Straight answers
What Northern Virginia homeowners ask about their water.
The questions people type into Google and ask their AI assistant at 11pm. Answered plainly, first, then in full.
Is tap water in Northern Virginia safe to drink? +
Northern Virginia tap water meets federal legal limits, but legal limits are not the same as health guidelines. Utilities like Fairfax Water and Loudoun Water publish annual tests showing contaminants such as chromium-6, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts present at levels that are legal, yet above the health guidelines set by independent scientists. Your specific reading above shows which ones, and by how much.
Do I need a reverse osmosis system if I already have city water? +
City water is treated to kill germs, not to remove dissolved chemicals like PFAS, chromium-6, nitrate, or lead picked up from home plumbing. A reverse osmosis (RO) system installed at the kitchen tap removes most of these dissolved contaminants, which standard city treatment and pitcher filters are not designed to fully remove. If your reading shows contaminants above the guideline, RO is the most direct fix for the water you drink.
What is the difference between a water softener and a whole-home filter? +
A softener removes the calcium and magnesium that cause scale. A whole-home filter reduces chlorine, sediment, and many chemical contaminants. The softener protects your pipes, water heater, and fixtures from hard-water buildup. The filter improves the water at every tap. Many Northern Virginia homes benefit from both, plus reverse osmosis (RO) at the kitchen sink for drinking water. We help you weigh the options on the visit.
How do I know if my water is hard? +
Signs of hard water include white scale on faucets and glassware, soap that will not lather, dry skin and hair, and a water heater that rumbles or runs out of hot water sooner than it should. Hardness is measured in grains per gallon, and your report shows your utility's published number. Hard water leaves sediment in a water heater, which is why a yearly flush is the first thing we recommend.
How long does a water heater last, and how do I know if mine is going bad? +
A typical tank water heater lasts 8 to 12 years. Warning signs include rumbling or popping sounds, rusty or cloudy hot water, water pooling near the base, and running out of hot water faster than before. Hard water shortens a heater's life by building scale inside the tank, which is why treating the water protects the heater. We confirm your heater's age and condition during the visit.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS forever chemicals? +
Yes. Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective home methods for reducing PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals, along with lead, chromium-6, nitrate, and many other dissolved contaminants. An RO system installed under the kitchen sink filters the water you drink and cook with, which is where it matters most.
How much does whole-home water filtration cost to install? +
It depends on your water, the size of your home and which system fits, so it is priced in person. Most people start with the $99 water heater flush, and the plumber can price a system while they are there if you want one.
How fast can you install a system? +
For most Northern Virginia homes, once you choose a system, installation can happen the same day or the next day depending on the project. A reverse osmosis (RO) unit at the kitchen sink is a same-day job. Whole-home filtration and softeners are usually completed in a single visit.