If you have finally decided to clean up and purify the water in your home, you may be looking at different types of water purification systems. Two types of systems that are very popular with homeowners are the reverse osmosis system and a traditional water softener. The following information discusses their differences and their benefits so that you can make a more informed decision about what you want for your home.
Traditional Water Softeners
Traditional water softeners usually have two tanks that need to be installed. One tank holds all of the salt or potassium pellets used to soften the water, while the second tank filters the dissolved pellets through the water that comes into the filtration tank via the water intake pipe for your home. Generally, the pellets and filtration tank help remove some of the harsher natural elements found in your water (e.g., sulphur in well water, lead in city water). However, choosing this system requires extra space near your home's water intake valve, which can be complicated if you only have a crawl space for your plumbing.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems involve equipment that attaches directly to your home's water intake valve. As you turn on a faucet, the reverse osmosis system kicks in, first pulling water through the attachment, and then through one or two membranes, reversing directions during the process such that larger particles, ions and bacteria in your water cannot make it back through the second membrane. A carbon filter may be added to remove other minerals or chemical tastes. It leaves you with very pure water which will not make you or your family sick. It is an excellent system to have when there is a water boiling order in effect for your area, or when your well water is contaminated and it may be a while before you can dig a new well.
The Benefits of Each System
If all you want is better tasting water that is not hard and has fewer metals and chemicals in it, then a traditional water softener is perfect. If you do not have the space for the twin tanks, then you might want to choose the reverse osmosis system, especially since this type of system also filters out bacteria and microscopic particles that could be harmful to your health. Additionally, both systems cost about the same, if you choose the "whole house" option for a reverse osmosis system. ("Under-the-sink" osmosis systems, which only filter the water coming out of one faucet, cost significantly less, but most people want the water in their entire homes treated.) Companies that specialize in water treatment, such as Anderson Water Systems, can give more information.
Share1 June 2016
