Find the Best Water Softeners and Treatment Systems in Baltimore, MD

How to choose a water treatment system in Baltimore

When choosing a water treatment system, Baltimore residents should first consider which contaminants they want to remove from their water. This is because different types of water filter systems target different contaminants:

• Ultraviolet disinfection, distillation and reverse osmosis either remove or kill bacteria in your water that can cause illness.
• Various types of water softeners, including ion-exchange, salt-free and reverse osmosis systems, mitigate the effects of minerals, like the calcium carbonate in Baltimore water.
• Some systems, like activated carbon filters, treat additional contaminants, such as heavy metals and chlorine, while also removing minerals and bacteria.

We’ve broken down the most popular types of water treatment systems in Baltimore below, so you can learn more about how they work and fit your needs.

• Whole house water filters do their work at the point where your water supply enters your home. This means all the water in your home undergoes treatment. In contrast, shower or sink filters only treat water at the point of use.
• Reverse osmosis water treatment systems remove dissolved solids, such as salts, from water by pushing it through a semipermeable membrane. People typically use reverse osmosis to improve the taste of their water.
• UV disinfection kills bacteria in water, reducing the risk of infection from a contaminated source, like well water.
• Activated carbon filters run water over small particles of carbon to attract organic compounds floating in the water. These filters are good for those who want to improve their water’s taste or smell and reduce its chlorine content.
• Water distillation systems boil water and collect the resulting steam to separate out the contaminants.
• Water softeners treat water to remove minerals, like calcium and magnesium. Water softeners improve taste and help decrease hard water deposits on fixtures and pipes.
• Salt-free softeners condition water to neutralize it through a crystallization process. This process does not require electricity to run the cycle and does not use extra water, making it a more eco-friendly water treatment option.

Some water treatment companies in Baltimore provide free in-home consultations to diagnose specific water problems and recommend solutions. Many Baltimore water treatment companies also offer installation, maintenance and repair. A few companies even provide water treatment equipment that you can rent instead of buy.

Regardless of what you decide on, research product and labor warranties and read customer reviews to learn about a company’s reputation before hiring it.

How much does a water treatment system cost in Baltimore?

Depending on the type of system and the number of filters you need, the price of water treatment in Baltimore could cost between $500 and $4,700. For example, whole house water filtration systems cost much more than sink or shower filters. Whole house water filtration system costs start at $949, not including installation. Your water bill may also increase with some types of water treatment, like reverse osmosis systems or salt-based softeners.

When choosing a Baltimore water treatment company, ask about discounts and referral programs. If you’re having trouble paying for your system, choose a company that offers financing plans or equipment rental.

Baltimore water softeners and treatment systems FAQ

Do water filters kill bacteria?

Most water filters that remove bacteria do so by trapping it, not killing it. This is good enough for most consumers, but certain water filtration systems do use UV disinfection or water distillation to kill bacteria.

Are permits required in Baltimore to install a water treatment system?

You only need a permit to install a water treatment system in Baltimore if you’re rearranging plumbing. Ask your water treatment company if a permit is necessary. If so, you can apply electronically.

What is the process of purifying water?

There are several different processes for purifying water: distillation, filtering, ion exchange and reverse osmosis. Each process has specific uses but none of them render water completely pure. For even cleaner water, purchase a water treatment system that combines multiple processes.

Does a water softener remove sediment?

No, water softeners are not designed to remove sediment. Water softeners treat calcium and magnesium dissolved in your water. However, some water treatment systems specifically target sediment issues. If you need a system that softens your water and removes sediment, look for a combination product.

How much are whole house water filtration systems in Baltimore?

In most cases, Baltimore residents pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a whole house water treatment system. However, depending on your needs, whole house water filtration systems in Baltimore range in price from $500 to over $10,000.