Is it time for better-tasting or harder-working water at home? Start by learning the differences between two of the most common types of household water filtration: point-of-use and point-of-entry.
Point-of-Use vs. Point-of-Entry
- Point-of-Use - Commonly known as drinking water systems, point-of-use treatment refers to any under-sink filtration system installed at the tap or .
- Point-of-Entry - This refers to filtration systems installed at the entry point of water lines to the house. These are often referred to as whole-house systems, and other variations on whole-home filtration terms. Now that we know what we're dealing with, there are essentially two questions to consider when evaluating what will work best for you and your home.
Step 1 - What are you filtering?Do you need to filter out fairly benign contaminants, like chlorine, or mild dissolved solids or sediment? Is there something more sinister, like arsenic, lurking in your water? Learning what's in your water is the first and most important step in deciding what kind of water filtration system is right for you, whether it's whole-home filtration, point-of-use, or something altogether different.Start by scheduling a free water test from your local Culligan Man. He or she will come by to sample your tap water and run tests for the most common water contaminants, so you can find out whether you need to address water issues right in the kitchen or throughout your home. Your Culligan Man is also a great resource to ask for advice once you do know what is, or isn't, in your water.Step 2 - Why?It's also important to isolate why you're thinking about filtering your water. It's one thing if you have a contaminant issue that's making water smell or taste bad, but if issues are more subtle there can be additional factors to consider when it comes to your drinking water and its impact throughout your home.
- Skin conditions or allergies in the family?
- Low (or zero) tolerance for house cleaning?
- Heavy coffee or tea drinkers in the household?
- Hate the way laundry feels? Avid gardener?
- Well or municipal water?
For example, if your household hates its scratchy laundry and drinks a lot of coffee, you might want to consider whole-house filtration for the added benefits it can bring to your home (softer laundry, better-tasting coffee and tea, etc.). Similarly, families with allergies find that treating or softening water all over the house can help reduce some common allergy symptoms. On the other hand, if you're strictly interested in improving the taste of your tap water, under-sink filtration may make more sense. Talking about these issues with your Culligan Man can help you decide what will work best for you and your family.