The Water Filter Authority – Ultimate Guides & Resources

 

Point of Entry Water Systems – What You Need to Know

There are many different types of filters on the market. They can each be categorized by different characteristics, such as size and purpose. One of the factors we can consider when choosing a filter is their point of entry. 

Point-of-Entry (POE) water filter systems are installed near your home’s main water supply. They work best for houses because they need plenty of space. These units filter all the water entering your home before it reaches the faucets.

 You can then use the filtered water for drinking, bathing, washing, cooking, and cleaning, and so on. They are installed before your water heater. This means it can deliver clean water hot and cold to every fixture in the house.

As mentioned above, these units require plenty of space. At a large size, these filters come at a high price but with many benefits. For starters, POE systems are capable of filtering thousands of gallons of water per day. They come in wall-mountable units or massive casings and tanks combinations. 

Aside from a high performance rate, these filters also require little maintenance. For some units, you will need to replace your cartridge just once a year. The actual installation may need a professional plumber.

POE systems are great for removing sediment, rust, chlorine, some bacterias, and hard minerals. This is kept at a standard level so that all the water in your home is okay for use.  If you want the cleanest water possible, you could use different filters with your POE unit. For example, you could have a counter top filter for your drinking water. 

Here we listed two main types of POE filtration systems.

1. Whole House Water Filters

Common to all house filters is the first stage which “screens your water. This is the process of removing sediment and large particles. Aside from this, different filters follow different processes. Some make use of carbon filters to  remove chlorine, chemicals, some pollutants, and other small particles.

For maximum filtration, you can use your home filtration systems with additional filtration units. This can include pre-filters, water softeners, and other point-of-use filtration systems.

2. Water Softeners

Water softeners filter hard water to make it soft. They use a chemical process of water cleansing ion-exchange based on sodium. This process replaces the hard molecules (usually calcium and magnesium) with sodium chloride. Once the system captures the hardness molecules, it flushes them out down the drain. This also leaves consumers to question how eco-friendly softeners are. The release of saltwater back into the systems is problematic, to say the least. Moreover, they produce plenty of wastewater that goes down the drain instead of going through a reuse cycle.

Conventional water softeners are still the best solution to deal with severe hardness levels. Their main advantage is that they do a great job of softening the water in its entirety. Most importantly, they protect your pipes, plumbing, faucets and fixtures, and appliances.

Such devices need space for installation, a plumbing specialist, and tools. You also need to stock on water softener salts to keep them functioning. 

On the other hand, conventional water softeners represent the best solution you have to deal with severe water hardness levels. Their main advantage is that they do a great job of softening the water in its entirety. Most importantly, they protect your pipes, plumbing, faucets and fixtures, and appliances.

Another aspect to consider when softening and filtering water is brackish water. 

What is brackish water? In natural environments, brackish water is a mix of freshwater and seawater found in estuaries and brackish fossil aquifers. However, brackish water is also a generic term used to describe water that is more saline than freshwater but less saline that true marine water.

Some people consider the brine water of a salt-based water softener to be brackish water. As we said above, the brine solution usually goes down the drain.   One of the best ways to turn brackish (salty) water into freshwater is reverse osmosis.

Point of Use Water Filter Systems

You can install Point-of-Use filters at every fixture. The most common applications include filters for your kitchen. This can be either a countertop filter or a filter directly attached to your sink. You will also find uses for filters in the bathroom. POU filters deliver some of the best and cleanest water you can have in your home. Depending on the technology they come with, these filters can remove a variety of contaminants. This can include sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. 

Not only can POU systems bring clean water to your faucets, but they come with plenty of advantages. They are easy to install, affordable, and  practical. Most units fit in the majority of  kitchens and can match most standard faucets and fixtures. 

Here are five POU filters you can rely on to have clean water in your home.

1. Under-Sink Systems

However, you need to know that some are sizeable enough for you to make a special room for them under your sink. Some users also install them in adjacent kitchen cabinets or mount them on the kitchen wall. 

