Does Water Treatment at the Building and Flat Entrances Work?

The quality of tap water has become one of the most hotly debated topics amongst homeowners and tenants. Hard, sediment-laden and chlorine-smelling water not only reduces the quality of our drinking water; it also causes irreversible damage to our home’s plumbing, expensive white goods and boilers. At this point, many consumers find themselves asking the same question: can water treatment systems installed at the flat entrance – or, more generally, at the building entrance – really deliver the benefits they promise? It is particularly worth noting in the opening paragraph that a high-quality system with the correct filter configuration acts as a powerful shield, protecting your home’s entire water infrastructure. If you wish to protect your plumbing and save money in the long term, now is the perfect time to start looking into a reliable apartment-entry water treatment solution.

A large proportion of the water we use in our homes is consumed for cleaning, bathing and operating household appliances, rather than for drinking. Given this, filtering the water from the mains before it even enters your home stands out as a sensible step. So, how exactly do these systems work, and do they really live up to expectations? In this comprehensive guide, we will examine in detail the operating principles of central water treatment systems—which prevent limescale and extend the lifespan of appliances—as well as their differences from under-sink models and the associated investment costs.

What is a Building and Flat Entry Water Treatment System?

Building and flat entry water treatment systems are filtration units fitted to the main supply line immediately before mains water is distributed throughout a property’s internal plumbing. The primary purpose of these systems is not so much to make the water drinkable, but rather to filter out physical or chemical contaminants such as silt, sand, rust, limescale and excess chlorine at a coarse to medium level. This ensures that your water is free from harmful particles before it reaches your taps, shower heads and appliances such as washing machines. This process also works on the principle of an effective mains water filter, preventing the build-up of sediment inside the pipes over time.

When we look at our daily water consumption habits, we gain a better understanding of just how critical the quality of the water circulating throughout the home is. Data from our country’s statistical agencies confirms that only a very small proportion of the water in households is used as drinking water. For example, according to TÜİK figures, the average daily amount of water drawn per person in Turkey for drinking and domestic use is calculated at 234.1 litres, and the vast majority of this enormous volume is consumed by household appliances, in the bathroom and in the toilet. Consequently, the fact that such a large volume of water is hard or muddy poses a direct threat to both your budget and your domestic plumbing.

Do Water Filtration Systems Installed at the Entrance to Flats Actually Work?

One of the most common search queries we come across on internet forums and consumer platforms is: ‘Does a water filtration system installed at the building entrance actually work? ’. To put it simply: absolutely yes. However, consumers need to set their expectations correctly. If you expect to be able to drink the water from this system—which is fitted to the main valve—glass by glass as 100 per cent pure, odourless water of bottled quality, you may be disappointed. However, if your expectation is to put an end to heating element faults, get rid of limescale stains on shower screen glass and protect your boiler’s heat exchanger, then these devices are absolute lifesavers. The reviews we’ve examined of these apartment-entry water filtration systems reveal that users have experienced a noticeable improvement in the performance of their white goods from the very first month and have noticed that the water has become softer.

The Impact of Plumbing, Boilers and White Goods on Lifespan

Hard, limescale-laden water entering your home builds up layers on the inner walls of your pipes over time, reducing the flow rate of the water. In particular, when the heating elements in appliances that heat water – such as washing machines, dishwashers, combi boilers and water heaters – become coated with limescale, these appliances have to work much harder to heat the water. Hard water not only leads to appliance breakdowns but also results in high energy bills. In this context, international research clearly highlights the scale of energy wastage. According to reports by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), a respected organisation in the field, heating hard water results in 20 to 30 per cent higher energy consumption in appliances such as boilers and water heaters.

On the other hand, it is not just appliance breakdowns but also leaks caused by limescale that result in significant financial loss. The wear and tear caused by sediment and limescale in pipes can lead to hidden water leaks and flooding. According to data from the US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), the average household can waste approximately 35,500 litres (9,400 gallons) of water per year due to plumbing systems damaged by hard water and domestic water leaks. An effective water softener or a high-quality point-of-entry filtration system will not only put a stop to this water wastage but also eliminate repair costs from your life.

