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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
One thing I enjoy about having the opportunity to write this column is the questions I get from do-it-yourself readers, and the informative letters from professionals across the country who are experts in their fields.
The true experts who write to me are always kind and courteous and have some great information for me to learn from and pass on to all our readers. Where else can you get a national forum that combines professional master contractors, homeowners, and everyone in between, all exchanging home improvement information with each other?
I have received letters from college professors, shop teachers, engineers, building inspectors and of course building contractors. With a lineup like that, I certainly pay attention to what they have to say. I can learn from them, and I hope you can as well.
With all that said, I recently received a letter from a "water filter" expert from Texas who read a column I wrote on "whole house" water filters. His letter stated that he enjoyed the tips and advice that I gave in the column and with his "fifteen years of filtration experience" perhaps he could share additional water filter information with us. Here are some of his great filtration tips!
Q: Dear Mr. Del Grande, please tell your readers the following:
1. Filtering the whole-house water system is a great idea, but consideration must be given to the incoming line pressure. Pushing water through a filter cartridge takes energy. As the filter cartridge reaches the end of its useful life, the homeowner may experience a dramatic drop in overall house water pressure and flow. This may be a useful sign that the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. Caution: If left unchanged, a cartridge can tear or collapse, sending pieces of the element into the house causing problems.
2. A normal filter cartridge will not remove biological or chemical contamination. Activated carbon cartridges will neutralize most taste and odor problems, but does not "purify" the water per se. Also, please tell your readers that whole house filters must be protected from the cold weather. Most filter housings are a form of plastic, which does not provide much insulation value.
3. In my opinion, filter housings made with clear plastic should not be installed in an area exposed to direct sunlight. Over time, algae may begin to grow in the clear canister housing. Even in water systems treated with chlorine, I suggest you use a solid color canister housing to block out sunlight when installing a whole house filter.
Ed, more details can be shared, but your readers would suffer from information overload. Any further questions should be addressed by a local filtration specialist. Sincerely, Bob from Texas.
A: Bob, thank you so much for sharing your tips with us from the many years you've worked in the water filter industry. Just like a good water filter, we all "soaked up and took out" a lot of useful information from your letter!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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