Congratulations! By even considering installing a water filter system in your home you are already a measure closer to the wonderful health benefits filtered water can provide. But purchasing a water filter can definitely be a difficult decision. There are so many different models available in the industry that it can confusing to know which is best for you. Here are the 3 main methods of purification available for your home:
1. Reverse Osmosis Water filtration system
Reverse osmosis water filters are hot and readily available. They can be installed as under-counter models, or even as a whole home water protect you against. Originally invented to clean salt water, reverse osmosis works by using water pressure to force water the membrane, allowing only molecules that are small enough to pass through, thus blocking toxic contamination. Sediments such as iron, lead, mercury and copper are easily blocked, as well as bacteria and viruses. Chlorine molecules also cannot pass through the membrane layer.
There are two main drawbacks towards reverse osmosis system. First, Plumbing the process wastes a lot of water by needing a bigger ratio of unfiltered to filtered water in order to ‘push’ the molecules through the membrane. Standard ratio is 4:1. Function enables you to a associated with water is going down the sink.
Second, the opposite osmosis process strips the water of important minerals. Drinking ‘soft’ water that is provided for free of minerals is not considered a good health practice. If you are taking a lot of extra mineral and vitamin supplements, however, this is probably not of much concern.
The real advantage to a reverse osmosis water filter is that is required very little maintenance, with only the rare cleaning within the membrane.
2. Activated Carbon Water filtration system
Activated Carbon, also because activated charcoal, is a very common filtering practice. Active carbon works by binding contaminants to its surface. Leading area in active carbon is massive for its small size, since proteins millions of tiny nooks and crannies. However, the binding process does eventually ‘fill’ the surface, as well as the filters demands changing.
The main advantage of activated carbon is it’s a readily available, can be held in a small cartridge, wastes no water, and is actually inexpensive.
The main disadvantages are that the filters need become changed regularly, and if improperly maintained, can become moldy. Shower filters, in particular, which are exposed many hot water, can dysfunction the active carbon filter, and become useless at filtration, or worse, a breeding ground for fungal. Proper use and regular replacement of filters can prevent this problem from taking place.
3. Ceramic Water Filter
Ceramic filters are associated with the fossilized remains of ancient sea life. These an excellent filter of larger sediments, and of the majority of bacteria and viruses, while still allowing minerals to pass through. Ceramic filters are often used in outdoor filter systems, where the main issue filtering out pathogens, won’t be able to chemicals. Ceramic filters don’t filter out chlorine, and once used in a house filter system, are usually combined with another form of filter to accomplish this result.
Other Purification Systems
Beyond the main three there are several other associated with filters how the researching homeowner may come across:
Ultraviolet water filters bombard the water that passes through with ultraviolet rays, killing all pathogens. Excellent at disinfecting water, Ultraviolet does not filter out sediments or chemicals.
Ionizing water filters separate alkaline from acid typically the water, and put up both. Plenty of report health benefits of drinking alkaline water, and ionizer filters widely-used frequently in hospitals and health facilities.
KDF water filters use a brass alloy that creates a galvanic action which fails chlorine. They’re very useful in shower heads, since the copper and zinc in the alloy is proven to work better at higher weather conditions.
Navigating the confusing world of water filter options can sound quite overwhelming the house owner. But armed with this basic associated with the different filtering methods available, you now are two steps closer to choosing the right filter for the home and setting out to enjoy quite a few health benefits a home water filter brings.