Increasingly, US consumers are becoming concerned about the quality of their drinking water. And not without reason: the infrastructure carrying our water is aging and degrading, releasing chemicals into the supply from the very pipes transporting it; industrial and agricultural runoff is polluting water with a variety of dangerous chemicals; and the widespread issue of water hardness affects over 80% of areas across the country.
Many homeowners are now turning to water filtration systems to ease their concerns around the cleanliness and safety of their water, and to ease the constant financial and environmental cost of buying bottled water.
For many, it is tempting to go down the route of DIY installation to save a few bucks, but a professional water filter installation service is worth every cent. It offers long-term value, long-term peace of mind, and long-term safety for your home and family.
The Importance of Clean and Safe Water
In this day and age, we likely take for granted that water is clean and safe in the sense of being disinfected and disease-free. But if we consider cleanliness and safety in terms of water quality, concerns may quickly mount up.
Increasingly old pipes may leach heavy metals into our drinking water, which can damage the kidneys, cardiovascular system and even cause cognitive impairment with prolonged excessive exposure. Chlorine levels can linger in drinking water after the treatment process, causing unwanted flavors and odors in the water, making it unappealing to consumers.
And there is rising concern too about the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are also known as “forever chemicals” as they do not break down over time, even inside the human body. They may build up over time and cause health complications. Research is ongoing.
Properly filtered water greatly reduces the instance of health problems associated with exposure to harmful contaminants. It also tastes better, with none of the unpleasant odors of unfiltered, chlorinated water.
Filtered water is better and healthier for cooking, and it extends the lifespan of appliances that are negatively affected by unfiltered hard water. Homeowners want these benefits and are increasingly seeking home filtration solutions to meet their needs.
Alongside this, they are weighing up their options when it comes to installation: do it independently or pay for a professional installation service?
DIY vs Professional Installation
You may be wondering if professional water filtration installation services are worth it, when filters can be purchased without this additional cost. It is perceived to be a fairly simple task to install filtering systems, and there are countless written and video guides online to follow for guidance.
But this doesn’t take into account the specialist plumbing knowledge that prevents installation errors which could cause a real headache in your home. Your “small error” could cause a catastrophic leak. It could also void the warranty on the product so you’ll be unable to get a manufacturer’s repair or replacement, and it could cause unintended problems with contamination (defeating the object of installation in the first place).
A professional service will be able to advise you on the right water filtration system for your home, and while the installation costs may add to the initial financial outlay, it will reduce your maintenance costs in the long term.
The life of the filtration system will be extended with proper installation, and you will avoid common problems faced by DIY-ers: water pressure loss, accidental contamination or accidental flooding, all of which could be costly to rectify.
Warranty, Code Compliance and Home Insurance Considerations
Water filtration systems from any reputable company will be sold with a warranty: a promise from the manufacturer that the product will perform to a certain level for a certain length of time, and if this turns out not to be the case the manufacturer will repair or replace a faulty system within that specified period.
These warranties are often only valid if the system is installed by a professional, so any DIY effort would render you responsible for any and all repair costs even if the product was faulty to begin with. A filtration system is a costly product to invest in, so why take the risk?
Licensed plumbing professionals are aware of the standard of work required to meet local building codes and will ensure that the system they install is compliant. DIY installations may not meet code requirements and therefore leave you subject to code violation, a state in which you are unable to sell your home or acquire permits for remodeling or doing repairs until the code is met. This could end up being a costly process, much more so than the cost of paying a professional to do the work from the start.
Home insurance is vital for the protection of your building and its contents. DIY mistakes are likely not to be covered by insurance so you would be liable for the total cost of repairs if they’re needed. Again, why take this risk when you could pay a competent, friendly professional to install your filtration system?
A Whole Package of Support
Our water filtration professionals will take your whole home circumstances into account when evaluating your needs from your filtration system. This includes the size of your home, your typical water usage, the local water quality and any individual concerns you have about water quality and taste.
We can support you in choosing the right filtration method for your home and integrate a water softener too, if needed.
This personalization can only come from knowledgeable professionals, who ensure that your water filtration system does exactly what you need it to. This professional touch assures you of the quality of our work.
After installation, we can help with the maintenance of your system to keep it in peak condition providing clean drinking water for your home. Regular upkeep from a professional will keep your system adherent to building code as well as keeping your water as pure and clean as possible.
Professional Installation: Is it Really Worth It?
The initial cost of professional installation is higher than doing it yourself, there’s no getting away from that. But it is important to consider the money saved in the long term: no accidental damage to pay for, no voided warranty on your system, no need to replace household appliances due to their extended lifespan with softer water, and a reduced or even eliminated cost of buying bottled water.
You cannot put a price on peace of mind, but professional installation will bring it.
High quality drinking water is not a negotiable feature in your home. It is vital for human and pet health, for washing, cooking and cleaning and for your water-based appliances. Aqua Clear Water Systems can give you personalized advice and professional installation services to ensure that you have top quality water throughout your home. To us, that will always be worth it.