Choosing a Water Filtration System: Buyer Guide

Water is one of the most-used utilities in your home. When it tastes, smells, or leaves stains, it affects cooking, drinking, appliances, and peace of mind. Choosing the right filtration system can feel confusing — there are many technologies, costs, and warranty questions.

Burger Plumbing installs and services residential systems and handles emergency plumbing calls. This buyer’s guide breaks down how to test water, compare filtration types, estimate costs, and prepare for installation so you can pick the solution that fits your home and budget.

H2: Test your water first — common contaminants and tests 💧

Before choosing any system, test your water. The right treatment depends on what’s actually in your supply.

Why test?

• Different contaminants need different solutions. Chlorine smells require different treatment than lead or nitrates.
• Testing helps avoid buying an overspecified (and costly) system.
• Test results guide filter sizing, placement, and maintenance plans.

Common contaminants and concerns

• Sediment and turbidity: visible particles, sand, rust.
• Hardness (calcium and magnesium): causes scale and reduces appliance life.
• Chlorine and chloramine: city water disinfectants that affect taste and odor.
• Lead: often from older service lines or household plumbing.
• Nitrates and agricultural runoff: common with shallow wells near farms.
• Iron and manganese: cause staining and metallic taste (common in wells).
• Bacteria (coliform, E. coli): serious health concern for well owners.
• VOCs and pesticides: from industrial or agricultural contamination.
• Fluoride, arsenic, copper: trace contaminants of concern in some regions.

Types of tests

• Basic home kits: detect chlorine, hardness, pH, and basic metals. Cheap and fast, but limited.
• Lab-certified tests: collected and sent to a state-certified lab. Detect many contaminants precisely (lead, nitrates, arsenic, VOCs, bacteria). Recommended before major purchases.
• Free or low-cost municipal reports: many water utilities publish Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR). Use this for city water baseline.
• Burger Plumbing lab-assisted analysis: sample collection by a licensed technician plus lab testing yields accurate readings and an action plan (example results shown below).

Example lab-tested water analysis (illustrative)

• Sample A — Private well: hardness 18 gpg, iron 1.5 mg/L, coliform bacteria detected, nitrate 12 mg/L.
• Sample B — City supply: residual chlorine 1.2 mg/L, lead <1 ppb, hardness 8 gpg, VOCs not detected. These examples show how needs can differ: Sample A needs bacteria treatment, iron removal, and softening. Sample B might need taste/odor removal and possibly a small softener.

Authoritative sources to consider

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on private wells and drinking water standards.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on water-related health risks.
• State public health or environmental departments for local testing labs and standards.

H2: Filtration types — activated carbon, reverse osmosis, UV, whole-house vs point-of-use 🧰

Overview of common technologies and where they work best.

Activated carbon (granular/solid block)

• What it removes: chlorine, chloramines (some types), tastes, odors, many organic chemicals, some pesticides.
• What it doesn’t: dissolved salts, most heavy metals (unless specially treated), nitrates.
• Pros: low cost, no electricity, good for taste and odor.
• Cons: needs regular cartridge changes; not a full-solution for heavy metals or bacteria unless combined with other systems.
• Typical location: point-of-use under-sink or whole-house carbon filters on the main line.

Reverse osmosis (RO)

• What it removes: dissolved solids, many heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, salts, some VOCs.
• What it doesn’t: VOCs vary; pre- and post-filters often required; slow flow at point-of-use.
• Pros: produces very pure drinking water; good for under-sink drinking-water systems.
• Cons: higher initial cost; wastes water (brine discharge); needs pre-filtration for sediment and carbon; lower flow rate for the RO faucet.
• Typical location: point-of-use under kitchen sink. Some larger systems can serve multiple fixtures with storage tanks.

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection

• What it removes: inactivates bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Does not remove chemicals, metals, or particulates.
• Pros: fast, chemical-free disinfection; excellent for microbiological safety in wells.
• Cons: requires electricity; no removal of taste/odor or chemicals; needs clear water (pre-filtration) for effectiveness.
• Typical location: after sediment and carbon pre-filters, before storage tank or house supply.

Ion exchange / water softeners

• What it removes: hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium).
• What it doesn’t: remove most other contaminants like lead or bacteria.
• Pros: protects appliances and plumbing from scale; improves soap performance.
• Cons: uses salt or potassium; raises sodium levels slightly in softened water; not suitable for irrigation without special considerations.
• Typical location: whole-house on the main line.

