Are you concerned about hard water, scale buildup, or contaminants affecting your home in Captiva, FL?
Whole House Water Filtration System Supplier Captiva FL
You can protect every faucet, appliance, and plumbing line in your home by choosing the right whole house water filtration system supplier. This article guides you through what to expect when you choose UnTapped Technologies and their HydroTAC Whole-Home System — helping you understand benefits, installation, maintenance, and how it compares to traditional water softeners.
Why a whole house system matters for your Captiva home
Your home’s water affects more than drinking and cooking — it impacts appliances, plumbing, water heaters, and even your skin and hair. In coastal or subtropical places like Captiva, mineral content and certain contaminants can accelerate scale formation and corrosion. A whole house system treats the water at the point it enters your home, so every outlet delivers conditioned, filtered water rather than treating only a single tap.
Choosing a whole house approach reduces maintenance on individual fixtures and gives you consistent water quality throughout the property. It’s especially useful if you want to protect a tankless water heater, extend appliance lifespan, and avoid the environmental and operational costs of traditional softeners.
About UnTapped Technologies
UnTapped Technologies supplies whole-home water filtration systems and accessories designed to be efficient, compact, and eco-friendly. You can contact them directly by phone at 1-561-249-8361 or buy the HydroTAC system online: https://untappedtech.com/product/hydrotac-water-filter-conditioner/.
Their office: UnTapped Technologies 1025 Gateway Boulevard STE 303-249 Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, United States
Hours:
- Monday – Friday : 9am – 5pm
- Saturday – Sunday : Closed
UnTapped focuses on salt-free, low-maintenance solutions that preserve beneficial minerals while addressing scale and contaminants. If you value simplicity, low water waste, and minimal ongoing costs, their systems are designed for you.
Product overview: HydroTAC Whole-Home System – Water Filter & Conditioner
The HydroTAC is a dual-cartridge, whole-home system that combines an activated carbon block filter with Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC®) media. This salt-free scale prevention conditioner aims to reduce scale, remove many contaminants affecting taste and odor, and protect plumbing and water heaters.
You get clean water from every faucet immediately after installation, and the system is compact — roughly 9 inches wide by 18 inches tall. Installation requires little space, no electricity, and no wastewater lines. That compact footprint makes it an excellent choice for single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.
How HydroTAC works
HydroTAC uses a two-step process inside a single unit. First, water passes through a 20-micron coconut shell activated carbon block that reduces chlorine, organic chemicals, tastes, and odors. Second, water flows through TAC media, which converts scale-forming ions into microscopic, inert crystals that remain suspended and harmlessly flow through your plumbing.
Because the TAC media does not remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, you retain beneficial minerals in your drinking water while preventing them from forming scale on pipes and appliances. No salt or chemical regenerants are required, and there’s no backwash waste, which is a major difference from traditional ion-exchange softeners.
Key features and benefits
You should evaluate features that matter most to your household: efficiency, maintenance, environmental impact, and protection for appliances. HydroTAC offers several practical advantages:
- Extremely efficient contact time — about 5 seconds regardless of hardness level.
- No salt, no chemicals, and no regeneration cycles.
- No backwash or wastewater.
- Compact design that requires no electricity.
- Dual cartridge design for filtration and scale prevention.
- Long-lasting media: carbon typically lasts up to 1 year or 50,000 gallons; TAC cartridge up to 3 years or 250,000 gallons.
- Suitable where softeners are banned.
These features translate into lower ongoing costs and simpler upkeep. Because the media isn’t consumed by a chemical reaction, you won’t face continuous media loss or the recurring environmental cost of salt discharge.
How HydroTAC compares to traditional water softeners
You likely want a quick comparison to understand real-world tradeoffs. The table below summarizes the primary differences.
| Feature | HydroTAC (TAC conditioner) | Traditional Ion Exchange Softener |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral removal | No (minerals remain) | Yes (calcium & magnesium replaced with sodium) |
| Feel of water | No slippery feeling | Slippery or soapy feeling due to sodium |
| Regeneration needed | No | Yes, periodic regeneration with salt and water waste |
| Wastewater | None | Yes, regeneration discharge |
| Electricity required | No | Often no (some controls need power) |
| Space required | Compact | Larger tanks and brine tank |
| Suitable for areas banning softeners | Yes | No |
| Protects tankless heaters | Yes | Yes (if maintained) |
| Maintenance frequency | Low | Moderate to high |
| Retains beneficial minerals | Yes | No |
| Best for drinking water retention | Yes | Less ideal (adds sodium) |
This comparison helps you weigh environmental, health, and maintenance considerations. If you want to keep minerals and avoid wastewater and salt, HydroTAC is a strong option. If you need complete mineral removal (e.g., for certain industrial processes), a softener may still be required.
