How to Purchase a System without Taking a Bath

Investing in the proper water treatment equipment for your home is not as simple as just plucking a system off of a shelf in your local mega home improvement store. Doing your homework and getting the proper product(s) for your specific water conditions will ensure you the best performance and save you money in the long run. Here are the most important points to consider:

Determining What’s in Your Water
Making sure you understand your water problem is crucial before deciding which system to purchase. Most systems you buy from a store only remove specific contaminants and may not be able to handle everything that’s in your water. Your water may require additional components that can only be selected based on a water analysis.

Contaminant Reduction Capabilities
What contaminants are you concerned about? Is the system you’re considering certified by a third party to remove those contaminants? Don’t rely on unsubstantiated contaminant reduction claims.

Efficiency
Is the system you’re considering the most efficient? If you’re interested in a water softener, does it use less regenerant (salt) than other systems? Does it clean itself based on how much water you’ve used or does it clean itself at a preset time interval, wasting salt and water? Does the drinking water component of your system operate at optimum efficiency?

Performance and Production
Does your system provide the amount of water required by today’s demanding households? Can it keep up with the flow rates required to operate multiple water using devices (faucets, showers, washing machines, etc.) at the same time? Does it produce enough drinking water per day for all of your uses?

Features and Longevity
Does the system have advanced features that maximize product life and maintain the quality of the water it delivers? Are there features that make operating the system easier?

Protective Safeguards
Does the system have indicators and failsafe devices that prevent you from using or drinking untreated water? Is there anything that tells when to replace expendable components like filters? Are you alerted when you need to replenish supplies like regenerant?

Installation
Is installation included in the price of the system? How much in time, extra materials and headaches will it cost you to install it yourself or have someone else install it? Are you or your installer fully aware of local plumbing codes so you can ensure to employ the appropriate backflow prevention and air gaps?

Warranty
What is the warranty on the system? How does it compare with other systems’ warranties? Are all parts of the system included or are there major exclusions? Is the warranty transferable if you move or sell your home? Is it a full warranty or pro-rated?

Testimonials
What do other homeowners say about the system? Would they recommend it?

Visiting a retailer or dealer and need help?
Click here to go to and print out our Product Purchase Checklist to make sure you ask all the right questions.