Sediment filters

• What it removes: sand, rust, large particulates.
• Pros: protects downstream equipment and filters.
• Cons: routine replacement necessary depending on sediment load.
• Typical location: first line of defense on main water entry.

Catalytic carbon and specialty media

• Used for chloramine removal, certain VOCs, or specific contaminants like iron or manganese when standard carbon won’t do.

Whole-house vs point-of-use (POU)

• Whole-house systems (point-of-entry): treat all water entering the home. Protects appliances, plumbing, and provides treated water for showers, laundry, and irrigation. Typically use sediment filters, softeners, or carbon systems. Flow capacity measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
• Point-of-use: installed at a single fixture, usually under-sink RO or carbon filters for drinking water. Cheaper and targeted for drinking/cooking.

H2: Matching system to need — city vs well water, hardness, lead, nitrates 🧭

Start with your test results and daily water uses.

City water (municipal)

• Typical issues: chlorine or chloramine, taste/odor, occasional lead from household plumbing, hardness varies by region.
• Common solutions:
  • Activated carbon or catalytic carbon for taste/odor and chlorine removal.
  • Point-of-use RO for drinking water if concerned about trace contaminants.
  • Whole-house softener for scale control if hardness is high.
  • Lead reduction: replace lead service lines, replace fixtures, and install certified filters (NSF 53/ANSI).

Well water (private)

• Typical issues: bacteria, iron, manganese, hardness, nitrates, agricultural runoff.
• Common solutions:
  • UV disinfection plus pre-filtration for bacteria.
  • Iron removal media (oxidizing filters), sediment filters.
  • Water softener for hardness.
  • RO for nitrates and dissolved solids in drinking water.
  • Lab testing after remediation to confirm effectiveness.

Specific contaminants and matching treatments

• Lead: replace pipes/fixtures when possible. Point-of-use certified filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) reduce lead at drinking taps.
• Nitrates: RO systems are effective; proper lab testing and professional sizing required.
• Bacteria: UV disinfection and chlorination are options; professionals should handle disinfection.
• Agricultural runoff (pesticides/VOCs): carbon systems and RO depending on compounds present; lab results will guide choices.
• Hardness: water softeners or conditioner systems reduce scale; consider the impact on irrigation systems and gardens.

Flow and household sizing

• Whole-house systems should be sized for peak flow, measured in GPM. Typical homes: 6–12 GPM peak demand depending on number of bathrooms and simultaneous use.
• Undersized systems reduce pressure and performance. Oversized systems add cost.
• Burger Plumbing measures household peak flows and pressure during inspections to match the right system.

H2: Installation and maintenance — filters, replacement schedules, costs 🔧

Installation considerations

• Location: whole-house systems go on the main cold water line where it enters the house. Point-of-use systems go under-sink or near the appliance.
• Space: whole-house tanks, softeners, and RO storage tanks need room and drainage.
• Drain access: RO and water softeners require a drain connection for brine or reject water.
• Power: UV systems and some backwashing filters need a dedicated outlet.
• Permits and codes: some installations require local permits or backflow prevention per plumbing codes. Burger Plumbing follows local building codes and the International Plumbing Code where applicable.
• Water heater integration: systems that change water chemistry (softening, heavy sediment removal) should be installed before the water heater to protect it from scale and sediment. RO and drinking-water POU systems should use cold water only; do not route hot water to RO membranes.

Maintenance and replacement schedules (typical ranges)

• Sediment pre-filter: replace every 3–6 months (depends on sediment load).
• Carbon block cartridges: replace every 6–12 months for POU; whole-house carbon media may last 3–5 years depending on contaminant levels.
• RO membranes: replace every 2–5 years depending on feed water quality and usage.
• UV lamps: replace annually (lamp output declines even if lamp still lights).
• Water softener resin: lasts 10–15 years with proper maintenance; salt replenished monthly or as needed.
• Iron or specialty media: backwash cycles and periodic media replacement every 3–10 years depending on media and contaminant load.
• Professional servicing: annual or semi-annual inspections recommended for whole-house systems.
• Cost of filter replacements: small POU filters $20–100 each; RO membrane $75–300; carbon canisters or whole-house media replacement $200–1,500+ depending on system size.

