Whole house filtration systems aren’t just a high-end luxury; they can be critical for homeowners concerned about contaminants like chlorine, arsenic, and other chemicals lurking in local water supplies. In my case, I started noticing a strong chlorine smell every time I turned on the tap—even stronger than what you’d expect from a swimming pool.
When I tested my tap water, the chlorine levels were off the charts, nearly four times higher than what’s typically acceptable for a swimming pool. Nobody wants to brush their teeth with water that might rival a heavily treated public pool, so I realized I needed a serious filtration strategy.
The Research Phase
Before deciding on any particular filtration system, I dove into research about different manufacturers, system designs, and recommended maintenance practices. That’s when I learned about EWG.org (Environmental Working Group), which offers an online database to see exactly what contaminants might be in your local water supply. By entering your ZIP code, you’ll find a breakdown of harmful substances like arsenic, nitrates, lead, and other chemicals that could pose health risks.
In my location, EWG reported several contaminants way above their own health guidelines—even 37 times above in some cases. That revelation confirmed I needed a robust, whole house water filtration setup, so every faucet and showerhead in my home would supply cleaner, safer water.
My (Initially) Trusted Filter: The Flowtech System
For my first foray into whole house filtration, I went with a well-known brand, Flowtech. On paper, it seemed great:
- Promises of removing chlorine and other contaminants
- A compact design that fit nicely in my garage
- Supposedly backed by solid customer support and warranty
Initially, I even liked the unit well enough to recommend it to customers of my plumbing company. Everything worked fine for a while—until one particular installation threw all of Flowtech’s promises into question.
The Installation That Changed Everything
We installed a Flowtech system for a customer living a bit outside town. Right away, we ran into problems: the filtration unit wasn’t functioning as advertised, and the water quality reports showed persistent issues. My crew and I spent over 30 hours troubleshooting, testing, and rechecking our own installation steps—on our dime—just to be absolutely sure the fault wasn’t ours.
We documented everything on video to prove we’d followed the correct procedures. Yet, each time we called Flowtech’s manufacturer for help, they insisted it was our fault. Not only did they dodge responsibility, but their entire approach to our technical questions was dismissive at best and outright antagonistic at worst.
The Final Straw: A Visit from the Manufacturer
Eventually, the owner of Flowtech—David Johnson—came to our facility. We hoped to sit down, review the installation data, and find a solution that would work for everyone—especially our customer. Instead, the meeting became a tense standoff.
According to my entire team, Mr. Johnson was not just unhelpful; he was downright rude. He interrupted conversations, refused to shake hands with people who politely introduced themselves, and provided no constructive guidance. Our marketing team, our managers, and other staff members felt uncomfortable throughout the short visit.
Questionable Customer Service
The worst part of this incident wasn’t even the failing filtration unit—it was the poor customer service behind the scenes. When you invest in a whole house filtration system, you’re not just buying the filter itself—you’re paying for warranty support, reliable customer assistance, and peace of mind that if something goes wrong, the manufacturer will help make it right. With Flowtech, we felt the opposite.
So, after seeing the writing on the wall, I decided to remove the Flowtech system from my own house altogether. No more dealing with subpar customer service, no more questionable performance.
Enter the Halo 5 Whole House Water Filtration System
I still needed a top-tier filtration solution, so I turned to the Halo 5 Stage Whole House Water Filtration System. It had strong recommendations and a design that seemed well-suited to handle the range of contaminants shown in my EWG water report.
Key Features of the Halo 5
- Multiple Filtration Stages: Unlike single-stage systems, the Halo 5 uses five distinct stages to capture and neutralize various impurities—from sediments to chemicals like chlorine and even heavy metals.
- Durable Construction: The Chrome-like casing is both sturdy and visually appealing. It doesn’t look like an eyesore in my garage, and it’s built to last.
- Simplicity of Installation: Halo 5’s connections were almost identical to the Flowtech’s, which made swapping them out relatively straightforward.
- Company Support: From what I’d read and heard from other professionals, Halo stands behind their product, offering far better customer service and warranty support.
Step-by-Step: How I Swapped Out the System
The video titled “Do NOT Buy This Water Filtration System” shows my complete process of uninstalling the Flowtech unit and replacing it with the Halo 5. Here’s the general rundown:
1. Unboxing the Halo 5
When you first open the Halo 5 packaging, you’ll find:
- The filtration tank wrapped in a polished, reflective casing
- A “brain” or control valve on top
- The instruction guide detailing setup, charging the system, and programming the control module
I recommend always reviewing the installation manual, even if you’re an experienced plumber. Each system can have small quirks or recommended practices to follow.
2. Turning Off Water Supply and Bypassing
Before removing any existing system:
- Turn off the water supply to your home or use a bypass if you have one installed.
- Depressurize the lines by turning on faucets or loosening connections slowly.
In my setup, I had a three-valve bypass in the garage wall that let me shut off water to the filtration system without cutting water to my entire home.
3. Removing the Old Unit
The Flowtech filter I was removing was still physically in place, even though it wasn’t serving my water needs. After disconnecting power to its control valve, I unscrewed the top connections that linked it to my water supply.
Because whole house filters can hold a good amount of water, be prepared for some residual water to spill out when you break the seal. Keep towels or a bucket handy.
