Water Treatment Guide
Water treatment systems improve water quality by removing contaminants, minerals, and impurities. This category includes whole-house water filters, point-of-use filtration systems, reverse osmosis units, water softeners, UV disinfection systems, and sediment filters. Treatment methods address specific concerns such as chlorine, lead, bacteria, hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium), iron, sulfur, and total dissolved solids. Key specifications include flow rate capacity, filter lifespan, regeneration cycles for softeners, and NSF certifications for contaminant reduction. Installation requirements vary from simple under-sink units to whole-house systems requiring professional plumbing integration.
Types of Water Treatment 4
View All Water Treatment TypesExplore the different types of water treatment to find the best option for your needs and budget.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Multi-stage filtration using a semipermeable membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants. Typically installed under the kitchen sink with a dedicated faucet.
Read MoreUV Purification Systems
Use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Chemical-free water disinfection for well water and municipal water.
Read MoreWater Softeners
Remove calcium, magnesium, and other hard minerals using ion exchange. Prevents scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances.
Read MoreWhole-House Filters
Point-of-entry systems that filter all water entering the home. Remove sediment, chlorine, and common contaminants from every tap.
Read MoreWater Treatment Brands 28
View All Water Treatment BrandsBrowse trusted water treatment brands known for quality, reliability, and innovation.
3M
3M's Aqua-Pure line delivers commercial-grade water filtration for homes and businesses, featuring carbon block and reverse osmosis systems that reduce contaminants including lead, chlorine, and sediment. Their filtration technology draws on decades of industrial membrane science.
Read MoreAO Smith
Through its Aquasana brand and growing water treatment division, A. O. Smith offers whole-house filtration, reverse osmosis, and water softening systems for residential customers seeking clean, great-tasting water.
Read MoreAPEC Water
APEC's premium reverse osmosis systems deliver bottled-quality water straight from the tap. Their Essence series and WFS-1000 are top sellers, featuring 5-stage filtration with long-lasting filters, quick-connect fittings, and lead-free designer faucets. All systems are designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA with premium components.
Read MoreAqua-Star
Residential water treatment and purification systems designed for clean, safe drinking water at accessible price points.
Read MoreAquasana
Aquasana's proprietary Claryum multi-stage filtration technology powers their full lineup of whole-house filters, under-counter systems, countertop filters, and shower filters. Their systems are NSF-certified to remove up to 99% of lead and chlorine along with 77 other contaminants while retaining healthy minerals. Popular models include the OptimH2O reverse osmosis and the Rhino whole-house system.
Read MoreBrita
Brita dominates the consumer water filtration market with their iconic pour-through pitchers, faucet-mount filters, dispensers, and filtered water bottles. Their Standard filters reduce chlorine taste and odor, while Longlast and Elite filters also reduce lead, asbestos, and other contaminants. Brita's Hub instant-filtration countertop system represents their latest innovation for on-demand filtered water.
Read MoreClack
Clack manufactures the industry-standard WS1 and WS1.25 control valves used in water softeners and filtration systems worldwide. Their product line includes metered and timed control valves, brine valves, mineral tanks, and accessories that form the heart of most residential and light commercial water treatment systems.
Read MoreCulligan
Culligan offers a complete water treatment ecosystem: whole-home water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, whole-house filtration, bottled water delivery, and commercial/industrial treatment systems. Their local dealers provide free water testing, professional installation, ongoing maintenance, and salt delivery. The Aqua-Cleer and Aquasential product lines represent their latest residential offerings.
Read MoreEcoWater
EcoWater manufactures whole-home water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, and whole-house filtration systems with Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring via the EcoWater app. Their dealer network provides professional water testing, installation, and ongoing service throughout the system's life.
Read MoreElkay
Elkay's ezH2O bottle filling stations and water coolers are installed in thousands of schools, airports, gyms, and public buildings. Their filtered water solutions reduce lead and other contaminants while encouraging reusable bottle use.
Read MoreFleck
Fleck manufactures water softener control valves that are the backbone of residential and commercial water softening systems worldwide. The Fleck 5600SXT is the best-selling residential softener valve, offering metered demand regeneration for efficient salt and water usage. Their lineup includes the 2510SXT, 2850, and 9100SXT twin-tank models for higher-capacity and commercial applications.
Read MoreFrigidaire
Frigidaire manufactures replacement water filters for their refrigerator lines and standalone water filtration products, reducing common contaminants for cleaner drinking water.
Read MoreGE
GE water filtration products include whole-house filtration systems, under-sink reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, and refrigerator replacement filters. Their GXWH and GXRM series provide affordable whole-house and point-of-use solutions with NSF-certified contaminant reduction.
Read MoreHague
Hague manufactures the WaterMax series of whole-house water treatment systems that combine water softening, iron/sulfur removal, and sediment filtration in a single patented multi-compartment tank. They also offer reverse osmosis drinking water systems and UV disinfection units. All products are professionally installed and serviced through authorized Hague dealers.
