Home Water Filtration: The Ultimate Guide

When considering a home water filtration system, understanding your options, costs, maintenance needs, and lifespan is key to making the right decision.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the most popular home water filtration systems:

1. Water Softeners

2. Reverse Osmosis Systems

3. Fridge Filters

4. Tap Filters

5. Simple Pitcher Filters

At WaterSmart, we’ve been guiding homeowners through this process since 1994—helping them select, install, and maintain water filtration systems that improve water quality and save money long-term.

Contact us today to tap into our expertise.

1. Water Softeners

Average Cost (2025): $1,000 - $3,000

Installation: Requires professional installation into the main water line to ensure even treatment across the household.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years, depending on water usage and maintenance.

Maintenance: Refill with salt every 4–8 weeks and schedule an annual check-up.

Water softeners are designed to remove calcium and magnesium, two minerals commonly found in hard water. These minerals can cause a build-up in your pipes and appliances, leading to long-term damage and inefficiency.

By eliminating these minerals, water softeners extend the lifespan of your appliances and help you use less soap and detergent in daily cleaning.

The primary drawback is the need to replenish salt regularly, which adds to the ongoing cost. The more water your household uses, the more often salt must be added.

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Average Cost (2025): $150 - $4,800

Installation: RO systems can be installed under sinks or as whole-home solutions. Professional installation is recommended, especially for larger units.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years. RO membranes typically require replacement every 2–3 years.

Maintenance: Filter replacement every 6–12 months and annual sanitation.

Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semipermeable membrane, removing a wide range of contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, chlorine, and even certain bacteria.

This produces cleaner, better-tasting water that won’t contribute to scale in kettles or coffee makers.

While they offer thorough filtration, RO systems are more expensive upfront and use more water than other types.

Additionally, membranes and filters must be replaced regularly for optimal performance.

3. Fridge Filters

Average Cost (2025): $1,600 - $8,000 (includes refrigerator) | $30 - $100 (replacement filters)

Installation: Installed as part of your refrigerator unit. Connection to a water line is required.

Life Expectancy: The filter itself lasts 1–3 months, while the fridge may last 8–15 years.

Maintenance: Replace filters approximately every 1–3 months based on usage.

Fridge filters work by running tap water through activated carbon, which traps impurities and contaminants. It’s a simple, convenient option for families who want fast access to cold, filtered water.

The main downside is the upfront cost of purchasing a fridge with a built-in water filter and the limited range of contaminants it can remove compared to RO systems.

4. Tap Filters

Average Cost (2025): $20 - $100

Installation: Easy to install without professional help. Designed to attach to most standard faucets.

Life Expectancy: 1–2 years for the housing unit.

Maintenance: Replace internal filters every 1–3 months.

Tap filters are a cost-effective way to reduce chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. They are ideal for renters or people who want an easy-to-install solution without modifying plumbing.

However, they can be bulky and visually unappealing. Some may not fit all faucets, especially handheld or spray units. Reduced water pressure is also a common complaint.

5. Simple Pitcher Filters

Average Cost (2025): $20 - $80 | $6 - $10 for replacement filters

Installation: None needed. Fill with tap water and refrigerate.

Life Expectancy: 1–2 years for the pitcher; filters should be replaced monthly.

Maintenance: Replace the filter approximately every 30 days.

Pitcher filters - like Brita, for example - are easy to use and affordable. They work by passing water through a carbon filter that reduces chlorine and sediment. With no installation required, they are perfect for dorms, offices, and small households.

That said, they have a limited capacity and require you to wait as the water filters through. Frequent refilling and filter replacement can become inconvenient over time.

Here’s a handy chat for your reference when trying to make a home water filtration decision.

How WaterSmart Supports You

Since 1994, WaterSmart has helped homeowners in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas choose and maintain water filtration systems tailored to their needs.

Our expert team will:

• Test your water to identify specific issues.

• Recommend the best solution based on your household’s size, water source, and goals.

• Install your new system professionally and efficiently.

• Provide ongoing service, including salt delivery, filter changes, and repairs.

• Answer all your questions and show you how to get the most from your system.

We’re local, experienced, and dedicated to improving your water quality.

Contact us today to get started.

“The installation was done very efficient. No messes, went through the operation of the water softener. Friendly and honest. I would recommend to everyone.”

