Do your research
After you have your testing done, keep ahold of any findings. Good filtration dealers will want to hear what you’ve already found, and go over the best options for treating those specific issues. Some may want to do more testing. This is where your research comes into play. If your testing indicated high levels of chlorine, but no levels of iron, you need to know what units work best for you.
Also keep in mind that some issues can easily be fixed yourself, instead of via a professional. Know your options before spending money.
Read reviews
Please, take your time to read reviews of any company you have test your water and are thinking of buying a filter unit from. You will want to know what other people have said about said company prior to spending money. Lots of one-star reviews? People mentioning lousy service, shady solicitation practices and high prices? That company may not be for you.
Notice a lot of 5-star reviews? All within a short period of time and mentioning specific sales people? That could be a sign that the company is paying for reviews. If a company can’t stand on actual customer’s compliments, then it may be trying to cover up something on the backend. Also, take note of how a company responds to their reviews. If you notice anger and defensiveness in their responses, avoid at all costs. Look for genuine sincerity in responses to customers. If a company can’t take a one-star review as constructive criticism, then they aren’t worthy of your business.
Rely on word of mouth from your friends and neighbors. Ask them who treats their water. Their word is often better than the word of strangers via Google or Yelp. Use apps like Nextdoor, Ring, or ever Reddit to see whom your neighbors have used to treat their water. Listen to their advice.
Avoid sexism
This is probably something you didn’t expect to see, advice-wise; however, I need to stress this point. There are a lot of sales people out there who won’t give you the time of day if you are female and single. There are a lot of sales people that won’t even enter your house if you are a married woman capable of making your own decisions. They call you a “one leg” and view you as not being worthy of their time because they expect to make no commission on you. Essentially, they view you as a waste of time and gas. They want both you and your husband to be there because they expect him to be in charge of finances and the pocketbook. In 2025, this is a very outdated practice. If a company and salesperson doesn’t want to deal with you (a female on her own), then they aren’t worth your purchase.
Avoid scams
Watch out for shady marketing gimmicks by companies. Several companies are known to send postal mailers to new home owners that are designed to resemble a warning notice from utility companies. They are designed to make you think your water is about to be turned off or to get you to call in to inquire about your water quality. If a company has to use tactics like that, do not waste your time listening to what they have to say. Go with a company that practices modern marketing tactics — newspaper articles, radio ads, tv commercials, etc. Any company that has to scare you to generate business is not a legit company in 2025.
Don’t sit on your issues
If you test your water, and issues are found, do not sit and wait for the city to come fix them. Often, the city won’t care what is in your water. Look at what is happening with Flint, Michigan.
Having city water doesn’t automatically entitle you to clean water. The city has certain parameters that it has to meet in order to provide healthy water; yet, some of these rules and regulations get overlooked. Testing your home’s water is always a good call to make. Having a filter in your home is also great reassurance that what you are putting into your body is healthy and pure. You want to live a long life, right? Then invest in it. If you test your water and something is wrong … fix it before it’s too late!
Don’t take the first and easy option
Please, get multiple opinions on what you should do prior to spending your money. Have multiple people test your water and make sure everything lines up with what you were initially told. As mentioned, you don’t want to buy something you don’t need and won’t fix the real issue you have.
Take time to get multiple quotes. Often times, companies will compete for your business. This can be a good thing. Prices can drop in your favor. Discounts can suddenly appear. Be patient. See what develops.
Know your benefits: Don’t be afraid to use them
Stores like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club have filtration and testing services for their members. This can be a pro and con. Store membership does offer member financing and special warranty coverage. However, it can raise pricing on the backend. Always inquire as to how much a unit is with and without your membership included.
As our environment changes, it is more important to take note of what you are using to drink and bathe in. Do your home a favor. Care about its water. Care about what you drink. Pursue some kind of water filtration, if needed. But please do so with care, caution and a bit of intelligence.