Whole House Water Filtration FAQs

How Large Are The Tanks?

Our 1-3 Bath 12 GPM systems uses 9 x 48” tanks and sits about 52 inches tall, including the valve head. The 4-6 Bath 15 GPM system uses 10x54” tanks and sits about 58 inches tall. For single tanks, we recommend 20x10” space. For our combos, we recommend a 30x10” space.

What Are The Tanks Made Out Of?

Our mineral tanks are built out of USA-made high-spun fiberglass, and they’re certified for safety. We offer a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects. Unfortunately, not all tanks on the market are made to such standards.  The tanks are protected by a premium stainless steel cover.

If I Get The Filter, Can I Add The Water Softener Later?

Yes. You can get our whole house water filter system, and then, if you’re unsure whether you need to treat the hard water, just add our salt free softener to make a combination system later.

How Does Activated Carbon Work?

Our tanks come pre-loaded with granular activated carbon (GAC). To remove contaminant impurities, activated carbon works through the process of adsorption. Each particle, or granule, of carbon provides a large surface area, or pore structure, allowing contaminants the maximum possible exposure to the active sites within the filter media. One gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 3,000 square meters (32,000 square feet). The large surface structure, plus the prolonged contact time, maximizes water filtering capacity.

What Are The Benefits To Whole Home Water Filtration?

The main benefit of whole home purification system is that every tap in your home is filtered before the water is used – whether it’s for washing, bathing, or drinking. With a large mineral tank filled with activated carbon, you get a much longer contact time for contaminant removal than a standard point of use filter. Whole home water filters also last much longer and require less maintenance and filter changes. You can also treat water hardness with a point of entry system for the added protection for your home’s plumbing, faucets, and appliances.

Does The System Work For Well Water?

Yes. However it does not remove iron, hydrogen sulfide or manganese. 

What Does The Whole House Water Filter Remove?

Activated charcoal carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, chloramine, disinfectant by-products, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), taste and odor from water as well as hundreds of other inorganic based compounds. Activated carbon does not remove salt or dissolved solids from the water.

Why Do I need To Filter My Water?

Chlorine is added to local municipalities as a disinfectant. As a result, city water is generally responsible for dry skin, and it typically has a poor taste and odor. Chlorine can create disinfectant byproducts which have also been known to cause health issues. Activated carbon is the best way to remove chlorine and other byproducts, as well as almost all other chemical compounds that can find their way into the local water supply.If your water district uses chloramine as a disinfectant, our PRO series uses a catalytic carbon that’s designed specifically for chloramine removal. You can contact your local water district, or simply google your zip code along with the words “water quality report” and that should pull up your most recent report. On the report, look for "disinfectant used" to see if they use chlorine or chloramine (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) – or something else. If you need any help or have any questions, contact our customer support and we’ll help you.

How Often Does The Media Inside The Tank Need To Be Replaced?

The carbon media comes with a 5 year or 1,000,000 gallon guarantee. We guarantee the carbon reducing chlorine to undetectable levels for that period. When the carbon media needs to be replaced simply, order a replacement bag of carbon, dump out the expired media, and refill the tanks with new media. Other companies require a whole new tank purchase. With our reusable tanks we save our customers money in the long run.

How Often Do I Change Out The Pre-filter?

The string-wound sediment pre-filters need to be replaced every 8-10 months. This can be done by any homeowner.

Is There A Reduction In Water Pressure?

No. If correctly installed, our systems do not change or drop the water pressure.

Who Installs The System?

Anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily install our systems. If you don’t know someone with basic plumbing skills, any local plumber will have no problem with the installation. If you need help finding a plumber, try Angie's List or Home Advisor for a list of local plumbers in your area.

What Does The Lifetime Warranty Cover?

Our lifetime warranty covers the tanks and valves against any manufacturer's defect. Warranties are voided if improperly used or improperly installed against manufacturer specifications. Please read all manuals and instructions prior to use.

How Do I Know If I Need The Whole House Filter Or The Combo System?

The carbon filter is perfect for residences that don’t have excessive limescale build-up, or for residences that don’t suffer too badly from any problems associated with hard water. If you do have hard water and would like to reduce the effect of limescale, then the whole house water filter and softener combo is the better option. You can also add in our salt free water softener at a later date if you decide to treat hardness. This way, if you’re not quite sure whether or not you need a water softener, you can significantly reduce your upfront costs with no issues.

Where Is The System Installed?

Filtersmart whole house inline water filters are installed on the main water line at the home’s point of entry. The point of entry (POE) differs from house to house, but it’s usually either in the garage or outside – right by the water shut-off valve. Your local plumber will determine the point of entry and, by extension, the best point of installation. You also may have an existing water softener loop where the system would be installed, but virtually any plumber will be able to determine the best place to install the system.

Can The System Be Installed Outside?

Yes. The systems can be installed inside. They can also be installed outside the home as long as temperatures don’t reach below zero for extended periods of time. That means usually a few days or so.

Are The Systems Certified?

Most of our parts carry the certified mark. See the “Literature” tab for each individual part that’s certified. AquaSorb HS acid washed coconut shell carbon by Jacobi is also certified.

What Is The Guarantee On The System?

We offer a lifetime guarantee on all tanks and valve heads. We also offer a 5-Year or 1,000,000 gallon guarantee on the carbon that’s used to reduce chlorine to undetectable levels – otherwise, we will replace the carbon free of charge. We also send out any replacement parts for any leaks on all tanks or tank heads.

How Do You Ship The Systems?

We offer free UPS ground shipping in the continental U.S. The systems come pre-filled with media, ready to be installed. We ship from our warehouse within 1-3 business days.

What Kind Of Water Quality Can I Expect?

Coconut shell activated carbon is used to purify the water. It also improves the quality, overall taste, and the smell of the water. Most of our customers compare our filtered water to the taste of bottled water. The water filter is a purifier that also removes the unpleasant odor associated with disinfecting water with chlorine. You can also expect softer skin and hair from showering, as chlorine is a disinfectant and acts as a drying agent. Our water purification system removes any negative effects of drying agents, so you won’t have anything to worry about if you’re local municipality uses chlorine as a disinfectant. Water purification is also very beneficial to your overall health, as your body will absorb more chlorine through the skin than even by drinking the water. Prior to the water entering your home, the disinfecting agent and odors will be removed. Overall, this results in improved health.

Does The Carbon Need To Be Flushed Prior To Installation?

Yes. All activated charcoal filters must be pre-flushed prior to use. It is recommended to pre-flush and soak the carbon tank 24-48 hours prior to installation to flush out any carbon dust and allow the carbon to soak for a period of time before start-up. This helps keep carbon from coming into the house water supply and taps. We provide a hose adapter to properly pre-flush the carbon filter. Be sure to plan for a pre-soak period of a day or two before installing the water filter unit.

How Does The System Arrive?

All tanks come pre-loaded with filtering media inside including by-pass and 1 inch male connectors.

What Is The Return Policy?

We offer a try-it-and-love-it-or-your-money-back, 90 day full refund.

If you have any further questions, one of our representatives will be glad to help. You can call us at 866-455-9989.