“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” – Lao Tzu
There are five water treatments solutions if you’re looking to upgrade your home’s water quality. These are: carbon filters, reverse osmosis, iron filters, water softeners, and UV purifications systems. Now, I know that may sound a tad overwhelming but as your local, certified plumber, I’m here to help you understand what solution is the best option for your home.
My name is Chris Adams, and I’ve been a plumber and water quality expert for decades. As a young boy, I started in this business, working for my grandfather’s plumbing company in the Miami Valley, Ohio, area. Today, I am the chief plumbing engineer and one of the owners of Five Star Home Services. In addition to being a state-certified master plumber, I am also a state-certified well water license holder.
How Do I Get Rid of Hard Water?
Water treatment systems come in various types, each of which are designed to address specific water quality issues. The following are some of the most common types of products and systems we sell and install daily throughout Central and Southwest Ohio.
1. Carbon Filters
Carbon filtration systems can benefit your home or business in a variety of ways. They provide better—tasting drinking water. Whole—house carbon filters remove contaminants such as chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In addition to their taste, whole—house carbon filtration can remove any lingering odors in tap water.
Featured Blog: Benefits of a Whole House Backwashing Carbon Filter →
2. Reverse Osmosis
When removing contaminants from water, reverse osmosis systems stand out from the water filtration pack. In fact, the EPA says reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to eliminate “all disease-causing organisms and most chemical contaminants.” Keep in mind that, reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing many contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and nitrates. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities, leaving you with clean water. We offer the best prices on the industry’s most advanced RO systems at Five Star.
Featured Blog: Benefits of a Reverse Osmosis System →
3. Iron Filters
Iron filters are the perfect, low-maintenance solution for the water needs in many homes. With minimal maintenance, you not only preserve the quality of your drinking water. Additionally, you prevent walls, floors, and appliances from being damaged. Iron filters are designed to remove iron and manganese from tap water. These contaminants can cause stains to plumbing fixtures and laundry. They also leave water with an unpleasant taste and color. Getting the iron out of your water is a huge step towards high quality water.
4. Water Softeners
If you have hard water, using a water softener is indispensable. Water softeners exchange calcium and magnesium ions, which cause the actual “hardness.” They do so with sodium or potassium ions. This process helps prevent scale buildup in your pipes and appliances. This, in turn, prolongs their lifespan and improves efficiency.
Featured Blog: Benefits of a Water Softener →
5. UV Purification Systems
UV purification systems use ultraviolet light to kill viruses, bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms in your water. These products are an excellent choice for homeowners who depend on well water or are concerned about biological contaminants in their water. UV light water filters can give people peace of mind knowing they have extra protection from these harmful germs and that they are germicidal without the need for chemicals.
What are the Benefits of Water Treatment Systems?
With the right water treatment system, we have found, homeowners can enjoy safe, clean, healthy and great—tasting water straight from their own tap. If you’re a homeowner in Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati or surrounding areas a water treatment system may just be the right solution for your water quality needs.
Some of the key benefits of a water treatment system include:
- Removal of harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine, and bacteria
- Improved taste, odor, and clarity of your drinking water
- Longer lifespan for appliances by reducing mineral buildup and scaling
- Healthier skin and hair by eliminating harsh chemicals from bath and shower water
- Cost savings by reducing the need for bottled water and minimizing plumbing repairs
- Peace of mind knowing your family is drinking and using cleaner, safer water
How Much Is a Water Treatment System?
Our goal at Five Star is to always provide you with several options when choosing a system for your home needs. With that in mind, what to expect pricewise really depends on what your exact water quality needs are, which ultimately can only be determined by having a water quality test done first.
Another thing to note is that while it might be tempting to go for the cheapest treatment option available, it is wise to keep in mind that long-term maintenance costs and system efficiency are equally important. A higher initial investment in a higher quality system can save you money in the long run by minimizing repair costs and prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.
You can start your water quality journey by scheduling your free water quality test here.
What is the Water Quality Like in Ohio?
In Ohio, many regions, including Columbus, have moderate to very hard water, with mineral levels often ranging from 120 to 250+ parts per million (ppm). This hardness comes from high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause scale buildup in plumbing as well as shorten appliance life.
Additionally, most municipal water systems in Ohio use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection. While this strategy is effective at killing harmful microbes, these chemicals can actually leave behind a strong taste or odor and may contribute to dry skin and hair. As a result, I firmly believe a professionally installed water treatment system can help resolve both hardness and chlorine—related issues, improving the overall quality of water in your home.
Why Should You Choose to Partner with a Professional Plumber?
Although some homeowners might feel confident enough to install a water treatment system themselves, hiring a professional like Five Star Home Services ensures that the job is done safely and correctly. Our team of friendly local professionals can also provide valuable advice on accurate system selection and help with maintenance. Cutting corners to hire an inexperienced handyman or trying to do-it-yourself is ill advised. Besides, at Five Star, we offer competitive prices and peace of mind with warranty coverage you won’t find anywhere else.
To sum it all up, investing in a water treatment system is an excellent way to ensure the quality of your water supply and invest in your well-being and health. By understanding the different types of systems and solutions available and considering your specific water quality issues and needs, you can choose the right solution for your home or business. As always, for the best results, we recommend considering professional installation and maintaining your system regularly.
Ready for healthier water at home? Let our water quality experts at Five Star Home Services help you find the right treatment solution; schedule your free water quality test today!
You can reach us at (833) 405-8009 to schedule a consultation and start enjoying the benefits of clean, safe, and great—tasting water in your home.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between a whole—house filter and a water softener?
A whole-house filter removes contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and chemicals from your water, improving taste and safety. A water softener, on the other hand, specifically reduces hardness by removing calcium and magnesium minerals.
- How often should filters be replaced?
It depends on the system and water quality, but most filters should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Some systems have indicator lights or service reminders to help you stay on schedule.
- Can I install UV or RO systems myself?
Some homeowners may install UV or reverse osmosis systems on their own, but professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup, performance, and compliance with local plumbing codes.