— William Miller

What Is 10% Resin in a Water Softener - and Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a more durable and efficient water softener, you may have heard about the 10% resin water softener. But what exactly does that mean—and is it really worth the upgrade?

In this post, we’ll explain the difference between 8% and 10% resin, explore the benefits of using a 10% resin water softener, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

1. What Is Resin in a Water Softener?

2. What Does “10% Resin” Mean?

3. Why Choose a 10% Resin Water Softener?

4. Who Should Consider a 10% Resin Water Softener?

5. Is a 10% Resin Water Softener Worth It?

We proudly offer 10% resin water softeners built for durability, efficiency, and long-term value. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free water assessment.

1. What Is Resin in a Water Softener?

Water softeners work by removing hardness minerals, like calcium and magnesium, through a process called ion exchange.

At the center of that process is the resin bed, a chamber filled with thousands of small beads made from a durable plastic polymer.

Each bead is charged with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the resin bed, the beads attract and hold onto the hardness minerals, releasing sodium in their place. This is what “softens” the water.

Over time, however, resin beads can break down, become less effective, or get clogged with iron, chlorine, or other contaminants.

The better the quality of your resin, the longer your system will run smoothly—and that’s where 10% cross-linked resin comes in.

2. What Does “10% Resin” Mean?

The number in 10% resin refers to the level of cross-linking in the polymer structure of the resin beads. Cross-linking is the process of bonding polymer chains together to make the bead stronger and more compact.

• 8% resin, the industry standard, has 8% cross-linking. It works well in average water conditions and is typically less expensive.

• A 10% resin water softener, by contrast, uses resin beads that are 10% cross-linked, making them denser, more chemically resistant, and far more durable.

This higher level of cross-linking means the resin is less susceptible to breakdown from chlorine, iron, and heavy usage.

It's a small difference in formulation that can have a big impact on longevity and performance.

3. Why Choose a 10% Resin Water Softener?

Upgrading to a 10% resin water softener may cost a little more up front, but the benefits are substantial, especially over the lifespan of your system:

Longer Resin Lifespan

Because of its increased durability, 10% resin can last up to 20 years in the right conditions, 5–10 years longer than 8% resin. That means fewer service calls, fewer replacements, and better return on investment.

Better Performance Over Time

10% resin beads maintain their shape and function longer, even in homes with high water usage. You’ll get consistently softened water with fewer drops in performance over the years.

Greater Resistance to Chlorine

Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies to disinfect it, but it can be harsh on softener resin. 10% cross-linked resin stands up better to chlorine exposure, meaning it’s far less likely to degrade or turn to mush over time.

Lower Maintenance and Replacement Costs

While the up-front cost of a 10% resin water softener is slightly higher, you’ll likely save money in the long run by avoiding early replacements, resin bed cleanings, or full system repairs due to resin fouling.

4. Who Should Consider a 10% Resin Water Softener?

A 10% resin water softener is not just a luxury upgrade—it’s a practical choice for many households. You should strongly consider it if:

• You’re on municipal/city water: City water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that break down standard resin faster.

• You have a high water demand: Larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms use more water, which puts extra strain on the system.

• You’ve had issues with previous softeners: If you’ve had to replace or repair your softener sooner than expected, the resin might’ve been the weak link.

The investment in a 10% resin water softener ensures your system can keep up with your home’s needs and won’t wear out prematurely.

5. Is a 10% Resin Water Softener Worth It?

For most homeowners, especially those using city water, a 10% resin water softener is well worth the investment.

It offers greater durability, better protection against chlorine and fouling, and longer-lasting performance.

While the initial price might be slightly higher than a standard unit, the long-term savings in maintenance and replacement costs make it the smart choice for many families.

Ready to Upgrade?

We proudly install high-performance, Canadian-made 10% resin water softeners designed to give you cleaner, softer water with less hassle, year after year.

And remember, installation is always free with the purchase of any WaterSmart water softener. In addition, we install our Smart Series water softeners a little differently than the conventional softener to make it more water-efficient.

Contact us today for a free water test or to learn more about the benefits of upgrading to 10% resin.

Your water softener should work as hard as you do - let’s make sure it lasts.

“Great service with very reasonable prices.”

— Naresh Sharma