Improving Your Home's Drinking Water Quality May Require A Different Filter

A whole-house water filtration system is a type of filtration system that is installed at the main water supply line to provide clean and safe drinking water to all taps in a house. These systems are designed to remove impurities such as chlorine, lead, sediment, and other contaminants that may be present in the water supply.

When choosing a whole-house water filtration system, it is important to consider the specific needs of your household. Factors such as the type of water supply you have (e.g. well water or municipal water), the presence of specific contaminants in your water, and the size of your household all play a role in determining the best filtration system for you.

In addition to providing clean and safe drinking water, whole-house water filtration systems also offer several other benefits. For example, they can improve the taste and odor of your water, protect your plumbing and appliances from damage caused by hard water, and extend the lifespan of these items by removing impurities that can cause corrosion and mineral buildup.

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What Size Filter

Whole-house water filtration systems can vary in filter sizes, depending on the type of filter, the size of the contaminant, and the size of the home. Standard sizes include 10 inches, 20 inches, and big blue.

The micron size of a filter is an important consideration when choosing a whole-house water filtration system, as it determines the size of the particles that the filter is able to remove from the water.

A micron is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter.

When it comes to water filtration, a lower micron rating means that the filter is able to remove smaller particles, whereas a higher micron rating means that the filter will remove larger particles.

For example, a 5-micron filter will remove particles that are 5 microns or larger, whereas a 1-micron filter will remove particles that are 1 micron or larger.

It's important to choose the correct micron rating for your filter based on the type of impurities you want to remove from your water supply. For example, if you are concerned about removing sand and silt, a 5-micron sediment filter would be appropriate. If you are concerned about removing chemicals, a 1-micron carbon filter would be a better choice.

Types of Filters

There are several types of whole-house water filtration systems, including:

1. Sediment filters: These filters remove large particles such as sand, silt, and rust from the water supply.
2. Carbon filters: Carbon filters use activated carbon to remove chlorine, chemicals, and other impurities from the water.
3. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems: RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from the water supply.
4. UV sterilization systems: These systems use UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water supply.
   

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Sediment filters

Sediment filters are a type of whole-house water filtration system that removes large particles such as sand, silt, rust, and other impurities from the water supply. They work by using a fine mesh or a depth filter media to trap and remove the impurities before they enter the rest of the plumbing system.

Sediment filters are typically installed at the main water supply line and are designed to be highly effective at removing impurities without affecting the water pressure or flow rate. They are usually the first stage in a multi-stage filtration system and are used to remove the larger impurities before they reach other filters that remove finer particles and chemicals.

There are different types of sediment filters, including spin-down filters, cartridge filters, and polypropylene filters. Each type of sediment filter uses a different filtration media, with the most common being polypropylene. This type of filter media is highly effective at removing impurities and is also easy to replace when it becomes clogged.

It is important to regularly replace the sediment filter to ensure that it continues to work effectively. The frequency of replacement will depend on the quality of the water supply and the size of the filter. Most sediment filters need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

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Carbon filters

Carbon filters are a type of whole house water filtration system that use activated carbon to remove impurities from the water supply. They are designed to remove chlorine, chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants that may be present in the water.

Activated carbon is a porous material that is highly effective at removing impurities from water. As water passes through the carbon filter, the impurities are absorbed by the carbon, leaving the water clean and safe to drink.

Carbon filters can be installed as a standalone filtration system or as part of a multi-stage filtration system. They are typically installed at the main water supply line and can be used in conjunction with other filters, such as sediment filters or reverse osmosis (RO) systems, to provide a complete filtration solution for the home.

There are different types of carbon filters available, including solid carbon block filters and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Solid carbon block filters are made from compressed activated carbon and are highly effective at removing impurities from the water. GAC filters use loose activated carbon to filter the water.

It is important to regularly replace the carbon filter to ensure that it continues to work effectively. The frequency of replacement will depend on the quality of the water supply and the size of the filter. Most carbon filters need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a type of whole house water filtration system that removes dissolved solids, minerals, and other impurities from the water. It works by using high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, which only allows pure water to pass through and leaves behind the impurities.

RO systems typically consist of multiple stages, including a sediment filter, carbon filter, and the RO membrane. The water passes through each stage, becoming progressively purer, until it reaches the final stage, where it is filtered through the RO membrane.

RO systems are highly effective at removing impurities such as lead, chlorine, nitrates, and dissolved solids, making the water safe to drink and improving its taste. They are also effective at removing pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and contaminants that can cause health problems.

RO systems require a water pressure of 40 to 60 psi and a minimum water temperature of 40°F to work effectively. They also require a drain for the wastewater generated during the filtration process.

UV sterilization

UV sterilization is a process used in water filtration to kill bacteria and viruses present in the water. It works by exposing the water to ultraviolet (UV) light from a UV lamp, which emits light at a wavelength that is harmful to microorganisms.

The water is passed through a chamber that contains the UV lamp, and as it flows past the lamp, the UV light penetrates the cells of the microorganisms, disrupting their DNA and killing them. This makes the water safe to drink and prevents the spread of waterborne diseases.

UV sterilization is a chemical-free process, which means that it does not add any chemicals to the water and does not affect the taste or odor of the water. It is also a highly effective method of sterilization, as long as the water is properly exposed to the UV light.

In addition to its effectiveness, UV sterilization is a relatively low-maintenance process, with only the occasional replacement of the UV lamp required. It is also a compact and space-saving option for those who have limited space for a water filtration system.

Whole house water filtration systems can be installed by a professional plumber or by a DIY enthusiast with some plumbing experience. The cost of a whole-house water filtration system can vary widely, depending on the type of system you choose and the size of your household.

In conclusion, a whole-house water filtration system is a great investment for any household looking to improve the quality and safety of their drinking water. With several types of systems available, it is important to choose the right system for your specific needs in order to enjoy the many benefits that these systems offer.

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