How to Choose the Right Water Filter for Your Home Drinking Water - TyentUSA Water Ionizer Health Blog (2023)

The importance of clean water in your home is paramount. We cannot survive without clean water.

Unfortunately, water pollution is a very common problem in many parts of the United States and the world.

Here are some reasons why clean water is so important.

health benefits

Clean water is essential to good health. Contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause a variety of health problems, from gastrointestinal ailments to more serious illnesses. Drinking clean water can help prevent these problems and keep you and your family healthy.

environmental benefits

Clean water is also essential to the environment. Contaminated water can lead to algae blooms and other imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Clean water in your home helps protect local waterways and ensures clean drinking water for future generations.

save money

Clean water can also help save money. By eliminating the need for bottled water or other sources of clean water, you can reduce grocery bills and free up more of your budget for a variety of needs.

All of these reasons explain why buying a quality water filter is an important health decision.

In this article, I'll cover the most important factors to consider before purchasing a water filtration system for your home. I have worked in the water treatment industry for 32 years and am currently a managerAmerican Water System.Over the years I have designed, installed and serviced filtration systems of all sizes, from point-of-use systems feeding a single potable tap to large industrial applications treating up to 500 GPM.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Water Filter

These are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a home water filtration system.

1. Types of pollutants present in the water

The most important factor is determining which contaminants to remove from your water supply. This requires testing the waters. It is important to have your water tested before purchasing a water treatment system because different water treatment systems are designed to handle different water quality issues. By understanding the specific water quality issues you are dealing with, you can determine which water treatment system will best meet your needs.

Testing your water also lets you know exactly what's in it, which can help you make an informed decision about how best to dispose of it. While some of these pollutants can occur naturally, others come from human activities.

The most common types of pollutants in water supplies today arechemical pollutants. These come from a variety of sources, including industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage treatment plants and household products. The most common chemicals in water include chlorine, lead, mercury and nitrates. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, from skin irritation to organ damage.

Another contaminant found in water supplies isbiological pollutants.These are usually bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. These contaminants can find their way into water supplies through sewage, animal waste, and even improperly washed food.

at last,Physical impuritiesIt can also be found in the water supply. These are usually foreign objects such as dirt, sand and stones. These contaminants can cause various problems such as: B. Clogged pipes and clogged filters.

For a water test, check outWater Testing Kits PageGet more information.

2. Water hardness problem

Water hardness is another common problem, caused by minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Hard water can stain dishes, clog pipes and stain clothes. It can also make cleaning more difficult and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. You may need to remove it, as it can affect the taste of food and drinks and cause skin irritation.

If water hardness is a serious concern, it is ideal to investigate a water filtration system that also includes a water softening unit.

3. Find the right filter for your house size

Home size is a key consideration when shopping for a water treatment system, as it will determine the size and type of system needed to meet your home's water needs.

A household of two uses far less water than a household of four or more. Therefore, larger homes require larger capacity water treatment systems to efficiently handle larger volumes of water.

4. Household traffic requirements

Similar to home size, flow requirements are important when purchasing a water treatment system for your home because flow determines how quickly water will flow through the system. If the flow rate is too low, ineffective treatment and inadequate filtration of contaminants may result.

On the other hand, too high a flow rate can cause excessive pressure, which can damage the system. Therefore, choosing a water treatment system with the right flow rate is critical to ensuring your water is properly treated and filtered.

5. Your budget requirements

When shopping for a water treatment system for your home, your budget matters because it will determine what type of system you can afford and what features it offers. Water treatment systems range from simple filters to advanced designs with functions such as UV disinfection, chemical injection, alkalization and sediment filtration.

More advanced systems tend to be more expensive, so setting a budget will help narrow down your options. It ensures that you get the best filter for your money. Budgeting can also help you predict future maintenance and parts costs.

6. Space available for installation

Available space is another key factor to consider when purchasing a water treatment system for your home, as it will determine the size and type of design you can install.

Water treatment systems require room for various components such as filters, pumps, and storage tanks, so the amount and location of available space will determine the best system size and type for your home. Running out of space, you may not be able to install a system that suits your needs.

Knowing all of the above considerations will help you choose a filter that will remove the correct contaminants and will effectively fit the size of your home.

Available Filter Types

Once you've tested what you're removing, the size and flow rate you need, your budget and available space, you can create a water treatment plan.

There are many techniques available (each designed to remove different contaminants). The following are the most common types of treatment options:

• sediment filter: These filters are designed to remove sediment, dirt and silt from water. They are usually made of crepe or spunbond polyester or cellulosic material. They can be used throughout the home or at the point of use.

• carbon filter: These filters use activated carbon to absorb pollutants and chemicals. They remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and unpleasant tastes and odors from water. A popular usage is inWhole House Filtration SystemWhere multiple activated carbon filters are often used.

• water softener:water softenerReduces water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water.

• reverse osmosis system: These systems use semi-permeable membranes to remove large particles, pollutants and dissolved solids from the water.

• UV Lighter: These systems use ultraviolet light to kill microbes and bacteria in the water.
• Alkaline water system:thisAlkaline water machine systemWater filtration is often combined with pH optimization to obtain filtered alkaline water.

Use Point vs Entry Point Filters

Once you have decided on the type of filtering you need, you should decide whether to use a point-of-use (POU) filter or a point-of-entry (POE) filter.

Apoint of use filterIt is a water filtration device installed at the water point of a home or business. This filter removes impurities from the water before use, making sure the water is safe to drink or use. Point-of-use filters are often used to provide cleaner water for drinking, cooking or bathing. They also reduce chlorine or other contaminants in water used for laundry or aquatic plants.

Aentry point filterIs a filtration system installed in the household water supply line, usually on the main water supply line entering the home. This filter is designed to remove sediment, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants from water before it enters the home. Inlet filters can be installed and maintained by a plumber or homeowner.

When choosing the point of entry and point of use for water filtration, the following trade-offs need to be weighed:

Entry point water filtration:

advantage:

• All water entering the home is filtered, meaning it is safe for drinking, bathing and cooking.
• This method of filtration is more efficient because it filters all the water that enters the home.
• Reduced maintenance costs as filters do not need to be replaced as often.

shortcoming:

• The acquisition cost is higher because the entire house must be equipped with a filtration system.
• Installation is more complicated because the filtration system must be installed at the entrance.

diploma

In conclusion, there are many things to consider when purchasing a water treatment system. The first thing I always recommend when dealing with problematic water is a thorough water test.

The old adage "measure twice, cut once" applies to both water treatment and woodworking. There are so many factors involved in water treatment that it's hard to guess, and it's a huge investment that you want to get right the first time.

The second most important piece of advice is to consult a water treatment expert when deciding what equipment you need. There are many different technologies available to you, and a water treatment expert can explain the pros and cons of each option and the best advice for your situation.

Matt Mueller

General manager

American Water System