Author: USwaterfilter

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Reverse Osmosis

Comparison of a Tank RO vs Tankless Water Purifier

Reverse Osmosis, also known as RO, is one of the top water purification methods on the market. You can have your choice between two types of Reverse Osmosis systems, including tank, and tankless. Although one RO water purification option provides a tank to hold filtered water, the other utilizes an advanced form of filtration for a pour and drink style of delivery. One of the biggest issues with any type of water purification system is regular maintenance. You can’t go wrong with cleaning the inside and outside of your unit on a regular basis. This will go great lengths in ensuring the production of safe, healthy water for years to come. Either style has various pros and cons, and the hope if this guide is to better enable consumers to make informed decisions on which works best for them.

Understanding the Inner Workings of an RO System

RO stands for Reverse Osmosis, thereby referring to the phenomenon by which it operates. The Reverse Osmosis system applies pressure in order to reverse osmosis, forcing water molecules into a low-concentration solution, to a high-concentration one to provide water in its purest form. As such, the RO membrane remains central to the overall operation of this style of water purification, making it the most expensive aspect of the system. Divided into four parts, various RO membranes are capable of producing varying amounts of water. For example, the HID household RO membrane features 50GPD, 100GPD, 200GPD, and so on. When the system produces higher volumes of water each day, the more expensive the unit. This is simply due to the fact that higher volume means larger RO membrane, which increases cost. And, unfortunately, because filter elements in an RO system need frequent replacement, this should be included in the initial stages of your research.
Pic Description：faucet

How do RO Systems Operate?

Currently, tank RO systems dominate the market. PP cotton, alongside activated carbon, allow raw water to filter through to a water pump. Once the water is processed through the pump, it passes through a final stage of activated carbon, unless homeowners have included additional stages. Once the pump’s pressurized, it pushes water through the RO membrane, in order to produce two types of water: wastewater, and pure water. The pure water continues onto a pressure tank, whereas wastewater is discharged. After the tank fills up, simply halt water production and turn on a faucet to disperse water. Although the pressure in the tank will decrease with this action, the system will continue producing water.
In general, most tank RO systems require a lot of space, of which many households may not have to give. It is for this reason that many individuals look toward tankless units, instead. There are several reasons manufacturers have begun promoting tankless Reverse Osmosis systems, with space being the biggest factor. In a tankless unit, there is no need for a container to hold water, and no risk of pollution originating from storage barrels. Although they cost more money, especially in comparison to a tank system, may individuals resolve to paying higher costs and maintenance fees for the sake of square footage.

Tank RO System

Traditionally, a Reverse Osmosis system forces water through numerous filtration devices, in addition to a water-permeable membrane. While it is extremely effective at purifying water, this style of RO system requires time to push water molecules through an RO membrane. This can reduce the amount of water being produced by the RO unit, sufficiently lowering the amount pouring from your faucet. This issue have mostly been resolved, with manufacturers installing storage tanks capable of filling with immediate access.
  • Pros
  • Most affordable RO system option
  • Only power requirement is for a UV filter or pump
  • Stored purified water serves well in emergency situations
  • Maintenance is just as easy as it is important
  • Cons
  • Long term water storage causes water to taste strange
  • Can promote bacterial growth, algae, and other contaminants
  • Requires regular maintenance for healthy water
  • Requires more space for setup and operation

APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage Certified Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System

Tankless RO System

The newest addition to the Reverse Osmosis is the tankless system, meant for compact spaces. These water purification units are easier to manage, and create less wastewater in comparison to tank systems. Manufacturers created the tankless design to stand up to the tank, producing a comparable amount of purified water, without the need for much space, or storage for filtered water. This also means users won’t run into issues with tanks contaminating its contents, or stored water taking on a foul flavor.
  • Pros
  • Requires less space than tank RO systems
  • Produces more purified water, less wastewater
  • Overall reduces your waterbill
  • Does not run the risk of contaminating stored water
  • Zero tank means little to no opportunity for bacterial growth
  • Cons
  • Requires electric to operate
  • Cannot store purified water for lengths of time
  • Demands a higher investment upfront

600GPD Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Choosing Between Tank and Tankless RO Systems

Either style of RO purification system can mean the difference between providing healthy and safe drinking water for your family, and going without. As you can see, there are many good reasons for choosing either style, most of which are dependent upon your available square footage, and long term needs. Whether you need to stick to a budget, or money is no object, a tank or tankless RO system will prove to be a staple within your household before long.

Why Should I Go Tankless?

When you don’t have space to spare, a tankless RO system may be your best bet. While this type of system doesn’t allow you to keep purified water on hand, it does provide on demand. Whenever a faucet is turned on, the unit will come to life, powering up the water pump, and producing purified water as needed. Although there are downsides to this sort of purifier, there are many benefits. Homeowners don’t have to be concerned with contamination stemming from a damaged or dirty storage tank. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with foul tasting water due to the tank. Essentially, a tankless RO system means there’s little to no chance of bacterial growth.

Why Should I Choose a Tank System?