Technical specifications and sizing
Understanding specifications helps you determine if the HydroTAC fits your home’s flow and usage patterns. The system is rated for 10 gallons per minute (GPM), which is sufficient for many single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. The unit dimensions are roughly 9 inches wide by 18 inches tall.
Typical specifications:
- Flow rate: up to 10 GPM
- Carbon block: 20-micron coconut shell activated carbon
- TAC cartridge life: up to 3 years or 250,000 gallons
- Carbon block life: up to 1 year or 50,000 gallons
- Operating pressure: typical residential plumbing pressure ranges (verify during installation)
- Operating temperature: standard residential hot and cold ranges (confirm with UnTapped for extremes)
If you aren’t sure about sizing, you can assess your peak simultaneous usage (e.g., two showers + dishwasher) and compare to the 10 GPM rating. For larger households or properties with high simultaneous flow demand, consult UnTapped for potential parallel installations or alternative configurations.
Applications: where the HydroTAC works best
HydroTAC is designed primarily for residential applications, but it can also benefit specific appliances and systems within your home.
- Whole house: Treats water at the point of entry for consistent water quality at every faucet. You’ll notice reduced scale on fixtures and improved water taste and odor.
- Water heaters: Prevents scale buildup on heating elements and heat exchangers, maintaining efficiency and extending service life.
- Plumbing: Reduces scale within pipes and fittings, which can prevent clogs and preserve flow rates over time.
Because HydroTAC preserves essential minerals, it’s also a good option when you want healthy drinking water without the sodium typically introduced by softeners.
Installation guidance and considerations
You’ll want the system installed at the main cold-water inlet to treat water before it reaches water heaters and appliances. The compact size means you can often locate it where larger softeners wouldn’t fit, such as narrow utility closets.
Key installation tips:
- Place the HydroTAC upstream of your water heater and any water softener alternatives.
- Ensure adequate overhead clearance for cartridge replacement.
- Use flexible hoses if space is tight; these allow you to slightly reposition the unit for service access.
- Confirm your water pressure and temperature fall within the system’s operating parameters.
- If you use well water, consider getting a water analysis first to check for contaminants that could shorten media life.
Although many homeowners can handle basic plumbing, it’s recommended to hire a licensed plumber for final connections and to ensure compliance with local codes. UnTapped or local dealers can often recommend installers experienced with HydroTAC units.
Maintenance schedule and filter replacement
One of the HydroTAC’s major draws is its low maintenance demands. You should replace the carbon block annually or after about 50,000 gallons, and replace the TAC cartridge every 3 years or after about 250,000 gallons. Exact timing depends on your water quality and household usage.
Maintenance at a glance:
| Component | Typical Lifespan | Replacement Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut carbon block | Up to 1 year or 50,000 gallons | Annually (or sooner if water quality declines) |
| TAC® Scale Prevention Cartridge | Up to 3 years or 250,000 gallons | Every 3 years (or earlier with heavy use) |
| General inspection | N/A | Annually or whenever water quality changes |
UnTapped offers subscription options so you can receive replacement cartridges automatically, which simplifies ongoing care. Because there’s no regeneration cycle, you won’t have to manage salt deliveries or brine tank cleaning.
Water quality and health considerations
You may worry whether a salt-free system affects your health or drinking water. HydroTAC purposely does not remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. That means you’ll retain those minerals that contribute to hydration and nutrition, while preventing the minerals from forming damaging scale.
The carbon block reduces chlorine, organic compounds, and many taste-and-odor issues, which should make your tap water taste fresher. Because TAC media creates inert crystals from scale-forming ions rather than removing minerals, you won’t experience the “slippery” feeling associated with ion-exchange softened water.
