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Do I Really Need a Whole House Water Filter System?

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  • Do I Really Need a Whole House Water Filter System?

    We just got our annual water quality report from the city (South Daytona, Fl) and everything looks within the federal limits except for the TTHM, which from what I gather is chlorine or other disinfectants in the water. We already have a simple pitcher system w/ a filter for the drinking water, but after reading a little on chlorine it sounds like something I don't want in the water, except for the fact that it would keep bacteria and stuff from growing in the home's pipes. I like to take long hot showers and tubs, and it appears that chlorine is readily absorbed through the skin, so I'd like to avoid that, if true. Our variance over the limit is pretty small, as the feds recommend 80 ppb as the maximum and we are running 80.8, but still, that's on the high end of the limits.

    I was looking at whole house filters, since that would be simpler than putting individual filters on the two shower heads and tub faucets. What makes it simple is that we have a mobile home w/ space under it, and our water supply line is a simple pipe coming out of the concrete in the carport w/ a cutoff valve. What looks like a regular garden hose screws into the cutoff valve and goes under the mobile home to supply it's needs. Putting a filter there looks quite easy, as everything is out in the open. But, do I really need a whole house filter for my situation? Or should I just put individual filters where I need them in the home? And lastly, do I even need any type of filter system, since we are so close to the federal limits on the TTHMs?
    Last edited by steve m.; 06-18-2014, 02:44 PM.

  • #2
    Originally posted by steve m. View Post
    We just got our annual water quality report from the city (South Daytona, Fl) and everything looks within the federal limits except for the TTHM, which from what I gather is chlorine or other disinfectants in the water. We already have a simple pitcher system w/ a filter for the drinking water, but after reading a little on chlorine it sounds like something I don't want in the water, except for the fact that it would keep bacteria and stuff from growing in the home's pipes. I like to take long hot showers and tubs, and it appears that chlorine is readily absorbed through the skin, so I'd like to avoid that, if true. Our variance over the limit is pretty small, as the feds recommend 80 ppb as the maximum and we are running 80.8, but still, that's on the high end of the limits.

    I was looking at whole house filters, since that would be simpler than putting individual filters on the two shower heads and tub faucets. What makes it simple is that we have a mobile home w/ space under it, and our water supply line is a simple pipe coming out of the concrete in the carport w/ a cutoff valve. What looks like a regular garden hose screws into the cutoff valve and goes under the mobile home to supply it's needs. Putting a filter there looks quite easy, as everything is out in the open. But, do I really need a whole house filter for my situation? Or should I just put individual filters where I need them in the home? And lastly, do I even need any type of filter system, since we are so close to the federal limits on the TTHMs?
    Whole house carbon filters (cartridge style) are typically not very effective in removing it for the entire house. At slower flows they'll work ok but they aren't really designed for the flows you would require during showers and baths and all that good stuff. Your best solution is a carbon tank (or, dechlorinator) that the water would pass through. It would remove 100% of the chlorine for years until the carbon is used up and would at that point need to be replaced. You can try a cartridge style filter on the home but I would urge against it as you will undoubtedly become frustrated with the results at some point.

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    • #3
      Follow up on "carbon tank"

      Background: City water is generally perceived as good, but new construction home with tankless water heater, and plumber will put in whatever I want for free more or less, and main feed to house comes into laundry room (by my spec) for easy whole house solution. I've ordered an AP SST2HB and sediment filter (filter from here, the stainless housing wasn't offered), and am considering a phosphate filter in front of the tankless water heater since they're pricey and I want it to last. These are near-term goals. The refrigerator has a filter, so I'm good with drinking, but would like to reduce or eliminate chlorine and (assuming until I test or find facts regarding ) chloramines. I don't like plastic in my plumbing. Is there a not ridiculous in cost carbon tank in stainless you can point me to?

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      Originally posted by pawaterguy View Post
      Whole house carbon filters (cartridge style) are typically not very effective in removing it for the entire house. At slower flows they'll work ok but they aren't really designed for the flows you would require during showers and baths and all that good stuff. Your best solution is a carbon tank (or, dechlorinator) that the water would pass through. It would remove 100% of the chlorine for years until the carbon is used up and would at that point need to be replaced. You can try a cartridge style filter on the home but I would urge against it as you will undoubtedly become frustrated with the results at some point.

      Comment

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