You probably already know hard water is a fact of life here in Florida. But if you’ve been looking into ways to improve your home’s water, you’ve likely come across another concern: PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”
Here’s where things can get confusing. Many homeowners assume a water softener takes care of everything. While a water softener is great for treating hard water, it doesn’t remove contaminants like PFAS. Choosing the right water filtration system depends on what’s actually in your water and what you’re trying to solve.
At Hall & Sons Plumbing, we help Jacksonville homeowners find water treatment solutions that fit their home and their water. Here’s what you should know before choosing a system.
What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in products like nonstick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.
They’re nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. Over time, they can make their way into groundwater and drinking water supplies.
The good news? Not every home has the same water quality concerns. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s in your water before deciding on a filtration system.
What a Water Softener Does (and Doesn’t Do)
Water softeners are designed to reduce hardness by removing dissolved calcium and magnesium ions through an ion exchange process. A water softener can help:
- Reduce scale buildup on plumbing fixtures
- Extend the life of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers
- Help soap and detergent work better
- Leave dishes, sinks, and showers looking cleaner
What it won’t do is remove contaminants like PFAS, chlorine, bacteria, or heavy metals. If those types of contaminants are a concern, a dedicated filtration system is the right solution and is often installed alongside a water softener.
Which Water Filtration System Is Best?
The right system depends on your water and your family’s needs.
Some advanced filtration systems, especially properly selected and maintained reverse osmosis (RO) systems, are designed to reduce contaminants like PFAS, lead, chlorine, and other unwanted substances that may be present in drinking water.
Other whole-home filtration systems focus on improving water quality throughout the house by reducing sediment, chlorine, odors, and additional impurities before the water reaches your faucets.
The best solution isn’t always the biggest system. It’s the one that’s designed to treat your specific water.
Related: The Next Generation of Filtration: How New Systems Are Taking On Plastics
Whole-Home vs. Point-of-Use Filtration
Not every filtration system works the same way.
Whole-Home Filtration
A whole-home system filters water as it enters your house, so every faucet, shower, washing machine, and appliance receives treated water. This is a great option if you’re looking to improve water quality throughout your home.
Point-of-Use Filtration
Point-of-use systems treat water at a single location, such as a kitchen faucet, dedicated drinking water tap, or refrigerator dispenser. They’re commonly used when the primary goal is improving drinking and cooking water.
Not sure which option makes sense? That’s where we come in. We’ll help you choose a system based on your home’s water quality and your family’s needs.
Test Your Water Before You Buy
Before investing in any water treatment system, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. A professional water test can identify issues like:
- Hard water
- Chlorine
- Iron
- Sediment
- PFAS and other contaminants (when testing is requested)
- Other water quality concerns
Let us take the guesswork out of choosing the right system and helps ensure you’re solving the actual problem with equipment that’s designed to address your home’s specific water quality concerns.
The Best Solution Is Often a Combination
For many Florida homeowners, the best setup isn’t choosing between a water softener or a filtration system. It’s using both.
A water softener protects your plumbing and appliances from hard water damage, while the right filtration system can reduce specific contaminants to improve your drinking water based on your home’s needs. Together, they provide better protection for your home and better water for your family.
Related: How To Improve Your Home’s Water Quality With A Water Softener
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Even the best water filtration system needs routine maintenance.
Replacing filters on schedule and servicing your equipment helps maintain water quality, protects your investment, and keeps everything working as it should. Skipping maintenance can reduce performance and shorten the life of your system.
Find the Right Water Filtration System for Your Home
Choosing a water filtration system doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re concerned about hard water, PFAS, or simply want better-tasting water, Hall & Sons Plumbing can help you find the right solution without the guesswork.
Our team will help evaluate your needs, explain your options, and recommend a system that fits your needs and your budget.
Ready for cleaner, better water? Contact Hall & Sons Plumbing today to schedule a water quality consultation and find the right filtration system for your home.
