North New Jersey's water system supports many everyday household activities for the dense population, like dishwashing, showering, & food rinsing. However, houses need robust water plumbing systems to mitigate the risk of contaminated water & upscale luxury houses.
NJ has had a mixed history in case studies of Newark & recently surrounding Middlesex County; there is a rabbit hole of stories around NJ waters. Regardless if a county is susceptible to contaminated waters, the importance of a strong water filtration system keeps water free of contaminates & greatly reduces the risk to one’s health. For homeowners, particularly those with high-value properties, peace of mind comes from knowing their sophisticated plumbing system ensures safe water. This article will explore the ins and outs of water filtration systems and their relevance in New Jersey.
It’s obvious water is essential for household activities like washing clothes, taking showers, brushing teeth, washing hands & rinsing off food in the sink. It should be more obvious that water needs to be clean, but how could one tell if their water is clean? Just because there’s no odor or visual discoloration doesn’t mean it’s completely contaminant-free. Water can be absent from turbidity, but heavy-duty chemicals can still be present.
With that said the only way to be sure water is free from contaminants is to have a robust plumbing system that filters water flowing throughout a home. The solution would be a water filtration system that ensures clean, safe water by removing contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, & chemicals. These systems work by passing water through various filters & purification stages, trapping harmful substances that can affect taste, odor, & safety.
Different filtration methods target specific impurities. For instance, carbon filters absorb chlorine & organic compounds, improving taste & odor. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semipermeable membrane to eliminate dissolved solids, heavy metals, & harmful chemicals. UV purification neutralizes bacteria & viruses, ensuring microbiologically safe water. Sediment filters capture dirt, rust, & debris, preventing buildup in plumbing & appliances.
By consistently filtering out contaminants, these systems safeguard health, enhance water quality, & improve the overall household experience. Routine filter replacements & system maintenance keep them functioning at peak efficiency. Whether using an under-sink system, whole-house filtration, or a countertop unit, water filtration ensures fresh, clean water straight from the tap. This is ideal for homeowners in North New Jersey because with fewer plumbing issues in water every year, the fewer maintenance & plumber visits are required, the more cash savings are to occur.
Different plumbing systems are suitable for homes based on their plumbing needs. The different types of filtration systems use various mechanisms to clear out contaminants. Systems like scale filters, sediment filters, carbon filters, reverse osmosis, or even whole-house filtration are common types that people opt for to ensure luxury homes have a functional & high-quality plumbing system. These are common filtration systems that are worth understanding & consulting a plumber with:
Sediment filters are used to remove solids like sand, dirt, rust & other debris that may be hidden within a water system. They are the most common filters & in a whole-house filtration system are the first line of defense for clean water for homes. It’s an attachment used for water first entering the home trapping any unwanted debris that traveling water may bring.
Scale filters in contrast to sediment filters prevent magnesium or calcium from affecting the water. This usually occurs from hard water & a municipality exposed to water systems with a strong limestone presence. This filter works by inserting particles in the water that dissolve calcium or magnesium which would have resulted in scale build-up in pipes. This filter similar to water softeners helps prevent hard water problems & promotes longevity for appliances like washers, dryers, & more.
Carbon filters remove particles & solids similar to sediment filters & also things like chlorine or heavy metals whilst rectifying any turbidity that may be ongoing with the water. These filters have active coal functionality where the passing sediment gets attached to & leave the water purified, often leaving the water cleaner than when it first entered the home.
Reverse osmosis is a highly effective plumbing technology that helps remove contaminants similar to the aforementioned filters. Water when it travels through this system, encounters a screen with super tiny holes in them that debris isn’t able to fit & gets eliminated whilst the water travels freely & cleanly. This is an ideal system for the sink so tap water can be purified with potential for clean drinking water & more effective dishwashing.
This is a type of water filtration that is a bit more comprehensive but rather than using filters for water at points of use (like faucets, laundry, etc.) it's the main line for all water entering the house. Often, this whole-house strategy entails a combination of filters like sediment, scale, reverse osmosis, & even including water softening as well. This is an expansive & ambitious system, but gives homeowners guaranteed relief of clean water always being readily available. The cost-savings of appliances & the health effects of water will pay for itself.
These filters are imperative for clean water coming into the house, consulting a plumber for which type would be ideal. Proper installation & maintenance would need to be considered for long-term performance.
The answer is yes as maintaining water filters is essential for clean, safe water. Regular filter replacement, as per manufacturer guidelines, is paramount & filters to be changed can range from 3 months up to a year. Monitoring water pressure helps identify clogged filters. Periodic system sanitization & professional inspections from certified plumbers are advisable to ensure optimal performance. Adhering to maintenance steps guarantees your filtration system's effectiveness & getting your money’s worth.
Clean water is the foundation of physical well-being & worth the investment. Water filtration is like a protective barrier against contaminants trying to enter the home. Without water filters, there would be corrosion in pipes due to metals & chemicals entering, the scale would build in the pipes causing clogs, debris would get into appliances causing needless damages, repairs, or replacements, & consequently water quality would be impacted.
Integrating water filtration is less about improving the quality of the water (but a bonus) & more about protecting the integrity of a plumbing system. If you ever plan to sell your home or reinvest into renovations, a robust plumbing system needs to be an immediate addressable consideration & not an afterthought.
If you are unsure about what type of water filtration system is right for your home, we're here to help. Explore our whole house water filtration solutions to learn more, or call us at (201) 895-0032 to schedule a free in-home water test.
References
Fallon, S. (2022, January 28). High Levels of PFAS chemicals in 34 NJ Drinking Water Systems Affecting 500k+ People. Northjersey.com. https://njersy.co/43BndAc
Hurdle, J. (2023, September). EPA finds more toxic chemicals in NJ water | NJ Spotlight News. NJ Spotlight News. https://bit.ly/4i1hN51
Natural Resources Defense Council. (2021, January 26). Fighting for Safe Drinking Water in Newark. https://bit.ly/3DYIAku
Water Research Center. (2015). Turbidity. Knowyourh2o.com. https://www.knowyourh2o.com/indoor-6/turbidity
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