[shirart]

About 3 years ago we purchased the Nova Water Whole House Filter System and are not pleased with the results. I believe we were sold a bill of goods that were not true. When we read the promo it indicated we would have to change filters ONCE a year at a cost of $125. After the system was installed only then did we find out that the filters needed to be changed after 28,000 gals of water was used. We use about 3200 gals a month ( Water Wisdom on the VCDD site says normal is 2700 per month but back a few years ago it said 3700 was average for all style of homes in TV, I have it documented) which put us at changing filters every 9 months. All water for washing the house,the car, cleaning the driveway, watering plants all go through the filter system. The taste of the water from the system is not good even with a few drops of lemon added. We still buy bottled water. Does anyone know how we can take the system out and have the water reverted back to the original system? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[retiredguy123]

I think you can just close the valve or valves that go to the filters and open the bypass valve. I would leave the filters in place until you are sure you want to remove the system.

[Kahuna32162]

We have had NOVA in both our homes in The Villages, I have found that we really only need to change the filters about every 2 years. Last time I had them replaced, the old filters still looked almost brand new. Suggestions that they need to be changed after 28,000 gallons is just that, a suggestion.

[shirart]

Another good suggestion I will consider Thanks

[retiredguy123]

I don't know about Nova filters, but have you tried to buy replacement filters on Amazon and install them yourself? Amazon sells just about everything for less money.

[shirart]

Originally Posted by Kahuna32162

We have had NOVA in both our homes in The Villages, I have found that we really only need to change the filters about every 2 years. Last time I had them replaced, the old filters still looked almost brand new. Suggestions that they need to be changed after 28,000 gallons is just that, a suggestion.

Not with our filters they looked like they did their job. Glad you like your Nova system but we are not HAPPY. Will somehow find a way to eliminate it. I do like the idea of taking out the filters and let the water contnue to run through the containers.

[vintageogauge]

We change ours yearly, don't really watch how many gallons were used. Our system is now 5 years old and the filters were always still pretty clean until this last change where they were pretty dirty. I guess it depends on where you live and where the water is coming from, a lot of people down here over the years complained about dirt in their water, these were people without filters so there is a lot of dirty water in certain sections, I personally think that was from the way the pipes were put out in the dirt waiting for installation. Also, we noticed a huge change in the taste of the water but we included the softener when we bought our Nova system, they did not try to talk us into the softener, just the opposite, we were told most people get away without it. We use Potassium pellets, the water tastes great, we eliminated the fridge filter, no hard water spots, no calcium buildup around the faucets or anywhere else, and the water is definitely softer, not slimy feeling like it is with the sodium pellets, just a clean soft feeling. We did have one problem with the system at the 5 year mark, something broke, I don't remember what it was but it was repaired quickly and reasonably. I would highly recommend the Nova system.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by shirart

Not with our filters they looked like they did their job. Glad you like your Nova system but we are not HAPPY. Will somehow find a way to eliminate it. I do like the idea of taking out the filters and let the water contnue to run through the containers.

There should be a way to bypass the system by just adjusting a few plastic valves. Most filter systems I have seen allow bypassng. Then, you could sell the old system.

[Toymeister]

Filters are well, filters. What gives our water hardness and a certain taste is calcium. The calcium is an ion attached to H2O. Filters can not filter out ions.

To remove the ions you need an ion exchange system, aka a water softener. It doesn't matter which brand that you choose. As ALL ion exchangers use the same process. There is no changing the physics/chemistry of removing the calcium ions.

Now filters do catch some particulates and you may notice that in the taste. Mainly, though, you'll feel good about having a filter. Psychologically that can make a huge difference to many people. But you don't get a new version of chemistry just because you have a filter, you need an ion exchanger. Sorry to sprinkle some reality to the owners of filtration systems

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by shirart

About 3 years ago we purchased the Nova Water Whole House Filter System and are not pleased with the results. I believe we were sold a bill of goods that were not true. When we read the promo it indicated we would have to change filters ONCE a year at a cost of $125. After the system was installed only then did we find out that the filters needed to be changed after 28,000 gals of water was used. We use about 3200 gals a month ( Water Wisdom on the VCDD site says normal is 2700 per month but back a few years ago it said 3700 was average for all style of homes in TV, I have it documented) which put us at changing filters every 9 months. All water for washing the house,the car, cleaning the driveway, watering plants all go through the filter system. The taste of the water from the system is not good even with a few drops of lemon added. We still buy bottled water. Does anyone know how we can take the system out and have the water reverted back to the original system? Any ideas would be appreciated.

You just need to hire a plumber to redo the plumbing and install a new shut-off valve. It's no big deal, as its just 1/2" CPVC.

I had the NOVA system installed and am happy with it. The first time we had the filters changed (at the 28,000 mark) the tech said we could go more than that between changes, which is what we now do.

And unless NOVA has changed their install method, there is no bypass. Once you close the shut-off valve, it stops all water flow to the home.

In full disclosure, I didn't mind the taste of our tap water to begin with, and I'd be lying if I said I can tell a huge difference now. We added the three-stage filter for other reasons (aside from the taste of the water).

[shirart]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I don't know about Nova filters, but have you tried to buy replacement filters on Amazon and install them yourself? Amazon sells just about everything for less money.

Any idea of the part numbers for the filters on Amazon. Even some description on the filters needed

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by shirart

Any idea of the part numbers for the filters on Amazon. Even some description on the filters needed

I really don't know much about the Nova system. But, here's a link to a 6-pack of universal 5 micron filters, 20 inch × 4.5 inch, for about $108. They have excellent ratings on Amazon. Good luck.

Amazon.com

[jimbo2012]

The Nova website recommends 26,000 gallon change or once a year which ever occurs first, this is based on sending samples at different levels of water thru-put to lab.

Looking at the filters it is not possible with the naked eye to see 10 micron particles or less, so they may look clean but I can assure you they are NOT.

To the OP you were informed (with a printed instruction sheet) at the time of installation when we recommended to change the filters.

"watering plants all go through the filter system", not correct irrigation water does not go thru the filters.

Sorry for any miss understanding.


As to buying filter replacements online, no one has these same filters they are made to our specs.
Moreover, we sell the set for $85.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I really don't know much about the Nova system. But, here's a link to a 6-pack of universal 5 micron filters, 20 inch × 4.5 inch, for about $108.

These are incorrect (not the same)

Moreover, they are $18 each for the wrong filters ours are $20

Supporting a local biz and village residents

[jimbo2012]

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