What Is a Water Filter? A Guide to Getting the Most Crisp, Tasty Water for Your Home
Raise a glass to filtered freshness
Highlights
Water filters remove impurities through barriers, chemicals, and biological processes.
There are many different filtration methods, including mechanical, absorption, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and sequestration.
Filtration can be as simple as a filtered pitcher or as complex as a whole-house system, which can cost $4,800 or more.
The best filtration method for you depends on your water quality, flow rate, filtration needs, and other factors.
Clean, safe water is a fundamental necessity for every household. It’s common to assume our municipal water supply is perfectly clean and healthy, but with the increasing awareness of contaminants and impurities, more people are turning to their own filtration methods for their homes. Let’s explore what water filters are, why they’re essential, the different methods and types of water filtration, and how to choose the right filter for your home.
What Is a Water Filter?
A water filter is a device that removes impurities and contaminants from water by means of a physical barrier, chemical process, or biological process. Water filters are essential for ensuring that the water we drink and use in our homes is safe and free from harmful substances. These filters can remove a variety of materials, sediments, and contaminants, making water healthier and even better-tasting.
Why Should You Filter Your Water?
“Using a home water filtration system and filling a reusable bottle can provide significant cost savings and environmental benefits over plastic bottled water.”
— Kenton Jones, Certified Water Specialist & Vice President of Operations at Multipure, Las Vegas, NV
Even though municipal water facilities filter and treat water to meet safety standards, the journey from the treatment plant to your tap can still introduce impurities. Water travels through miles of pipes, some of which may be decades old and not in the best shape. As a result, the water that reaches your home might still contain materials that can affect your health and the taste of your water.
Using a water filter adds an extra layer of protection. It ensures that any potential sediments or contaminants picked up along the way are removed before the water is consumed or used for cooking and cleaning. This precaution is especially important for households with vulnerable individuals, such as young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.
Methods of Water Filtration
Water filtration systems use various methods to clean your water. Some systems use a single method, while others combine multiple techniques to enhance effectiveness. Below, we explore some common methods of water filtration.
Mechanical
Mechanical water filters use physical barriers to remove contaminants from water. These filters consist of a mesh, screen, or porous material that traps particles as water passes through. Mechanical filters are effective at removing sediments, dirt, and rust. They are often used as the first stage in multi-stage filtration systems to protect more delicate filters downstream.
Absorption
Absorption filters use materials like activated carbon to trap contaminants. Activated carbon has a large surface area and porous structure, allowing it to capture chemicals, chlorine, and organic compounds through adsorption. These filters are particularly effective at improving the taste and odor of water by removing chlorine and other impurities.
Sequestration
Sequestration involves chemically isolating contaminants to prevent them from causing harm. This method is commonly used to treat hard water, where agents like polyphosphate are added to bind with calcium and magnesium ions. This binding prevents the minerals from forming scale and hard water deposits in your pipes and appliances, extending their life span and improving efficiency.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange filters work by exchanging undesirable ions in the water with more desirable ones. This process is particularly effective for softening hard water by replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. Ion exchange resins are used in this method, making it suitable for reducing scale buildup and improving the efficiency of water heaters and other appliances.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants. Water is forced through the membrane under pressure, leaving impurities like dissolved salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms behind. RO systems are highly effective and can produce nearly pure water. However, they also waste a significant amount of water and may require additional pre-filtration stages to protect the membrane.
Types of Water Filters for Your Home
There are many types of water filters to choose from. Here’s a basic rundown of all of the most common types.
Water filter pitchers: Convenient and portable, pitchers use activated carbon filters to remove chlorine and improve taste. They’re ideal for small households or individuals.
End-of-faucet filters: These filters, which you attach directly to a faucet, provide on-demand filtration for drinking and cooking water. They’re easy to install and replace.
Faucets with built-in filtration: Some faucets come with integrated filters, offering a seamless and space-saving solution. They are perfect for modern kitchens with limited space.
Under-sink filters: Also called point-of-use filters, filters under your sink provide a dedicated supply of filtered water from a separate faucet. They offer high filtration capacity and longevity.
Whole-house filtration: These systems are installed at the main water line, ensuring that all water entering the home is filtered. Whole-house water filtration systems cost more than the other methods, and they’re ideal for households with multiple water sources and high water usage.
Drawbacks of Water Filtration
While water filtration offers many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. High-quality filtration systems can be expensive to purchase and install. Complex methods like reverse osmosis require regular maintenance and can waste water, increasing overall costs.
Additionally, some filtration methods cannot be easily turned off, which might be inconvenient for tasks that do not require filtered water. Moreover, some filters may remove too many beneficial minerals from the water, like magnesium and calcium, which can impact its nutritional value.
Frequent replacement and repairs are another concern. Filters have a limited life span and need regular replacement to maintain effectiveness. This can add to the long-term cost of the system.
Choosing a Water Filter
Selecting the right type of water filter for your home depends on several factors.
Start by assessing the quality of your current water supply. Conduct a water test to identify contaminants and impurities.
Consider your flow rate needs. If you prefer high pressure in your faucets, keep in mind that some filtration methods slow your water flow.
Determine whether you need filtered water for all tasks or just for drinking and cooking. This will influence whether you choose a point-of-use filter or a whole-house filtration system.
Think about how water filtration works within your budget. While more expensive systems offer higher filtration quality, they might not be necessary for all households.
Lastly, be honest about your ability to maintain a filtration system. Some systems require more frequent maintenance and filter changes than others. Choose a system that fits your lifestyle to ensure you can keep it running efficiently.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Water Filter Installation
You can easily install some types of water filters yourself. DIY-friendly options include water filtering pitchers and end-of-faucet filters, which are easy to set up and use. However, more complex systems like whole-house filtration and under-sink filters require intricate plumbing installation processes and are best handled by a local water softener installation company to ensure proper setup and performance.