Clean water isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But not all water is the same. Depending on where you live and your plumbing system, your tap water could contain a variety of contaminants. Fortunately, different water filtration methods are designed to tackle specific issues, so understanding your options is the first step to better water quality.
Activated Carbon Filters
These are one of the most common types of filtration systems. Activated carbon filters are great for improving taste and odor by reducing chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, they don’t remove minerals, salts, or microbial contaminants. They’re ideal if your main concern is chemical taste or minor impurities.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis systems push water through a semipermeable membrane, removing a wide range of contaminants. This includes lead, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, and even some bacteria. If you’re dealing with heavy metals or high TDS (total dissolved solids), RO is a powerful option. Keep in mind it also removes beneficial minerals, so some systems come with a remineralization stage.
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
UV systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. While they don’t remove chemicals or sediment, they’re excellent for targeting microbial threats. This method works best when paired with another filtration system, especially if your water source is from a well or has known biological contamination.
Water Softeners
If your water contains high levels of calcium or magnesium, you likely have hard water. A water softener uses ion exchange to replace those minerals with sodium or potassium. This not only prevents scale buildup in pipes and appliances but can also improve the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
Distillation Systems
Distillers boil water and condense the steam back into a liquid, leaving behind most contaminants. They’re effective against heavy metals, bacteria, and minerals, but the process is slow and uses a lot of energy. These systems are better for small-scale use like drinking and cooking water.
At Able Plumbing Solutions, LLC, we offer water treatment solutions tailored to your home’s needs in Gilbert, AZ. Whether you’re concerned about chlorine, heavy metals, or microbial contaminants, we can recommend the right system for you. Let’s help you enjoy cleaner, safer water—contact us today to schedule a consultation.