For specific contaminants (heavy metals, bacteria, nitrates), you should review your municipal water quality report or get a lab water analysis. HydroTAC is optimized for municipalities that meet EPA contaminant standards. If you have unusual contaminants, consider add-on filtration stages or a dedicated drinking water treatment solution.
Performance with tankless water heaters
If you have a tankless water heater, you’ll appreciate HydroTAC’s ability to prevent scale buildup on the heat exchanger. Scale reduces heat transfer efficiency and increases flue gas temperature in gas systems. HydroTAC has been shown to reduce flue gas temperature by 30% or more in gas tankless systems, which is a sign of improved heat transfer and efficiency.
You’ll likely see:
- Lower energy use and better thermal efficiency.
- Fewer service calls and less maintenance for the heater.
- Extended operational life for the tankless unit.
If you pair HydroTAC with a tankless heater, follow manufacturer recommendations and ensure compatibility with any warranty conditions.
Using HydroTAC with well water
HydroTAC works best with municipally treated water because municipal systems typically maintain contaminant levels within EPA guidelines. If you have well water, you need to consider the water’s specific composition before committing to TAC media alone.
Common concerns with well water:
- High levels of iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide can foul carbon and TAC media.
- Sediment and particulate matter may clog the carbon block more quickly.
- Elevated heavy metals could prematurely reduce media performance.
If you’re on well water, get a comprehensive water test or consult your municipal consumer confidence report if you’re transitioning properties. Based on test results, you might add pretreatment like sediment filters, iron removal systems, or targeted treatment stages to protect the HydroTAC media and ensure long-term performance.
Environmental benefits
HydroTAC is designed to be an eco-friendly alternative to conventional water softeners. Because it requires no salt or chemical regenerants, it doesn’t discharge brine that can harm wastewater systems and local waterways. No backwash means no wasted water from regeneration cycles, which reduces your household’s overall water consumption.
Environmental advantages:
- No salt discharge into municipal sewer or septic systems.
- Reduced water usage compared to regenerating softeners.
- Long-lasting media lowers the frequency of replacements and waste.
If sustainability matters to you, HydroTAC’s low-waste design and absence of chemical regeneration make it an appealing choice.
Cost considerations: upfront and long-term
You’ll want to weigh initial purchase and installation costs against long-term savings on maintenance, water, and appliances. HydroTAC typically has a lower upfront footprint than large tank-based softeners and eliminates ongoing salt purchases and brine tank maintenance.
Cost factors to consider:
- Initial system cost and any professional installation fees.
- Replacement filter/cartridge costs (carbon annually, TAC every 3 years).
- Savings from reduced water waste and fewer appliance repairs or early replacements.
- Energy savings for water heaters and tankless systems due to better heat transfer.
Because no regeneration water is wasted and you skip the ongoing cost of salt, many homeowners find long-term operational costs lower than with ion-exchange softeners. To get precise ROI numbers, compare your current costs for salt purchase, brine discharge handling, potential water penalties, and appliance maintenance versus HydroTAC’s anticipated replacement schedule.
Warranty, support, and subscription options
Before you buy, check warranty terms, support availability, and whether automatic replacement subscriptions are offered. UnTapped provides support and offers an optional subscription so you can receive replacement cartridges without worry.
Things to check:
- Warranty coverage for defects and performance.
- Support channels and response time (phone, email, online resources).
- Subscription details: frequency, cost, and cancellation policy.
- Return and installation support options.
Subscriptions are useful if you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach: cartridges arrive before end-of-life, so you don’t have to track usage manually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You probably have specific questions about TAC vs softeners, lifespan, installation, and drinking water. Here are commonly asked questions and practical answers.
What is the difference between a softener and the TAC water conditioner?
A softener removes calcium and magnesium from water and replaces them with sodium through an ion exchange process. This requires periodic regeneration using salt, which produces wastewater. The TAC conditioner does not remove minerals; instead, it converts scale-forming ions into microscopic, inert crystals that remain suspended and pass through the system. No chemicals are added, and no regeneration is necessary, so there’s no wastewater discharge.
Why should I choose the HydroTAC over a water softener?
