A Plumber Recommends Best Water Filtration Systems For Homeowners

Sunday, April 23rd, 2023

Households cannot do without clean water. Clean water is vital for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and showering. Having water filters in your house is one way of ensuring the water you use is clean. Water is essential for survival and enhances health by preventing water-borne diseases.

Some water sources are polluted, affecting water quality. The good news is that water filtration systems can remove pathogens and inorganic particles in water that cause diseases. They can also eliminate contaminants in the form of solid particles and microorganisms.

To ensure a continuous supply of clean water, manufacturers of water filtration systems invest in improving existing units for more advanced options. Aspects such as changing environmental conditions and technological advancements prompt the development of new and advanced water filtration techniques. Below are some water filtration units you can opt for.

Nanofiltration

The first advanced water treatment technique that plumbers can recommend is the nanofiltration system. Nanotechnology is an efficient water treatment system that works much better than conventional water filters. The nanofiltration unit uses nanoscopic materials, including alumina fibers and carbon nanotubes.

Its filtration membrane has nanoscopic pores, magnetic nanoparticles, and nanocatalysts. Additionally, the water treatment appliance has nanosensors that help detect pollutants in water for effective elimination.

The carbon nanotube membranes perfectly remove almost all types of pathogens in drinking water. They filter out sediments, charged particles, pathogens, bacteria, chemical effluents, and other contaminants.

You can also use nanofiltration water filtration systems to eliminate toxic elements and impurities in a viscous liquid. Homeowners receiving hard water from ground wells can also get the nano models to soften the water to avoid soap scum, wastage of soap, and dirty-looking utensils.

Pros of Nanofilters

• The filtration system uses less pressure passing water through the filters.
• They are more efficient than conventional water treatment units.
• The units have enhanced the adsorption of physical, chemical, radiological, metallic, and biological contaminants.
• They have larger surface areas that make them incredible for use.
• Easy to maintain and clean through back-flushing.
• The system is eco-friendly and helps regulate environmental problems.
• Reduces greenhouse gases or carbon footprint

Cons of Nanofiltration

• They consume high energy to operate
• Excessive use of nanomaterials can be dangerous to the environment
• Has lower recycling and recovery rates

Desalination Water Filtration Units

Other advanced water purification appliances you can invest in are desalination water filtration systems, especially in regions with clean water scarcity and access to saline water. The units, which weigh almost 10 kilograms, purify salty and turbid water in homes, resorts, and hotels to make it safe for consumption without using high-pressure pumps and water filters.

These water filtration appliances are best for removing only salts and minerals from saline water. They work better with reverse osmosis to make water clean for drinking and cooking.

The suitcase-sized desalination appliances use a straightforward process that is easy to learn and apply during water treatment sessions. The filter-free technology uses an ion concentration polarization to electrify membranes below and above a channel of saline water.

Its electrified membranes then repel any positively or negatively charged contaminants or particles, such as salt molecules, viruses, and bacteria, as the water flows to a second phase. The second process is electrodialysis, which aids in the elimination of all the remaining traces of salts and suspended solids in water.

Once the process is complete, the water purification unit alerts you that your water is ready for drinking or use. Other than electricity to filter out dirt, the appliance uses solar panels to operate smoothly.

The clean water the system produces meets WHO water quality standards that require the water to be safe for drinking, food preparation, and hygiene to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.

Benefits of Desalination Filters

• They are easy to use with correct installation, with a push of a button.
• The water treatment appliance does not require filters because it uses the ion concentration polarization
• The system is self-cleaning, hence requires no-to-less maintenance
• It is energy efficient
• The water treatment device is easy to carry from place to place.
• It uses tried and proven technology to provide high-quality clean drinking water.

Drawbacks of Desalination Appliances

• Water desalination systems are more costly to run than conventional water filters.
• They drive the dependence on fossil fuels up
• Have more greenhouse emissions that threaten the environment
• Generates toxic chemicals and waste that can adversely affect animals and the planet.
• Increases salt in seawater, affecting aquatic life, including fish.

