As a local, family-owned water filtration business here in the Charlotte area, we often get asked: “Why shouldn’t I just buy a cheaper water filter online?” It’s a fair question—online retailers often advertise bargain prices that look attractive at first glance. But when it comes to something as important as the water your family drinks, cooks with, and bathes in, there’s much more to consider than the sticker price.
Hidden Costs of “Low-Cost” Systems
The price you see online usually does not include the additional costs of making the system work in your home. For example:
- Installation Materials & Fittings: The tubing, fittings, and adapters you’ll need to connect to your plumbing can quickly add up.
- Specialized Tools: Installing a reverse osmosis system often requires drilling into your countertop for the RO faucet—a job that needs the right drill bit and a steady hand. Crack the countertop, and that “cheap” system just became very expensive.
- Professional Labor: Unless you’re experienced with plumbing, you may end up calling a plumber to finish the job anyway—another cost not shown on that low online price tag.
Tools & Skills Required for Reverse Osmosis Installation
One of the trickiest parts of installing an RO system is mounting the dedicated drinking water faucet. This means drilling a clean hole through your countertop or sink. If it’s granite, quartz, or another stone, you’ll need a diamond-tipped drill bit, a cooling method to prevent cracking, and the patience to do it right. For most homeowners, this isn’t a DIY-friendly task.
Tested & Certified for Local Water Concerns
Not all filtration systems are created equal. Many online systems don’t carry third-party certifications for the contaminants that matter most in our local water supply. Every system we install comes with independent lab testing and certifications (NSF, WQA, or equivalent) to ensure the filters are actually removing contaminants like PFAS, lead, chlorine, and microplastics—problems that affect our area. This gives you peace of mind that your system works the way it should.
Warranty & Ongoing Service Support
When you buy online, who do you call if something goes wrong? Many low-cost systems have limited or hard-to-reach warranty support. As a local business, we stand behind every system we install. That means:
- Full warranty support if there’s ever an issue.
- Easy access to replacement filters (no waiting weeks for an online shipment).
- Scheduled maintenance services so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of when to change filters.
Class Action Lawsuits: A Warning Sign
Over the past several years, several “big name” water filter brands sold online have been the subject of class action lawsuits. These lawsuits often centered around:
- Leaking products that caused property damage.
- False advertising claims about contaminant removal that testing later proved to be inaccurate.
This highlights the risk of buying from companies that prioritize volume sales over long-term customer support and product reliability.
Other Downsides of Buying Online
Here are a few more things people often don’t realize until it’s too late:
- Unknown Quality of Parts: Many online systems use low-quality plastic fittings that are prone to leaks.
- No Local Expertise: A filter designed for another region may not be effective against the specific contaminants in our local water.
- Shorter Lifespan: Cheap systems often wear out faster, meaning you’ll be replacing the entire unit sooner than expected.
- No Accountability: Online sellers won’t come out to your home to fix a problem. We will.
The Bottom Line
What looks like a “deal” online often ends up costing more in the long run—whether in installation costs, unexpected repairs, or replacement systems. By working with a trusted, family-owned local company, you’re not just buying a product—you’re getting expert installation, proven performance, certified testing, and ongoing support for years to come.
After all, safe, clean water for your family isn’t something worth gambling on.
Artisanal Water Solutions is committed to helping Charlotte and Lake Norman area homeowners get the highest quality water for their families.
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.
