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If you’re shopping for a whole-house water filter or reverse osmosis (RO) system in the Charlotte area, it helps to understand your options. Different vendors fit different needs, budgets, and installation preferences.
This guide breaks down the four main places to buy:
- Online or major retailers
- Plumbing companies
- Franchise brands
- Independent, family-owned water treatment specialists
We’ll cover the pros, cons, and what to consider for each—especially for homes in the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas.
1. Online / Major Retailers
What that means
These are companies or large retail chains where you purchase the equipment (whole-house filter, RO system) largely yourself, often shipping to your home, with optional installation by you or an independent contractor.
Pros
- Usually less expensive since you buy the system and handle or arrange installation yourself.
- Offers more brand and model options.
- Ideal if your needs are simple and you’re comfortable coordinating installation or maintenance.
Cons
- You’re responsible for installation, plumbing, and maintenance.
- No custom design or testing for your home’s specific water conditions.
- Risk of choosing the wrong size or setup for your plumbing or water needs.
- Limited local support if issues arise with installation or warranty.
- Filter obsolescence – finding filters may be difficult
Summary
If you’re comfortable taking on more of the work (or arranging it) and your home’s needs are known & straightforward, the online/major‐retail route can offer good value. Just make sure you understand the full cost (equipment + shipping + install + maintenance) and ensure you get the right system.
2. Plumbing Companies
What it means:
Local plumbers who install whole-house or RO systems, either providing the equipment or installing what you buy.
Pros:
- Handle all plumbing and installation work.
- Convenient if you’re already doing plumbing repairs or upgrades.
- Off the shelf products, more basic than specialized water-treatment companies.
Cons:
- May lack expertise in water-treatment design or advanced filtration options.
- Equipment choices may be limited to off the shelf, less efficient products
- Maintenance and follow-up service may not be a priority.
- Quality depends on how much they focus on filtration vs. general plumbing.
Summary
Plumbing is a very wide category and water treatment is specialized and requires advanced knowledge of water quality, water testing and the latest in water treatment products to ensure your home and family is protected from local contaminants.
3. Franchise Companies
What that means
Large, well-known brands or companies operated under a franchise or dealer model, often with standardized systems, processes, marketing and products.
Pros
- They often bring brand recognition, standardized processes, training, and possibly national service network.
- They may offer financing, promotional offers, bundled maintenance plans.
- Good if you want “one stop” service: test → design → install → service.
Cons
- Because of overhead, marketing, brand margins, the cost may be higher than independent dealers
- Products not designed specifically for your local market
- You may have less flexibility in equipment or customization (they may push “their” brand models).
- High commission sales reps who lack knowledge and give hours long sales presentations
- The product warranty is with the dealer not the manufacturer. If the dealership changes ownership your warranty is void.
- Their systems are proprietary meaning you are stuck with them for service regardless of their prices. They do not offer DIY service and have limited parts availability
Summary
Franchise companies are good if you want an older brand + turnkey service + convenient financing/maintenance. Just make sure you’re still comparing quotation content and not paying too much for features you don’t need.
4. Independent Family-Owned Water Treatment Companies
What that means
Locally owned, perhaps smaller scale companies whose business is solely focused on water treatment (filtration, softening, RO) rather than broad home services. They often have deep local knowledge, fewer layers of corporate overhead, and offer more personalized service along with professional installation by a licensed plumber.
Pros
- Often better alignment with local market nuances (Charlotte area water supply, older homes, Lake Norman region).
- More flexible/custom solutions, more transparent pricing, easier relationship with the installer/technician.
- Excellent finance options including 0% interest options
- You’ll get better service responsiveness, and less “scripted” upsell or high-pressure tactics.
- Because their business is built around local reputation, they will stand behind their work long-term.
Cons
- Equipment brand may be less nationally known (though still credible)
- Possibly fewer promotional offers compared to big franchises.
- Installations may be booked out (e.g., getting on their schedule might take longer.)
Summary
Artisanal Water Solutions is a family owned, independent water treatment company that was founded and headquartered in the Charlotte area. Located in Cornelius N.C, we are members of the Water Quality Association and manufacture, sell & install products that are certified to remove the contaminants we have here locally.
If you want a more custom solution, more personalized service, and someone who can walk you through your home’s unique water situation, an independent family-owned water treatment company can be the best fit. Especially if your home has special needs (well water, older plumbing, Lake Norman region-specific concerns).
Putting it All Together: How to Decide for Your Charlotte Area Home
· It’s natural to explore all your options—online retailers, plumbers, franchises, and local companies—when choosing a water filtration system for your Charlotte-area home.
· For a custom solution built for the specific water issues in Charlotte and Lake Norman, it’s best to work with Artisanal Water Solutions, a Charlotte-based company, not just a national dealer. They understand local water and can tailor a system to your home.
· A local, dedicated team that knows you and your system is invaluable. When you need maintenance, troubleshooting, or filters they’re just a call away—keeping your water clean, safe, and worry-free.
If you’re interested in clean water in your home – schedule a free, no-obligation in-home water analysis with an Artisanal Water local expert.
Call (704) 315-6344 or fill out our contact form.
