How To Choose An Under Sink Water Filtration System
You have many options when it comes to Water Filtration. The best under sink water filtration system will fit the needs of the user, including their space and capacity. They also provide easy access to clean water. You should also consider the types and levels, pressure and water flow, as well as water waste removal.
Type
There are many options for under-sink water filters. They can be attached to an existing cold-water pipe and faucet or they can be multi-stage systems. These are the most common types:
- Reverse Osmosis: RO under sink water filtration system removes contaminants from water supply and delivers water through a separate faucet. The membrane has pores that are so small that water molecules cannot pass through them. It removes more than 1000 toxins, including chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals. They have multiple levels of filtering, including carbon filters. This can make them quite large and require a complex DIY installation.
- Ultrafiltration: ultrafiltration (UF), uses a hollow fiber membrane to prevent contaminants and debris from entering the water. Although it does not remove as many toxic substances as an RO system it can preserve healthy minerals that cannot be eliminated by systems with only water molecules. Because it attaches to an existing faucet, it is easier to install. It attaches to your main faucet so it may require more frequent replacement than systems that have a separate fixture.
- Carbon Block Filter: This is the simplest option for filtration but it's still very effective. It can be used in a variety of systems, from water pitchers to multi-level systems. Activated carbon chemically bonds with contaminants and removes them as the water flows through it. A carbon filter's effectiveness will vary. Therefore, it is important to check the label for details about the product and the contaminants it will remove.
A combination of an RO under sink water filtration system and a carbon filter is the best way to remove toxins from tap water.
Capacity And Size
The amount of water filtered required for a household will determine the size and type of water filter needed. A pitcher or simple under-sink attachment will suffice for those who live on their own. An RO system is ideal for large families that use a lot of water. It can filter between 50 and 75 gallons per day.
Even though larger capacity filters require less frequent replacement, they take up more space under the sink, particularly RO systems that include a tank. This is an important consideration for those who have limited cabinet space.
Flow rate
The flow rate is the speed at which water is dispensed from the faucet. The flow rate will affect how fast water is dispensed from the faucet. Companies work hard to make water flow faster by increasing the level of filtration.
Reverse osmosis systems use a separate faucet. However, filters that use the main faucet may experience a slight decrease in water flow. The flow rate is measured in gallons per hour (GPM). It varies from product to product and can range between 0.8 to 2 GPM. The product's flow rate will not only be determined by its performance but also the pressure in the home and how many people are using it.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is determined by force, while the flow rate is affected by speed. RO filters will not work properly if there is low water pressure. This is because the RO filter relies on pressure to force water molecules into the membrane. A home's water pressure is measured in pounds-per-square-inch (psi).
For larger systems, a minimum of 40 to 45 PSI is required to make them work. The maximum psi for a typical household is 60. The square footage of the house and the number of household members will affect water pressure.
Odor Removal
A recent Consumer Reports survey found that nearly half of Americans who drink municipal drinking water complain of an unpleasant odor from their tap water. Although it doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong with the water, it can make it less appealing to hydrate. The most common cause of the smell is chlorine. This chemical is used in water treatment facilities to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites from the water.
Most water filters, including pitchers, can reduce the odor and improve the taste. The more effective the system is at eliminating both contaminants and the resulting smell, the higher the level of filtration.
Faucet Attachment
Many RO under sink water filtration systems will come with a countertop water filter faucet, as mentioned previously. Drop-in sinks often have pre-fabricated holes that can be used to accommodate a second faucet. Others will need a new hole to drill, which could be a problem for some.
To ensure that the faucet fits into their design, shoppers might also be interested in the faucet's style. The majority of faucets have a slim profile in brass and are finished in brushed nickel or chrome. Manufacturers may offer a variety of finishes.
Installation
Installation of a filter system can be done by anyone. Installing the filter to the cold water line will take less time and effort if the main faucet is used as the water source.
RO filters with separate water dispensers are more complicated than whole-house filtration systems. A system may take several hours or minutes to install depending on how big the space under the sink is and whether there are predrilled holes for additional faucets. Numerous companies offer video tutorials, phone support, and guides to assist with the installation process.
Water Waste
RO under sink water filtration system has one drawback: water can be lost during the filtering process. Some systems can have as much as 3 gallons of water wasted per 1 filter.
This waste can be reduced thanks to modern technologies such as a permeate pump, which increases water pressure. Other options include the ability to treat wastewater for non-drinking. Shoppers should strive for a low ratio of waste to pure water.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Pure Blue H2O has been around for decades and can provide easy solutions to any water problems in your home. There are many products available, including 3 stage reverse osmosis filter system, 4 stage reverse osmosis filter system, RO filter replacement, countertop water filtration systems, and more. Our company is customer-driven and has a passion to save lives from water-borne illnesses. All water products are designed, engineered, assembled, and manufactured in our laboratories. They can be customized to meet your specific needs. If you have problems with your water filtration or if your water is not being cleaned properly, please contact us today!