Whole House Water Filtration Systems

[Lark7]

For those who have a whole house water filtration system, did the refrigerator water filter become redundant or do you continue to also utilize a refrigerator filter?

Thanks for your assistance.

[Kahuna32162]

We pulled it out and tossed it. Nova water filtration system does the rest.

[Bay Kid]

Love my Nova system.

[MikeV]

We have NOVA but since I bought filters in advance we are using the refrigerator filter for now. I will keep one just in case it is needed in the future.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Debfrommaine]

I like my Nova but we do get a lot of calcium build up on the faucets. I think we need to get another component with it.

[JerryLBell]

We got the Nova water filtration system and a new fridge about 18 months ago. We didn't bother taking the fridge filter out but will probably do so when the "change filter" light goes on. From past experience, they normally last about 6 months before that happens. However, with the filtered water coming in, it seems like the fridge filter is going to last a LONG time.

[retiredguy123]

We got the Nova water filtration system and a new fridge about 18 months ago. We didn't bother taking the fridge filter out but will probably do so when the "change filter" light goes on. From past experience, they normally last about 6 months before that happens. However, with the filtered water coming in, it seems like the fridge filter is going to last a LONG time.
The refrigerator filter light comes on after a set period of time (I think it is 6 months). It has nothing to do with the condition of the filter.

[junction29]

We have NOVA but since I bought filters in advance we are using the refrigerator filter for now. I will keep one just in case it is needed in the future.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

We have had the NOVA filter system for five years now and we have never changed the fridge system filter since we had the NOVA system fitted and as part of our drive to minimise plastic use, we always use refillable water bottles, filled from the tap on the fridge and the water always tastes great.
👍👍

[mixsonci]

I tried taking my fridge filter out, but when I did, the ice maker wouldn''t work. I tried to get a "Plug" for in place of the filter, but was told by Whirlpool that my particular model does not need a plug so there is none to buy. However, the ice maker doesn't work without. So at present I have a filter in, but really don't want to buy another filter if I don't have to, they're expensive.

[Dan9871]

Eco water.... crud and softner in one. Even with the filter eventually the fridge filter fills up. At first you don't notice but the flow drops off very slowly over time. We replaced the fridge filter after about 4 years when it was just taking too long to fill a large cup and the flow returned.

[junction29]

Eco water.... crud and softner in one. Even with the filter eventually the fridge filter fills up. At first you don't notice but the flow drops off very slowly over time. We replaced the fridge filter after about 4 years when it was just taking too long to fill a large cup and the flow returned.

Whoops,
We forgot to say that although we didn’t put a new fridge filter in after we had the NOVA system fitted, we didn’t leave the old one in either!

We just didn’t have one in, because if we had left it in the fridge, it would, over time, have filled up with bacteria (we think).

Better to be safe than sorry 👍👍

We have never had a problem with either slow flow rate or lack of ice, so I suppose it depends on the model you have.

[CFrance]

Our refrigerator (Whirlpool Gold French door) came with a blue plastic plug to put in place of the water filter if you have a whole-house water filtration system. We had no trouble when we replaced the fridge's water filter with the plug.

[rexxfan]

I like my Nova but we do get a lot of calcium build up on the faucets. I think we need to get another component with it.

A softener would help with that, I think.
--
bc

[rexxfan]

For those who have a whole house water filtration system, did the refrigerator water filter become redundant or do you continue to also utilize a refrigerator filter?

Thanks for your assistance.

I still use a fridge filter. If anything gets past my Nova, the fridge filter will remove (some of) it. I know, diminishing marginal returns, probably not worth the cost, but the fridge filters aren't that expensive. <shrug>
--
bc

[Dan9871]

I still use a fridge filter. If anything gets past my Nova, the fridge filter will remove (some of) it. I know, diminishing marginal returns, probably not worth the cost, but the fridge filters aren't that expensive. <shrug>
--
bc

We do the same thing.

[eremite06]

I've had the Nova system for years. Lately there's been a black residue leaching into the toilet bowl. Not sure why.

[CFrance]

I've had the Nova system for years. Lately there's been a black residue leaching into the toilet bowl. Not sure why.
Do you mind saying when the last time was that you changed the filters? I'm still investigating what system to use. Any information appreciated.

[dewilson58]

Do you mind saying when the last time was that you changed the filters? I'm still investigating what system to use. Any information appreciated.

FYI...............I use Pelican Water Systems.