Since most filters use reverse osmosis technology, you need to consider the following:

• Wastewater vs. clean water ratio – If this ratio is anything other than 1:1, you may need to look into your unit. This means that the system consumes plenty of water to deliver a gallon of filtered water.This could cause an environmental or budgeting issue.
• Installation – Some units require help from plumbers or professionals. This could be to help with installation, maintenance, or repairs. 
• Calculate cost of replacing the filters – Most under-sink filters have long filter lives. But you still need to replace the filters once or twice a year. Keep in mind that not all filters are cheap. 

Under-sink water filters are among the most popular systems available on the market. They ensure water used for cooking and drinking water. They can even enhance your life by delivering fresh mineral water from the tap.

2. Countertop Water Filters

Most models fit standard faucets. There are also some manufacturers that include matching taps in the package. Countertop water filters usually use sediment filtration and carbon filtration. This makes it so that the filter is able to remove dust, dirt, silt, rust, some chemicals, pollutants, and heavy metals from your water. They also improve the taste and odor of your drinking water

Other benefits include ease of installation, ease of operation, and filtration performance, all at generally lower prices. The filter replacement is also very straightforward. You may need to replace the filters monthly or a few times a year, depending on the brand and model.

3. Faucet Water Filters

These filters require low maintenance, have great filtration capacity, and moderate filter life. They are also eco-friendly, as they do not consume more water than they produce. Their technology stands on the shoulders of sediment filtration and adsorption.

Most faucet filters can deal with a handful of problems and contaminants. They are able to solve the issue of lousy water taste, color, and smell.

When choosing a faucet filter, you will also want to look for  models that do not interfere with your  water pressure and flow.

4. Showerhead Water Filters

Most shower filters are easy to install and require little maintenance. There are many different types of shower filters on the market. Different features target different issues. Some are meant to improve the quality and hardness of your water. Some are meant to filter out chlorine. And others are just meant to turn your bathing experience into a spa-like one. With all these options to choose from, we’re sure you will find the right one for your shower needs. 

5. Refrigerator Water Filters

Newer refrigerator water filters use adsorption technology for filtration. This can quickly solve problems with taste and odor. They can also reduce chlorine and a handful of other contaminants.

Portable Water Filters – Benefits & Features

You can also enjoy the taste of clean drinking water on the go. Portable water filters are great for outdoor activities and long road trips. There are many different types of portable filters on the market. Each with their own purpose and different methods.

Here are four popular portable water filters available. 

1. RV Water Filters and Softeners

These type of filters do a great job at filtering chlorine, pollutants, sediment, metals, and other contaminants. Most RV water filters use adsorption technology or reverse osmosis technology and work just the same as a home filter. You can also find RV water softeners to go with your filter. 

 

2. Water Filter Pitchers

You can also lessen the use of plastic bottles by using water filter pitchers. New filtration technologies allow for more options when choosing filter pitchers. Some of the most popular options support mineral, alkaline, or contaminant-free water.Some models can remove heavy metals and harsh chemicals from water. While others can only chlorine or sediment.

The best water filter pitchers feature advanced adsorption filtration, long filter lives, generous volumes, affordable replacement filters, and low prices. Some are even capable of making your water mineral. The greatest benefit is that one water filter pitcher can replace hundreds or thousands of plastic bottles a year.

3. Filtered Water Containers

While on the topic of portability, there is also the option of filtered water containers.

You can carry such filters in your purse or backpack and take them everywhere. Most filtered water containers and outdoor accessories can remove some harsh chemicals, heavy metals, toxins, bacteria, and viruses. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Filtered water bottles: Take with you all the latest filtering technologies on the go.
• Alkaline filtered water bottles: Modify your water on the go. Adjust pH levels and add good minerals into the water.
• Backpacking water filters: Great for sightseeing trips, camping, hiking, preparedness, survival, etc.
• Gravity Water Filters: These filters remove some of the most dangerous water pollutants and contaminants. They make excellent choices for outdoor, preparedness, and survival enthusiasts.

Of course, you can keep a few portable water filters and accessories around the house just in case. They are a great fix, but they will not cover the needs of an entire family living in a large house.  

