If you don’t like the taste, smell, or color of the tap water in your home, a filter can help. There are two basic types of filtration systems: point-of-entry and point-of-use. Both options have unique advantages and challenges, and a water-filter expert can help you decide which type is best for your home. Point-of-use filters can sit on your counter or be installed under your sink. An under-sink filter is convenient, especially if you have limited counterspace and don’t like the appearance of a countertop filter. If you decide an under-sink filter is right for your home, here are some of the things you should look for when choosing one.
Correct Size and Capacity
One of the first things to decide on is what size filter you’re looking for. You need to choose one that fits in your under-sink cabinet and meets your usage needs. Smaller filters can leave more room for storing cleaning supplies and other items. However, a smaller filter may not be able to meet your needs, especially in a high-usage location like the kitchen sink. High-capacity filters can work well if you need access to a lot of filtered water on-demand. But these filters are often larger and more expensive. You might not need to replace the filters on a large system very often. If you choose a smaller filtration system instead, replacing the filters can become tedious and expensive.
Effective Filtration Method
Water filtration systems can work in several different ways:
- Carbon filters: Many systems use this type of basic filtration. The activated carbon in the filters attracts and bonds with many types of contaminants to remove them from the water. Carbon filters can remove impurities that affect the water’s smell and taste, but they usually can’t remove bacteria or viruses.
- Reverse osmosis (RO): A reverse osmosis system introduces external pressure to force the natural process of osmosis to work backward and filter out contaminants. RO filters are extremely effective at removing many types of contaminants, from heavy metals and fluoride to bacteria, chlorine, and pesticides.
- Ultrafiltration (UF): This type of system passes water through a hollow fiber membrane that catches debris and impurities. It doesn’t remove as many contaminants as an RO filter. However, a UF system leaves in healthy minerals, which is a feature that many people prefer.
Some systems have multiple filtration stages, which can be useful for challenging water sources, such as well water.
Be sure to verify which toxins a filter removes to make sure it meets your needs. For example, if you live near a mine or an industrial manufacturing area, you may need a filter that removes various metals and minerals. You can contact Dr. Johns H2O for a home water analysis to learn exactly what sort of filtration you need.
Good Flow Rate and Water Pressure
Another thing to think about is a filtration system’s flow rate. Generally, more levels of filtration mean a slower flow rate, but this isn’t always true. Some under-sink filtration systems, especially high-quality models with their own faucet, are designed to maximize the flow rate.
Your home’s water pressure can affect the flow rate of water through a filter as well. If your home has very low water pressure, it may take a long time to fill a large pot with filtered water.
Faucet Compatibility
Some filters attach to your existing faucet, but others have their own faucet. Before choosing an under-sink system, make sure that it’s compatible with your existing faucet and/or the pre-drilled holes in your sink.
Ease of Installation
Many under-sink systems are simple to install, especially those that have simple carbon filters. However, some larger RO systems require professional installation, especially if it’s necessary to drill an additional hole in your sink for a separate faucet.
Consider whether you want to take on a DIY project or let an expert handle it. It’s also important to learn how to change filters and maintain your system. Some under-sink filters require more hands-on management than others.
Upgrade Your Home’s Water Quality With an Under-Sink Filter
An under-sink filter can give you access to clean, delicious water in your home. When choosing a system, make sure to consider all the factors, including filtration method, size, and faucet compatibility.
If you aren’t sure about your home’s water quality or want assistance choosing the right filtration system, Dr. Johns H2O can help. Call our office at (336) 560-9540 or use the online form below to schedule an appointment with one of our experts for a water analysis.