Solar-Powered Water Purification Appliances

Homeowners using boreholes, wells, or water from rivers and lakes can opt for solar water treatment systems to purify dirty water for consumption. Plumbers can recommend these water filter appliances during sunny seasons for people, especially those in remote areas or villages. Solar water filtration units can purify water from deep wells and surface water sources. With these water filters, you can save on fuel and electricity over time.

This new technology provides lots of clean drinking water, thousands of liters an hour. As the sun shines, you can get 1,000 to 3,000 liters of water an hour from the system. The water from solar-powered equipment is 99.9 percent free of contaminants such as most bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.

Advanced solar-powered models made in 2020 use electrocoagulation to eliminate pollutants. With the new electrocoagulation process, the unit can remove contaminants, such as emulsified oil, inorganic chemicals, hydrogen sulfide, and heavy metals. Besides its numerous benefits, the systems are not the best option due to high inconsistencies from wintry weather conditions.

Advantages of Solar-Powered Water Treatment Units

• Durable because they can last 20 years or more
• Generates clean water that meets or exceeds WHO water quality standards
• Requires low maintenance
• Low operation costs because it counts on sunlight
• The water filters do not produce noise as it operates
• Environmental-friendly because they use natural sunlight.

Disadvantages of the Solar-powered Water Filters

• They are ineffective in treating water heavily contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, mud, or septic runoffs.
• Requires sufficient solar, implying it will not work at night and during rainy or cold days
• Does not remove chemicals from water

Lifestraw Filter

Straw filters by Lifestraw company are water filtration devices that make water clean and safe for drinking and cooking. They are simple and portable water filters for people who fancy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and traveling. The filters use gravity filters that are easy to connect before usage.

Lifestraw filtration systems have a membrane technology that eliminates over 99.9 percent of bacteria and protozoa from your water. To use it effectively, you have to soak the bottom of the straw in water for at least 10 seconds to purify your water.

Want more details about the process? There is none because the procedure is straightforward, and a child can accurately use it hassle-free. It removes microorganisms, sediments, protozoa, and bacteria in water from different sources, such as lakes and streams.

Pros of Lifestraw Water Purification Straws

• Lifestraw filters can be used in water bottles, making them portable
• They are light to carry and easy to use
• The straw is simple to clean because you only need to blow through it from the top.
• Its new peak series straw has a faster flow rate.
• The system does not require batteries or electricity to function
• They are also cost-effective

Cons of Original Lifestraw Filters

• The straw water filter cannot eliminate dirt from a large amount of water.
• It can only be used by one person and never in groups
• The unit does not filter out viruses.
• The filter does not fit into most plastic water bottles.

Acoustic Nanotube Technology

Unlike Nanofiltration water filtration systems that use pressure to force water through carbon nanotubes or alumina fibers, acoustic nanotube tech uses acoustics. Its carbon nanotubes work with acoustic molecular screens that help in the filtration process. They drive clean water away from large particles and molecules from your water, making it clean for cooking, personal hygiene activities, and drinking.

The process begins when acoustics push water through a metallic, ceramic, or polymer filter matrix. Each matrix filter has carbon nanotubes that only allow clean water to pass through, leaving out large molecules and contaminants. When the water in the device decreases, the water filter starts the cleaning cycle to remove filtered-out pollutants from the filters.

These water filtration units are best for wastewater treatment plants, distillers, desalination plants, homes, and laboratories to purify water.

Advantages of Acoustic Nanotube Technology

• The water filters are more energy efficient than traditional water filters
• They provide clean water by removing pollutants
• The units do not need pressure to force water through the filters.
• Has numerous applications
• The cleaning process is easy because the acoustic nanotube tech does not require flushing.
• The water filters are energy efficient, affordable, and highly efficient.

Disadvantages of Acoustic Nanotube Filters

• The units are few in the market
• They are complex
• They are expensive

Infrared Filtration Units

Infrared water filtration systems are other water treatment options that plumbers can recommend. They use infrared light to kill bacterial contaminants and microbes in water. As water goes through the device, it draws out inorganic dirt by making water more visible to infrared light. They are also the best option for different environments and water types, including hard water.

