Filters for water purification in the apartment

The quality of modern tap water, even in the most environmentally friendly regions, leaves much to be desired. This is a fact, and no one will argue with him, because in practice we feel the effects of hard, rusty, manganese water every day: black coating on the skin, drying out, darkening of the tooth enamel, dryness and loss of hair, or constant dandruff, coating on dishes, tiles, household items. And in order to forget about all this or at least reduce the negative impact to a less noticeable level, it is necessary to put filters for water purification in the apartment. Which devices are suitable in which case - we will consider in this article.

to contents ↑

Purpose of filters

Every person needs clean and high-quality drinking water every day. The one that goes into city apartments is, of course, previously cleaned. However, such preparation is not enough, so water requires additional treatment from:

• Hardness salts;
• Elevated iron levels;
• Chlorine, which gives it a specific smell and taste;
• Bacteria and microorganisms.

to contents ↑

Filter Criteria

Today, there are many types of filters for water purification in the apartment and whole filtration systems that can cope with any task. When choosing, it is worth considering two main factors:

1. Water condition. Before buying the device, we recommend that you analyze your water. To do this, take a sample and take it to a special laboratory. This procedure will allow you to assess the condition of the water and choose the right filtration system. Also find outwhy rusty water flows from a tap.
2. Your financial opportunities. There are different options for water purification filters for apartments: from multifunctional stationary systems to the simplest filter jugs and nozzles for a tap. The price depends on the volume, throughput and filtering result. If financial opportunities do not allow you to buy a special softener, we will help you solve the problem. Follow the instructions in a separate article to do-it-yourself filter.

to contents ↑

Stationary filtration system

This option gives ideal results - water in such systems can undergo all three degrees of purification:

1. Mechanical.
2. Chemical.
3. Biological.

Installation Features:

• This filter for water purification in the apartment requires professional installation and does not involve any further movement.
• It is connected directly to the water supply and has a separate faucet.
• Purified water flows through it after passing through all stages of filtration.
• Most devices have a carbon cartridge.
• There are three types of systems, depending on the number of cleaning stages.

Important! Some stationary devices carry out all stages of improving water quality: from mechanical treatment to softening and removal of microorganisms. Others are meant to simply eliminate excess garbage from running water. The choice depends on your goals and the purpose of the filter.

pros

Water can be drunk after it has gone through all stages of purification.A stationary system with such capabilities is highly priced due to its reliability and impeccable cleaning quality.

Minuses

Among the minuses include:

• The formation of sediment on the cartridge, which in the future can lead to damage.
• The appearance of harmful microorganisms and bacteria in case of untimely replacement of the filter element.
• The high price and the complexity of installing a new cartridge.

Reverse osmosis

If when installing filters for water purification in an apartment you don’t want to spend extra money and effort on replacing cartridges, we recommend paying attention to the “reverse osmosis” system. It is an alternative to a carbon filter element.

Water in such a system is purified using a fine membrane. Passing through it, it is divided into two categories:

1. Purified before drinking.
2. With the remains of impurities - goes into the sewer system.

Important! The design has additional nodes, and the number of filtration modules can reach five pieces.

Before the water enters the fine membrane, the water is preliminarily purified. Some models are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection and a mineralizer. As a result of this treatment, water is obtained that is similar in quality to that sold in stores. However, its production at home using a reverse osmosis system is much more profitable than buying ready-made water in bottles.

A big plus of such a water purification filter for an apartment is the presence of a reservoir, the volume of which can reach ten liters. It allows you to immediately get a lot of purified water in a short period of time, if there is no time to wait.

Important! The price of a filter with a reverse osmosis system will be higher than flowing. But the cost usually pays off, due to the lack of the need to replace cartridges, the high quality of purified water and a long service life.

to contents ↑

Filter “under the sink”: types and features

It is distinguished only by its name. It is usually located under the kitchen sink or next to the wall if there is not enough space under the sink.

Important! Such a filter is a device that has its own faucet and connections to a central water supply.

Like any stationary system, the filter for water purification in an apartment “under the sink” can be of two options:

1. Flow type.
2. Equipped with reverse osmosis membrane.

We wrote about them in detail above.

How to choose a filter “for washing”?

Before you install a water filter in the apartment, assess the condition of the water supply in your home. If the house is old, for sure, the pipes managed to become rusty, which cannot but affect the water. It, most likely, in an excessive amount will be present iron, harmful impurities and bacteria.

Then you should take the water sample for examination to get a more detailed picture. This procedure will determine if there is excessive radiation, salts and organic compounds in the water.

Which “wash” filter is right for your water?

The flow system is recommended for water with moderate hardness and a high content of chemicals: chlorine, iron, etc. The kit should include a cartridge:

• Cleansing from mechanical impurities;
• With activated carbon;
• Removing excess iron.

Important! To soften too hard water, feel free to choose a “wash” filter with a “reverse osmosis” system. The flow-through option is also suitable, but the cartridges will have to be changed quite often, which can greatly affect the family budget.

If there are a lot of organic compounds in your water: bacteria, viruses, microbes - also give preference to installing filters for water purification in an apartment with a fine membrane and an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection.

Important! If there is organic matter in the water, a filter with a flow system can also be installed. The main thing is that it be equipped with a UV cartridge.

to contents ↑

Main filter

It is installed inside the water main and is intended only for primary water treatment. It has one or several grids with cells of different sizes that “sift” water.