Skin, Hair Health and Quality of Daily Life

The benefits offered by the system are not limited to mechanical and material advantages. Chlorine, which is used extensively in mains water for disinfection, gives off an unpleasant odour the moment it flows from the tap into the home. More importantly, a hot shower with chlorinated and hard water disrupts the skin’s natural oil balance, leading to dryness, rashes and stiff hair. Thanks to the carbon filters used in building entry systems, chlorine and heavy metals are trapped before they even enter the home. As a result, you will clearly notice from the very first use that you need to use less hair conditioner and that the itching and tightness on your skin after showering have disappeared.

The Difference Between Apartment Entry Systems and Under-Sink (Reverse Osmosis) Systems

Many consumers confuse entry-point water treatment systems with under-sink water treatment units installed under the kitchen sink. Under-sink water filtration units use specialised membrane filters (Reverse Osmosis technology) to purify water at a molecular level and convert it entirely into drinking water. Apartment entry systems, on the other hand, do not filter the water to such a fine degree (at the micron level) as they serve the entire water supply of the home; their purpose is ‘plumbing protection’ and coarse filtration. If you wish to both protect your home’s general plumbing system and enjoy a continuous supply of tasty, mineral-balanced drinking water in your kitchen, integrating these two systems (a hybrid solution) is the most effective approach.

There is a popular myth circulating in society that reverse osmosis technology removes all beneficial minerals from water and produces ‘dead water’. Whilst there may be some truth to this myth, thanks to advanced equipment, this is no longer an issue. When we look at academic studies on the subject, the scientific facts become clearer; for example, according to experts at Üsküdar University, whilst RO systems may filter out minerals such as calcium and magnesium, these minerals—which are essential for the body—are safely restored to the water thanks to the ‘alkaline and mineral filters’ added to high-quality purification systems. As for entry-point filters, since they do not affect the minerals in the first place, they are entirely outside the scope of this debate.

Once you’ve installed a water filtration system at the entrance to your flat, if you’re looking for a functional drinking water solution for your kitchen, you might want to consider the latest generation of stylish designs. In particular, systems that can instantly provide hot and cold water—whether for home or office use—can make your life significantly easier. With professional water filtration dispensers that enhance your kitchen comfort, you can transform the clean water supplied from the main water supply into a unique drinking experience.

The table below will help you understand the key features of these two different systems:

Sequence and Specifications of Water Filtration Systems for Apartment Entrances

For a system installed at your flat’s main water inlet to operate efficiently, the correct sequencing of the filters is vital. Three-stage flat inlet water treatment systems are generally preferred. The position of the first stage, which traps coarse impurities, must not be confused with that of the final stage, which chemically balances the water. The sequence of these filters, which form the heart of the system, gradually reduces the water’s pollution load, thereby ensuring the filters have a longer service life.

Stage 1: Spun (Sediment) or Washable Sediment Filter

The first barrier the water must encounter as it enters the main valve is the sediment filter, also known as a spun filter. The primary function of this stage is to trap mud, rust, sand and small stone particles that have broken away from the mains pipes. Wire mesh or perforated models, known on the market as washable sediment filters, are also frequently used at this stage. If I may offer a piece of expert advice: you should always opt for a transparent filter housing for the first stage. Thanks to this transparent housing, you can see from the outside whether the filter is becoming clogged with sludge and determine when it is time to replace it without having to call a plumber.

Stage 2: Activated Carbon Filter

The water, now free of sediment and coarse impurities, passes through an activated carbon filter block in the second stage. Activated carbon is an excellent material for chemically purifying water, thanks to the millions of microscopic pores in its structure. This stage traps the excess chlorine used by local authorities to disinfect the water, as well as unpleasant odours, pesticide residues and organic substances that give the water its colour. The water passing through the carbon filter becomes odourless and clear, making it suitable for use in the bathroom.

