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How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?
How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?
4.8 RATING

How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?

Your home water system can be a source of clean, healthy water all year round. But in order to enjoy that benefit, it's important to…

September 16, 2026
How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?

Your home water system can be a source of clean, healthy water all year round. But in order to enjoy that benefit, it’s important to make sure you have the right filtration system in place. The type of filtration system you use depends on a variety of factors. That includes whether you’re looking for better-tasting drinking water or to reduce contaminants in your water supply. A dependable plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help determine which water filtration system is best for you. We will also consider your water heater and if a water heater repair is needed to install the appropriate system.

What Is a Water Filtration System?

A water filtration system is a plumbing device that purifies water for drinking and cooking through filtering. They remove organic debris and particles from the water as well as improve the taste of drinking water by removing unpleasant odors and tastes from it. They also remove bacteria from the water and ensure you don't ingest any dangerous chemicals, metals, or pesticides when using the filter. Water filtration systems are designed with different capabilities to serve differing needs in accordance with how many contaminants you want to be removed from your water.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

There are three main types of water filtration systems: Filtration pitchers, under-the-sink water filters, and whole-house water filtration systems.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Filtration Pitchers

Water filtration pitchers are a convenient way to filter your drinking water. They're also extremely affordable and easy to use. They sit on the countertop and filter out contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, sediment, and other impurities. They don't need to be installed or connected to a faucet, making them portable and easy to use.

Two types of water filtration pitchers are carbon block and reverse osmosis (RO). Carbon block filters use granular activated carbon (GAC) that absorbs organic compounds in the water. RO filters use membranes with microscopic pores that allow water molecules through but not contaminants such as chlorine or lead.

Carbon Block Filters

Carbon block filters are made from activated charcoal, which is highly porous carbon heated until it becomes black or gray in color. They can hold many contaminants within their pores, including chemicals like pesticides or endocrine disruptors. Some carbon blocks also have silver or copper added to protect against bacteria growth inside the filter cartridge.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis takes place in three stages:

  • Stage 1 - Flocculation: In this step, dissolved particles in the water attach to other particles larger than themselves. This causes them to form larger particles that are easier for membranes to filter out later in the process.
  • Stage 2 - Sedimentation: These larger particles sink to the bottom of tanks for removal during this stage of reverse osmosis filtration.
  • Stage 3 - Deionization: During this final stage, any remaining traces of impurities are removed from your drinking water using ion exchange resins or ion exchange membranes (similarly, as occurs in nature).

Under-The-Sink Water Filters

Under-the-sink water filters are among the most common types of water filtration systems. They use various methods and technologies to filter water, including activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light.

Under-the-sink water filters are typically installed undeeath a kitchen sink or bathroom vanity. They connect to existing plumbing through a faucet adapter or diverter valve, which allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water at any time.

Whole-house Water Filtration Systems

Whole-house water filtration systems are large systems that can be installed in the basement of a home. They usually contain a tank, which stores the incoming water, and filters that remove contaminants. The filtered water is then pumped into your home's plumbing system.

The main advantage of whole-house water filtration systems is that they can provide you with high-quality drinking water at all times. This is especially important if you live in an area where the tap water contains high levels of chlorine or fluoride or if your municipality adds these substances to the water supply for disinfection.

Whole-house filtration systems are also useful for homes with private wells and those whose municipal supplies come from rivers or lakes that are polluted by agricultural runoff. Whole-house filtration systems can remove chlorine and other chemicals from your drinking water supply if they're in high enough concentrations.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

When it comes to choosing a water filtration system, Mr. Rooter Plumbing will help you consider your needs. Do you want to take regular long showers? Or is water conservation a better approach for you? Are any specific contaminants that need to be filtered out of your water supply? It all depends on what's important to you as the end user. Our trusted plumbers can help you determine which option is best.

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