There are several types of home water filters that use different techniques to purify water. If you’re concerned about your drinking water, request a water quality report from your local utility or have your water tested. The test results will help you determine the best water filtration system for your home. Let’s look at a few types of water filters and their pros and cons.
Sediment Filtration
Sediment filtration is used to remove heavy sediments such as sand, rust, and silt from water as it comes into the home. The sediment is trapped so it doesn’t flow into the home’s tap water, but smaller contaminants can pass through this type of filter.
A sediment filter is most commonly used as a pre-filter in a home water filtration system to keep large particles from clogging the filters.
Advantages of Sediment Filters
- effective against large particles
- inexpensive
- easy to replace
Disadvantages
- another filtration system will need to be used as well
- contaminants smaller than one micron cannot be removed
Activated Carbon Types of Home Water Filters
An activated carbon block is comprised of fine carbon powder held together with a binding agent. These water filters are effective for removing the taste and odor of chlorine in the water.
The carbon filter is highly porous with a large surface area that can absorb more contaminants in the water. The tiny pore size also makes it resistant to bacterial growth.
Advantages
- good filtration capabilities
- affordable
- effective in removing chlorine
- minerals are retained
- filters have a long lifespan
- bacterial growth is inhibited
- electricity is not required
Disadvantages
- dissolved solids and excess minerals cannot be removed
- viruses won’t be filtered out
Ceramic Home Water Filters
Ceramic filters work by trapping contaminants in the small pores of the filter. Ceramic water filters are gravity-fed and do not require electricity to operate. Replacement filters are moderately priced.
Advantages
- no electricity required
- won’t remove minerals
- simple to use
- easy to replace filters
- will remove bacteria, protozoa, and microbial cysts
Disadvantages of Ceramic Filters
- slow filtration process
- cannot remove chlorine or heavy metals
- won’t remove viruses
Water Distillation
Filtering water via distillation requires electricity. This type of system boils water and traps the condensation, then cools it for drinking. The process leaves contaminants behind so your water is purified.
Advantages
- removes heavy metals and most bacteria
- filters out pesticides
Disadvantages
- requires electricity to operate
- high level of water is wasted
- filters out healthy minerals and electrolytes and potassium
- bland flavor because of the absence of minerals
When choosing a water filter for your home, it’s helpful to know the types of contaminants present in your water. Many filters work best in combination with other types of filters. Choose a system based on the types of pollutants you need to remove. You can enjoy clean water that’s safe for drinking, cleaning, and bathing.
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