Is the water you’re drinking and cooking with free from harmful chemicals, contaminants and sediment? Your water affects everything from what you eat and drink to laundry, dishwashing and hair skin care. Understanding the water in your home will make it easier to choose the right system for your individual needs. At Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting we understand that this can feel overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we’ve put together the following guide to help you change your water filters, starting with the different types you use in your home.
Our Guide to Help You Change Your Water Filters
First, requesting a water audit will help you understand your individual water needs. If you already have a system in place, even if it’s just a simple water filter pitcher, you need to know when and how to change the filter for optimum and consistent results.
Types of Filters:
- Carbon – Most common type due to high absorption and low cost
- Ceramic – Can be cleaned and reused
- Reverse Osmosis – A filter that forces water through a semipermeable membrane. It’s a slow and somewhat expensive process, but is effective
- Distillation – A process of boiling water and condensing the steam
Types of Systems:
- Water Filter Pitcher – These are simple and inexpensive. The filters can be purchased at most superstores and don’t require any installation. The filter is visible and uses either color coding or a date to let you know when it’s time to change it. Most will need to be changed every 2-3 months.
- Faucet Mount – This filter fits inside the faucet unit. You will want to track the date you installed the filter so you can mark your calendar for changing when the particular system recommends. Most will need to be changed every 2-3 months.
- Countertop Mount – Sits alongside your sink on the counter and the hoses fit onto your faucet head. The filter sits inside the unit and will need to be changed about every 2-3 months.
- Under the Sink Mount – This type of system is hidden from view and mounted under your kitchen cabinet. It requires some plumbing skills to install and changing the filters may also require assistance. Read the instructions from your particular system and call us if you need help: call (530) 673-2489 for Yuba City or (530) 342-7800 for Chico.
- Ice Maker Water Filter – This system is installed on the water line to your refrigerator, requiring some plumbing skill. The changeable filters will likely be fairly easy to get to once the system is installed. Newer model refrigerators will have a light that indicates when it’s time to change your filter. These can last anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on the amount of water used.
- Whole House Filtration System – This is the best system option for filtering all the water that comes into your home. It requires professional installation and once installed can have a few different filters for different components, performing different, specific functions. These filters will need to be changed regularly, and on a rotation that’s independent from one another. Plan to mark your calendars for each and call us if you need assistance: 530-673-2489/Yuba City or 530-342-7800/Chico
No matter the choice you make for filtering the water that you’re drinking and using, we have a system that we believe in and can assist you in installing it. Remember that having your water tested is the first, best step. Contact us to schedule your water audit or call us for any water filtration or plumbing needs, no matter how big or small.