The water purifiers soften hard water in homes, making it easier to do laundry and dishes. Having infrared water systems helps remove calcium and magnesium elements, reducing incidents of wastage of soap, dry skin, and clogged plumbing pipes.

Infrared-treated water has infrared rays that moisturize skin for a long time, hydrate the body, and help plants absorb nutrients for better growth. This filtration system is also stylish and enhances the curb appeal of your house.

Pros of Infrared Water Treatment Devices

• The infrared water filters soften hard water
• Are easy to install by a professional
• Effectively removes bacteria and microbes from water
• They are versatile

Cons of Infrared Water Purifiers

• The devices are not efficient or effective in eliminating viruses
• They have to work with other types of water filters for better results.
• Infrared water filters are costly.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Technologies

Reverse osmosis is one of the best water filtration systems in the market that most plumbers recommend for treating water. They have a semipermeable membrane that can filter out contaminants from saline and fresh water. The units use mechanical and activated carbon filters to reduce pollutants from your water.

Dirty water has to go through several stages to ensure the water remains as clean as possible, close to 100 percent. Reverse osmosis units use pressure to force dirty water through the system to make highly concentrated solutions to a lower concentration of dirt. The semipermeable membrane prevents most contaminants of different molecular weights from passing through the unit.

Its concentrate rejects, which are then filtered out pollutants, are mostly inorganics, radionuclides, dissolved solids, or synthetic organic chemicals. Reverse osmosis systems also work best with desalination water filters.

Advantages of Reverse Osmosis

• Improves the taste and smell of water
• Removes the highest percentage of contaminants in water

Disadvantages of RO Water Treatment Technologies

• The units are costly to buy and install
• Needs regular maintenance to maintain efficiency
• Eliminates excessive minerals
• Lead to water wastage, which can increase water bills.

Do You Need Help Choosing the Right Water Filtration Appliance?

If you want new water filtration systems or are planning to upgrade your old one, call My Professional Plumber.

Our drug-tested, background-checked, and professionally trained plumbing technicians are ready to address your plumbing concerns. We have the equipment, state-of-the-art tools, experience, and knowledge to provide unmatched services.

Conclusion

Water filtration systems are vital in providing clean and safe water in homes. They are perfect for removing harmful pathogens and contaminants that can be a health hazard to people. The system improves the taste of water, prevents water-borne diseases, and makes hard water soft.

Fortunately, the water filtration market has numerous options, including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration systems, infrared water filters, acoustic nanotechnology, and solar-powered water purifiers.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Find out our service area here and here.

Photo By amixstudio at istock

What Are The Cost Implications Of A Plumber Installing A Tankless Water Heater?

Are you searching for a tankless water heater for your new home or an upgrade to your current one? Or are you looking for a complete system change from your conventional water heater to a more recent one? No matter where you fall, all of it falls under the same bracket of wanting the best system for your home. Similarly, every homeowner wants the best system, whether air conditioning or a tankless water heater. However, more than just wanting these things is required. Factors such as the cost implications and having a professional plumber do the installation play a vital role. Therefore, it is vital to figure out these factors before venturing into the market for a new tankless water heater. First, outline a budget that you are comfortable with. It would help to outline the highest figure you are willing to part with. Then, seek a professional in the field who will guide you on the best system available within your price range. But since we understand how daunting of a process finding a tankless water heater can be, this article will help make the process easier.

Which Are the Types of Tankless Water Heaters?

The first step in purchasing a tankless water heater is knowing the types available in the market. It will help you narrow down which specific type is best for your home, and you can start from there. Three major types of on-demand water heaters are hybrid, condensing, and non-condensing.

Condensing On-Demand Water Heaters

The condensing water heaters are designed with multiple heat exchangers. It is designed so that when the first heat exchanger produces exhaust, it is recaptured by the system for further water heating. Therefore, this design makes a condensing water heater very efficient and cost-saving.

Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater

This tankless water heater uses a heat exchanger to heat your home’s water. The heater creates a hot exhaust that must be released outside the home. Therefore, a plumber needs to install an expensive vent to the outside. Thus, this can make the water heater price higher than its counterparts. In addition, budgeting for this tankless water heater might be more difficult.

Hybrid Tankless Water Heater

A hybrid model is unlike all the other tankless water heaters because it has a small tank. However, it uses less energy than conventional tank-styled heaters. The hybrid tankless water tank is designed to move heat from the environment into the tank. This type is more efficient than traditional condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters. However, these tankless water heaters can be costly compared to other tankless water heaters. For installation, you will need an open air around the hybrid water heater for seamless functioning. Therefore, if you upgrade from a closeted tank-style water heater, you may need to reconfigure heater storage for installation.

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?

Now that you know the types of tankless water heaters, it is best to consult a professional plumber to understand each type’s pricing before looking at the prices in the market. Depending on your needs, the professional will guide you on the best on-demand water heater to install at your home. In addition, the professional will also direct you to the best place to purchase the water heater since they have proficient knowledge in the field. Notably, the prices of tankless water heaters vary depending on certain factors.

Which Factors Affect the Cost of Tankless Water Heaters?

Since every home has its uniqueness, some factors of your home can affect the price of your ideal tankless water heater. These factors will either increase or decrease your final cost of installing a tankless water heater. Some of these factors include;

Brand

The brand, model, and make of a water heater are significant in pricing a tankless water heater. Like most systems, high-end manufacturers tend to have a higher price than other brands. On the other hand, some brands offer a partial refund, or rebate, when you are upgrading from their conventional water heaters to a tankless water heater. Therefore, when choosing your ideal tankless water heater, consider the company’s policy on warranties and the quality of materials used before purchase.

Installation Materials

When installing a tankless water heater in your home, some materials are necessary for the installation that should be included in the water heater purchase. Therefore, you need some extra cash aside from the initial buying of the water heater to purchase these items. These include electrical work, gas venting, water pipes, and gas lines. In addition, during the purchase, it helps to be specific and ask the seller to include isolation valves since they are necessary for regular maintenance.

Heat Exchanger Material

The first significant factor affecting tankless water heaters prices is the heat exchanger material used. In most cases, heat exchanger varies between stainless steel and copper materials. While the material used generally impacts the overall cost of the tankless water heater, stainless steel heat exchangers tend to have a longer lifespan than copper heat exchangers. Therefore, before settling on a specific tankless water heater, it is best to consult a skilled plumber for advice.

Installation

The other factor that will raise the overall cost is the installation cost. Once you have bought the ideal water heater and installation material, you will need professional services. This will depend on your location and the company you choose.

Regular Maintenance

The other cost to remember is the regular maintenance of your newly installed tankless water heater. The maintenance service plays a crucial role in the continued operation of the water heater. It also prolongs the water heater’s lifespan and, in turn, saves you money.

We Can Help You Choose the Right Unit!

The journey to a new tankless water heater is challenging. Therefore, you need an expert to help you navigate the market to get your ideal water heater. Contact us at My Professional Plumber for installation services and any questions.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By file404 at Shutterstock

How Water Filtration Systems Can Improve Your Home’s Water Quality

We rely on water for our daily needs, from drinking and cooking to cleaning and bathing. However, the quality of the water we use can vary greatly depending on where we live. The water supply may contain impurities such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria, affecting its taste, smell, and safety. Many homeowners are turning to water filtration systems to address these concerns to improve their water quality.

Reasons Why Filtering Water is a Valuable Investment for Your Home

Investing in water filtration systems is essential for your home for the following reasons:

Improved Taste and Odor

A water filtration system notably improves the taste and odor of water. Filtration systems remove impurities such as chlorine, giving the water an unpleasant taste and smell. A filtration system lets you enjoy clean, fresh-tasting water free from unpleasant odors.

Healthier Drinking Water

Lead, bacteria, and viruses pose a risk to your health. These contaminants can be removed from water through filtration. Installing filtration systems ensures your drinking water is safe and healthy for you and your family.

Cost Savings

Bottled water seems convenient, but it’s expensive over time. A water filter can provide clean, safe drinking water at a lower cost than bottled water. You can also help maintain a clean environment by eliminating the need for plastic water bottles.

