Nobody likes to spend money on a water purifier that does not solve the problem. On the other hand, choosing the best water filtration option can be quite challenging as there are different types of water filters available in the market. The purification technology can differ from one kind of water filter to another. Moreover, there are several factors that you should consider when choosing the suitable filtration technique and type of water filter.

If you want to know more about these aspects, then this write-up is entirely for you. It provides a comprehensive guide on the various types of water filters and the method of filtration. It also highlights the essential things to consider before purchasing it.

Points to Remember before Purchasing Water Filters

Before we dive into the different types of water filters and filtration methods, let’s discuss some of the essential factors that you should remember when looking for water filters.



Water Quality: Water quality differs from one source to another. Some water sources can contain visible sediments, while others can hold harmful microbes. Moreover, the taste and smell of the water can determine the existence of dissolved impurities. If your water source is from a public system, then you obtain the report on yearly water quality.

Water quality differs from one source to another. Some water sources can contain visible sediments, while others can hold harmful microbes. Moreover, the taste and smell of the water can determine the existence of dissolved impurities. If your water source is from a public system, then you obtain the report on yearly water quality. Know the required amount of water: You should know the number of users and the average water consumption per day before buying a water purifying system. It will help you to choose the right water filter that meets your requirements. If your daily usage is significantly high, then opting for water purifiers with high output rate would be the best choice.

You should know the number of users and the average water consumption per day before buying a water purifying system. It will help you to choose the right water filter that meets your requirements. If your daily usage is significantly high, then opting for water purifiers with high output rate would be the best choice. Don’t forget your Budget: Knowing your budget will help you in choosing a water purifying system that fits your bill. But, it would be best to opt for a high-quality product, given that it is a long-term investment.

Knowing your budget will help you in choosing a water purifying system that fits your bill. But, it would be best to opt for a high-quality product, given that it is a long-term investment. Electricity: Some water purifying systems such as ultraviolet systems require electricity for operation. If your region has an inadequate electric supply or living off-grid, then these types of water purifiers would not be an ideal choice.

Some water purifying systems such as ultraviolet systems require electricity for operation. If your region has an inadequate electric supply or living off-grid, then these types of water purifiers would not be an ideal choice. Maintenance Cost: Water filters need proper maintenance regularly, while some water purifiers require replacement from time to time. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the types of water purifying systems. You should ensure that the maintenance cost of your water filter fits your budget.

Water filters need proper maintenance regularly, while some water purifiers require replacement from time to time. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the types of water purifying systems. You should ensure that the maintenance cost of your water filter fits your budget. Always look for Registered Product: Some companies produce water filter products without undertaking quality tests. As such, opting for a registered water purifier product becomes crucial.

Water Filtration Systems

There is denying the fact that drinking contaminated water causes various health problems. Moreover, bottled water is significantly expensive and leads to environmental pollution. As such, installing a filtration system becomes an ideal option as it provides clean water for consumption and promotes eco-friendly. The following are some popular methods of water filtration, each with its pros and cons:

1. Distillation

It is one of the oldest methods of water filtration. This method heats the water at a very high temperature using electric power. The objective is to capture the steam as the water evaporates, thereby condensing the vapor into pure drinkable water. The distillation method is useful in filtering contaminants such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, and benzene, among others. Nevertheless, this method of water filtration takes a lot of time, and the water output is significantly small.

PROS Considerably effective in removing contaminants.

It does not require replacing the filter cartridge.

Enhance the odor and taste of the water. CONS It is a time-consuming process.

Can remove essential minerals.

2. Activated Carbon

This method of water filtration uses fine carbon powder to contaminants and impurities from the water. The activated carbon block consists of small pores that absorb and accumulate all the pollutants as the water runs through it. This filtration method is also useful in removing chemicals such as chlorine, and it can get rid of unpleasant smell and taste.

PROS It does not require electricity for operation.

Effectively removes contaminants, chlorine smell, and taste.

Adequate water flow rate.

You can use it with other filtration technologies to enhance purification. CONS Ineffective in removing excess minerals.

A higher water flow rate is not possible.

3. Granulated Carbon

This method uses loose carbon granules to purify the water. In comparison to activated carbon, this method of water purification is less effective as its surface area is quite small. The effectiveness of this method depends on the speed of the water. The carbon granules allow absorbing the contaminants as the water flows through its tiny pores. Besides, it also removes negatively charged chemicals such as chlorine, thereby improving the smell and taste of the water.

