Having a water filter at home these days is no longer a luxury but a necessity if you prioritize healthy living. With the number of contaminants that are in the water that is supplied to our homes, having a water filter should be at the top of your essential items for your home.
With that in mind, one just has to choose a water filter from the myriad of such products manufactured by different companies that are available in the market. This might seem easy; however, coming to a decision can be quite the challenge.
Therefore, in this article, we will provide you with tips that will guide you on how to choose the best water filter that is both suitable for your needs and your home. Always drink Waterdrop purified water to stay healthy.
But first of all, there are some important terms you need to know…
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Point of Entry & Point of Use
Point of Entry (POE) and Point of Use (POU) are the categories of the water filters. This categorization is done according to specific needs and requirements.
POUs are installed directly in your home and in areas that require easy water filtration such as beneath your sink, faucets, showers, etc. They are single-purpose equipment that functions for just the location where they are positioned.
On the other hand, POE is installed to the water supply line that runs into your home. Hence, the device will then supply clean water to every sub-line in your home. This is why it is a multipurpose filter.
POE is highly recommended because it saves you from having to install several POUs at different locations in your home.
Why you should go for POE
This type of filter is connected directly to the primary water supply line; hence, all the supplied aqua is already filtered. Hence, you get clean and filtered H2O in your kitchen, bathroom, toilet, etc.
Another reason you should go for this equipment is that it can get rid of more than 98% of contaminants. Visit https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants to read more about the types of drinking water contaminants. Here are some of the contaminants it eliminates:
- Rotten egg door
- Hazardous metals such as iron, mercury, lead, and arsenic
- Unpleasant taste
- Organic contaminants such as algae, bacteria, fungi, etc.
- Sediments such as soil, salts, micro rocks, etc.
Apart from all the above, the following are the benefits of POEs:
- Reduces faucets rusting
- Stops pipeline clogging
- Stops the yellow layer accumulation on your kitchenware
- Stops bathroom patches
Tips for Choosing the Best Water Filter
There are different types and shapes of water filters. Hence, you need to choose one that suits your home and needs. To be able to do this, you need to follow the tips we have shared below…
1. Perform Supply Analysis
What do we mean by this? Easy, all you need to do is to determine the kind of contaminants as well as the quantity that are in your supply.
If the supply is a private one such as a river, well, etc. you will need to make use of a testing tool to help you get the reports. If it proves difficult to do on your own, you can enlist the help of a professional to carry out the job.
However, if the supply is public; this means that the government is responsible for it, then you can easily get the WQI (water quality index) from the supply office in your area.
With the reports in hand, you can easily determine the filtration type that is suitable for your requirements.
2. Find out Your Dispenser and Faucets’ Flow Rate
This step is important to ensure that you get adequate pressure that can easily supply every part of your home. If you mistakenly select a filter that has a higher flow rate than your hose or faucet, you run the risk of having a burst or leaking hose. On the other hand, if the filter’s flow rate is lower than that of your faucet or hose, it could lead to constant choking and low pressure.
Furthermore, the flow rate affects the filter cartridges’ operational ability which could lead to reduced lifespan. Hence, is important that you can verify the flow rate and get equipment that is has a flow rate not higher than 2gpm.
3. Filtration Purpose
This determines the kind of equipment you end up getting. The amount of water you use daily will also play a huge role in your choice. If you own a storage tank, going for a POE will be much better than settling for a POU. However, if you just need the aqua in your sink filtered, then a POU should be your target.
4. Choose only Products Certified by the NSF
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is authorized by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to maintain water filtration standards. Click here to learn more about the NSF. Hence, all filtration solutions must be certified by this agency before they are deemed suitable for the public. Therefore, when you go to the market, only choose a product that has been certified by the NSF.
Polypropylene cartridges are used in these pieces of equipment. However, before the NSF can certify such products, they must have been FDA approved. Hence, when you choose such products that are certified, you are going for products that have been tested to guarantee your safety.
5. Manufacturer and Seller Credibility
Always go for credible manufacturers and sellers. Check the products for warranties as well as a period of free servicing. Check up on their online reviews to verify their credibility before making a purchase.
6. Have Several Options
Don’t be fixated on a particular product; instead, have several options you can choose from. Going through and comparing these products will help you get the best deal in the end.
Conclusion
A water filter in a home is a necessity but choosing one can be quite challenging. Nevertheless, with the tips we have shared which include carrying out supply analysis, checking flow rate, determining filtration purpose, choosing NSF certified products, checking manufacturer credibility, and having several options, we are certain your next choice will be the best one.
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