Lifecycle cost comparisons (examples)

• Small under-sink carbon filter
  • Initial: $150–600 installed
  • Annual filter cost: $40–120
  • 10-year lifecycle: $550–1,800
• Reverse osmosis under-sink
  • Initial: $400–1,500 installed (with prefilters and tank)
  • Annual maintenance: $100–250 (filters + occasional membrane)
  • Waste ratio: 2–4 gallons waste per gallon produced (some high-efficiency models are better)
  • 10-year lifecycle: $1,400–4,000
• Whole-house carbon/sediment system
  • Initial: $800–4,000 installed (depends on capacity)
  • Annual maintenance: $100–400 (media and cartridge changes)
  • 10-year lifecycle: $1,800–8,000
• Water softener
  • Initial: $800–3,500 installed
  • Annual salt and service: $100–300
  • 10-year lifecycle: $1,800–6,500

Factors that affect lifecycle cost

• Water quality: high sediment or contaminant levels increase replacement frequency.
• Usage: larger households use more filters faster.
• Electricity and water waste (RO and UV add utility costs).
• Local labor rates for service and replacement.

H2: Flow rate impacts and system sizing ⚖️

Flow rate and pressure considerations

• Whole-house systems must be sized by GPM for peak demand; typical households need 6–12 GPM.
• Point-of-use RO systems have low output (0.1–0.5 GPM at faucet) and use storage tanks to supply drinking water.
• Some filters create pressure drop; poorly sized or clogged filters can lower flow and affect appliances.
• High-flow fixtures (rain shower heads, irrigation) require whole-house treatment sized for those demands.

Integration with irrigation and water heaters

• Irrigation: softened water contains salt and may not be ideal for plants. Consider bypass for irrigation lines or use separate filtration for garden hoses.
• Water heaters: installing sediment and scale-reducing systems before the heater prolongs heater life and efficiency. Some manufacturers recommend pre-filtration to maintain warranty conditions.
• Appliances: dishwashers and washing machines benefit from softened or filtered water to prevent scale and buildup.

H2: How filtration can affect plumbing and appliance warranties 📝

Things homeowners should check

• Manufacturer requirements: many water heater and appliance warranties specify acceptable water conditions or require certain pre-filters before installation.
• Licensed installation: some warranties require installations by licensed professionals to remain valid. Keep receipts and certificates.
• Chemical treatments: adding water softeners or chemical treatments could void some warranties if not installed following manufacturer guidelines.
• Evidence: keep testing reports showing water quality before and after installation, and service records for filter changes.

What Burger Plumbing does

• We document pre-installation water quality and recommend systems that align with appliance warranty requirements.
• Our plumbers are licensed, and we provide a service record and certification of installation on request.

H2: Financing and warranties 💳

Financing options

• Many homeowners prefer to finance larger whole-house systems. Options include:
  • Payment plans through local providers or manufacturers.
  • Home improvement loans or credit cards.
  • Utility rebates: some utilities offer incentives for high-efficiency systems or water-saving devices. Check your local utility.
• Consider total cost of ownership (initial + annual maintenance + utility costs) when comparing financing options.

Warranties and certifications

• Look for products certified by NSF/ANSI standards. Common ones:
  • NSF/ANSI 42: aesthetic effects (taste/odor/chlorine).
  • NSF/ANSI 53: health effects (lead, VOCs, cyst reduction).
  • NSF/ANSI 58: reverse osmosis systems.
  • NSF/ANSI 61: materials that contact drinking water.
• Manufacturer warranties: vary by product. Read terms carefully for parts and labor coverage.
• Installer warranties: licensed installers often provide a labor warranty for installation work. Ask about duration and scope.

H2: Problem/Scenario — typical homeowner stories and solutions 🔍

Scenario 1: Foul smell and taste in city water

• Problem: Chlorine taste and occasional metallic aftertaste.
• Test: CCR shows residual chlorine; lab test shows low lead.
• Solution: Under-sink carbon block for drinking water and whole-house carbon if smell affects showers and laundry.
• Outcome: Improved taste and reduced odor; low maintenance.

Scenario 2: Well owner with iron staining and low pressure

• Problem: Brown stains, metallic taste, low pressure in summer.
• Test: Elevated iron (1.8 mg/L), hardness 20 gpg, coliform negative.
• Solution: Sediment pre-filter, iron removal media, water softener, and pressure tank inspection.
• Outcome: Stains removed, pressure restored, appliances protected.

