Water Filtration Installation in Charlotte Area

WHY FILTERED WATER?

If you are like many homeowners, you have grown used to drinking what comes right out of the tap. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on your personal preference, and a great deal upon where you live. Municipalities have multiple water supplies and the quality of water can vary drastically, even in the same town. According to data rankings by the Environmental Working Group, our region was ranked 29th overall and received a “mixed” review on a scale of cities that ranged from “leading in water quality” to “endangered”.

What does this mean? It means while we are not the worst city in America as far as clean water quality goes, we certainly are far from the best. Municipalities are responsible and mandated to keep our water bacteria free with chemicals, but you have the option of leaving those chemicals in your water or taking them out.

Municipal water treatment plants use chlorine to kill bacteria. Ammonia is sometimes added to stabilize chlorine, forming chloramine, which is more toxic but lasts longer. Only a catalytic carbon filter removes both chlorine and chloramine. Since we absorb more chlorine in a 5-minute shower than by drinking water all day, a whole-house catalytic carbon filter is the best defense. Why be the filter, when you can install a filter?

Just because your water is clear, does not mean it is clean. Tannins are the breakdown of vegetation in your water. When you hear or read about TDS – total dissolved solids – those are the contaminants in your water but have been dissolved; therefore, they are still there but the water is clear. Want to know what is in Charlotte NC water supply?

WHAT DO I LOOK FOR WHEN COMPARING WATER FILTRATION?

Third-party certifications are essential to verify manufacturers’ claims. Look for Charlotte water filtration systems with WQA Certification, which specify specific contaminants a system can reduce under NSF/ANSI standards. These standards fall into aesthetic and health-related categories. Some certifications only cover material safety, while others confirm performance. For example, with a water softener, NSF/ANSI 61 covers material safety, while NSF/ANSI 44 includes safety, structural integrity, performance, and brine accuracy.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS TYPES OF WATER TREATMENT AVAILABLE?

If your home is on a well, we highly recommend a water test from an independent lab such as National Testing Laboratories. You will receive a comprehensive report that will ensure you are getting the right setup for your home and not something you may not need or not be getting what you actually do need. Even after selecting and installing a water filtration system based on water test results, it’s important to remember that water testing is a snapshot in time and should be performed annually because environmental factors, such as the rise and fall of the local water table has an impact on your water supply.

For homes on municipal water in Charlotte, NC, there are several options:

• A water softener for hard water that removes minerals.
• A catalytic carbon filter for improving taste and odor while removing chlorine AND chloramine.
• A combination system that acts as both a water softener and catalytic carbon filter.
• A reverse osmosis (RO) system that removes chemical contaminants, including forever chemicals (when certified specifically for this), for purified clean water.
• A whole-home protection system that adds UV light to sanitize against bacteria and viruses before it comes out of your tap.

CHARLOTTE AREA WATER FILTRATION: HOW DOES WATER FILTRATION WORK?

Most home water filtration systems today are carbon-based. A carbon filter works on the principle of adsorption. Because it has such a large porous surface area, it attracts lots of impurities, making activated charcoal such a highly effective process for water filtration in Charlotte. Charcoal filters are used in icemaker filters, under-counter filters, countertop filters, whole-house filters, and more.

A whole-house water filtration installation must be at least 1.0 cubic feet to effectively remove most contaminants, including up to 97% of chlorine. Smaller filters are less effective and suitable only for low-flow point of use applications or paired with a reverse osmosis system for better results.

Activated carbon is processed to create a honeycomb-like structure with maximum surface area. Coconut carbon is the most commonly used today, while catalytic carbon is specially modified to target chloramine. For lasting results, choose house water filtration systems with catalytic carbon instead of only granular activated carbon.

TYPES OF WATER FILTRATION SERVICES NEAR ME

A whole-house catalytic carbon filter uses adsorption, attracting particles like a magnet. Self-backwashing systems flush contaminants to keep filters effective for years. These units average about 7-10 years for a family of four depending on water quality and usage.

