There are a lot of different water filtration systems on the market these days. It can be hard to know which one is right for you and your family. In this article, we will do our best to help you find the right solution for your needs.
What to Consider in Water Filtration
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a water filtration system. The first is the size of the unit. You need to make sure that it is big enough to meet your family’s needs. The second thing you need to consider is the type of filter.
There are many different types of filters available, and each one will remove more contaminants than the others. You will also want to consider the cost of maintenance and how easy it is to use.
Finally, you need to think about where you are going to install it. Some systems require professional installation, while others are easier to set up on your own.
Choosing a Water Filtration System
The first thing you should do is have a water test done, there cheap and easy to do and will put your mind at ease and narrow your search down to a few types of filter options — there’s nothing worse than spending too much money on a system that you don’t need, or even worse, buying the wrong filtration system that doesn’t solve your water quality problems.
If you already know what’s in your water, then we will discuss your filtration options.
Point of entry (POE)
These filters are whole-house systems that remove contaminants as water enters your home. These filters will treat all the water in your home, including the water you use for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry.
Point of use (POU)
Point of use Filters are smaller systems that are designed to treat water at a single faucet or appliance. These filters are a good option if you are only concerned about the water quality at one specific tap.
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems
These are very effective at removing contaminants from water, but they can be expensive and require regular maintenance.
UV purifiers
This system uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in your water. These systems are often used in addition to another type of filtration system.
NSF Certified
No matter which system you choose, make sure that it is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or another similar organization. These organizations test filters to ensure that they meet certain standards for performance and safety.
Water Quality Testing
As we mentioned before, the first step in choosing a water filtration system is to have your water tested. This will give you an idea of what contaminants are in your water and how much of each contaminant is present.
There are many different types of water quality tests, but the most common test is the Total Dissolved Solids test, also known as the TDS test. This test measures the amount of various dissolved minerals in your water, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
Another important test is the pH level of your water. A high pH level may indicate that your water has a high concentration of alkaline or acidic minerals.
Other common contaminants that are tested for include lead, arsenic, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics.
Depending on the results of your water test, you may need to choose a different type of filtration system. For example, if your test shows that your water is high in lead or other heavy metals, then an RO filter may be the best option for you.
If your water test shows that your water is high in bacteria or viruses, then a UV purifier may be the best option for you.
Installing Your Water Filtration System
Once you have chosen the right water filtration system for your needs, it’s time to install it. If you have chosen a POE system, then you will need to hire a professional to install it.
If you have chosen a POU system, then you can usually install it yourself. These systems are typically small and can be easily installed under a sink or in a cabinet.
RO systems are also typically small and can be installed under a sink or in a cabinet. However, RO systems require regular maintenance and replacement of filters, so you may want to hire a professional to install and maintain your system.
UV purifiers are also typically small and can be installed under a sink or in a cabinet. UV purifiers require very little maintenance and do not require the replacement of filters, so you can typically install and maintain them yourself.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many different types of water filtration systems that you can choose from. To choose the right system for your needs, it is important to first have your water tested and understand what contaminants are present in your water.