[CFrance]

FYI...............I use Pelican Water Systems.
Ah, thanks for another name. Do you like it, and does it soften as well as filter?

[dewilson58]

Ah, thanks for another name. Do you like it, and does it soften as well as filter?

With Pelican..............You can filter, you can soften, you can do both.

Up North, I was a soft water guy. Since I've been in TV, I've gone without.........thinking I don't need it.

I really like Pelican. They have good information on their site, good reviews.

Most people in TV have Nova.............I not a good crowd follower and I never color inside the lines.

[CFrance]

With Pelican..............You can filter, you can soften, you can do both.

Up North, I was a soft water guy. Since I've been in TV, I've gone without.........thinking I don't need it.

I really like Pelican. They have good information on their site, good reviews.

Most people in TV have Nova.............I not a good crowd follower and I never color inside the lines.
I just looked at their web site. Did you either install it yourself or have to get a plumber to install it?

[dewilson58]

I just looked at their web site. Did you either install it yourself or have to get a plumber to install it?

Not me................I have my own leaking issues.

Pelican gave me a list of Preferred Plumbers in the area.

[junction29]

Not me................I have my own leaking issues.

Pelican gave me a list of Preferred Plumbers in the area.

Hi,
I looked at several Water Filter systems, when we first bought in TV, including being bored to death by hard sellers of very expensive systems, but ended up going with NOVA, because their system looked good and the price was very reasonable and the guy who started it, Bob Novak, was very knowledgable about water quality without trying to b——-t me.

His son runs the business now and even his grandson does filter replacements.

Bob’s family have a lot of Pet Stores (that he started) up in Long Island and they are specialists with fish, some of which are apparently are very fussy about water quality!

It’s a pity we can’t just drink beer like our ancestors did, when they didn’t trust water quality 😂😂🍺🍺 ahhh for the good old days 🍺🍺

[CFrance]

Hi,
I looked at several Water Filter systems, when we first bought in TV, including being bored to death by hard sellers of very expensive systems, but ended up going with NOVA, because their system looked good and the price was very reasonable and the guy who started it, Bob Novak, was very knowledgable about water quality without trying to b——-t me.

His son runs the business now and even his grandson does filter replacements.

Bob’s family have a lot of Pet Stores (that he started) up in Long Island and they are specialists with fish, some of which are apparently are very fussy about water quality!

It’s a pity we can’t just drink beer like our ancestors did, when they didn’t trust water quality 😂😂🍺🍺 ahhh for the good old days 🍺🍺
But showering in wine didn't work out so well...

[eremite06]

Do you mind saying when the last time was that you changed the filters? I'm still investigating what system to use. Any information appreciated.

I replaced the filters 8-8-18.

[retiredguy123]

I can understand using a water softener to reduce calcium deposits. But, I don't understand why I would want to filter all the water in my house when most of it is used for showering and flushing the toilet. I am also concerned about the filters being a breeding place for bacteria.

[photo1902]

Brita water pitcher. $24.99.

[CFrance]

Brita water pitcher. $24.99.
I use one now. Can't fill it up fast enough for all the needs and have to change the filter twice as often as they advertise. It's really a PITA if you do a lot of cooking.


We had a whole-house water filter and softener in our last house. It was such a convenience. No water spots, no fridge filters to change, no waiting for Brita to drip through and fill up a pitcher four times a day, no chlorine/salt taste in the water. No itchy patchy dry skin. Soap and shampoo lasts three times as long.



I will have another one soon.

[photo1902]

I use one now. Can't fill it up fast enough for all the needs and have to change the filter twice as often as they advertise. It's really a PITA if you do a lot of cooking.


We had a whole-house water filter and softener in our last house. It was such a convenience. No water spots, no fridge filters to change, no waiting for Brita to drip through and fill up a pitcher four times a day, no chlorine/salt taste in the water. No itchy patchy dry skin. Soap and shampoo lasts three times as long.



I will have another one soon.

To each their own. I don’t need filtered water for cooking, nor does my toilet.

[photo1902]

No one told you to get one.

Thanks for the condescending reply. I’m not getting one. Only water quality I care about is how it tastes. For a whole lot less money, a Brita can take care of that requirement. Once again, I ask the question, why filter the entire house water? At $600+ for install, and $150 a year for the filter swap, I don't get it,

[CFrance]

OP, I hope your question got answered somewhere up above. I believe we had our blue plug (that you put in when not using a fridge filter) in the Whirlpool French door for two years with no slowdown of ice maker. Enjoy your clean water.

[retiredguy123]

I think I would continue using a refrigerator filter. Most filters have a Home Depot brand that is about half the cost of the name brand. And, you can extend the time between changing filters to save money.

[CFrance]

I have been told that once the filter in the fridge starts to slow down, take it out and shake it vigorously, and it will keep going.

[queasy27]

I've had the Nova system for years. Lately there's been a black residue leaching into the toilet bowl. Not sure why.

This may not be the same issue you have, but I don't have a filtering system and get a dark mold build-up under the toilet rim. The cold water is warm in the summer while the hot tap is noticeably cooler when it first comes out of the tap. Anyway, the warmth seems to cause the mold. It's more specks of dirt than a color change when I wash it out, though.

[Carla B]

My main complaint has to do with the calcium or mineral buildup on the faucets and also the dark mold under the toilet rim. If these issues can't be eliminated by a whole-house water filter, then apparently the only benefit is the taste of the water? We have a dedicated faucet and filter at the kitchen sink and, of course, the refrigerator filter to take care of the taste issue.

What am I missing?

[JSR22]

My main complaint has to do with the calcium or mineral buildup on the faucets and also the dark mold under the toilet rim. If these issues can't be eliminated by a whole-house water filter, then apparently the only benefit is the taste of the water? We have a dedicated faucet and filter at the kitchen sink and, of course, the refrigerator filter to take care of the taste issue.

What am I missing?

Clothes coming out of the washer softer and showering and shampooing much better.

[CFrance]

My main complaint has to do with the calcium or mineral buildup on the faucets and also the dark mold under the toilet rim. If these issues can't be eliminated by a whole-house water filter, then apparently the only benefit is the taste of the water? We have a dedicated faucet and filter at the kitchen sink and, of course, the refrigerator filter to take care of the taste issue.

What am I missing?
It is the water softener that will take care of the calcium/mineral deposits. But it may not take care of the mold under the toilet rim (ours didn't).


As an earlier poster stated (debfromaine, I believe), just having the whole-house filter will not eliminate all calcium deposits unless you add a softener to it.


We added the whole-house filter to the softener system in order to get the resulting salt from the softener out of the water. We had excellent-tasting water and no water spots anywhere. But we did get mold under the toilet rims. That's a humidity issue, not a mineral issue.

[CFrance]

Clothes coming out of the washer softer and showering and shampooing much better.
Also whiter whites and brighter colors.

[biker1]

To remove the sodium added by a water softener (it is actually sodium, not sodium chloride, the chloride is stripped off), you will need a reverse osmosis system, a distillation system, or some sort of ion exchange system that targets sodium. There are some small, single tap ion exchange systems that are in replaceable enclosures for individual taps that may target sodium - google is your friend. "Filters", which typically means sediment and/or carbon-based filters, will not remove sodium from your water. Regardless, the amount of sodium added by the ion exchange process (to remove calcium and magnesium ions which cause hardness) in a water softener is quite small, typically about 24 mgs per 8 ounces of water. This is less than a slice of bread or an egg. If even that amount is an issue because of dietary restrictions, you can use potassium chloride as a regenerate in your water softener, albeit at a higher cost than sodium chloride. In that case, small amounts of potassium will be added to your water from the ion exchange process in the water softener. Small reverse osmosis systems installed under a kitchen sink with a separate tap (next to the normal tap) are popular. You would choose the reverse osmosis tap for drinking and cooking water. Reverse osmosis systems pretty much remove everything.

It is the water softener that will take care of the calcium/mineral deposits. But it may not take care of the mold under the toilet rim (ours didn't).


As an earlier poster stated (debfromaine, I believe), just having the whole-house filter will not eliminate all calcium deposits unless you add a softener to it.


We added the whole-house filter to the softener system in order to get the resulting salt from the softener out of the water. We had excellent-tasting water and no water spots anywhere. But we did get mold under the toilet rims. That's a humidity issue, not a mineral issue.

[photo1902]

My main complaint has to do with the calcium or mineral buildup on the faucets and also the dark mold under the toilet rim. If these issues can't be eliminated by a whole-house water filter, then apparently the only benefit is the taste of the water? We have a dedicated faucet and filter at the kitchen sink and, of course, the refrigerator filter to take care of the taste issue.

What am I missing?

In my opinion, you're not missing anything.