4. Water Distillers

Distillation is one of the oldest forms of filtration. Water distillers  have different methods of filtration. Generally, they all use high volumes of heat to kill bacteria. However, some can only treat small volumes of water and most take time to process. Nevertheless, they do a great job of removing chemicals, toxins, or bacteria from your drinking water. They also come in different sizes for your convenience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we conclude this guide, let’s take a look at some filtration and treatment issues that might interest you. People ask us plenty of questions regarding the use and benefits of water filters and are curious about the alternatives they have to condition and treat their water. In the following section, you will find answers to the frequently asked questions we received from our readers.

What is the Difference between Water Filtration and Purification?

You will not likely find 100% pure water anywhere, not even in a bottle. However, you can find and make pure water at home by using certain types of filters. The most efficient purifiers are those capable of removing not only large particles but also microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, salts, chemicals, etc.

Among the best water filters that can clean your drinking water are reverse osmosis filters, distillers, and UV filters with the amendment that they only work against waterborne pathogens. Water filtration is a significant part of a purification process.

What is a Water Conditioning System?

Water conditioning and filtration are not the same things. For this reason, we talked about water conditioners only in passing. You can include in the water conditioning category the electronic water descalers and Template Assisted Crystallization System as alternatives to salt-based water softeners.

Moreover, water ionizers are devices able to change the pH levels in your water. Nevertheless, water descalers, TAC systems, alkaline water machines, and other similar devices do not filter water to the same capacity as ACB/GAC filters, RO filters, UF or AA filters do. When it comes to filtration vs. conditioning, you know that conditioners do not remove pollutants as you would expect them.

What is Water Ionization?

Water ionization ( electrolysis) is the process of separating water from the alkaline minerals in it by changing the water’s molecular structure. Water ionizers achieve electrolysis with the help of electrical current and metal plates. A water ionizer (an alkaline machine) produces ionized alkaline water for drinking (with high antioxidant potential) and ionized acidic water (for external uses). Do not mistake ionization for filtration. Most alkaline machines also contain a filtration stage.

Do Alkaline Water Filters Work?

We mentioned above, ionization (alkalization) is not filtration per se. However, most alkaline machines employ carbon filtration to cleanse the water before they increase/decrease the pH. Alkaline water filters go a great job in allowing you to change the pH of your water. Some machines offer a broad range of possibilities where you can select your pH level from 2 to 13. 

What is the Difference between Charcoal and Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal or activated carbon when it comes to filters contains charcoal, among other things. The carbon in the filters go through a technological process (production at high temperatures) that confers its curative properties.

Activated charcoal is more porous and more absorbent than regular charcoal. While we use regular charcoal for arts, cooking, or odor removal, activated charcoal found its place in medicine and filtration systems, to name just a few applications.

Are Charcoal Water Filters Good?

Yes, they are. Even if you may find some carbon powder or granules in your water, they are good for consumption. As we said before, activated charcoal filters are resilient to bacterial growth.

Do Water Filters Remove Valuable Minerals in Water?

Some do, some don’t. The problem with water filtration versus minerals and other elements in water is when the latter are in excess. This makes your water hard. For this reason, we have conventional softener that remove calcium and magnesium from the water, making it soft.

Water distillers also remove the good minerals in your water. Unfortunately, these systems do not put back the substances you need for balanced nutrition. 

The most popular filters activated carbon ones do not remove good minerals and elements from your water.

Is Filtered Water Better than Bottled Water?

Generally, filters deliver cleaner water than bottles do. This can be done in the comfort of your homes. You can enjoy clean water without having to spend money regularly on bottled water. This will also lessen your plastic footprint by lessening plastic bottle pollution.

Are Home Water Filters Worth It?

For most, whole house water filter seems excessive and expensive. But that is only at surface level. There are many factors that make a home filtration unit a great investment. There are also many different choices in terms of size, price, and filter type. You may even get portable filter units for your RV or your backpacking adventures.

Here we will be discussing all the reasons why you can invest in a filtration system for your entire home. This section will include how they work and how to choose the best one. 

Bottom Line

We hope this ultimate guide on water filtration and how it works has helped you find the best solutions for your needs. The market offers plenty of options when it comes to the best options in terms of budget, sizes, installation, contaminant levels, and so on.It is all a matter of choosing the best filter for your household to support your lifestyle. In case you have any more questions, feel free to ask us questions and request details!