Whole-house systems can combine softeners and self-backwashing catalytic carbon filters that are rated for 1 million or more gallons and will last 7-10 years for the average family of 4 depending on water quality and usage. For homes without a drain line, there are non-backwashing catalytic carbon filters. Depending on your wants or needs, systems with an RO added can provide purified drinking water at the kitchen tap and add minerals for taste for a Total Home Protection System. Three Way Plumbing can help you choose the best option and professionally install it for you.

At Three Way Plumbing, we proudly carry Novo products, known for their reliability and certifications. Novo products are engineered, designed, and assembled in the U.S. and are rigorously third-party tested — a trusted choice for water filtration system installation in Charlotte.

THE BENEFITS OF A SINGLE SOURCE OR POINT-OF-USE FILTER FOR WATER FILTRATION CHARLOTTE NC

Concerned about your tap water? Tired of buying bottled water? The average family spends more than $1,000 annually on bottled water — and about 25% of bottled brands simply use municipal water supply. A point-of-use system under your kitchen sink can deliver clean water for both drinking and cooking.

Concerned about what’s coming out of the tap? Tired of spending all that money on bottled water?

Did you know that the average family spends more than $1,000 a year on bottled water?! According to MSNBC, 25% of all bottled water is drawn from municipal water supplies! So much for thinking you were drinking premium, clean water. Not to mention the age-old myth that you can boil sink water to remove impurities, while in actuality, you’re only boiling the impurities from the water into your food.

Filtration at a single source, such as under the kitchen sink, provides clear tasteless and odorless water for both drinking and cooking. In fact, Three Way Plumbing’s single-source filtration device can eliminate your need to ever buy bottled water again.

It’s easily installed under your kitchen sink and will filter contaminants from your water… contaminants like chlorine and sediment found in treated tap water. Once professionally installed, ther is maintenance required such as replacing the filters.

Just that quick, you get to enjoy filtered, odorless, better-tasting, safer and cleaner water from your kitchen faucet. It’s clearly the best choice for families wanting to kick the bottled water habit for the lowest cost. For even better purified drinking water, we can install an RO system that is certified for forever chemicals and other cancer-causing clear contaminants right under your sink.

THE BENEFITS OF WHOLE-HOUSE WATER FILTRATION

For the ultimate coverage, consider whole-house water filtration systems in Charlotte, NC. These units filter all the water entering your home, providing clean water everywhere — from your dishwasher and washing machine to showers, sinks, and your plumbing system.

Benefits include:

• Longer lifespan for appliances and plumbing fixtures
• Reduced chlorine exposure for healthier skin and hair
• Better efficiency from soaps and shampoos
• Protection against corrosive chemicals

With home water filtration systems in place, you’ll enjoy safer, better-tasting water throughout your home while protecting your investment.

COMMON HEALTH DANGERS AND THE BENEFITS OF FILTERED WATER

Filtered water is simply healthier. Reports have indicated that it is very important to remove chlorine and chloramine from our water after it has done the job of destroying all dangerous bacteria from our water supply.

Chlorine is very volatile and easily evaporates, so in some cases, ammonia is added to the chlorine, which changes it to a completely different chemical called chloramine. What is known is that it is responsible for many incidences of respiratory illnesses and perhaps most worrying of all, causes lead to leech out of pipes and fittings.

Even brass fittings are not immune, as they usually contain some lead, making removing chloramines a priority.

And the problem exists beyond just drinking chlorinated water. If you don’t want to drink it, why would you want to cook with it or bathe in it, or give it to your pets?

WHY IS CHLORINE SO BAD FOR ME?

Studies by Dr. K. Thickett of the Occupational Lung Diseases Unit at the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, England, showed that there was an increase in asthma-related conditions for those working around swimming pools.

When they moved away from the pools, their symptoms improved or went away entirely.

It has also been shown that tap water contains the same problems for many people. The U.S. EPA has stated that every household in America on a chlorinated water system has an elevated level of chloroform gas in the indoor air.