4. Fitting the Halo 5 in Place
The Halo 5 installed in almost the exact spot where the Flowtech sat—thankfully, the inlet and outlet ports matched up closely. I attached the new system’s top control valves, tightened them with a wrench (just enough to seat the O-rings), and made sure to thread and seal any drain lines properly.
I used clear primer and cement for my PVC joints—though many pros use purple primer for a visible reference. Pick the products you’re comfortable with, but always follow local plumbing codes.
5. Charging the System and Flushing
Once everything was physically connected, I did the following:
- Slowly opened the bypass valves to let water fill the new Halo 5 unit.
- Checked for leaks around all my connections.
- Regenerated and flushed the system twice to remove any dust, air pockets, or loose media particles from the filtration bed.
- Ran water through a hose bib until it flowed clear, without cloudiness or sputtering air.
6. Setting the Control Valve
Every whole house filter with an automatic backwash or regeneration function needs to be programmed:
- Set the time of day you want it to regenerate (I chose 3:00 AM, a time when I’m rarely using water).
- Choose the frequency of regeneration, typically determined by how many people live in the home and your average water usage. For my household, I set it to every nine days.
Once that was done, the Halo 5 was fully operational and ready to deliver clean, filtered water throughout my home.
Real-World Differences
Within a short time of using the Halo 5, I noticed a marked improvement in water quality. Gone was the harsh chlorine smell that plagued me before. More importantly, I felt better knowing that the unit was backed by a manufacturer whose customer support had a good reputation—unlike my experience with Flowtech.
Customer Satisfaction
Since installing the Halo 5, I’ve also had the chance to install three more Halo systems for clients. The feedback has been consistently positive, with people remarking on better-tasting tap water, reduced chlorine odors, and confidence in the brand’s reliability.
“Service or Warranty? Which Are You Really Paying For?”
A key lesson from this entire ordeal is: You’re paying for more than just the hardware. Yes, the filter itself matters—its media layers, flow capacity, and build quality. But if something goes wrong, you’ll need to rely on the company’s warranty, customer service, and willingness to stand behind their product.
If a unit fails and the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge the problem—or worse, blames you—then that expensive filter is basically worthless. Always research:
- Warranty Length: Look for multi-year coverage on tanks, valves, or any critical components.
- Customer Reviews: A quick search online can reveal a pattern of complaints if the manufacturer has consistently let people down.
- Professional Endorsements: Plumbers who’ve installed many different systems usually know which brands cause the fewest headaches.
Understanding Common Contaminants
Some homeowners believe that their municipal water treatment facility removes all harmful substances. While city water is generally free from acute health threats like bacterial contamination, you’re often left with byproducts such as chlorine, chloramine, and even trace heavy metals or pesticides. Over time, exposure to these substances can affect taste, smell, and potentially impact health.
Arsenic and Other Surprises
When I checked my ZIP code on EWG.org, I was shocked to see arsenic was present at levels 37 times higher than EWG’s recommended guidelines. Even though these levels might still meet official regulatory standards, I wasn’t comfortable exposing my family to that risk. A robust filtration system can help reduce or remove many of these contaminants.
Dealing With the Old Unit: The Sledgehammer Finale
If you’ve watched the video, you know I ended with a dramatic flourish: taking a sledgehammer to the old Flowtech tank. While it made for an entertaining scene, it also underscored my frustration. Here’s why I did it:
- Symbolic Gesture: After countless hours and heated conversations, physically destroying the old unit was a cathartic way to finalize that chapter.
- No Resale Value: Given the system’s performance and questionable warranty support, I wouldn’t have felt right selling it to anyone else.
- Driving the Point Home: I wanted to convey a strong message about the importance of customer service. Even if a product works well in some scenarios, a manufacturer’s attitude and refusal to help can destroy all trust.
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Test Your Water Regularly: Whether you do it yourself with at-home kits or hire a professional, understanding what’s in your water is the first step to addressing any issues.
- Research Brands Thoroughly: Look at product reviews, ask your plumber for recommendations, and check for long-term reliability.
- Prioritize Customer Support: Make sure the company offers a real warranty and has a track record of honoring it.
- Consult Professionals: If you’re not comfortable installing a system yourself, hire a licensed plumber who can handle the job and offer advice on the best configuration for your home.
- Maintain or Replace as Needed: Even high-quality systems need periodic maintenance, media replacements, or technology upgrades. Don’t let your filtration become “set it and forget it.”
Conclusion: Find the Filtration System That’s Right for You
While my experience with Flowtech was negative, there are many brands and models out there—some better than others. The key is ensuring you’re protected not only by the right hardware but also by a reputable manufacturer that will stand behind you if something goes wrong. The Halo 5 system has, so far, proven reliable and well-supported, making it a standout choice in my book.
Do NOT buy this water filtration system if you’re looking for peace of mind and strong manufacturer support, because a bad purchase doesn’t just cost you money—it can cost you countless hours of troubleshooting and stress.
As for me, I’m relieved to have found a replacement that provides the water quality I need. If you’re facing a similar situation or considering a whole house filtration upgrade, do your homework, check your local water quality, and invest in a system that offers both excellent functionality and great customer service. Your health, and sanity, will thank you in the long run.