HydroTAC is compact, requires virtually no maintenance, uses no electricity, and does not need a source of discharge water. It suits homes where you want to preserve beneficial minerals, save space, and avoid the environmental impact of salt-based regeneration. It’s also often used where softeners are prohibited.
How does the HydroTAC work?
Water first travels through the 20-micron carbon block filter which removes impurities, chlorine, and offensive tastes and odors. Then water passes vertically through the inner TAC cartridge where minerals form microscopic crystals rather than adhering to surfaces. Those inert crystals flow down the pipes and out drains without causing scale buildup.
Will it affect my tankless water heater’s performance?
Yes. HydroTAC prevents scaling and can reduce flue gas temperatures by 30% or more in gas systems, improving efficiency. Electric systems also show noticeable energy savings when scale is minimized.
Will this work for my well?
HydroTAC is best suited for municipal water that meets EPA contaminant levels. If you have well water, get a water analysis to identify contaminants like iron or copper that may foul the media. Based on results, you may need additional pretreatment.
How would I know when to replace the filters?
Carbon block usually lasts up to 1 year or 50,000 gallons, and the TAC cartridge typically lasts 3 years or 250,000 gallons. UnTapped’s subscription option can automate replacements so you don’t have to track service intervals.
How big is the system?
The unit is approximately 9 inches wide by 18 inches tall. You need just that much space plus overhead clearance for filter changes. Flex hoses can help fit the unit into tight spaces.
How soon after installation can I drink the water?
You get fresh, treated water immediately at every faucet after installation. If you want, have your water lab-tested post-installation for added peace of mind.
What is TAC?
TAC stands for Template-Assisted Crystallization. It prevents scale by converting hard-water ions into microscopic crystals that don’t adhere to surfaces. TAC does not add or remove minerals, so calcium, potassium, and magnesium remain in the water for health and taste.
Typical installation timeline and what to expect
You’ll typically schedule an installation during regular business hours. The actual physical installation can often be completed in a few hours by a licensed plumber, depending on existing plumbing and whether additional components or pretreatment are required.
A simple timeline:
- Pre-installation consultation and water analysis (if needed).
- Scheduling installation with a plumber or installer.
- Installation and system checkout (a few hours).
- Post-installation verification of water flow and leaks.
- Set up of any subscription service for filters.
After installation, you should notice improved taste and fewer scale deposits within days to weeks, with long-term appliance protection noted over months and years.
Realistic expectations and troubleshooting
It’s important to set realistic expectations: TAC reduces and prevents scale, but it doesn’t remove every contaminant. You should not expect soft-water slipperiness because minerals remain. If you notice odor or taste issues after installation, ensure the carbon block is functioning and replace it if required. For well users, addressing iron, manganese, or sediment issues first will prevent premature cartridge fouling.
If you face flow rate reductions, check for clogged sediment or carbon filters, and ensure installation valves are fully open. For persistent issues, contact UnTapped support or your installer.
How to buy and contact UnTapped Technologies
If you’re ready to move forward, you can call UnTapped at 1-561-249-8361 or purchase the HydroTAC online at: https://untappedtech.com/product/hydrotac-water-filter-conditioner/.
Office address and hours: UnTapped Technologies 1025 Gateway Boulevard STE 303-249 Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, United States
- Monday – Friday : 9am – 5pm
- Saturday – Sunday : Closed
Buying online or by phone lets you ask about installation partners, subscription plans, and warranty details so you can get the system that best fits your Captiva home.
Final considerations and next steps
You’re protecting more than water — you’re protecting appliances, plumbing, and the health of your household. If you prefer to keep beneficial minerals, avoid salt discharge, and minimize ongoing maintenance, HydroTAC is a compelling option. For those on well water or with unusual contaminants, start with a water test to ensure the system will meet your needs.
If you decide to move forward:
- Get a water analysis if you have well water.
- Confirm your household flow requirements against the unit’s 10 GPM rating.
- Schedule professional installation unless you’re comfortable with plumbing tasks.
- Consider the subscription service to simplify filter replacements.
This approach will help you enjoy cleaner water from every faucet in your Captiva home while reducing maintenance, protecting appliances, and supporting environmental stewardship. If you have further questions or want a personalized assessment, call UnTapped Technologies at 1-561-249-8361 or visit their product page to buy online.
