Water Filtration Systems
We’re lucky to have good tap water in the Bay Area. San Francisco gets most of its water from Hetch Hetchy, while much of the East Bay gets Sierra snowmelt from the Mokelumne watershed. But even good water may not taste or feel exactly how you want it to at home. R&L Plumbing provides water filtration system installation across San Francisco and the East Bay, from under-sink filters for drinking water to whole house systems and water softeners.
| System type | What it’s best for |
|---|---|
| Under-sink filter | Better-tasting drinking and cooking water at one tap |
| Whole house filter | Filtration throughout the home |
| Water softener | Reducing mineral buildup and scale from hard water |
| Combination system | Both filtration and softening in one setup |
Types of Water Filtration Systems
Different systems address different water concerns:
- Under-sink filters treat water at a single fixture, usually the kitchen sink
- Whole house filters treat water as it enters the home so filtered water reaches multiple fixtures
- Water softeners reduce hardness from minerals such as calcium and magnesium
- Combination systems can address both filtration and hard water
The right system depends on what you want to change about your water and how much of the home you want to treat.
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
Start by thinking about what’s most important to you. If you mainly want to change the taste or smell of water at the kitchen tap, a point-of-use filter may be enough. If you want filtered water throughout the home, a whole house system may make more sense.
If mineral scale is the problem, filtration alone may not address it. A water softener is designed specifically to reduce the minerals that cause hard water.
We can look at your plumbing, talk through what you’re noticing, and help you choose a system that fits your home and goals.
We also provide residential plumbing services for other plumbing needs throughout the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a whole house filter or just an under-sink one?
An under-sink filter may be enough if you mainly want to treat drinking and cooking water. A whole house system treats water before it reaches multiple fixtures, making it a better fit if you want filtration throughout the home.
What's the difference between a water filter and a water softener?
A filter can reduce chlorine, sediment, and other substances that affect water quality or taste. A softener specifically targets the minerals that cause hard water, like calcium and magnesium, reducing scale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
How often do filtration systems need maintenance?
It depends on the system, filter type, water use, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Filter cartridges and other components need periodic replacement or service to keep the system working properly.
Is San Francisco's tap water safe without a filter?
Yes. San Francisco tap water meets drinking-water standards. Filtration is usually about personal preferences for taste, smell, or other water characteristics rather than making unsafe water safe.
Get Better Water Throughout Your Home
Tell us what you’d like to change about your water, and we’ll help you choose a system that fits your home.