[Kerry Azz]

I tried taking my fridge filter out, but when I did, the ice maker wouldn''t work. I tried to get a "Plug" for in place of the filter, but was told by Whirlpool that my particular model does not need a plug so there is none to buy. However, the ice maker doesn't work without. So at present I have a filter in, but really don't want to buy another filter if I don't have to, they're expensive.
Reading some of these post on the little confused, If you’re not worried about the filter system on the refrigerator and your refrigerator requires a filter to be used for your icemaker to work then just reset the thing it’s really that simple.

[HiHoSteveO]

Reading some of these post on the little confused, If you’re not worried about the filter system on the refrigerator and your refrigerator requires a filter to be used for your icemaker to work then just reset the thing it’s really that simple.

Actually I don't think it's that simple.

Wouldn't bacteria continue to collect in the carbon filter in the refrigerator?

Bacteria stew with every glass of water or ice cube.

Does the Nova system remove chlorine too? (disinfectant) Wouldn't that make the refrigerator filter even more of a bacteria collector?

[retiredguy123]

Actually I don't think it's that simple.

Wouldn't bacteria continue to collect in the carbon filter in the refrigerator?

Bacteria stew with every glass of water or ice cube.

Does the Nova system remove chlorine too? (disinfectant) Wouldn't that make the refrigerator filter even more of a bacteria collector?
Yes, I think the filter system will remove chlorine. That is why I am skeptical of these filter systems. The water that comes to your house has chlorine to protect you against harmful bacteria. So, if you leave the water sitting on your pipes after it leaves the filter, isn't there the possibility of that water becoming contaminated? With regard to the refrigerator, I would continue to use the filter as designed. It really doesn't cost that much, and will provide additional filtering.

[jimbo2012]

I think I would continue using a refrigerator filter. Most filters have a Home Depot brand that is about half the cost of the name brand. And, you can extend the time between changing filters to save money.

Fridge filter have a very poor filtering capacity at most 25 to 30 microns and they use a low quality charcoal carbon.

The Nova is not using charcoal and is a 5 micron filter.

For comparison, the Nova carbon weighs iin at 6.3 pounds of pure carbon. The expensive fridge are a few ounces.

they will have zero effect and may harbor bacteria, therefore I recommend their removal.

All fridge manufacturers must have a way to use them without.

.

[jimbo2012]

Yes, I think the filter system will remove chlorine. That is why I am skeptical of these filter systems. The water that comes to your house has chlorine to protect you against harmful bacteria. So, if you leave the water sitting on your pipes after it leaves the filter, isn't there the possibility of that water becoming contaminated?

The chlorine did it's job killing bacteria from the pumping plant to your home.
After that any chlorine in the pipes is completely dissipated in 24 hours, that is the total life.

It is difficult to harbor bacteria after that because of lack of air in the pipes

Also understand the chlorination process has two carcinogens that remain in the water, they are stated right on your annual bill.

TTHM and Haloacetic acid, just google them

I'm not trying to alarm anyone just know they are there but at safe Federal guidelines.

More importantly our system removes them.

------

there are also microplastics in the water not only here but world wide, again they will be removed

See http://www.novafiltration.com/whats-in-your-water/

[jimbo2012]

Actually I don't think it's that simple.

Wouldn't bacteria continue to collect in the carbon filter in the refrigerator?

Bacteria stew with every glass of water or ice cube.

Does the Nova system remove chlorine too? (disinfectant) Wouldn't that make the refrigerator filter even more of a bacteria collector?

Yes it removes it.
But it's no longer needed see post above

If the ice is being made and the water dispenser being used
on regular basis your fine because it is be flushed as all piping in the home.

You can always run water for 3 seconds before using to flush the faucet tip

[jimbo2012]

To remove the sodium added by a water softener (it is actually sodium, not sodium chloride, the chloride is stripped off), you will need a reverse osmosis system,

Agree, but if you use potassium in it's place that will work also.

The reverse osmosis units will give you 99.99% pure water

We install a 5 stage unit for $395

See http://www.novafiltration.com/reverse-osmosis-1/

here's some of what it removes,


https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-zo6dvyez5v/product_images/uploaded_images/ro2.jpg

[biker1]

Read the rest of most post (#39) as I already said that.

Agree, but if you use potassium in it's place that will work also.

The reverse osmosis units will give you 99.99% pure water

We install a 5 stage unit for $395

See http://www.novafiltration.com/reverse-osmosis-1/

here's some of what it removes,


https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-zo6dvyez5v/product_images/uploaded_images/ro2.jpg

[jimbo2012]

It is the water softener that will take care of the calcium/mineral deposits. But it may not take care of the mold under the toilet rim (ours didn't).

