Water filters: what to choose

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Content

  1. First step. Why is it important to conduct a water analysis?
  2. Criterias of choice
  3. Filter Types and Popular Models
  4. Filter jug
  5. Filter nozzle for crane
  6. Sink filter (bench-top nozzle)
  7. Sink filter
  8. Reverse osmosis system
  9. Main filter

The popularization of a healthy lifestyle, the recommendations of nutritionists about the need to use 2 liters of clean water per day helped to think about the quality of the liquid entering the apartment. Even flows from artesian sources at the outlet do not meet the desired parameters. After all, they pass through water systems laid many years ago, the state of which does not get better with time. Household cleaning devices - filters help take care of the health of your family. Let's find out how to choose the right filter for water purification yourself, without falling into the marketing trap.

Choose a water filter

First step. Why is it important to conduct a water analysis?

In order not to fall for the bait ("the system turns water into" living or "you can’t save on health") and to choose the optimal cleaning device, you have to find out what exactly has to be filtered and neutralize. Otherwise, there may be two polar situations in which we are talking about wasted money:

  1. The primitive filter does not cope with its task, since it does not have the necessary functions and level of cleaning.
  2. An expensive system filters out impurities that do not exist in a particular source (water supply), that is, it is not necessary.

The correct way to avoid such extremes is to conduct a laboratory analysis of tap water, that is, clearly define the requirements for the filter device. The protocol obtained as a result of such a study has legal force when making claims to the utilities, and also clarifies some issues:

  • whether specific water is suitable for food;
  • which filtering device is suitable (repeated analysis will evaluate the efficiency of the device).

Periodically repeated studies will help track changes in the biochemical composition of water.

Important! To avoid errors in the results, the rules and recommendations of water sampling services should be carefully observed.

Tap water analysis

To obtain a reliable test result, you need to seriously approach the choice of laboratory. It is worth abandoning the research services of both the water supply organization and the filter supplier company. The best choice is an independent laboratory that has passed specialized certification and issues state-issued documents.

Note! In laboratories, two types of research are carried out - chemical and biological analysis. For central water supply, the first test is sufficient, and for an autonomous source, both checks are mandatory.

Criterias of choice

The variety of filter systems can be confusing, even if the analysis of water is carried out and its composition is known. At the final choice, it is worth considering no less important criteria:

  1. The required unit capacity, which depends on the composition of the family and is calculated on the basis of the need for approximately 3 liters of drinking water per day per person.
  2. Technical features of the device, the ability to install and connect.
  3. Financial availability of the device. It should be borne in mind that the cartridge life of low-cost models is shorter.

USEFUL INFORMATION:Why does hot water flow from a cold tap?

The optimal ratio of the above criteria will allow you to choose the right filter for high-quality water purification.

Choose a purifier according to 3 criteria

Filter Types and Popular Models

Modern filtering devices are divided into several types. Additionally, for orientation in the world of such units, a brief overview of known models is given.

  • Filter jug. In the line of this type of cleaners, Barrier Smart, Geyser Griffin, Brita Aluna, and Aquafor Line are popular.
  • The filter nozzle on the crane. The models "New Water T5", "Barrier Comfort" have proven themselves well.
  • The filter on a sink (nozzle of desktop type). The first places in the ratings are occupied by Geyser 1U Euro, Geyser 1UZ Euro, Atoll A-575E SailBoat / A-575 box STD.
  • Filter under the sink. Users prefer the following models: Expert M312 New Water, OMOIKIRI Pure Drop0, EXPERT Ferrum Barrier, Nanotech Geyser (device with additional nanofiltration).
  • Reverse osmosis system. The most popular models are Atoll A-550 MAX, New Expert Osmos MO530 Water, Geyser Prestige-2.
  • Main filter (aka prefilter). Positive reviews are distinguished by “Geyser Typhoon 20 BB”, “Barrier BM ½”, “Geyser 1P ½”.
Filter types

Let's consider each of the listed types of devices in more detail.

Filter jug

The filter jug ​​is the simplest filtering storage unit. It consists of two containers separated by a cartridge in which cleaning takes place.

A replaceable cartridge is the main element of such a device. His choice directly depends on the composition of tap water. Standard cartridges consist of a granular carbon layer enriched with silver ions to prevent the development of bacteria in a humid environment. They purify water from impurities of chlorine, heavy metal ions, unpleasant odors, and some organic compounds. Also, the design of this element includes membranes for mechanical cleaning (at the inlet and outlet) and a special device (throttle) that controls the flow rate through the filter layer.

Jug

Depending on the biochemical composition of tap water, cartridges are selected:

  • with the addition of ion exchange resins - to soften water;
  • with an antibacterial component - for increased disinfection;
  • with the possibility of fluoridation of drinking water;
  • with reagent-free technology for additional iron removal - for sources with a high iron content.

The cartridge life is not more than 300 liters, that is, the service life is approximately a month. Some types of jugs for convenience are equipped with a mechanical or electronic "reminder" -calender.

Replaceable cartridges for a jug

Note! Each company offers its own version of the size, shape and mounting of the cartridge, that is, it is not universal and not interchangeable.

The advantages of a filter jug ​​include:

  • ease of use and maintenance;
  • lack of need for installation and connection to a water supply system; therefore, it is suitable for temporary housing or travel;
  • low cost.

Disadvantages of the pitcher system:

  • short resource, which means frequent cartridge replacement;
  • low speed and degree of water purification (up to 20 microns);
  • small volume of the filtered liquid (1.5–2 l).