Some versions of these filters are equipped with an auto flush function. This is very convenient and does not require frequent system interventions.

Important! Filters with auto-washing have a pressure gauge - a device that determines the degree of contamination of the cartridge. If it is not there, you can determine whether the grid is clogged by its appearance.

Advantages of trunk filters

The main advantages of such water purification filters for an apartment are considered:

• Improving the quality of water by removing impurities, bacteria and harmful chemicals from it.
• Changing the taste of water by removing chlorine and hydrogen sulfide.
• Significant extension of the life of household appliances, plumbing equipment and systems designed for further water treatment. For example, experts strongly recommend settingfilter for washing machine.
• Low cost of the main filter and its further maintenance.
• Easy to use.

Types of trunk filters

Main filters for water purification in the apartment are divided into 4 categories:

1. Coarse filters - clean only the largest impurities using a metal sieve with large cells.

Important! We recommend choosing coarse filters that have several layers of mesh with cells of different sizes. This will provide the best filtering result.

2. Fine filters - cope with fine suspensions using a grid and ultraviolet radiation. Water passing through such a device can be drunk.
3. Filters for water softening - have magnetic softeners that break down salt deposits. As a result of their impact, scale does not form in the water supply and plumbing.

Important! Water softeners are recommended for use only in conjunction with fine and rough cartridges.

4. Filters with a granular structure - qualitatively remove unnecessary chemical compounds and organics, while softening the water.

to contents ↑

Flow-through table filter

It has a good speed of purification, but the quality of the outlet water will be lower than that of that prepared for drinking using a stationary device.

Such a filter for water purification in an apartment is equipped with one or two types of filtration.

To start the water purification process, connect the filter adapter to the tap. There are two mounting options:

1. Directly with a tap - suitable for models with a small cartridge. In this case, the water will be cleansed more slowly.

Important! The water speed when connected to a tap is approximately 200 ml / min. To use water for domestic purposes, a much greater pressure of water is needed. Therefore, when installing filters for water purification in an apartment of this type, we recommend stocking up with a nozzle with a switch. This will allow not to use a filter if there is no such need.

2. To the countertop - an additional connecting hose is required here to connect to the crane.

Important! The price of a desktop cartridge filter, compared with a stationary type system, will be significantly lower. Installing it yourself is not difficult.

The desktop filter has a lifespan of about three years. The cartridge should be replaced every three months.

to contents ↑

Shower filter

It is also possible to install a water filter in the apartment in the bathroom or your shower.

Important! The requirements for shower filters are much less than for systems that prepare water for drinking. Their main task is to rid the water of chlorine, which dries the skin and negatively affects the hair.

to contents ↑

Budget options for filters for water purification

If finances do not allow you to purchase expensive water purification filters for an apartment, we advise you to pay attention to inexpensive options.

Filter jug

Easy to use and very affordable device. It is a jug with a cartridge inside.The latter must be replaced every three or four months. A good quality cartridge contains:

• Polypropylene fibers that trap mechanical impurities.
• Ion exchange resin - removes salts, iron, heavy metals and radionuclides.
• Activated carbon - removes organics and chlorine.
• Porous activated carbon - clarifies water, helps microorganisms to settle.

Important! The performance of such devices is low. When choosing a jug in size, it should be borne in mind that the amount of water at the outlet will be half the size indicated on the box. Typically, the amount of water filtered at one time varies from 1.5 to 4 liters.

Attachment on the crane

The quality of the cleaning device is close to the filter of the jug type. Dressed on a water tap. Filters water at a rate of 200 ml / min to 6 l / min.

Important! Some nozzles have a switch to “without cleaning” mode. This allows you to not remove it from the crane over and over again. However, such switches are prone to frequent breakdowns.

The nozzle on the crane is good for temporary use. If you need a filter for water purification in your apartment for a long time, we recommend staying at another option.

to contents ↑

The ideal scheme for water purification in the apartment

If you want your home everywhere - in the kitchen and in the bathroom, to have only high-quality water without unnecessary inclusions, get a few filtration systems:

• Trunk filters for hot and cold water;
• Filter “under the sink” with a multi-stage cleaning method;
• Shower system;
• Jug type filter.

Important! Such step-by-step water purification in different parts of the pipeline system will certainly give its result.

Important! You know that tea and coffee water can only be boiled once. Read about what happens to water during boiling, how to boil it properly and other useful information in our separate post “Why can’t you boil water a second time?”.

to contents ↑

Top Filter Device Manufacturers

Among the systems “under the sink” with reverse osmosis, the leaders are:

• Atoll A-550 MAX;
• New water Expert Osmos MO530;
• Geyser Prestige-2.

The best “under the sink” flow filters are:

• New water Expert M312;
• OMOIKIRI Pure Drop 1.0;
• Barrier EXPERT Ferrum.

The leading “wash” filter with nanofiltration is:

• Geyser Nanotech.

From desktop filters are popular:

• Source Bio SE-10;
• Coolmart CM-101-CCA.

The most purchased jug type filters:

• Barrier Smart;
• Geyser Griffin;
• Brita Aluna XL;
• Aquaphor Line.

The best nozzles for the crane are:

• New Water T5;
• Barrier Comfort.

The most reliable trunk systems:

• Geyser Typhoon 20 BB;
• Barrier BM ½;
• Geyser 1P ½.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

We hope that our material will help you quickly select and install a water filter in the apartment. And remember: clean water is the key to good health and longevity!