We recommend Clorox Clinging gel

https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_ebf7f2fa-9cb4-464f-8483-fa4edd285875?wid=488&hei=488&fmt=pjpeg


As an earlier poster stated (debfromaine, I believe), just having the whole-house filter will not eliminate all calcium deposits unless you add a softener to it.

The spots or build up is not ALL calcium, it is about 10% calcium and 90% sediment.

The Nova whole house filter will remove the sediment 100%

this pic shows the sediment after 12 months use or 26,000 gallons
https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-zo6dvyez5v/product_images/uploaded_images/img-4700-min.jpg


A softener will remove the calcium, but it is an option add on unit NOT mandatory.

of our 3481 customers the whole house meets the needs for 90% of our customers in the main part of the villages (N of 44) and in Fenny about 50% where the calcium level is higher.

.

[jimbo2012]

With Pelican..............You can filter, you can soften, you can do both.



Pelican is NOT a softener, it is treatment system.

It does NOT remove calcium or magnesium, it claims to suspend it

The definition of softener is to remove.

It sell for about $3,300

I contacted the company to ask them for info supporting their claims

they sent a lab test done in Germany, guess no lab in in USA could give them the results they wanted!!!!

https://www.novafiltration.com/product_images/uploaded_images/lie.jpg


They say they soften the water without salt while leaving the beneficial minerals. Soft water is “water where the hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) have been removed”. But the salt-free marketing guys say that their process leaves the beneficial minerals. Sure, including calcium and magnesium . So, if it doesn’t not soften water, it shouldn’t be called a “WATER SOFTENER.” Yet, that is exactly what they call it.

The way these work they suspend the (calcium and magnesium) they do not remove them. they bind these minerals together. I asked that direct question This is important because if you’re expecting to experience truly “soft” water after installing your NuvoH2O, you’re likely to be disappointed.Therefore, they do not in fact soften water

That’s just a marketing scheme designed to trick you into buying their product.

Only a salt or potassium chloride-based water softener removes the calcium and magnesium.

I am amazed that these companies like Nuvo H2O, Pelican & Rhino continue to get away with their deception and charge upwards of $3,000+

We can install a whole house filter and softener for about $1500

[biker1]

Pelican makes a number of products including salt-based (sodium chloride or potassium chloride) ion exchange water softeners. Your reference is to their non-salt based system only. I share your skepticism about non-salt based systems (although I have never had one but have used salt-based systems for a long time).

Pelican is NOT a softener, it is treatment system.

It does NOT remove calcium or magnesium, it claims to suspend it

The definition of softener is to remove.

It sell for about $3,300

I contacted the company to ask them for info supporting their claims

they sent a lab test done in Germany, guess no lab in in USA could give them the results they wanted!!!!

https://www.novafiltration.com/product_images/uploaded_images/lie.jpg


They say they soften the water without salt while leaving the beneficial minerals. Soft water is “water where the hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) have been removed”. But the salt-free marketing guys say that their process leaves the beneficial minerals. Sure, including calcium and magnesium . So, if it doesn’t not soften water, it shouldn’t be called a “WATER SOFTENER.” Yet, that is exactly what they call it.

The way these work they suspend the (calcium and magnesium) they do not remove them. they bind these minerals together. I asked that direct question This is important because if you’re expecting to experience truly “soft” water after installing your NuvoH2O, you’re likely to be disappointed.Therefore, they do not in fact soften water

That’s just a marketing scheme designed to trick you into buying their product.

Only a salt or potassium chloride-based water softener removes the calcium and magnesium.

I am amazed that these companies like Nuvo H2O, Pelican & Rhino continue to get away with their deception and charge upwards of $3,000+

We can install a whole house filter and softener for about $1500

[dewilson58]

I'm not a salesmen, with a conflict of interest, trying to sell my products on ToTV.

I know what I have, I like what I have.

Splitting hairs on definitions is entertaining for some. Opinions do not make facts.

Oh Wait!!!! What did I read on the internet?????:

Word forms: (regular plural) water softeners

noun
(Chemical Engineering: General)
A water softener is a piece of equipment or a place that is used for filtering or treating water to remove the chemicals that cause hardness.

Again fellow Talkers...................I'm not selling.

:1rotfl:

:clap2:

:blahblahblah: :blahblahblah: :blahblahblah:

[Bill32]

To answer the OP original question....we keep the refrigerator filter in and change it once a year.