The Complete Guide to Water Treatment
Complete Guide 1060 words
Everything you need to know about Water Treatment — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.
Sediment Filters
Remove particles: sand, silt, rust, debris. Rated by micron size (5 micron standard, 1 micron fine). First stage in any multi-stage system. Does not remove chemicals, bacteria, or dissolved contaminants. $5-15 per cartridge.
Carbon Filters
Remove chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, taste and odor. Most common home filtration. Does not remove dissolved minerals, fluoride, or bacteria. $10-30 per cartridge, change every 6-12 months.
Reverse Osmosis
Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including lead, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates. Multi-stage system. Produces purified water at dedicated faucet. Wastes water (3-4:1 ratio standard). $150-400 for under-sink.
UV & Specialty
UV: kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. Essential for well water. Does not remove chemicals. Iron/manganese filters: specialized media for well water. Water softeners: ion exchange removes hardness but is not a filter.
Buying Tips
- Start with a water test. Buy filtration for contaminants actually in YOUR water.
- Sediment + carbon is the standard two-stage setup for most issues.
- RO is overkill if your only concern is chlorine taste.
- UV is non-negotiable for private well water.
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Under-Sink RO System Installation
How to install a reverse osmosis drinking water system under your kitchen sink.
UV Disinfection System Installation
How to install a UV water disinfection system for bacteria and virus protection.
Water Softener Setup
How to install and configure a water softener for hard water treatment.
Whole-House Water Filter Installation
How to install a whole-house water filtration system on the main supply line.
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Filter Replacement Schedules
When to replace filters for every type of water treatment system -- sediment, carbon, RO, and whole-house.
RO System Sanitization
How to sanitize your reverse osmosis system during filter changes to prevent bacterial growth.
Testing Your Water After Treatment
How to verify your water treatment system is actually working with simple at-home and lab tests.
Water Softener Maintenance
How to maintain your water softener for consistent performance -- salt, resin, brine tank, and settings.
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Annual Water Treatment Operating Costs
The ongoing costs of filters, salt, electricity, and maintenance for every type of water treatment system.
The Cost of NOT Treating Your Water
The financial impact of untreated hard water, chlorine, and contaminants on your plumbing, appliances, and health.
Professional Water Treatment Installation Costs
What plumbers and water treatment specialists charge to install different treatment systems.
Water Treatment System Prices by Type
What different water treatment systems cost -- from pitcher filters to whole-house treatment.
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