If you want to buy a water filter, there are a number of factors to consider before you make a decision. Listed below are the benefits of each type of filter. These include: Reverse osmosis, Greensand filters, and Ion exchange. Faucet attachments are another option. You may want to compare these filters as well. Andrew warns consumers to check the certification of water filters. It is important to know that marketing jargon like “filters to NSF standards” doesn’t necessarily mean that the filter has been independently tested.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis water filters have many advantages over regular filters. Not only does it remove harmful contaminants, but it also adds essential minerals back into your water. Reverse osmosis water is also safer for cancer patients, because it doesn’t allow for prominent microbes. The membrane filtering process of a reverse osmosis system also minimizes the energy usage of the device.
Ion exchange
Ion exchange water filters work to remove calcium and magnesium by binding them to the resin. The regeneration process involves flushing the unit with a brine solution. It then regenerates the resin. The regenerant will contain sodium ions, which will then pass through the system. Sodium ions are displaced by the regenerant. It will rise in conductivity and pH. This process is repeated until the entire unit has exhausted all sodium ions.
Greensand filters
If you’re considering purchasing a water filter, you’ll probably be interested in learning about Greensand filtration systems. Greensand filters use an oxidation/filtration process to remove unwanted particles from water. These particles can cause a range of plumbing problems, from bad smells to bad taste. In fact, some people report experiencing a negative smell and taste after using a greensand water filter.
Faucet attachments
Faucet attachments for water filters are available in many different styles, materials, and prices. The majority of filters are made of plastic or stainless steel, and many manufacturers offer additional metal finishes and color options. Plastic filters are often dyed during the manufacturing process, so there is a wide variety of colors available. Several manufacturers offer standard colors for both the kitchen and bathroom. Some faucet filters even improve the taste of the water.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon works to reduce contaminants in water. This mineral draws out contaminants by adsorption and catalytic reduction. Adsorption removes organic compounds, while catalytic reduction removes residual disinfectants. The process is effective at reducing chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and tastes. It is used in salt free water softeners for hard water. An extruded solid carbon block is also used in RO membrane water filters.
Standard Flowmatic cartridge style filters
Flowmatic (formerly Watts) has produced high quality, dependable home water filters for more than 60 years. The Flowmatic cartridge style water filter comes in four standard sizes, including a one-gallon model. The housing is made of durable polypropylene, and replacement cartridges, O rings, and PVC pipe fittings are available. The company also sells its entire line of water filters and related parts.
Underwriters Laboratories
When you see the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol on the packaging of a water filter, it means that the product has undergone rigorous testing, and has passed UL’s strict requirements. These standards are based on UL’s published Standards for Safety. Although some products may have the UL mark but not be manufactured under its follow-up service, it’s still better to purchase a filter with this mark than one that isn’t. Moreover, if the filter is not UL-listed, it may not meet the water purification standards of your home.
Water Quality Association
The Water Quality Association is an Illinois-based trade organization for those in the water treatment industry. They represent manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and small community water treatment systems. The association represents more than 2,500 water treatment industry companies. Members include large corporations and national manufacturers, small community water treatment systems, and a range of distributors and dealers. What makes the association so useful? It helps the members improve water quality and save money. Here are the top five reasons you should join the association: