Choosing the Best Water Filtration System for Your Home

Clean water is a given. Until it isn’t. Maybe you’ve noticed a strange taste, or your tap water leaves spots on every glass. Or perhaps you’re just tired of buying bottled water, stacking plastic up like firewood. You’re not alone.

At Miller Legacy Plumbing, we help families across town—day and night—tackle water worries. Whether you’re staring down a sudden emergency plumbing leak or planning a full water filtration upgrade, we get the difference clean water makes. Let’s break down how to pick the right system for your home, your health, and your peace of mind.

Why Water Filtration Matters 💧

Water is life. But not all water is created equal. Even treated city water can carry invisible trouble—like chlorine, lead, or stubborn minerals. Well water? That’s another story, sometimes with added risks like bacteria or nitrates.

Here’s why a water filtration system is more than a luxury:

• Health comes first: Unfiltered water can carry contaminants that build up in your body over time. Some, like lead or PFAS (“forever chemicals”), are linked to serious health problems.
• Protect your pipes and appliances: Hard water beats up on plumbing. It clogs, corrodes, and shortens the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
• Taste and smell: Chlorine’s swimming-pool scent. Metallic aftertastes. A good filtration system sweeps those away, leaving water you actually want to drink.
• Peace of mind: When you know what’s in your water—and what isn’t—you sleep a little easier.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for tap water, but local issues can still sneak through. Lead pipes, old infrastructure, or regional problems like hard water or agricultural runoff all matter.

Types of Filtration Systems

Not all filters are built the same. Some are like a trusty umbrella—quick, portable, and good for a drizzle. Others are like a full-on raincoat, built to handle a downpour.

• Activated Carbon Filters: These are common in pitcher filters and faucet attachments. They’re great at removing chlorine, some pesticides, and bad tastes. Think of them as the “Brita” style.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): These systems push water through a super-fine membrane. They trap lead, nitrates, and even some viruses. RO systems are champions for homes with well water or known contamination.
• Water Softeners: Specifically designed to tackle hard water (high in calcium and magnesium). They swap those minerals for sodium or potassium, saving your pipes but not always improving taste.
• UV Purifiers: These use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. No chemicals, just light. Often paired with other filters for well water.
• Sediment Filters: Like a coffee filter for your pipes, catching sand, rust, and dirt before it hits your taps.
• Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use Filters: Some systems treat all water entering the house; others just the kitchen tap or a single shower.

Point-of-Use vs. Whole House

Point-of-Use Filters

• Installed at a single tap (like your kitchen sink or shower)
• Ideal for families mainly concerned with drinking water or sensitive skin
• Lower upfront cost, but only protects one faucet

Whole-House Filters

• Treats water as it enters your home, protecting every tap, shower, and appliance
• Defends against pipe buildup, stains, and scale throughout your plumbing
• Higher initial investment, but covers the whole house—think of it as a security system for your water

How to Choose the Right System

It’s not one-size-fits-all. Picking the perfect system is more like choosing a pair of shoes: fit, function, and comfort all matter.

1. Know Your Water

• Get a water quality report: Your city or county should provide one. If you’re on well water, have it tested by a certified lab once a year.
• Contaminants of concern: Look for lead, chlorine, arsenic, PFAS, nitrates, bacteria, and hardness (measured in grains per gallon).

2. Match the Filter to the Problem

• Chlorine taste or odor: Activated carbon is your friend.
• Hard water stains: Water softener.
• Lead, arsenic, or nitrate: Reverse osmosis.
• Bacteria or viruses (well water): UV purification plus a sediment filter.

3. Consider Flow Rate and Sizing

• Bigger isn’t always better. A filter that’s too small will choke water pressure. Too big, and you’re wasting money.
• Check how many bathrooms you have. Multiple showers running at once? You’ll need a system that can keep up.

4. Look for Third-Party Certifications

• NSF International and Water Quality Association (WQA) certifications mean the system has been independently tested. No smoke and mirrors—just real-world performance.
• Check for compliance with the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF/ANSI) standards for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

5. Budget for Installation and Maintenance

• Some systems are DIY-friendly (like faucet filters). Others, especially whole-house or RO units, need a licensed plumber.
• Replacement filters and annual maintenance aren’t optional—they’re your insurance policy for clean water.

6. Think Regionally

• Hard water: Common in the Midwest, Southwest, and parts of the Northeast.
• Chlorine: Most city water supplies use it for disinfection.
• Well water: Rural homes may face iron, sulfur, or bacteria. Test for these regularly.

Installation and Maintenance Tips 🛠️

Getting a system set up right is half the battle. Keeping it running smooth—year after year—is the other half.

• Read the manual: It sounds simple, but every system is a bit different. Check for local plumbing code requirements (see the International Plumbing Code for guidance).
• Shut off main water before installation: A small flood is the last thing you want.
• Check for leaks at every connection: Even a tiny drip can turn into a bigger problem down the line.
• Schedule regular filter changes: Mark your calendar or set reminders. Dirty filters mean dirty water.
• Annual inspections: Especially for whole-house or well water systems. Call in a pro for a checkup—like you would for your furnace or water heater.

If you ever spot a sudden drop in water pressure, cloudy water, or strange smells, call a licensed plumber right away. Sometimes, these are signs of bigger issues—like a hidden leak, broken pipe, or even backflow.

Health and Safety: What to Watch Out For

• Lead: No safe level in drinking water, especially for kids. Any home built before 1986 may have lead pipes or solder.
• Chlorine: Safe in small doses, but can dry skin and hair—and taste terrible.
• Hard Water: Not a health risk, but rough on pipes, fixtures, and even your laundry.
• Bacteria: Wells are most at risk, especially after floods, storms, or nearby construction.

Always follow local code and consult the EPA’s guidelines for drinking water safety. Certified systems are tested for specific contaminants, not every possible risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my filter?
Most filters last 3–12 months, but it depends on water quality, system type, and family size. Always follow the manufacturer’s schedule.

Is a whole-house system worth it?
If you have hard water, old plumbing, or want protection for every tap, yes. For renters or those mainly worried about taste, a point-of-use filter may be enough.

Can I install a system myself?
Some under-sink and faucet filters are DIY-friendly. Whole-house and reverse osmosis systems often require plumbing skills and tools most homeowners don’t have.

Do I still need bottled water?
With a properly sized, certified system and good maintenance, you can skip the bottles and fill your own—saving money and reducing plastic waste.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

• Winter: Freezing temps can crack pipes and damage filters. Insulate exposed plumbing and check for leaks.
• Summer: Heavy rain can flood wells, introducing bacteria or sediment. Test well water after storms.
• Construction nearby? Vibrations or digging can stir up sediment or even damage buried pipes. Keep an eye on water clarity and schedule a Sewer Line Inspection near you if you notice changes.
• Regional minerals: Some areas are prone to iron, sulfur, or manganese—each needs a specific filter.

The Miller Legacy Plumbing Difference

Our team knows what’s in your water, because we test it every day. We handle everything from emergency plumbing calls to full water filtration installs. Certified, licensed, and always here when you need us.

Ready to make the switch? Have questions about installation, safety, or which system fits your home?

Call Miller Legacy Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-859-6692 .