Whole-home water filtration to improve appliance reliability?

Submitted by MDR_25 t3_zgyloa in CambridgeMA

In the past couple years, I've had to replace inlet valves on my washing machine and dishwasher, and frequently need to clean mineral build-up from screens in my sink & shower lines.

The Cambridge Water Department states that Cambridge water is "slightly" or "moderately" hard, depending on what scale you use, and is unlikely to cause issues with appliances. But anecdotally, I've had plumbers and appliance repair people tell me it causes lots of problems in the community.

Has anyone added a whole-home filtration system to soften their water and address this issue specifically? What filter did you use, and how's it working out?

(I know about the recent switch to MWA water. My issues pre-date that and presumably will remain in the long term when we're back on municipal water.)

10

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

blackdynomitesnewbag t1_izj60sc wrote

They’ve already put us back on the shit water. Email manager@cambridgema.gov an tell him we want the good water back.

5

MDR_25 OP t1_izj785u wrote

Heh, being on our own water was great a few years back when every other municipality in greater Boston had a boil order.

We have a lightweight filter that we use for drinking, but honestly I don't mind drinking it unfiltered. It is just wreaking havoc on my appliances.

4

blackdynomitesnewbag t1_izk688j wrote

It tastes ok when filtered, but it’s cost me at least $5000 in personal damages and destroyed the finishes on my new bathroom fixtures

1

SocoCocoPuffs t1_izj72az wrote

If you're looking to soften your water, you need a water softening system which can be used in conjunction with a whole home filtration system or stand alone.

Adding a water softening system is known to extend the life of appliances especially with how terrible Cambridge water is for appliance and faucets. I remember a plumber on here saying cambridge water gives him job security/keeps him busy. you'll also find similar anecdotes search this sub.

I don't know what you budget is but a whole home system professionally installed will cost thousands.

4

MDR_25 OP t1_izj7ke0 wrote

Yep, I'm expecting it to be a big investment. Which is why I'd love to hear what has worked / hasn't worked for others in Cambridge before taking the plunge. Specific brands to consider or avoid, from folks with first hand experience, would be great.

2

HylianSavior t1_izjmdbl wrote

I’m no longer in Cambridge, but man was the water bad when I was there. In my home, I installed an under-sink RO system from iSpring and it’s been great. They are US-based and have good customer support. You could try some of their whole-home filtering options. I don’t have any experience with the whole-home filters personally, though.

3

TheOriginalTerra t1_izjcgdc wrote

I've had the same question for a while. The hard water wreaks havoc on our tankless furnace/hot water system, and we often end up having to pay for replacement parts when the plumber comes to do the annual service before heating season.

2

shimon t1_izmtqt0 wrote

What parts have you had to replace?

We have an 11 year old Navien combination heat/hot water tankless, and have never replaced any parts in it. There have been a couple of times the hot water flow sensor got jammed up with something and had to be cleaned out for the hot water to flow again. And you do need the approximately annual clean/descale service.

1

TheOriginalTerra t1_izpfi01 wrote

Zone valves. More than once. Our system is a year or two older than yours, a Baxi. The plumber who recommended it and installed it didn't offer a maintenance plan and then vanished once he was done and paid, leaving a system that had been installed incorrectly and we had to get other plumbers in to correct his work. Then we had to hunt down a plumber who would work on Baxi units specifically, because that brand isn't in wide use in the U.S. So we got off to a bad start, and our issues aren't all down to the hard water, but as first-time owners in Cambridge, it presented an extra learning curve.

2

These-Assignment-936 t1_izjyh0o wrote

If you’re going to be installing filtration equipment, it might be useful to do a lab test of your water to understand if there are any other elements you want your system to filter out. Water quality can vary - even when it comes from the same municipal source.

I used https://mytapscore.com/ a few years ago and was very pleased with the report I got.

2

awooff t1_izjymdv wrote

Fleck brand water softners are the best rated for performance and longevity. Plenty of info online about them and can even choose the quality of resin beads when ordering..

2

HaddockBranzini-II t1_j01osmm wrote

I filled a non-stick pan with water and left it to evaporate. There was enough calcium and other minerals to draw in the dust that remained.

Was curious since I need to replace the sink aerators once a year.

2

justlookin592 t1_izm4lby wrote

We had a whole house water filter installed and an RO setup added to our kitchen sink by H2O Care out of Middleton. Been very happy with the result. Unfortunately didn’t have room for the softener, but they do those too.

1

dny6 t1_izo9gnr wrote

The city is full of shit saying the water isn’t that hard. Lol.

We are looking to get a water softener and filter

1