Choosing the right water filtration system can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of filters and how they work to remove contaminants from your water. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common water filtration systems to help you make the best, most informed decision:
1. Activated Carbon Filters:
Activated carbon filters are the most common type of water filtration system for household use. They’re widely used in a variety of configurations, including:
- Pitcher filters: These are portable and affordable filters that sit in a pitcher. You simply pour your tap water into the pitcher, and the filter removes contaminants as the water passes through.
- Faucet mount filters: These filters attach directly to your kitchen faucet. They offer a more convenient filtration option than pitcher filters, and they typically have a higher capacity.
- Under-the-sink filters: These filters are installed under your sink and connect directly to your cold water line. They offer the highest capacity and filtration level of the three options.
Activated carbon filters use a highly absorbent material called activated carbon to trap and remove contaminants from your water. Activated carbon has a large surface area with many tiny pores that attract and hold onto contaminants like:
- Chlorine
- Taste and odor
- Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy to maintain
- Effective at removing common contaminants
Cons:
- Doesn’t remove all contaminants
- Doesn’t improve water hardness
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems:
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are a more advanced type of water filtration system that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants from your water. They’re a good choice if you’re concerned about:
- Heavy metals
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Bacteria
How They Work: RO systems use a multi-stage filtration process that includes:
- Pre-filters: These filters remove sediment and chlorine from the water to protect the RO membrane.
- Semi-permeable membrane: This membrane allows water molecules to pass through but traps contaminants on the other side.
- Post-filters: These filters improve the taste of the water and remove any remaining contaminants.
Pros:
- Removes a wide range of contaminants
- Produces very clean, purified water
Cons:
- More expensive than carbon filters
- Requires a dedicated faucet for filtered water
- Wastes a significant amount of water during the filtration process
3. Distillation Systems
Distillation systems are a type of water filtration system that uses heat to remove contaminants from your water. They’re a good choice if you need to remove nearly all impurities from your water, including:
- Heavy metals
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Minerals
How They Work: Distillation systems work by boiling water and capturing the steam. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form as clean, purified water. Contaminants are left behind in the boiling chamber.
Pros:
- Removes nearly all impurities from water
- Effective for removing bacteria and viruses
Cons:
- Energy-intensive and slow
- The resulting distilled water may taste bland due to the lack of minerals
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filtration
Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems are a type of water treatment system that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in your water. They’re often used in combination with other filtration methods, such as carbon filters, to provide more comprehensive water treatment.
How They Work: UV light disinfection systems use a UV lamp that emits ultraviolet light. As water flows past the lamp, the UV light penetrates the cells of bacteria and viruses, disrupting their DNA and rendering them inactive.
Pros:
- Effective at killing bacteria and viruses
- Doesn’t remove physical contaminants or alter the taste of water
Cons:
- Doesn’t remove physical contaminants or improve water hardness
- Only effective against living organisms, not chemical contaminants
5. Water Softeners
Water softeners are not technically filtration systems, but they are a common water treatment solution for homes with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause a number of problems, including:
- Scale buildup on pipes and appliances
- Dry skin and hair
- Difficulty lathering soap
How They Work: Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove hardness minerals from water. The water softener contains a resin tank filled with ion exchange resin beads. As hard water passes through the resin tank, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions from the resin beads. The softened water then exits the tank.
Pros:
- Prevents scale buildup on pipes and appliances
- Improves the efficiency of soap and detergents
- Can make showers and baths feel more relaxing
Cons:
- Does not remove contaminants
- Soft water can taste salty
- Not suitable for all plants and fish
6. Whole-House Water Filtration System
Whole-house water filtration systems treat all the water entering your home, not just the water from a single faucet. This is a good option if you want to improve the quality of all the water you use in your home, including:
- Drinking water
- Bathing and showering water
- Laundry water
- Dishwashing water
How They Work: Whole-house water filtration systems come in a variety of configurations, but they typically use one or more of the following filtration methods:
- Activated carbon filtration: Removes chlorine, taste and odor, and some VOCs.
- Sediment filtration: Removes dirt, sand, and other particulate matter.
- Iron filtration: Removes iron from your water, which can cause staining and rust.
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection: Kills bacteria and viruses.
Pros:
- Improves the quality of all the water in your home
- Can extend the life of your plumbing and appliances
- Can improve the taste and odor of your water
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than point-of-use filtration systems
- May require professional installation
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System
The best water filtration system for your home will depend on your specific needs and concerns. Here are some factors to consider:
- The quality of your tap water: If you have concerns about specific contaminants in your water, have it tested by a professional.
- Your budget: Water filtration systems range in price from affordable pitcher filters to more expensive RO systems and whole-house systems.
- The amount of space you have: Some filtration systems, such as RO systems and whole-house systems, require more space for installation.
Contact Wisler Plumbing & Air for All Your Water Filtration Needs in Roanoke, VA and the Surrounding Areas
If you’re unsure which type of water filtration system is right for you, consult with a water treatment professional here at Wisler Plumbing & Air. They can help you assess your water quality and recommend a system that meets your needs. Contact us today!