Stage 3: Silifoz (Limescale Preventer) or Resin Filter

The final stage is the limescale-preventing filter layer, which acts as the ultimate shield for your home and belongings. Here, a siliphos filter (polyphosphate crystals) or resin is generally used. It is worth noting a very important detail regarding the silifoz filter: this substance does not physically remove calcium and magnesium ions. Instead, it ‘binds’ these scale-forming ions by disrupting their chemical structure. Consequently, the limescale components that cause water hardness flow away without being able to adhere to washing machine heating elements, pipe walls or the bases of kettles. In other words, the limescale remains in the water but loses its ability to adhere to appliances.

Installation Cost, Depreciation and Savings Calculation

The biggest factor influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions is undoubtedly the price of block of flats water treatment systems and how long it will take for this investment to pay for itself. Contrary to popular belief, apartment entry-point systems are available at very affordable prices and have gone from being a luxury expense to a necessity. Although the installation cost of the system varies depending on the thickness (pressure rating) of the filter housings used and the quality of the filter, this cost is quite modest when the savings it provides are taken into account.

Let’s illustrate the situation with a real-life case study: A user living in Antalya, where the water is extremely hard, had a three-way apartment entry system installed in their home. In the year prior to the installation, this user had been constantly buying limescale-preventing chemicals (such as Calgon) for their washing machine, had to call out a service engineer for a faulty combi boiler heat exchanger, and had been forced to use large amounts of detergent due to excessive limescale. In the year following the installation of the system, however, all these costs were eliminated or reduced to a minimum. The table below summarises the estimated payback period and the benefits of system protection for a typical flat:

In this scenario, the system—which costs an average of between 2,000 and 3,000 TL—will have more than recouped its full cost (achieved a return on investment) before the end of its first year.

What Should You Look Out for When Buying a Water Purification System for Your Flat?

There are certain engineering and material quality details to bear in mind when purchasing a water entry system for a block of flats. Firstly, the water pressure from the mains can be very high in some areas (for example, at night). For this reason, it is vital that the filter housings are made from thick, high-pressure-resistant plastic and do not crack. Furthermore, you should consult your plumber in advance to determine the appropriate connection sizes in inches (usually 3/4 inch or 1 inch) to match the diameter of your home’s water pipes.

When installing the system, it is absolutely essential to fit a ‘bypass valve’ system. Thanks to the bypass line, when the filters need replacing, rather than completely shutting off the main water supply to the house, you can divert the water around the filters to prevent the house from running out of water. As a tip from the experts: if you wish to test with your own eyes whether the system is actually working, you can purchase an affordable TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids meter) or use simple water hardness test kits to observe the differences between the inlet and outlet water.

How to Install the System and Maintain/Clean the Filters?

Just as important as choosing the right appliance is carrying out regular maintenance to ensure the system remains in good working order. The installation of these systems can be completed quickly by a professional plumber. However, the main issue is knowing when to clean or replace the filters. Many users ask, ‘Can I wash the filters and put them back in?’; the answer to this question depends on the type of filter.

If you are using a washable sediment filter with a plastic or stainless steel mesh in the first stage, you can close the main valve and open the housing using the housing key; then clean the filter of any sludge using a strong jet of water and a soft brush, and refit it. However, spun (sediment), activated carbon and silifoz filters must not under any circumstances be cleaned or regenerated by washing with water. Once these filters become clogged and reach the end of their service life (generally between 6 and 12 months, depending on the level of contamination in the mains supply), they must be removed and disposed of, and new ones fitted in their place. If you do not change the filters regularly, the system will become blocked, causing a significant drop in your water pressure. Keeping this shield—which protects your home, your belongings and your budget—in good working order depends on nothing more than a simple filter-checking routine every few months.