PROS It does not need electricity.

It is budget-friendly.

It retains necessary minerals. CONS Not significantly effective.

Loose carbon granules can contribute to the growth of bacteria.

4. Reverse Osmosis

It is a filtration process in which water passes through a porous membrane to separate any large harmful particles from the water. This method of water filtration is capable of removing various bacteria and contaminants, such as lead and salmonella, among others. Nevertheless, the filtration rate is quite slow; as such, they usually come with a pressurized tank for storing the purified water.

PROS It provides effective filtration as it can remove several contaminants and harmful germs.

It does not require electricity for operation.

Constant washing of the reverse osmosis membrane enhances durability. CONS It generates a reasonable amount of wastewater.

It needs high water pressure.

5. Ion Exchange

This method of water purification involves removing harmful ions from the water and exchanging it with less toxic ions. This process takes place with the help of a resin. The ion exchange method captures the magnesium and calcium ions in the water, and it replaces them with sodium ions. As such, this method of water filtration has become an ideal option for the water softening process. Moreover, the resin needs regularly recharging to ensure effective operation for extended times.

PROS It can effectively remove dissolved inorganic contaminants.

It can soften hard water.

Budget-friendly.

It does not need electricity.

Allows for continuous usage. CONS The resin susceptible to the growth of bacteria.

It needs maintenance regularly.

6. Ultraviolet Disinfection

Ultraviolet technology is significantly effective in killing various harmful microorganisms in water. The UV ray can destroy 99.99 percent of harmful microbes in the water, thereby making the water fit for consumption.

In this method of water filtration, the water passes through an ultraviolet lamp, which emits ultraviolet rays to disinfect the microbiological contaminants. The UV lamp can generate heat up to 104-degree Fahrenheit. However, for removing chemicals and pollutants, you will need additional filtration systems.

PROS Destroys all harmful microorganisms in water.

Easy maintenance. CONS Depends on electricity for operation.

Can remove only microorganisms.

Types of Water Filters

The following are some common types of water filters:

1. Pitcher

This type of water has only one filter that generally contains resins and granular activated carbon. It effectively enhances the smell and taste of the water by reducing contaminants. These types of water filters are inexpensive and portable due to its lightweight design. Besides, it allows for easy setup.

PROS Budget-friendly.

Portable and easy to use.

Enhances the smell and taste of water. CONS Operation is quite slow.

2. Faucet

It is another budget-friendly water filter that features a compact-size body and easy setup. You can easily attach this type of filter to any faucet, and it does not consume any countertop space. Once installed, you just need to switch it on to enjoy fresh, clean water.

PROS Significantly convenient to use.

Inexpensive and quick installation. CONS The water flow rate is quite slow.

3. Countertop Water Filter

If you want to filter your tap water, then you should consider this type of filter. Countertop water filters are small in size and can easily connect to the faucet. Once you turn the tap on, the filtration process begins straightforwardly. Although they are small, they can consume a reasonable amount of space on your countertop, which makes it less suitable for narrow countertops.

PROS Fast filtration process.

Many of these filters come with a faucet. CONS Not suitable for small countertops.

4. Under Sink Water Filter

This type of filter is quite expensive and large, designed to install under the kitchen sink. The purified water flows through a pipe and comes out from the faucet. In comparison, they can filter a significant amount of water.

PROS Water output is high.

Does not affect the countertop space.

Hidden under the sink. CONS Installation is difficult.

5. Whole House Water Filter

This type of water filter is most suitable for homes where tap water is not an option. It filters all the water at the main pipe before disturbing to different parts of the house.

PROS It does not require additional filtration systems.

It filters all the water in the house. CONS The installation and maintenance require professionals.

6. Showerhead Filter

The objective of this filter is to purify the water in the bathroom. These are most suitable for regions where the water has a significant amount of fluoride and chlorine.

PROS Reduces hair damage and skin irritations.

Less expensive and easy setup. CONS The flow rate is slow.

Conclusion

Purchasing the right type of water filter is essential for the well-being of your family. All water sources contain contaminants, which can cause various health problems. As such, it is crucial to purchase and install a water filter that meets your requirements. We hope that this write-up has clarified your confusion about water filtration systems and types. Besides, you should also consider consulting experts when planning to buy a water purification system.