It’s Better for Your Appliances

Hard water damages your appliances over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Water filtration systems remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium that form hard water, protecting your appliances and extending their lifespan.

Cleaner Clothes and Dishes

Hard water also affects the cleanliness of your clothes and dishes, leaving behind spots and stains. A water filtration system can improve the quality of your water, resulting in cleaner clothes and dishes.

Reduced Plumbing Maintenance

The presence of impurities in your water supply can cause build-up in your plumbing, leading to clogs and other issues. A water filter can reduce the build-up in your plumbing, resulting in fewer plumbing maintenance issues.

Convenience

A water filter ensures you enjoy clean, safe drinking water anytime without boiling or purchasing bottled water. Boiling water and cooling it takes time, whereas buying bottled water becomes inconvenient when water runs out and you must purchase it again.

Customizable Options

Water filters come in various types and sizes, allowing you to choose the system that best fits your needs and budget. A filtration system can meet your needs from under-sink to whole-house systems.

Peace of Mind

Installing a water filter gives you peace, knowing that you and your family drink clean, safe water. With a filtration system, you can eliminate concerns about the quality of your water supply and enjoy the benefits of clean, fresh-tasting water.

Choosing a Water Filter Installation Company

Selecting the right water filter installation company can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here are some issues to consider to help you make the right decision.

Experience

A company that has been in the business for a long while offers better services. Professionals from such companies know the best water filters to suit your needs. Young companies may have qualified professionals, but without experience, workers can make mistakes. My Professional Plumber has professionals who are experienced and highly competent.

Reputation

A company’s reputation comes from the quality of its services. Look for a company with a good reputation in the industry, with positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers. My Professional Plumber is highly reputable for providing quality services to clients. The company has achieved many instances of customer satisfaction due to their customer service.

Licensing and Insurance

Damages or accidents may occur during the water filter installation process. Choosing an insured company protects you from any liabilities in such cases. Possessing a license illustrates a company’s commitment to service delivery.

Quality of Products

The quality of the water filtration products used by the installation company is crucial. Look for a company that uses high-quality products from reputable manufacturers to ensure your water filtration system is reliable and long-lasting. My Professional Plumber doesn’t compromise quality and strives to ensure clients are satisfied with its services.

Customer Service

Good customer service is essential when choosing a water filter installation company. Look for a company that is responsive to your inquiries and provides excellent customer service throughout the installation process.

Warranty and Maintenance

The presence of a warranty saves you money whenever damages that are covered by the warranty happen. A company that offers warranties has faith in its service delivery. This indicates that you’ll be able to access quality services without worrying about cost implications when further repairs are required.

Cost

You need to choose a company that offers competitive pricing for its products and services. This necessitates market research to determine how much other companies charge for their services and the fair market value. Avoid companies that charge prices too low or high above the market value.

Availability

A reliable company will always be available to attend to your water filtration needs. You need to choose a company with flexible working hours and standby personnel who can come to your home when needed. My Professional Plumber is always available to offer services to local customers, even during emergencies.

Customization

Apartments may have different plumbing systems, requiring specific types of water filtration systems. Choosing a company that offers customized solutions to meet your particular needs is convenient.

Follow-up Services

Commitment is an essential element of customer service. A good company will do periodic check-ups to ensure your filtration system is in optimal condition. Regular maintenance and filter replacement services will be essential in promoting your family’s health. Before choosing a service provider, ask whether they do follow-up services and the types of activities they carry out during that period.

Our company, My Professional Plumber, offers water installation services guaranteed to fulfill your needs. We have experts with practical experience to ensure customer satisfaction. To get access to any of our services, call us today.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By courtneyk at Shutterstock

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Isolation Valves In Tankless Water Heaters From A Reputed Plumber

Nothing says welcome home after a long toiling day, like a hot shower and a homey environment. But imagine waiting for that soothing feeling only for your shower, not to have the needed pressure. This can be a frustrating situation that requires a call to the plumber. During the call, the professional will advise you to plan for a maintenance visit since the problem might be your tankless water heater. In addition, you are going to need an isolation valve for the situation to be rectified. Therefore, your much-needed shower and welcome home will have to wait. But the central question in your mind will be, what is an isolation valve, why do you need it, and how does it work? Therefore, this article will discuss all there is to know about the isolation valve, from its operation to what happens if you do not have one.

