FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Water Filtration System for Urban House

| Posted in General Discussion on December 1, 2004 10:09am

Hi to all the Breaktime folks.  I posted this message in the Housechat section and WAYNEL5 suggested that I might get a better response here.

My family and I are building a house in Houston, TX which is home to hard water with a nasty taste (a mixture of too much chlorination and the natural funky taste of the water).  In my current (small) home, we have had to fight serious scaling and staining from the water but don’t have room for a large whole house conditioner/softener.  We filter our drinking water with a refrigerator filter which works fine for taste.  I tested the tap water at the new location and it is relatively clean in regards to serious forms of contamination like lead, copper, microorganisms, and the like.  I want to make sure that we don’t have the same problems with scale, etc. in the new house.  The plumbing contractor is recommending a whole house filter by EWS/Environmental Water Systems which is a granular activated carbon system with a catalytic process called Increased Calcite Nucleation – expensive to put in but without a lot of the drawbacks of a water softener (I’ve tried to convince some of my family members that they will get used to softened water but am getting a lot of resistance).

Does anyone have any experience with this general type of filter?  I noticed in discussions a couple of years ago that several people had put in similar systems.  Have those systems worked well?  Has replacing the carbon been expensive?  I would appreciate any feedback as I have been able to find little or no information on this type of system except that put out by the manufacturer.

 

Thanks,

Beth

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. jackplane | Dec 01, 2004 11:20pm | #1

    I have no experience with this system, but I'd look into reverse osmosis, via Google. It's a lot smaller than whole house filtration.

  2. User avater
    CapnMac | Dec 01, 2004 11:42pm | #2

    A cutoff valve is a very good thing to have with a filter.  A bypass set up can be even better.

    Why?  One leaky filter, or a slightly mis-installed one, makes for a big mess when it's on the whole plumbing system.

    Another thing to look into, is just point treatment.  City water is generally fine for showers, washing clothes, flushing the toilet.  Not much sense in filtering water going to the sewers.  Adding a single valve faucet plumbed to a local filter at the kitchen sink is significantly easier than a whole-house system.  A line filter for particulates might be just the thing for the laundry connection, rather than potable-quality filtration.

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
  3. BSayer | Dec 02, 2004 12:15am | #3

    I've started using a whole house filter that is two stages - one paper and one charcoal. I'm on my second house. Not horrible expensive (about $230 I think) but filter changes run about $100 for a whole set. It removes both particles (to a certain size) and bad taste. The reason I went with a whole house filter is that I got tired of grit chewing up my fixture valves and clogging things. I disagree that there isn't a reason to filter what goes down the drain - more to the point, there is a reason to filter what goes through expensive fixtures. Some people do by-pass hose bibs though.

    Of course, right now I can't find the name. I got mine mail order from somewhere on the west coast. One thing that would be advantageous is clear bell housings - then you can see when to change the filters without disassembly. Right now, I just kinda guess, based on water usage. Generally about 60,000 gallons, but probably less in Houston (I've been there). The advice to have isolation valves (one on each side) is correct.

    One piece of advice my plumber gave me was to buy a case of filters. They change designs and suddenly you won't be able to get filters for your model anymore. He said he has had to replace a number because of this problem.

    1. spinker3 | Dec 02, 2004 12:37am | #4

      Does your system also filter out some/all of the minerals in hard water?  We have problems here in houston with very hard water (which leads to bad scale build up).  If you happen to remember the brand, please post that information.  Thanks for your response.

      Beth

      1. BSayer | Dec 08, 2004 06:55pm | #5

        American Plumber. I get mine from the Plumbing Supply Group in California. As for filtering minerals, my guess is, it depends. Filters work more on particle size, unless we are talking about something in a chem lab. So if the minerals are of sufficient size then yes, it probably filters them. But if they are truly dissolved, I don't know. Now we are getting into the difference between suspensions and solutions, and my chemistry isn't that good. But the chlorine taste is removed - we had heavily chlorinated water in DC.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data