This elevated level is directly related to showering, cooking, washing dishes, clothes, and even flushing toilets with chlorinated water. The fact is that every time you open a waterspout in your home, you are releasing wheezing-causing substances into your household atmosphere.

When choosing a system, look for one that uses catalytic carbon specifically with submicron filtering and is a minimum of 1 cf to ensure 99% of the chlorine and chloramine is removed, leaving you with better, safer water.

Chlorine or chloramine is necessary for local municipalities to kill the bacteria found in water to deliver safe water to homes and businesses.

However, water filtration is also necessary to remove the chlorine and chloramine since it creates its own set of issues along with all the other organic properties found in that water. Did you know that you can breathe in more chlorine in a 5-minute warm shower than you ever could possibly drink in a single day?

How much does it cost to install a water filtration system?

The cost of installing a water filtration system in Charlotte, NC can vary depending on the type of system you choose, the size of your home, and your specific water supply needs. Point-of-use systems, like under-sink filters, are generally more affordable, while whole-house water filtration systems with and without self-backwashing capabilities or systems with added features like reverse osmosis and UV filtration are a bigger investment. On average, homeowners can expect anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, including professional installation. The good news is that a properly installed system saves money long-term by reducing bottled water purchases and protecting your appliances and plumbing. With low monthly payment or 0% deferred interest financing, you do not have to put off drinking, cooking or showering with essentially pool water.

Can I install my own water filtration system?

Some smaller, point-of-use filters — like countertop or under-sink units — can be installed by handy homeowners. However, when it comes to whole-house water filtration system installation in Charlotte, professional help is strongly recommended. These systems require knowledge of your plumbing layout, correct connections, and proper sizing to ensure your home has the right flow rate and coverage. A professional installation also ensures the warranty remains valid and your family enjoys safer, consistent cleaner water at every tap

Do I need a plumber to install a whole house water filter?

Yes. A whole-house water filtration installation connects directly to your home’s main water supply, which means cutting into and reconnecting plumbing water and/or drain lines. For safety, efficiency, and to avoid leaks or water damage, it’s best to have a licensed plumber handle the work. Professional plumbers have the tools, training, and experience to install the system correctly and make sure it operates as intended from day one.

What are the advantages of a whole house water filter?

A whole-house water filtration system gives you cleaner water everywhere in your home, not just at the kitchen sink. That means better-tasting drinking water, softer hair and skin reducing dandruff, reduced chlorine and organic compound exposure, as well as longer-lasting appliances like your toilets, dishwasher, washing machine, water heater – essentially anything that water touches in your home. Whole-house systems also improve taste and odor, protect against suspended solids, and help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures. In short, they provide peace of mind and convenience while boosting your home’s overall water quality. With a self-backwashing whole house filter, there is no maintenance such as changing filters, so it is essentially set it and forget it for many years.

FAQ: ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON WATER SOFTENER SYSTEMS IN CONCORD & CHARLOTTE, NC

Water Filters do the job of filtering. Water Softeners do the job of softening your water. A water softener does just that – it removes the hard minerals that are in water, leaving soft water flowing through your home.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD WATER AND SOFT WATER?

You’ve probably heard people refer to “hard water” or “soft water” before, but have you ever really wondered what exactly those terms mean? Well, let us explain. Hard water is water that contains microscopic (parts per million) of inorganic compounds like calcium, or magnesium, or even chalk!

These compounds are picked up and deposited in the water as the water runs through rock and soil and the end result is that the water becomes very alkaline. The more of these compounds that are contained in the water, the “harder” the water is. One “symptom” of hard water is that your soap or your shampoo does not produce a lot of sudsing action because of these compounds contained in the water.

By contrast, “soft water” refers to water where these compounds are not present. Hard water plugs up showerheads, dishwashers, fills up water heaters with rock/sediment, increases the amount of detergents needed for washing machines, and dries out the skin. If you see any streaking on shower doors, then rest assured, it’s on your dishes as well. Only 1 grain of hardness is needed to take effect, and the higher the hardness, the quicker it happens. Water must maintain a pH balance within a normal range.

