The Differences Between Point-of-Use And Point-of-Entry Water Filtration Systems | Florence, SC

Did you know 771 million people globally lack access to clean, safe water? Access to clean, safe water is of utmost importance. It provides nourishment, prevents diseases, and helps eliminate toxins, among other benefits. While water may be available, not all of it is drinkable. Water filtration systems improve the quality of water by removing impurities such as hardness, taste, odor, and bacteria. These systems improve the health and wellness of a home and offer more cost benefits than bottled water.

What Is a Water Filtration System?

This is a system designed to remove pollutants and particles from water. Most water filtration systems incorporate a five-stage filtration process including sediment, mechanical, chemical, mineral, and bacterial.

There are two main types of water filtration systems:

• Point-of-use systems
• Point-of-entry systems

Point-of-Use (POU) Water Filtration System

These are water filtration systems that treat water at a single fixture. As water flows through a point-of-use filter, harmful pathogens are removed, thereby improving the quality of water. The most popular POU systems are installed under the sink, countertops, faucets, and tabletops.

POU treatment technologies include a variety of treatment technologies, including:

• String-wound sediment filters
• Activated and modified carbon
• Reverse osmosis filters
• Ion Exchange and redox media filters
• Ultraviolet lamps

Advantages of Point-of-use filtration systems

• Targeted filtration: POU filters offer targeted filtration to a specific point-of-use fixture where it has been installed.
• Easy installation: Most POU filtration systems are easy to install.
• Low cost: Most POU filters are generally less expensive than point-of-entry ones. They are a good option for homeowners on a budget but would still like to prioritize their water quality.
• Portable: Point-of-use filters are often compact and portable, making them easy to travel with or use in a small space.

Disadvantages of Point-of-use Filtration Systems

• Limited coverage: These water filtration systems are limited to a particular fixture. This means the rest of the fixtures cannot produce filtered water.
• High maintenance: Point-of-use filters require frequent maintenance, such as filter replacements.
• Inconvenient: If you install multiple point-of-use filters in different areas of your home, remembering to change filters for all of them on a regular basis can be challenging.
• Quality of filtration: POU filters may not be able to effectively filter out all contaminants, including volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. These may require more advanced filtration methods.

Point-of-Entry (POE) Water Filtration System

Also known as whole-house water filters, POE filtration systems are installed at your home’s main water line point of entry. Your main water may be found around the perimeter of your home, streetside, basement, or looped in the garage. Due to its opportune location, point-of-entry water filtration systems provide a complete filtered water solution for every fixture in your home.

They include:

• Sediment filters
• UV purification systems
• Reverse osmosis systems
• Water softening systems

Advantages of Point of Entry Filtration Systems

Extends the lifespan of appliances

When a POE system is installed on your main water line, your entire home benefits from better quality water. Any appliance that uses water regularly, such as the dishwater, washing machine, and shower, lasts longer since it won’t be damaged by the pollutants in unfiltered water.

Improves the quality of drinking water

One of the main benefits of a POE is the improved water quality from your kitchen faucet. The filtration system improves the taste and smell of water. Depending on your specific system, it also removes harmful pollutants, making the water safe to drink.

High Capacity

Whole-house filter systems have no limit to how much filtered water they can produce. It is due to this reason that they can ensure all the water entering your home is clean and safe to use.

Saves money on bottled water

With a point-of-use water treatment system, you don’t need to buy bottled water. You can now conveniently get water that tastes great and is odorless at your convenience as you would from bottled water. It’ll also eliminate the use of plastics and save on costs.

Disadvantages of Point-of-Entry Systems

Difficult to Install

Since POE water filtration systems are installed at the source, they aren’t easy to install. A plumber needs to cut through the point of entry of your home’s main water line and install the system.

It can be pricey

Depending on your chosen POE water system, it can be costly to install. The reverse osmosis systems tend to be more expensive since they offer the highest quality water treatment option.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry Filtration Systems

If you aren’t sure which water filtration system to choose for your home, here are a few things you should consider.

• Water quality: Your water quality is the first thing to consider when choosing a filtration system. A point-of-entry filtration system is the best option for water that is highly contaminated with lead or chlorine. If the water quality is not too bad, a point-of-use filter would be best suited.
• Water usage: A point-of-entry filtration system will work best if your household water usage is pretty high. This would introduce accessibility and convenience to clean and safe water for every member of the household.
• Maintenance: Unlike point-of-entry systems, most point-of-use filtration systems require frequent filter changes. If you tend to have a busy schedule with a lot on your plate, the point-of-entry system would likely be suitable.
• Budget: A budget is another important factor when considering a filtration system. The cost varies depending on the type of filter and how often the filters will be replaced. Point-of-entry systems are more expensive during installation but save money in the long run.

When determining which filtration system is best for your needs, always consult a plumbing professional who can check your water quality and provide helpful recommendations.

Consider Water Filtration Systems for Better Health

Water filtration is a necessity, given the risks associated with impure water. Our bodies need safe drinking water to remain healthy; a good water filtration system helps you achieve that. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, we are the leading plumbing service. Contact us today to learn more about water filtration systems.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

Photo By nikkytok at Shutterstock