Scenario 3: Older home with lead service line concern

• Problem: Home built before lead service line replacement; homeowner worried about lead.
• Test: Lead detected at 8 ppb at faucet sample (action level > 15 ppb per EPA; homeowners may set lower target).
• Solution: Replace fixtures/service lines where possible; install NSF-certified point-of-use lead-reduction filter for drinking water.
• Outcome: Immediate reduction at drinking tap while planning pipe replacement.

H2: Quick Safety Checklist (bullets)

• Test water with a certified lab before major purchases.
• Use licensed plumbers for systems requiring permits or electrical connections.
• Install sediment pre-filters before UV or RO systems.
• Verify local code and permit requirements prior to installation.
• Keep replacement filters on schedule — old filters can harbor bacteria.
• Ensure proper drainage for RO and softener discharge lines.
• If bacteria-positive, do not rely on carbon alone — use UV/chlorination as recommended by a pro.

H2: DIY vs. Call a Pro — when to tackle it yourself and when to call Burger Plumbing 🛠️

Good DIY candidates

• Replacing under-sink cartridge filters (if you are comfortable under the sink).
• Installing simple pitcher filters or faucet-mounted units.
• Basic cartridge swaps following manufacturer instructions.

When to call a pro

• Whole-house system installations (plumbing, electrical, permits).
• Water testing and interpretation of lab results.
• Systems requiring drain and electrical hookups (RO, UV, backwashing filters).
• Any situation involving bacteria, sewage contamination, or suspected lead service lines.
• If you rely on your water heater and appliances — professional installation reduces risk to warranties and performance.

H2: What Pros Do On Arrival — Burger Plumbing workflow ✅

• Confirm scope and safety: shutoffs, electrical access, and required permits.
• Collect water samples (if lab testing is included) following certified-lab protocols.
• Measure flow rates and pressure during peak use to size the system.
• Review test results with you and present options with lifecycle cost estimates.
• Install the chosen system, including required pre-filters, shutoffs, and bypass valves.
• Set up maintenance reminders and show you how to change simple filters.
• Provide documentation: installation report, product manuals, filter schedules, and any warranty paperwork.
• Follow-up inspection or test post-installation when required, especially for bacteriological fixes.

H2: Prevention & Maintenance — keep systems working and costs predictable 🔁

Routine tasks homeowners can do

• Check pressure gauges and look for leaks monthly.
• Replace simple cartridges per schedule (every 3–12 months).
• Flush faucets and clean aerators to check for sediment buildup.
• Maintain water softener salt levels and check regenerations.

Professional maintenance

• Annual system inspections for whole-house systems.
• UV lamp replacement yearly and cleaning of quartz sleeve.
• RO maintenance: pre-filter, membrane check every 1–3 years.
• Media replacement schedules for specialty filters as recommended.

Record-keeping

• Keep a log of test results and maintenance dates.
• Retain invoices and certification documents — useful for resale and warranty claims.

H2: Costs & Time Factors (ranges, not quotes) 💵

Installation time

• Under-sink POU: 1–3 hours.
• Whole-house cartridge system: 2–6 hours.
• Water softener: 3–6 hours (varies with plumbing complexity).
• RO with storage and dispenser: 2–4 hours.
• UV disinfection with pre-filters: 2–5 hours.

Cost ranges (installed; US dollars; regional variations apply)

• Pitcher/faucet-mounted filters: $20–200 (DIY)
• Under-sink carbon filter: $150–600 installed
• Reverse osmosis under-sink: $400–1,500 installed
• Whole-house sediment + carbon: $800–4,000 installed
• Water softener: $800–3,500 installed
• UV disinfection with pre-filters: $600–2,500 installed
• Iron/manganese removal systems: $1,200–5,000 installed

Hidden cost factors

• High-sediment water increases cartridge and media costs.
• Electrical work for UV units or backwash systems.
• Permit fees and inspections.
• Reworking old plumbing (corroded pipes or lead pipe replacement) adds time and cost.

H2: When It’s an Emergency — signs you need fast action 🚨

Call for emergency plumbing or water treatment help if you notice:

• Sewage backup or foul sewage smell — stop using water and call an emergency plumber.
• Sudden loss of pressure across the house — could be a main line break.
• Massive discolored water or rapid staining — may indicate a broken pipe or severe contamination.
• Positive test for E. coli or other harmful bacteria in well water — stop using water for drinking and call a pro.
• Sudden spikes in lead levels or visible pipe damage.