What Is an Isolation Valve in a Tankless Water Heater?

An isolation valve is a device that isolates your home’s tankless water heater from the rest of the plumbing system. Its primary purpose is to separate the tankless water heater for internal maintenance. In most cases, isolation valves are made from stainless steel or brass. Therefore, when installed by a professional, an isolation valve can help keep your tankless water heater off the plumbing system as you drain and flush it. Therefore, it is advantageous during the maintenance of the tankless water heater. Notably, when the tankless water heater is offline from the rest of the system, you can still use it, but it will only dispense cold water.

Notably, isolation valves are, in most instances, used for internal on-demand water heater maintenance. Therefore, they are either maintenance valves, service valves, or flush kits. However, it is essential to distinguish them from the shut-off valves since they have their differences. An isolation valve allows the professional to empty the tankless water heating unit and clean it with a cleaning solution. On the other hand, shut-off valves only perform the function of stopping and starting the water flow. To quickly know the isolation valve, you will find it connected to the tankless water heater, and in most cases, it is marked with red and blue for hot and cold-water lines, respectively.

How Does an Isolation Valve Work?

The operation of isolation valves is based on its mechanism, which is called a ball valve. The valve has a ball with a hole and an O-shaped ring to seal it. When a plumber turns the valve handle 90 degrees against the supply water line, the ball rotates with the valve, thus blocking water flow. On the other hand, once the valve is turned back to its position, the ball rotates, and the hole aligns with the main supply water line, letting water get through. Therefore, the hole inside the ball restricts water flow or allows it depending on the angle of the hole to the waterline.

Why Do I Need an Isolation Valve for My Tankless Water Heater?

Before we dive into why you should have an isolation valve for your tankless water heater, it is essential to note that these isolation valves are usually sold separately from tankless water heaters. Therefore, if you do not specifically ask for them included while purchasing the tankless water heater, the salesperson might not include them. However, this is not something to worry about since you can consult the professional on everything needed during purchase.

Without isolation valves for your tankless water heater, it will be impossible to have regular maintenance done. Unfortunately, most homeowners believe that as long as the water heater is working, there is no need for regular checks. Without regular maintenance, the tankless water heater will lose efficiency, get pinhole leaks, and stop producing hot water. In addition, the tankless water system could have dire outcomes such as early breakdowns, which compromises its life span. In contrast, scale buildup due to using hard water causes the tankless water heater to develop issues.

Can I Use Supply Hoses Instead of Isolation Valves?

The simple answer is no. Do you have supply hoses rather than isolation valves for the tankless water heater? You should call a professional plumber to replace them. Although the primary purpose of isolation valves is to separate the tankless water heater from the plumbing system during maintenance, this is not the only thing they do. When not in use for isolation, they also serve as regular pipes and carry water in and out of the water heater. Therefore, they are like solid pipes which also have an access point. Inversely, supply hoses are thin and can easily break with daily wear and tear. In addition, supply hoses are inefficient for maintenance since the tankless water heater will be separated from the mainline water supply.

What Happens If My Isolation Valves Are Installed Incorrectly?

Fortunately, knowing if the isolation valves are incorrectly installed is easy. When this happens, the professional cannot flush the water heater during maintenance. Isolation valves are considered incorrectly installed if, first, it is installed such that you cannot access them, and secondly, if it is installed upside down.

Although both cases are wrong, the first scenario is preferable since it means you cannot operate the valves. However, in the second case, when you try to maintain your tankless water heater, you will only run a cleaning solution through your home’s pipes. That is because the valves need to be correctly placed. Consequently, the cleaning solution will damage the lines of your home. Therefore, to avoid this, ensure you are working with a certified plumber.

Your home’s plumbing and drainage systems are the backbone of its smooth operation. Therefore, ensuring these systems have all the necessary devices for efficient operation is best. Contact us at My Professional Plumber for any questions or services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By akinbostanci at istock