certified filters, often under-sink or RO.
• Bacteria/viruses: UV light add-on or advanced RO.
• Sediment: Basic whole-house sediment filter.

Step 4: Check Certification and Third-Party Testing

• Look for NSF, WQA, or IAPMO certifications. These mean the filter has passed tough, independent tests.
• The EPA recommends reviewing product certifications before installation.

Installation & Maintenance Basics 🛠️

No filter is “set it and forget it.” Like a car’s oil or an air conditioner’s filter, water filtration needs regular attention.

Pitcher Filters

• Super simple: Just fill and chill.
• Change the cartridge monthly or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Clean the pitcher to prevent mold.

Under-Sink Systems

• Most use twist-on cartridges. Replace every 6–12 months.
• Shut off the water, depressurize the line, and have towels handy.
• Some systems require annual sanitization—check your owner’s manual.

Whole-House Systems

• Sediment and carbon filters need changing every 3–6 months.
• Media tanks (like for iron or sulfur) last longer but should be checked annually.
• For water softeners: Top up the salt, and clean out the brine tank if you notice a “slippery” or salty feel.

Reverse Osmosis

• Pre-filters and post-filters: Replace every 6–12 months.
• RO membrane: Usually lasts 2–5 years, depending on usage and water quality.
• Regularly check for leaks and sanitize storage tanks.

Tip: Always shut off the main water supply before starting. If you’re unsure, don’t risk a flooded cabinet—emergency plumbing pros like New Age Plumbing handle installations daily.

Health & Cost Benefits

Clean water isn’t just about taste. It’s about protecting your family’s health.

• Reduces exposure to contaminants: Removes lead, chlorine byproducts (which the EPA links to higher cancer risk), and microbial threats.
• Protects appliances: Softened or filtered water prevents scale buildup in water heaters, boilers, and dishwashers—saving you on repairs.
• Saves money: Pitchers and under-sink filters cost much less per gallon than bottled water.
• Peace of mind: Especially for babies, elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Case Study:
A family on a private well in a rural area called us after noticing orange stains in their sinks and a metallic taste. Testing revealed high iron and sulfur. We installed a whole-house iron filter and a carbon post-filter. Within a week, the stains and odor were gone, and their laundry stayed clean. Their yearly filter swap takes 15 minutes—a small price for safe water.

Common Myths & FAQs 🤔

Myth: All Filters Remove Everything

Not true. Most filters are designed for specific contaminants. A pitcher won’t remove lead. An RO won’t soften your water unless it’s paired with a softener.

Myth: City Water Is Always Safe

City water meets legal standards, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Old pipes, seasonal runoff, and aging infrastructure can let in unwanted guests.

FAQ 1: How do I know when to replace my filter?

Watch for changes in taste, odor, or flow rate. Or set a calendar reminder based on your system’s manual.

FAQ 2: Can I install a filter myself?

Pitchers and some under-sink units are DIY-friendly. Whole-house and RO systems are best left to pros—mistakes can lead to leaks or contamination.

FAQ 3: What about water for pets or plants?

Filtered water is safe for both—just be sure you’re not removing essential minerals if you use RO for plants.

FAQ 4: Do filters remove fluoride?

Only certain RO and specialty filters remove fluoride—not standard carbon or sediment filters.

Installation & Upkeep: Well vs. City Water

If you’re on a well, filtration isn’t optional—it’s your safety net. EPA recommends annual testing for bacteria, nitrates, and pH. Filters may need more frequent changes due to high sediment or iron.

For city water, annual filter changes and a quick inspection for leaks or corrosion is usually enough. But if your home is older, consider a lead test and a filter that’s certified for lead reduction.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• Mark your calendar for filter changes.
• Keep a spare cartridge on hand—especially if you live far from a hardware store.
• Use a licensed plumber for anything beyond a pitcher or faucet-mount filter. Emergency plumbing calls spike after DIY missteps.
• If you notice sudden drops in water pressure, odd tastes, or a spike in your water bill, it could signal a hidden leak or filter clog. Call for a professional inspection.

Health & Building Code References

• The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act sets federal standards for contaminants.
• Look for products with NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 53, or 58 certification.
• For well water, follow CDC guidelines for annual testing.
• Always check with your local building department before making plumbing changes—code requirements can vary by town.

The Bottom Line

Water filtration is one of the best defenses between your family and hidden water hazards. From a quick pitcher to a whole-home overhaul, the right system is out there. And if you need plumbing help—whether it’s installation, Drain Cleaning near you, or late-night emergency plumbing—New Age Plumbing is ready when you are.

Call New Age Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-541-2947 .