Read MoreHalsey Taylor
Halsey Taylor manufactures drinking fountains, water coolers, bottle filling stations, and combination fountain/filler units for commercial and institutional use. Their HydroBoost bottle filling stations with filtered water are widely specified in schools and public buildings. Products are ADA-compliant and available in wall-mount, bi-level, and freestanding configurations.
Read MoreHome Master
Home Master manufactures advanced reverse osmosis drinking water systems with built-in remineralization (Artesian Full Contact technology) that adds calcium and magnesium back into purified water for better taste and balanced pH. Their modular filter design allows fast, mess-free filter changes without shutting off the water supply. They also offer whole-house water filtration systems for sediment, iron, and chemical reduction.
Read MoreiSpring
iSpring manufactures affordable reverse osmosis drinking water systems, whole-house water filtration, under-sink filters, and water softeners. Their RCC7AK 6-stage RO with alkaline remineralization is a perennial Amazon best-seller. They also offer the WGB series of whole-house filters for sediment, chlorine, and iron reduction, plus the ED2000 electronic descaler as a salt-free water conditioning alternative.
Read MoreKenmore
Kenmore water softeners have been among the best-selling in America for decades. Models range from compact units for small households to high-capacity systems with smart features and demand-initiated regeneration for efficient salt usage.
Read MoreKinetico
Kinetico manufactures non-electric, twin-tank water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, whole-house filtration, and commercial water treatment. Their Premier and Signature series softeners use kinetic energy from water flow to power regeneration — no electricity needed. The twin-tank design ensures one tank is always in service, providing uninterrupted soft water 24/7.
Read MoreOasis
Oasis manufactures drinking water coolers, water fountains, bottle fillers, and point-of-use water dispensers for commercial, institutional, and outdoor applications. Their products include wall-mount and freestanding coolers, bi-level ADA-compliant fountains, and bottle filling stations with filter monitoring.
Read MorePelican Water
Pelican Water manufactures salt-free water softeners using NaturSoft TAC technology, whole-house carbon filtration systems, UV disinfection, and point-of-use drinking water filters. Their combo systems pair salt-free softening with carbon filtration for comprehensive whole-house treatment without salt, chemicals, or wastewater discharge.
Read MorePentair
Pentair manufactures whole-house water softeners, filtration systems, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, UV disinfection, and commercial water treatment equipment. Their Fleck control valves are the industry standard for water softeners. The Everpure brand serves commercial foodservice filtration. Residential products include the FreshPoint under-sink RO and whole-house carbon filtration.
Read MorePUR
PUR manufactures faucet-mount water filters, pitcher filters, and replacement filter cartridges certified to reduce over 70 contaminants. Their MineralClear filter technology removes contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals. Faucet-mount systems install in minutes and provide filtered water on demand with a one-click bypass for unfiltered flow.
Read MoreSpringWell
SpringWell manufactures whole-house water filtration systems, salt-based and salt-free water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, and UV purification. Their CF series whole-house filter and FutureSoft salt-free softener are bestsellers.
Read MoreUS Water Systems
US Water Systems designs whole-house water filtration, salt-based and salt-free water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, UV disinfection, and well water treatment systems. Their Matrixx infusion system and BodyGlove filtration are proprietary product lines.
Read MoreWatts
Watts water quality solutions including whole-house filtration, under-sink systems, and UV disinfection for residential and commercial water treatment.
Read MoreWatts Premier
Watts Premier reverse osmosis drinking water systems, under-sink filtration, and replacement filters for residential water purification.
Read MoreWhirlpool
Whirlpool whole-house water filtration, water softeners, and under-sink systems.
Read MoreCommon Water Treatment Problems 3
View All Water Treatment ProblemsCommon water treatment problems and how to diagnose and fix them.
Bad Taste or Odor in Water
Water that tastes or smells off -- chlorine, rotten eggs, metallic, musty -- has a specific cause for each type. Identifying what it tastes or smells like is the fastest path to the right fix.
Read MoreHard Water Buildup
White, chalky deposits on everything -- faucets, shower heads, glass doors, inside pipes and water heaters. Calcium and magnesium restrict flow, kill efficiency, shorten appliance life. About 85% of US homes have hard water.
Read MoreLow RO System Output
RO system filling slowly, weak trickle, or running out of water? Clogged pre-filters, worn membrane, low feed pressure, or waterlogged tank. Most fixes are filter replacements or pressure adjustments.
Read MoreWater Treatment How-To Guides 4
View All Water Treatment GuidesStep-by-step how-to guides for water treatment maintenance, repair, and installation.
How to Install a Reverse Osmosis System
Install an under-sink reverse osmosis system for the cleanest drinking water at home -- feed water connection, filter mounting, storage tank, drain saddle, dedicated faucet, and the critical initial flush.
Read MoreHow to Test Your Water Quality
Test your water with DIY strips, reagent kits, or certified lab analysis -- what to test for, how to collect samples, how to read results, and what treatment actually fixes common contaminants.
Read MoreHow to Change Water Filter Cartridges
Swap out sediment, carbon, and specialty cartridges in whole-house and under-sink systems -- the right filters, the right schedule, and the correct order for multi-stage setups.
