1. Claims Without Certifications

Be wary of companies making grand claims about their products without any third-party certifications to back them up.

What should you look for in water treatment certification? Certification by reputable third-party organizations such as IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials), WQA (Water Quality Association), NSF/ANSI (National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute).

The fundamental concept in choosing the recommended certifications for a filtration system is to find a product that uses third-party testing to avoid biased or false claims.

2. Check The Gallon Capacity

A system’s gallon capacity determines its lifespan. It is crucial to check the certified gallon capacity, as it indicates the system's longevity, which varies with different media. Some systems may cost less but only last for five or less years. Because of the limited lifespan, a ‘cheaper’ system may end up costing more than a premium one with a higher gallon certification.

3. Partial Certifications:

Ensure that every component of the water filtration system is certified, not just a part of the system.

Many companies mislead potential buyers by certifying only select parts of the system, which is why it’s important to closely read any warranty.

Red Flags to Look Out For:

Specifications such as a carbon filter lasting five years, but the media needs replacement every six months.

5. Hidden Fees & Total Cost of Ownership

Lower prices on a water treatment system may seem enticing, but some products carry additional charges that representatives fail to mention outright.

Hidden fees may include monthly charges based on a service profile, salt delivery for salt systems, frequent replacement of parts, components, and media, extra fees for an additional drinking water filtration system (for water softeners, which do NOT filter water), etc.

Short-Lived Media Lifespan: As stated earlier, media with short-lived lifespans must be replaced with regular service calls, which adds to the ongoing cost of the system.

For example, RO filter replacement servicing averages $500-$650 in additional charges per year. Furthermore, conditioning media need replacement every 6 months. These charges are only applicable for systems that are NOT maintenance free. RO systems also waste water.

6. More Stages of Filtration Is Not Necessarily Better

More stages in a water treatment system does not necessarily indicate its effectiveness. Advertising a “5-stage water filtration” system does not mean that these systems provide added protection for your water.

Here’s what the # of stages means:

- Sediment and Carbon (2-stage)

- Reverse Osmosis (3-stage RO)

- Reverse Osmosis/Deionization (4-stage RODI)

Red Flags: Inconsistencies, Extra Costs, No Service

8. Inconsistent Claims

If you hear conflicting information from different sources, that's a red flag. Be sure to dig for information from various sources, as you may even notice differences between different sales representatives. Inconsistency may indicate false promises or inaccurate information.

9. Sells Through Dealers Vs Factory Direct

Most water filtration companies sell through dealers – resulting in extra costs for a plumber, wasted time scheduling servicing, and working with third-party dealers that require time and money.

Further Disadvantages of Buying Through a Dealer:

Hiked-Up Estimates: Prices of one product may vary greatly since independent dealers can charge according to their preferences.

Service & Expertise Not Included: Brands that sell through dealers do not employ factory-trained experts, installers, and reps who can help you every step of the way. Dealers just make the sale; they do not stand behind the product.