To soften hard water, a water-softening system performs a cat ion exchange. Water flows through resin beads in a brine tank, swapping calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. When the beads are saturated with calcium and magnesium, regeneration occurs. Systems that don’t use salt for ion exchange are not water softeners. In 2020, the Water Quality Association updated its glossary to prevent misleading consumers of “salt-free water softening” claims. Testing water before and after passing through a salt-free system shows no change in hardness at all.

To test if softening is actually occurring, perform the “suds soap test” with your “softened water” and see if mixing the water produces suds or not.

Some signs of hard water are:

• Spotting on glasses and silverware
• Soap scum on the shower doors
• Scale build-up in pipes, water heater, dishwashers and washing machines
• Soaps are not producing a lot of suds
• Hair is dry and brittle
• Water heater is not as efficient and cost of heating water continue to increase

Water softener systems will eliminate or drastically improve many of these conditions. They are, for the most part, low maintenance and can last for many years.

The brine tank is where the salt is stored for the water softener process. With the exception of making sure there is an ample supply of salt pellets in the brine tank, maintaining the water softer is easy and not at all time consuming.

There are many myths and facts about water softeners and once you understand them, the questions then becomes what are the benefits? For example, water softeners do not add salt to your water. You cannot taste salt in the water unless the softener is not working or regenerating properly. Salt is sodium chloride. Only the chloride is used in the ion exchange process and the sodium is washed away. For comparison, 1 teaspoon of ketchup contains 204 mg of salt, 1 slice of white bread contains 161 mg of salt, 1 hotdog contains 610 mg of salt, and the softened water contains 20 mg of salt.

WHAT IS THE BEST SALT TO USE IN A SOFTENER SYSTEM?

You can purchase up to 50lb bags at any of the big box stores, but the best type to get is “solar salt.” Different brands bag it, such as Morton’s (just like the table salt, but do not use table salt!) Why is solar salt better than softener salt? This is because solar salt is naturally crystallized and doesn’t have binder additives like softener salt. These binders create a crusting called bridging. When this occurs, and you look in the softener, it looks like there is still plenty of salt, but it is only a layer of the crust you are seeing, and the salt may actually be fully depleted.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A FILTRATION SYSTEM?

Most whole-house water filtration systems take anywhere from 3-6 hours to install, but a single-source water filtration system takes less time. Before leaving your home, we ensure that our water filtration services are effective and properly filtering your water.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE A WATER FILTER INSTALLED?

Installing an entire house water filtration system can be quite the undertaking because of the wealth of options available, and can cost between $400 and $5,400 depending on factors such as:

• Does it backwash, thereby removing any impurities that were filtered? If so, how often?
• Is there a sediment filter that self-backwashes as well to remove trapped sediment or does it rely on paper filters needing to be changed monthly?
• How many gallons of water is it rated for?
• Does it have an Iron filter, UV light or softener?
• Is it a canister with a pleated filter? (These need to be changed monthly at minimum)
• Is it simply a point of use under your kitchen sink?

An under-the-sink water filtration installation is more affordable, with costs averaging between $200 and $800, but it only filters the water from that specific sink.

When it comes to wells, each water table has different needs, so we recommend starting with a comprehensive water analysis like one from National Testing Laboratories. A fully comprehensive one can cost approximately $300; however, the money isn’t wasted on putting in a filtration system that may not be needed or not having one that you do need. Depending on the needs, a well water filtration system can cost between $400 and $5,400 for installation.

At Three Way Plumbing, we can help with your home water filtration system installation. If you are interested in a water filtration system in Charlotte, NC, the Good Guys at Three Way Plumbing can help with a water filtration system service.

CAN I INSTALL MY OWN WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM?

If you have a moderate amount of plumbing experience, you can probably do your own water filtration system installation as long as you have knowledge of water and drain lines and the materials they are made of, along with the type of fittings needed for your own under-the-sink water filtration installation, compared to doing your own water filter system installation throughout your entire home.