Important! The capacity of the jug is selected based on useful performance, since it is recommended to store filtered water no longer than a day.

USEFUL INFORMATION:Installation of a tap for drinking water filter

Filter nozzle for crane

Tap cleaner - the simplest model of a flow-type device, which, if necessary, is worn on the mixer and tightly fixed. As a cleaning layer, a compacted sorbent filling is used, for example, a mixture of activated carbon and marble chips, limited on both sides by mechanical cleaning membranes.

Attachment on the crane

The design of such units can be collapsible, requiring regular replacement of the cartridge or non-collapsible (disposable).

In the kitchen, you often need to wash your hands or dishes with plain, untreated water. To avoid permanent connection / disconnection of the device, such filters are equipped with a switching device - a diverter. Switching his faucet directs the flow of water past the purifier, displaced in this case to the side.

Divertor device

The advantages of this unit include:

  • greater (compared with the jug) cartridge life - about 700 l;
  • increased quality of cleaning;
  • compactness and mobility.

Disadvantages of the filter nozzle:

  • The inconvenience of operation. In the case of a removable device, the nozzle is constantly put on / off, the device with a divertor clutters the space above the sink.
  • Low productivity of the unit - 300-500 ml / min.
  • The need to regulate the flow of water, the pressure of which affects the quality of treatment.

Sink filter (bench-top nozzle)

The desktop filter nozzle is a flow-through version of the device with an increased (compared to the nozzle on the tap) sorbing layer. The cartridge is located inside a vertical cylindrical body, which is placed next to the sink and is tightly connected to the tap with a flexible hose.

The device installed on a sink

Due to the increase in the sorbent layer, the productivity of the unit grows to 1.5 l / min, the cartridge life is extended, and the quality of cleaning increases.

To permanently attach the device to the crane, a divertor is used, which turns this design into a stationary one.

Diverter Filter

Advantages of the desktop filter nozzle (in comparison with the nozzle on the crane):

  • increased productivity - 1.5 l / min;
  • increased cartridge life and life - approximately 7000 l;
  • Do not clutter the space above the sink.

The disadvantages of such a device repeat the disadvantages of the nozzle on the crane:

  • inconvenience in operation - the need to connect a filter every time, in the case of a divertor, the connecting hose serves as interference;
  • a volumetric flask with a spout occupies the surface of the countertop near the sink;
  • the need to adjust the flow, start control through the hot water filter.

Sink filter

Sink filter - stationary filtering device with a separate tap for clean water to the sink. The unit is mounted to the water supply system and is a sequential multi-stage (from one to five) treatment system that conducts mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. For domestic needs, usually three degrees of purification are enough. Cartridges for each flask are selected individually, based on the composition of the water supplied through the pipes.

Device installed under the kitchen sink

Indisputable advantages include:

  • high degree of purification - 0.05–1 microns;
  • replaceable elements differ in the size of the resource (at least half a year), that is, the cartridges change in stages;
  • high productivity - 1.5–2 l / min, constant access to clean water.

USEFUL INFORMATION:Compact sink siphon: flat and short models

Note! Tracking the life of the module allows transparent fiberglass casing-flasks.

The disadvantages of such an installation include the high cost of the product, the cost of installation and service.

Three-stage models are the most common.

Rating of 8 popular models with reviews and prices - here.

Reverse osmosis system

Reverse osmosis filter - The best, but expensive, water treatment plant. In the unit, in addition to the cartridges, a reverse osmosis membrane is used that traps bacteria and viruses. This design provides a degree of purification of up to 0.0001 microns, which brings the water closer to distilled. In household systems, after the reverse osmosis component, a post-purification filter and a mineralizer are placed. The result is water saturated with substances necessary for human health, similar to bottled water.

Reverse Osmosis System

The service life of the reverse osmosis membrane is three years, and there is one cleaning and post-cleaning cartridge.

Reverse osmosis systems are divided into flow and storage. The second type is more convenient in operation (a collecting tank provides a constant supply of clean water) and is cheaper. But in addition to the filter installation, a 10-liter tank will have to be installed in the space under the sink, so this option is not convenient for every kitchen.

System Connection Diagram

Main filter

The main installation is mounted in the water supply system and neutralizes it at the entrance to the apartment. The pure water thus obtained (without mechanical impurities and chemical compounds) is used in food and household needs.

Suitable for an apartment main cleaner with a capacity of 20-50 l. Also, the choice should be guided by the biochemical composition of running water.

Prefilters

Note! The main device is installed only in plumbing systems that support a pressure of 0.1-0.5 bar.

Devices are divided into the following types:

  • Coarse filter. It is installed to rid water of large mechanical and technical impurities. The filter element is a fine mesh mesh that needs periodic washing.
  • Fine filter. It is installed after the coarse processing step, and with the help of sorption cartridges it removes small mechanical impurities and chemical compounds. The result is potable water.
  • Filter for softening. It is installed after the rough cleaning unit or at the points of connection of household appliances. Especially popular are modern magnetic-pulse models, which destroy the salts of potassium and magnesium, which form scale.
Installed Trunk Devices

Pluses of the main filtering systems:

  • complex cleaning of mechanical and chemical impurities;
  • extension of the service life of household appliances and water supply system;
  • simplicity of operation and service;
  • low cost of replaceable elements.

The disadvantages include the complexity of installation, requiring special skills.

Regardless of the type of water filter you should make sure of the quality of the product before purchasing. For the manufacture of such units only safe, durable and durable materials are suitable, which means that the parts should not have an unpleasant chemical smell, cracks and chips.

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