Blaine, Minnesota Open 24/7 for emergencies G5.0 ★★★★★ 140+ Google reviews

Home / Services / Carbon filters

City water taste and smell · Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin

Carbon filters that take the pool taste out of city water.

Chlorine, chloramine, organic compounds and sediment change the taste, the smell and the safety of water. We install catalytic carbon as whole-home treatment, so every faucet, shower and appliance gets the cleaner water.

5.0 on Google 39 years family owned Installed prices, no surprises

A two-tank whole-house filtration system installed by Taplin in a utility room
5.0140+ reviews on Google

Is this your water?

The signs we hear about most.

  • Pool taste and smellChlorine or chloramine from municipal disinfection.
  • Dry skin and hair after showersTreated city water strips natural oils.
  • Odors at the tapSulfur or chemical smells that basic cartridges do not fix.
  • Cloudy or off-tasting waterOrganic compounds and sediment in the supply.

Advanced carbon filtration for unmatched purity.

Many water sources contain chlorine, the chemical used for disinfection, and it leaves an unpleasant taste and odor in the water we use every day. Municipal suppliers across the region increasingly disinfect with chloramine instead, which is far more stable and passes straight through basic carbon cartridges. Our carbon filtration is built around whole-home treatment, so contaminants are removed where the water enters the property rather than at a single tap.

Catalytic carbon is the core of our systems. The media is treated to react with contaminants rather than simply absorb them, which makes it far more effective than standard carbon against chloramine, hydrogen sulfide and stubborn chemical odors. After testing your water we size the unit and select the media bed to match what is present; chloramine removal usually calls for a two-tank setup.

Unfiltered water also carries organic compounds and sediment that cause discoloration and odor. Trapping them protects water heaters, faucets and fixtures and keeps the flow smooth. The only exception to whole-home treatment is reverse osmosis, which works at the point of use for drinking water and pairs carbon stages with a membrane.

What we install

Our range of carbon filtration systems.

Catalytic carbon filters

Whole-home units, so every faucet, shower and appliance receives treated water. After testing your water we size the unit and select the media bed for the contaminants present.

Chlorine and chloramine reduction

Chlorine dissipates fairly easily, but chloramine is stable and passes straight through basic carbon cartridges. Our systems address both, removing taste and smell and reducing the dryness treated water causes on skin and hair.

Reverse osmosis drinking water

Some contaminants call for treatment at the tap. RO pairs carbon stages with a membrane that removes dissolved solids a carbon filter cannot capture, installed under the kitchen sink with a dedicated faucet and refrigerator line.

Commercial carbon filtration

Restaurants, coffee shops, salons and offices depend on water that tastes clean and does not scale up equipment. We size commercial systems for higher demand and continuous flow, protecting brewing equipment, dishwashers and boilers, with filter changes scheduled around your operating hours.

Systems and prices

Starting prices, installation included.

The final quote depends on your water test and the plumbing. Product catalog (PDF)

Catalytic Carbon Filter

From $1,499installed

Whole-house filter that handles chloramine, which passes straight through ordinary carbon cartridges. Two-tank setup for chloramine removal.

HTO Softener + Carbon

From $3,600installed

Hardness plus taste and odor: softener and catalytic carbon in one space-saving unit for hard, chlorinated city water.

Aqua Flo Quick Change RO

From $1,150installed

For the drinking water: carbon stages plus a membrane under the kitchen sink.

Design your system onlineFive questions, and you see the fit and the price.

How it works

Test first. Then the right system, installed right.

Nothing on our list is a one-size quote. Every system is sized from what is actually in your water.

  1. ConsultationTell us what you are noticing: stains, smell, taste, dry skin, a test result.
  2. Water testWe test hardness, iron, manganese, sulfur, tannins, arsenic or bacteria, depending on the symptoms.
  3. Sizing and quoteYou get the system and media that match the numbers, with the installed price up front.
  4. InstallationMost installs take about an hour. Clean job, no mess, and we walk you through the unit.
  5. MaintenanceSalt delivery, filter changes and service visits, on your own or through a Care-Free membership.

Common questions

What people ask Tony about carbon filters.

Quick answers to the questions we hear on the phone. If you would rather just talk it through, call us; we test your water before quoting anything.

What is the difference between carbon and catalytic carbon?

Standard carbon absorbs contaminants until it is full. Catalytic carbon is treated to react with them, which is why it removes chloramine and hydrogen sulfide that pass straight through ordinary cartridges.

How do I know if my city uses chloramine?

Many Twin Cities suppliers do. Your utility's annual water quality report says which disinfectant is used, and our test confirms what reaches your tap.

How often is the media replaced?

Carbon and sediment filters are serviced annually, sooner on heavy chlorine or sediment. Members have the visit included.

Can I get softening and carbon in one unit?

Yes. The HTO combination unit handles hardness and taste and odor in one space-saving system, built for hard, chlorinated city water.

Does a carbon filter replace reverse osmosis?

No. Carbon treats the whole house for taste, smell and chemicals. RO at the kitchen sink removes dissolved solids carbon cannot capture. Many homes have both.

Questions about your water? Give us a call.

Tony answers the phone himself. If he is on a job, our assistant can help you: leave your details and Tony will get back to you as soon as he can.

Call 763-427-2764

Google reviews

Honest, fast, no upselling.

What neighbors across the Twin Cities say after we leave.

5.0 140+ reviews on Google Maps · Read more
Tony came out to do an assessment when our old water softener quit working. He did a water test and provided some recommendations and options for new equipment. He was able to install the new equipment within days of us deciding which route we wanted to go. Great service and great prices!
Chris S.Google review★★★★★
We had Taplin install a water softener a couple years ago. They were so great we had them back for a filter this year. Tony was clear on communication, super fast to schedule and quick on install. He even answered all my questions before and after the fact. Products are easy, 0 maintenance. Go with Taplin, they're great!
Shawn K.Google review · Local Guide★★★★★
Talk about customer first! Knowledgeable, fast, and genuinely committed to doing things right. Fair pricing and exceptional service. Couldn't be happier with my water softener install. So glad I found them! Highly highly recommend.
Julie E.Google review★★★★★
After much research on local companies we decided to go with Taplin Water and I'm very glad we did. Taplin is a family owned business and Tony is a very stand up guy. It literally took him about 30-45 minutes to install an iron filter.
Jacelyn D.Google review★★★★★

All reviews Review us on Google

Other services

One problem usually comes with another.

Most well-water homes need a softener and an iron filter together; most city-water homes pair a softener with carbon.

Contact us

Let's test your water.

Tell us what you are noticing and we will tell you what it takes to fix it, starting with a water test. Call, or send the form and Tony gets back to you.

Call or text763-427-2764
Tony answers himself. If he is on a job, our assistant can help you in the chat or at 408-684-5310: leave your details and Tony will get back to you as soon as he can.

Office4386 130th Ct NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Open in Google Maps

HoursOpen 24/7 for emergencies. Office and installs Monday to Friday.

We reply within one business day. For emergencies, call 763-427-2764.