Regardless of your water supply, adding a whole house water filter will improve the taste and odor of your water, as well as rid your water of unwanted chemicals. You should decide what your needs are and how much water you will be filtering before deciding on which model to purchase for your home.

A whole house system (such as the big blue water filter) is installed at the point of where your water enters the home, and all water going through your lines will be filtered for contaminants. If you have severe water or very hard water this is probably the system for you. It will not only treat the water you use for drinking and cooking, but also shower and laundry water.

This type of system will remove the impurities and contaminants as well as sediments that can damage your pipes, laundry machine, dishwasher, hot water heater, as well as stains in sinks, bathtubs and showers. You should notice a great improvement in your laundry, using less soap, as well as softer skin after your shower or bath.

Contaminants that are found in water vary from public water systems to a private well. You may wish to have your water tested to provide an accurate count on exactly what your water contains. While some chemicals are a nuisance, some are dangerous to your health. Sediment, chemicals and iron are the most common contaminants found in home water systems.

The amount of flow of your water will determine the effectiveness of your water dispenser. The quicker the water flows through the filtration the less contaminants that are removed. Slow water systems may not be able to provide the proper flow for adequate water filtering. The use of filter cartridges and carbon are common in whole house water filters, as well as an additional water softener if your water is very hard.