Read MoreHow to Add Salt to a Water Softener
Pick the right salt, fill the brine tank correctly, break up salt bridges, and keep your water softener running so you get consistent soft water without the scale and spotty dishes.
Read MoreWater Treatment Installation & Replacement
View All →Water treatment installation ranges from a simple under-sink filter (15 minutes, DIY) to a whole-house system requiring plumbing modifications and a dedicated drain line. Proper installation ensures system performance and warranty coverage.
Under-Sink RO System Installation
Connect the feed water adapter, mount the membrane and filter housings, install the storage tank, drill the countertop for the dedicated faucet, and connect the drain line to the sink drain pipe.
Read MoreWhole-House Filter Installation
Install on the main water line after the meter and before the water heater. Includes shutoff valves, bypass loops, pressure gauges, and proper mounting brackets for easy filter changes.
Read MoreWater Softener Setup
Position the unit near the main water line and a floor drain. Connect inlet/outlet plumbing with bypass valve, run the drain line, fill the brine tank, and program the regeneration cycle based on water hardness and household size.
Read MoreUV Disinfection System Installation
Install as the last stage after all other filtration. Requires proper flow rate matching, pre-filtration to ensure UV effectiveness, electrical connection, and annual lamp replacement scheduling.
Read MoreWater Treatment Maintenance
View All →Regular filter changes and system maintenance are critical for water treatment effectiveness. A neglected filter can actually make water quality worse by harboring bacteria or releasing trapped contaminants.
Filter Replacement Schedules
Sediment pre-filters: every 3-6 months. Carbon filters: every 6-12 months. RO membranes: every 2-3 years. UV lamps: annually. Track usage and set reminders — don't rely on taste alone.
Read MoreWater Softener Maintenance
Check salt levels monthly, clean the brine tank annually, inspect the resin bed every 2-3 years, and sanitize the system if bacteria develop. Use the right salt type (evaporated pellets, not rock salt).
Read MoreRO System Sanitization
Annual sanitization procedure: drain the storage tank, remove filters, flush the system with a sanitizing solution, replace filters, and refill. Prevents biofilm buildup inside the tank and tubing.
Read MoreTesting Your Water After Treatment
Use TDS meters to monitor RO performance, hardness test strips for softener output, and periodic lab tests for specific contaminants. A rising TDS reading indicates membrane replacement is needed.
Read MoreWater Treatment Cost Guide
View All →Water treatment costs range from $20 for a pitcher filter to $5,000+ for a whole-house system. Ongoing filter and salt costs are often more significant than the initial purchase price over the system's lifetime.
System Prices by Type
Pitcher filters: $20-$50. Faucet-mount filters: $20-$80. Under-sink carbon: $50-$200. Under-sink RO: $150-$500. Whole-house carbon: $300-$1,500. Water softeners: $500-$3,000. Whole-house RO: $3,000-$5,000+.
Read MoreAnnual Operating Costs
Replacement filters for under-sink systems: $50-$150/year. RO membranes: $30-$80 every 2-3 years. Softener salt: $60-$120/year. Whole-house filter cartridges: $100-$300/year. Electricity for UV systems: $20-$40/year.
Read MoreProfessional Installation Costs
Under-sink systems: $100-$300 labor. Whole-house filters: $300-$800. Water softeners: $300-$1,000. Complete whole-house treatment (softener + filter + UV): $1,000-$3,000 installation labor.
Read MoreCost of NOT Treating Water
Hard water costs homeowners $800+ annually in scale damage, reduced appliance lifespan, extra soap usage, and energy inefficiency from scale-coated water heater elements. Clean water treatment often pays for itself.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a water filter if I have city water?
City water meets EPA safety standards but may still contain chlorine, chloramines, lead (from old pipes), PFAS, and trace pharmaceuticals. A carbon filter removes chlorine taste and odor. An RO system provides the highest level of purification.
What is the best water filtration system for well water?
Well water typically needs a multi-stage approach: sediment filter first, then iron/manganese removal if needed, followed by a carbon filter for taste and odor, and UV disinfection for bacteria. Test your water first to target the right contaminants.
How do I know if I need a water softener?
Signs of hard water include white scale buildup on faucets and showerheads, soap that won't lather well, stiff laundry, dry skin and hair, and spots on dishes. Test your water hardness — anything above 7 grains per gallon (120 mg/L) benefits from softening.
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink?
Yes, RO water is safe and removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants. Some people add a remineralization filter to restore beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium for taste. The World Health Organization notes that minerals from food are the primary dietary source, not water.
How often should I change my water filter?
Follow the manufacturer's schedule based on gallons filtered or months of use. Typical intervals: sediment filters every 3-6 months, carbon blocks every 6-12 months, RO membranes every 2-3 years. Hard water or high sediment may require more frequent changes.
What does NSF certification mean for water filters?
NSF/ANSI standards verify that a filter actually removes what it claims. NSF 42 covers taste and odor (chlorine). NSF 53 covers health-related contaminants (lead, cysts). NSF 58 covers reverse osmosis systems. Always check which specific NSF standard a filter is certified to.