Overview

Clear-looking water isn’t always clean water. Your tap may carry risks that aren’t visible to the naked eye, from hidden contaminants like PFAS and lead to the everyday effects of hard water minerals. In this blog post, Knights Plumbing, LLC. highlights the most common warning signs that your home may need a water purification system and explains the options available for Minnesota homeowners.

Highlights

Introduction

Even if your water looks clear, it may be carrying hidden contaminants that affect your health, comfort, and home. Lead from old pipes or bacteria from wells can slip into your supply without any visible signs. Hard water minerals also leave behind scale, wear out appliances, and cause dry skin and dull hair.

In this guide, Knights Plumbing, LLC. shares the key signs you may need a water purification system and breaks down how modern filtration protects your family, your plumbing, and your appliances. We’ll also compare system types, look at long-term benefits, and walk through what to expect during installation.

If you’re ready to take control of your water quality, this is the place to start. Read at your leisure and don’t hesitate to contact us if any questions arise!

Why Does Your Tap Water Smell or Taste Bad?

One of the most noticeable signs you need a water purification system is a strange taste or odor in your tap water. If it smells like bleach, tastes metallic, or has a musty aftertaste, that’s a red flag.

Municipal systems often use chlorine to disinfect water, but it can leave behind a strong chemical flavor. In homes using well water, sulfur may cause a rotten egg smell, while earthy or algae-like notes suggest organic matter contamination. Metallic tastes can be caused by excess iron, manganese, or corroding pipes leaching lead or copper.

While these issues might seem cosmetic, they often point to deeper problems. Water that smells or tastes “off” can carry contaminants that affect your health over time—and a home water filtration system can eliminate them at the source.

What Is That White Buildup on Faucets?

Minnesota homes often face hard water issues due to high mineral content in groundwater. If you’re seeing chalky white deposits on your faucets, showerheads, or dishes, you’re likely dealing with limescale caused by excess calcium and magnesium.

These minerals reduce the efficiency of your water heater, clog your pipes, and cause appliances to break down faster.

Signs of hard water buildup include:

  • White or yellowish scale on shower tiles and fixtures
  • Cloudy residue on dishes and glassware
  • Reduced water pressure from clogged aerators
  • Shortened lifespan for water-using appliances

A whole-house water filtration system or softener removes these minerals before they can do damage, protecting your plumbing and making daily chores easier.

What Are the Health Risks of Unfiltered Tap Water?

As mentioned, even if your water is clear and odor-free, it may still carry harmful contaminants. These aren’t always visible, but they can quietly impact your health and home.

You may need a water purification system if:

  • Your home has old plumbing that could leach lead
  • You live near farmland or industrial zones
  • You use a private well without regular testing
  • You’re relying on bottled water because you don’t trust your tap
  • You or your family members experience recurring stomach, skin, or allergy issues

Common contaminants like lead, PFAS, nitrates, and bacteria can enter your home undetected. Long-term exposure may cause serious health effects, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

A professional plumber can test your water and recommend a purification system that targets your specific risks, whether that’s biological contaminants, heavy metals, or chemical runoff.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Water Purification System?

If you’re still deciding whether a water purification system makes sense for your home, it helps to look at the practical advantages. Many Minnesota homeowners are switching to filtered water because it improves daily living while also protecting long-term investments in their property.

Healthier Drinking Water

A purification system removes metals and bacteria before the water reaches your glass. That means you and your family can drink with confidence, knowing your water is clean, safe, and refreshing every time you turn on the tap.

Better Skin And Hair

Hard water often leaves skin feeling dry and hair looking dull. When minerals are reduced through filtration, showers feel gentler and you’ll notice softer skin and shinier hair after regular use.

More Effective Cleaning Results

Filtered water makes a difference in household chores too. Dishes come out cleaner without spots or residue, and laundry looks brighter because there’s no buildup from minerals in the wash. Over time, this makes everyday cleaning feel easier and more effective.

Protected Appliances

Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines last longer when they aren’t struggling with mineral buildup. A purification system helps keep appliances running efficiently, cutting down on unexpected repairs and replacements.

Saved Money Over Time

While bottled water or repeated appliance repairs add up quickly, a purification system reduces those expenses. The upfront investment pays off through lower long-term costs and reliable access to filtered water whenever you need it.

Added Value to Your Home

A water purification system is also a selling point if you decide to move. Homebuyers recognize the benefits of clean, reliable water and see it as a valuable upgrade that sets your home apart.

Should You Choose a Whole-House or Under-Sink Water Filter?

Not all water filters are created equal. Choosing the right system depends on your water quality concerns and how you use water throughout your home.

Whole-house systems treat water at the main entry point, so every tap, shower, and appliance benefits. They’re ideal for removing chlorine, minerals, and sediment across your entire plumbing system. If you have hard water, old pipes, or household members with sensitive skin, this is likely your best bet.

Under-sink filters, by contrast, are great for improving the taste and quality of drinking and cooking water at one location—typically the kitchen sink. They’re affordable and easy to install but offer limited protection for showers, laundry, or appliances.

If you’re only concerned about drinking water, an under-sink model might be enough. But if you’re noticing buildup, dry skin, or appliance issues, investing in a whole-house water purification system provides full-home peace of mind.

What Can You Expect During the Water Purification Installation Process?

If you’ve never worked with a plumber on a water purification system, it helps to know what the process looks like. Installation is usually simple, and in most homes, it can be completed in just a few hours.

Step 1: Water Testing and Inspection

Your plumber will begin by testing your water and inspecting your plumbing system. This helps identify what contaminants or minerals need to be addressed, whether it’s chlorine, excess iron, or something more serious like lead or PFAS. The results guide the choice of system so it’s tailored to your home’s specific needs.

Step 2: System Installation

Once the right system is selected, the plumber installs it at the proper point in your plumbing line. Whole-house systems are connected where the water enters your home so every faucet, shower, and appliance benefits. Under-sink filters are installed at a single location, usually the kitchen sink, to provide clean drinking and cooking water.

Step 3: Testing and Walkthrough

After installation, the system is tested to make sure everything is running as it should. Your plumber will also walk you through basic maintenance like changing filters or scheduling service checks. Once this step is done, you can enjoy clean, safe water with complete peace of mind.

How Long Does It Take To Notice a Difference With a Filtration System?

One of the best parts of installing a water purification system is how quickly you notice the results. Most homeowners taste the difference right away. Tap water that used to smell like chlorine or taste metallic becomes clean, crisp, and refreshing from the first glass.

Improvements in skin and hair often show up within a couple of weeks. As minerals are filtered out, showers feel softer, and you’ll notice less dryness and irritation. Over time, your laundry looks brighter and dishes come out cleaner because there’s no leftover residue.

Appliance benefits take longer to see, but they’re just as important. Because your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine are no longer fighting constant mineral buildup, they run more efficiently and last longer. You may not realize it day to day, but months down the line, you’ll save money on energy bills and avoid costly breakdowns.

Protect Your Water, Protect Your Home

Even if your water looks fine, it could be hiding harmful contaminants or minerals that take a toll on your health, comfort, and home. A professionally installed water purification system is one of the most effective ways to take control of your water quality, delivering cleaner, safer water with every use.

Knights Plumbing, LLC. helps Minnesota families make smarter plumbing decisions. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, aging pipes, or just want better-tasting tap water, we’re here to help you find the perfect filtration solution.