Why You Need a Home Water Filter System

If you are on tap water in the United States, then your water is likely of fairly good quality. Federal law mandates that each municipal treatment center do yearly testing on what is in the water they produce for us to drink, and those reports are publicly available and easy to find online. However, even if your water is deemed federally safe to drink, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have dangerous contaminants. Things can change swiftly in the world of water, and what was true a year ago may not be true now.

Moreover, sudden unexpected disasters like water main ruptures can lead to loads of contaminants entering your pipes very swiftly. Even in the best-case scenario, our tap water contains undesirable elements such as chlorine and fluoride that are put there by municipal plants. It’s safe to say that everyone can benefit from a home filtration system, even those on “safe” tap water.

Types of Home Water Filter Systems

Water filters work in a variety of ways. Mechanical filters work by physically restraining particles from passing through a dense mesh or maze, while chemical filters pull dissolved contaminants out of water through principles such as adsorption and ion exchange. We will go through examples of each type in what follows. The most effective filtration systems combine various methods of filtering water in order to achieve a broad range of contaminant reduction.

 

Sediment Filters

Generally the first step in a multi-stage system, sediment filters capture and remove sand, silt, dust, dirt, microplastics, and other particulate matter in water. These filters are usually made from a synthetic material like polypropylene or polyester, and serve the additional function of protecting the more delicate and costly filters down the line. Sediment filters are cheap, making them an easy decision when combining different filter cartridges into a system.

Under-Sink Filters

Just like the name implies, under-sink filters are any system or solo cartridge designed for installation at the point of use: the kitchen sink. You could conceivably put any type of filtration system you wanted under your sink, provided there is sufficient room, but common choices include in-line carbon filters to improve the taste of your water, and undersink multi-stage RO systems which combine sediment, carbon, and reverse osmosis technology into one-stop-shop for water filtration.

Countertop Filters

If a complicated under-sink installation job doesn’t sound appealing to you, or if your water quality is good enough not to require an aggressive solution like reverse osmosis, then you may consider a countertop filter. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, these are usually gravity-fed systems, and will usually consist of some combination of sediment and activated carbon filtration, though some systems may have other features and media.

 

Faucet-Mounted Filters

If your kitchen sink has a screw-on aerator, then you can mount a small carbon faucet-mount filter and get some water purification right at the end of your tap. Be warned, however, that the compact size of these sorts of filters mean that they only contain a small amount of filtration media (almost always activated carbon of some form), and will thus have a relatively short lifespan, especially in areas with problematic water.

Pitcher Filters

Essentially a countertop filter built into the shape of a pitcher, these filters are popular with renters or those with limited access to under-sink plumbing and a shortage of counter space. Pitcher filters are usually relatively small, meaning they can fit in your fridge, but also meaning that, like faucet-mounted filters, they only have a small amount of activated carbon in them, and thus a shorter lifespan.


Reverse Osmosis Systems

We’ve already had occasion to mention RO systems, as they are an increasingly popular option, given the filtration power they possess. Originally created for desalination of seawater, RO membranes dramatically reduce dissolved solids in water by forcing the water through microscopic pores, and filtering out contaminants at the molecular level. In a multi-stage RO system, this membrane is paired with sediment and carbon filters to address a wide range of contaminants, from organic matter in water, to mineral content, to chemicals such as VOCs and PFAS.

UV Filters

An excellent choice for those with microbial problems in their water, UV filters are plug-in cartridges with a UV light enclosed in a stainless steel tank. The rays of light effectively kill a wide range of microorganisms, but are totally ineffective against any other kind of contaminant. This is a good choice for many people on well water, if coupled with other filtration technologies as well.

Whole House Filters

Also called “point-of-entry” systems, as opposed to the “point-of-use” systems we considered with under-sink filters, a whole-house system treats the water where it enters the residence. The most popular type of whole-house system is a water softener, which uses ion exchange resin beads to strip out calcium and magnesium from water, leaving the water “soft.” There are many benefits to soft water: soap lathers better and water feels smoother; your water heater and pipes are protected from limescale, as are your fixtures and appliances; and your laundry comes out softer. Water softeners do add trace amounts of salt to your water, but this can be removed with an under sink RO system.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Water Filter System

There are a few basic things you should start with when trying to pick a water filter system for your home. First off, don’t simply jump to the perceived “best,” (often the most expensive) option. The best system for you is the one that addresses the issues in your water, at your location.

Water Quality Testing

Water quality is not static–it changes, so it is good to keep abreast of what is happening in your water with regular testing. You can take a sample straight from your tap and mail it to a local laboratory for testing. Such tests usually run in the ballpark of a hundred dollars, and can give you a complete breakdown of what is in your water, right at your location.

Budget

Don’t break the bank on a filter system–there are plenty of affordable options, and all you need is sufficient filtration to address your water. If that turns out to be a simple, two-stage sediment+activated carbon under-sink system, that’s great. If you need a more aggressive option, an RO could be an excellent addition. Only get what you need to get the job done–more is not always better, especially as specialized filters can get quickly pricey.

Filtration Needs

As noted above, only attempt to address your filtration needs. A UV filter, for instance, would make little sense for someone on city water, as all municipal water has been treated with chlorine, chloramines, ozone, or some other form of disinfectant. Focus on the problems that are present in your water, rather than the problems that could be present in some water, somewhere.

How to Install and Maintain Your Water Filter System

Installation processes vary, from simply twisting in a carbon refrigerator filter, to a lengthy under-sink or basement installation that could take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Follow all instructions that come with your system, and reach out to a qualified professional if you think you’re in over your head–water damage can be very expensive to fix.

How long do filters last?

This is a difficult question to answer, as so much depends on the quality of the water being filtered. The same sediment filter may last 6 months in location A, but only 2 months in location B. Know your water, watch for flow rate drops or other issues, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Speaking broadly, however, filters will usually last anywhere from three months (in the case of sediment filters) to a couple of years (in the case of RO membranes). As always, however, this is a case-by-case determination.

Can water filters remove fluoride?

Fluoride–which is put into water by many municipalities for the benefits to people’s teeth–can be removed from water. The most effective method for doing so is reverse osmosis, though activated carbon will remove quite a bit as well.

What is the difference between filtration and purification?

There is no meaningful difference between these two terms generally speaking, though particular manufacturers, industries, or individuals may have particular senses for these terms when they use them. Generally speaking, however, they can be treated as synonyms.

Conclusion

Regardless of how good your current tap water is, chances are it could be better. Home filtration options are manifold, and systems are easier to design, customize, and build now than ever before. You can spend a lot of money on a custom system, but you can also be frugal, and still get great home filtration. Take advantage of all the filtration technology available, and get the best water you can, right from your own tap.