What are the Different Types of Water Filters?
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Water filtration has and will always remain an important safety feature. Each day, environmental pollution levels keep skyrocketing and the water that flows into our houses get contaminated by smoke, bacteria, lead and harmful material. It is even said that many people die from water contamination than other natural disasters.
Ancient filtration systems used to help people get clean water. However, their mode of functioning was not as impressive as the current technology. They could only eliminate sediments from water, but some materials and microorganisms passed through.
Modern filters are designed to remove both macro and micro elements. Top-of-the-line technologies go a notch higher and rid water of one of the most harmful elements; lead.
Under extreme levels, lead can cause serious side effects. Quite unfortunately, the pipes that transport water into our homes are coated or made from lead.
So, even after the water company has purified the water, you’ll still need to redo it. Here are some of the common types of the filters you can use to purify your water.
Types of Water Filters
Carafe Filters
Carafe water filters are efficient in purifying water. They eliminate chloroform and lead from water. However, they are small scale filters that work best to serve the needs of a few people, preferably one or two. For a large family, it will take quite some time before they produce adequate water.
Not all Carafe filters are efficient. You need to compare several of them to get one that works effectively.
Tap filters
Also known as faucet mounted filters, tap filters are pretty easy to install. You just remove the faucet aerator and put the filter in its place. Considering the high speed at which water flows, faucet mounted faucet don’t work efficiently alone.
They need to be coupled with activated charcoal filters to get chlorine, odor, and taste out of the water. Some tap filters remove lead from water as well.
There is one good thing about tap filters; they give you the option to use either filtered or unfiltered water. All in all, not all house chores such floor mopping need filtered water.
Undercounter and Countertop filters
Countertop and undercounter filters connect to you water inlet thus ensuring drinking and cooking water is safe. They are the best pick for huge families.
Depending on the size, some are small and can be placed next to the sink while others are compact and can be installed into the faucet.
Different Countertop and Undercounter filters serve different needs. Some remove chlorine, some remove lead while others are tasked with sediment removal. That means, when buying these types of filters, you need to know what your needs are.
However, advanced models have the capability to remove lead, odors, chlorine, mercury and microorganisms from water.
Counter and undercountertop filters process a large amount of water, approximately 450- 1500 gallons, which is way higher than what tap and carafe filters process. There is, however, one drawback to these filters; they are POS and point of use filters-this means filtration occurs at a single point only-the kitchen.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
They are probably the best filters that free water of all impurities. They rely on pressure to force water through a semi-permeable where most contaminants, are left behind because they are made of bigger molecules than water.
As efficient as RO filters are, they do lack flaws. Since they rely on water pressure, the water flow at the faucet comes at a low speed. Additionally, the membranes may need frequent maintenance and changing.
Reverse Osmosis filters clean out essential minerals from water. Hence, you need to buy advanced models equipped with carbon mineral filter to add some minerals back into your drinking water.
Whole house Filters
Also called Point of Entry systems, these filters ensure the kitchen, bathroom, and any other tap provides clean and safe drinking water. They are essential for people who have hard or iron water problems. Due to the complicated nature of their functioning, you may require professional aid to set them up.
Like most filters, different models remove various contaminants. So, if you want your water to be purified from all contaminants, the high-end models will be the best pick.