Emergency steps to take immediately

• Turn off the main water supply for serious leaks or contamination scenarios.
• Use bottled water for drinking if contamination is suspected.
• Contact a licensed plumber or "Emergency Plumbing near you" for immediate response.
• Collect a water sample only if instructed; mishandled samples can lead to misleading results.

H2: FAQ (2–4 common questions)

Q: How long does it take to see results after installing a filtration system? A: Taste and odor improvements can be immediate for carbon filters. Bacteria remediation or ion-exchange changes may need verification testing; plan on 1–2 weeks for follow-up sampling after installation when required.

Q: Will a water softener remove lead or bacteria? A: No. Softening replaces hardness ions with sodium or potassium but does not remove lead or bacteria. Use certified filters or RO for lead and UV or chlorination for bacteria.

Q: Can I use softened water for my irrigation system or plants? A: Softened water has higher sodium content, which can harm some plants and soil structure. Bypass the softener for irrigation or use separate untreated lines.

Q: Do filtration systems remove fluoride? A: Some RO systems reduce fluoride significantly. Activated carbon does not reliably remove fluoride. Check product certifications and lab tests.

H2: Local/Seasonal Considerations — regional contaminants and timing 🌾

Regional contaminants to watch for

• Agricultural regions: nitrates, pesticides, and herbicides from runoff can affect wells and shallow groundwater.
• Industrial regions: VOCs and solvents may be present in older groundwater.
• Older urban areas: lead service lines, lead solder, and older brass fixtures can be sources of lead. Consider pipe replacement where feasible.
• Coastal areas: salinity intrusion can raise dissolved solids; RO may be required for drinking water.
• Seasonal impacts: spring runoff often increases turbidity and agricultural contamination risks. Heavy rains can temporarily raise microbial contaminants.

Timing your installation

• Avoid installation during extreme cold if plumbing is exposed.
• Address bacterial contamination immediately — do not delay.
• If planning irrigation system upgrades, coordinate softener bypasses or separate lines ahead of the growing season.

H2: Trust elements — lab tests, certifications, licensed installers, and case studies 🧾

Lab testing and documentation

• Use state-certified labs for conclusive results. Keep copies of lab reports.
• Burger Plumbing can collect samples following lab protocols and include results with recommendations.

Certifications to look for

• NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 61: indicate performance for taste/odor, health claims, RO, and material safety.
• AWWA (American Water Works Association) publications: helpful for understanding municipal water issues.
• EPA and CDC guidance: useful for private wells and public health concerns.

Installer credentials

• Licensed plumbers with experience in water treatment.
• Backflow prevention and tester certifications where required.
• Manufacturer training for specific system installations.

Customer case study (anonymized)

• Homeowner: suburban well owner with iron staining and low pressure.
• Action: Burger Plumbing performed lab testing, installed sediment pre-filter, an iron removal system, and a water softener sized to household flow.
• Outcome: Staining eliminated, dishwasher and water heater life improved, and follow-up testing showed iron levels reduced to below detection. The homeowner received documentation for insurance and resale.

H2: Final checklist before you buy

• Test your water with a state-certified lab (or have a pro collect samples).
• Match the technology to the contaminant(s).
• Size the system for peak GPM and household needs.
• Confirm space, drain, and power availability.
• Review warranty terms for products and appliances.
• Ask for installer credentials and a written maintenance plan.
• Consider lifecycle cost, not just initial price.

H2: Closing — how Burger Plumbing evaluates and installs certified systems 🤝

At Burger Plumbing we follow a step-by-step approach:

• Sample collection and lab testing (when requested).
• Explain results and present technology options with lifecycle cost estimates.
• Size and select systems using NSF/ANSI-certified equipment when applicable.
• Install with licensed plumbers, obtain permits if needed, and provide documentation.
• Offer maintenance plans and reminders so systems perform as expected.

If you’re dealing with bad taste, staining, or have a private well with bacteria or nitrate concerns, call us for a professional assessment. We also handle emergency plumbing issues and are ready to respond when contamination or plumbing failures need fast attention.

Call Burger Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-877-778-5124 .