WHY SHOULD I INSTALL A WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM?

A whole-house water filtration system installation protects your entire home, which is why we recommend this type of Charlotte water filtration. If you decide on this option, you are best off letting the experts at Three Way Plumbing help with this water filtration service, as it is too complicated without significant plumbing experience.

Installing a whole-house catalytic carbon-KDF water filtration system can reduce 1000s of contaminants such as chlorine, chloramine, hydrogen sulfide, and organic matter that may be in your water. Some systems are easy to install, while others, like self-backwashing systems that are set it and forget it or combination units are best left to experts like Three Way Plumbing. These systems last for years and handle over 1 million gallons.

WHAT IS AN RO SYSTEM AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

An RO System provides purified drinking water to your kitchen sink. The osmosis process is the natural movement of liquid from an area of low solute concentration, through a membrane, to an area of high solute concentration when no external pressure is applied. Solute is a solution containing both water and dissolved solids. A common osmosis practice is gargling with salt water.

The reverse osmosis practice is pressure is used to force water containing dissolved solids through a semi-permeable membrane. The dissolved solids are retained on one side of the membrane, allowing highly filtered water to pass to the other side. Normally 85-99% of the dissolved solids are removed through the reverse-osmosis (RO) process.

If you are dealing with any type of health concerns, only use an RO that is validated NSF/ANSI 58 for the specific contaminants in question. For example, the Novo QCRO we keep in stock is NSF/ANSI 58 and CSA B483.1 certified for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS (forever chemicals) and other harmful contaminants from the water such as arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium (+6 and +3), copper, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, lead, radium, selenium, TDS, Trivalent chromium turbidity. Want to see what is in your water that you cannot see?

Why is it important to choose a system that is specifically certified for the forever chemicals – PFOA and PFOS? Forever chemicals are found everywhere, but as they build up in our bodies, they cannot break down and remain in our bodies, and the levels keep increasing as we get older. Anything that is made to prevent sticking, like non-stick pans, wrappers around fast food, and some butters – anything that is shiny basically, leaches these forever chemicals into our foods. They are found in many beauty products as well as shampoos, plastic water bottles, and many other day-to-day items we use daily. Some of the health effects of forever chemicals are:

• Testicular, liver, and pancreatic cancer
• Liver damage
• Increase in cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of thyroid disease
• Decreased antibody response to vaccines
• Increased risk of asthma
• Increased risk of decreased fertility
• Endocrine disruption

99% of bottled water contains microplastics. It’s when the plastic compound leaches into the water from the bottles in sunlight (like the cases stacked up in front of the gas station) or temperature fluctuations (warehouse-truck-shipping-store-etc.) Microplastics build up and are now being found in men’s reproductive organs as well as in newborn babies passed to them from their mothers.

The QCRO-4v50 is a 4-stage system with a remineralizer and pH booster. It improves the taste of RO water by adding minerals back in the 4th canister. Unlike typical RO systems that waste five gallons for every gallon of good water, the QCRO only wastes two gallons down the drain, which is the water that contains everything that was removed from the water. Maintenance involves changing the four filter canisters and sanitizing the system periodically, with the schedule depending on the water quality. The rule of thumb is to change all 4 canisters annually at the latest, unless the taste begins to change earlier.

If you are concerned about any water going down the drain at all, we are able to offer an RO system that has no wastewater as it keeps the water recirculating and is NSF 58 certified for TDS reduction, but not forever chemicals.

When clean and purified water is desired for drinking and cooking, an RO System is a great option. Car washes us RO water for a spot-free rinse. Greenhouse growers, restaurants, and coffee houses are just a few of the commercial establishments that use RO water.

Give us a call at Three Way Plumbing if you have any questions about any of the water treatment and water filtration options available, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help determine what the right option for you, your home and your budget is. We also offer 0% financing if you choose to have it done now and pay over time.