While the overall production of a tank RO system is slow, it is necessary to the complete operation of this style of water purification. This enables the storage of prepped water in the water storage tank for discharge whenever a tap is used. Once a faucet is turned off, the water mechanism begins to fill the system’s tank with prepped water. Essentially, this type of unit continues making water through the use of a RO membrane, regardless of whether a faucet has been turned on – unlike tankless. The biggest downside to this option is in regard to square footage, considering it needs space to sit. Although it has the possibility of promoting the grown of bacteria or algae, this can be avoided with regular scheduled maintenance as suggested by manufacturers. If a tank unit seems best for your family, you can’t go wrong with a small gallon sized water purifier offers stable operation, continuous water production, and a low cost membrane replacement.
Categories
Water Filtration

Top Whole House Water Filter System Reviews

More people are now adopting whole house water filter systems as one of the most reliable filtering solutions around. They are well-known for their efficiency and consistency in producing high-quality water.
That said, it can be challenging to choose the best whole house water filter for your use, considering the number of options out there. This article offers you professional insights into how whole house filters work and their pros and cons. You will also get expert reviews of the top whole house water filters, highlighting the strengths of each.

What Is A Whole House Water Filter?

Whole house water filters are one of the most evolved filtration solutions out there. They are so advanced that you may not know you are even using one.
To the question, a whole house water filter is a filtration system designed to filter out the impurities in your water, which may not be visible to the naked eyes. They are often referred to as Point of Entry (POE) systems since they do the filtration right at the point where water enters your home. With a whole house water filter, both your cold and warm water are filtered. So, whichever faucet you open, you get filtered water, including toilets, washing machine showers, or kitchen taps.
Interestingly, there are point-of-use filters that work for refrigerators and others that can sit conveniently on your countertop. We have explained them in the later parts of this article.

Why Do You Need A Whole House Water Filter?

There are many reasons to buy a whole house water filtration. However, the most important reason is access to the best quality water. You cannot entirely trust the purity and safety of your municipal water supply. A water filter removes all the doubt and ensures you get clean and healthy water.
Municipal treatment plants use chlorine in disinfecting water, which means the water that gets into your home is most likely chlorinated. Having chlorine in water is necessary; it is a disinfectant that kills bacteria and other microorganisms. But the prolonged consumption of chlorinated water may affect your health. It even gets worse if you are ingesting large quantities of chlorine.
Your skin and hair are also at risk of different issues. Skin dryness and hair dullness have been consistently linked to bathing with chlorinated water. With a whole house filter, you can reduce the chlorine levels that get on or into your body, giving you clear skin and healthier hair.
The whole house water filter also helps protect the environment, compared to buying bottled water or adopting other filter types. Buying and consuming bottled water contributes to the carbon footprint. The plastics that contain the water are not easily recycled; the only way to lower their consumption and use. Furthermore, the bottled water consumed in one part of the country is often produced in another region. This necessitates transportation using trucks, thus increasing the carbon footprint of the bottled water.

Who Needs A Whole House Water Filter?

Whether you depend on the municipal water supply or the well in your backyard for your household water, you need to improve the quality. This is where a whole house water filtration system comes in. Once you have tested your water source using a home water test kit or by physical examination, you can come up with the following deductions;
  • The water is chlorinated;
  • There is high bacterial contamination;
  • The water smells or tastes unusual;
  • There are small floating particles in the water
If any of the facts above check, you can install a whole house water filtration system. Another point of use option is an under sink water filter, a shower filter, or a faucet water filter.

wp-org-recommended Whole House Water Filter Reviews

We know you are curious about how a whole house filter works. That is why we have made this short buying guide to explain their performance, strong points, and other points of considerations you should check before purchasing one.

1. Waterdrop Auto Flushing Spin Down Sediment Water Filter


Waterdrop Spin Down Sediment Water Filter, with Touch-Screen Auto Flushing Module, 40 Micron Reusable Whole House Pre-Filtration System, 1″ MNPT + 3/4″ FNPT + 3/4″MNPT, BPA Free
Waterdrop WD-PFA whole house water filter is known for its compactness. This feature is missing in most traditional whole house water cartridges. The stainless-steel filter mesh is built to be strong and anti-corrosive. The sediment filter size has a 40-micron pore size, which means it can adequately block large particles, including rust and sand, from getting your home’s water supply.
The water filter system works without manual flushing. There is an inbuilt advanced flushing function, meaning your water filter flushes automatically. There are 7-, 15-, or 30-days automatic flushing interval periods to choose from. The dedicated flush button allows you to automatically flush the system, ensuring that the filter mesh doesn’t clog.
Thanks to the two push-fit plumbing fittings fitted with the spin-down sediment filter, the installation process is simple. This saves you some extra money for the purchase. You also get four types of screw threads– 1” MNPT，3/4” MNP，3/4” FNPT, and ¾” push-fit plumbing fitting, and three inbuilt AAA batteries with a year lifespan out-of-the-box. All you have to do is connect and use.

2. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Sanitary Quick Change Water Filter System


3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Sanitary Quick Change Water Filter System AP904, Reduces Sediment, Chlorine Taste and Odor, and Scale
3M is a household name in the water filtration business. This whole house filtration system is one of their best products, striking a balance between performance and price. You get four filtration stages in this 1,000,000-gallon system, alongside the KDF media and the premium coconut carbon. Therefore, it can efficiently get rid of contaminants in water, including bad taste, bad odor, haloacetic acids, pesticides, VOCs, chloramine. It also controls bacterial growth.
It is powered by an innovative technology designed to offer higher accuracy in removing contaminants in water. There is also a 6-month satisfaction guarantee on the system, plus a lifetime warranty on all the pieces and parts.
To install the SpringWell Water System, use the installation kit included in the box, as well as the installation guide. Alternatively, you can bring in a plumber.

3. Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000-Gallon Whole House Water Filter


Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System – Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration – Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine – 1,000,000 Gl – EQ-1000
If you are in the market for a comprehensive filtration system that guarantees the safety of your water, the Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000-Gallon Whole House Water Filter is your best bet. This low-maintenance unit is equipped with a pro-grade installation kit containing a post-filter, a pre-filter, brass fittings, shutoff valves, and installation support.
When you go for this particular model, you can rest assured of the longevity of the water softener cylinder. The 1,000,000-gallon capacity means you can get up to 10 years of filtration performance, based on how much water you consume. If you want to monitor your consumption, note the original value of your water meter and check it periodically.
Another reason to get this whole house water filter system is that you get a pro installation kit out of the box, consisting of all the required installation parts. This helps save money and prevent leaks or faulty parts.

4. iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Filter


iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System with 10″ x 4.5″ Sediment CTO(Chlorine, Taste, and Odor) Filter, 1″ Inlet/Outlet
The iSpring WGB21B 2-stage whole house filter is another excellent way to ensure your household water is healthy and safe for drinking. The installation process is a simple DIY; you need no plumber. Just grab the pre-assembled part and connect. You can switch from the right-to-left arrangement to otherwise if that is your preference.
This whole house filter doesn’t double as a water softener, so it cannot remove the hardness in water. But it can efficiently remove the bad smell, chlorine, and sediments in your hard water, providing you with up to 50,000 gallons of filtered water. This filter can meet the water needs of a family of four for up to a year. However, the manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every six months to guarantee the best performance.
Asides from the excellent filtration, this filter guarantees a consistent water pressure at all times. When installing the shutoff valves, they can come at the beginning and end of the system. This ensures that replacing filters does not force you to drain all the water in the house.

5. Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter


Home Master Whole House Three Stage Water Filtration System with Fine Sediment, Iron and Carbon, Blue
A large number of homeowners currently use this whole house water filter from Home Master for apparent reasons. First, it is relatively affordable, and second, it delivers a remarkable performance. With a filtering capacity of 15 gallons per minute, you are getting a good value for your money.
The high-quality sediment filter is efficient, ensuring no particle larger than 1 micron makes it to the filtered water. The inbuilt activated carbon filter also refines the taste and odor of the water. Therefore, your filtered water is always clean, crisp, and great tasting.
The lifespan of the carbon filter is relatively long – you can get up to 100,000 gallons of filtered water. That is a year (or two) of filtered water supply, depending on the size of your family.

In Conclusion

We have discussed all you need to know about whole house filters, including what they are all about, why you need one, and how to get a suitable model for your family. The benefits of a whole house water filter are well worth the price. So, you can consider this a major investment into your family’s wellbeing, which will pay off both in the long and short runs.
Categories
Healthy Life Home Improvement

Interesting Water Filter Facts You Should Know

Bottled water manufacturers’ major marketing point is that the water is “pure” and “sourced naturally,” making it safer than tap water. In essence, they are banking on dissuading people from tap water by making it look suspicious. That worked wonderfully – over 700% increase in bottled water sales was recorded between 1997 and 2005. The per capita bottled water consumption climbed from 16.2 gallons to 42.1 gallons between 1999 and 2017. Interestingly, these significant boosts in sales and consumption came with substantial adverse effects on the environment. There was a corresponding and unprecedented increase in environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and landfill waste.
Were the manufacturers right about their claims on the purity of bottled water? No, they weren’t. Scientific studies have confirmed that bottled water is no safer than tap water. According to the EPA, bottled water is still prone to contaminants. However, that does not threaten the health of anyone who drinks the water.
So how do we ensure the water we drink is very safe? The only way to get pure and safe drinking water is by using a water filter. This option is not only effective but also cheaper and more environment-friendly than using bottled water. All you have to do is choose the right water filter capable of getting rid of the contaminants of interest.
Read on to learn more about water filters and how they can help you.

Is Public Water Safe?

The Safe Water Drinking Act empowers the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set the drinking water standards for the entire nation. Therefore, the agency oversees over 80 water contaminants that may be present in public water systems. These include lead, chlorine, e-coli, arsenic, and cryptosporidia, among others. The EPA confirms that 90% of US public water has been evaluated and found to meet the standards. However, a water filter will offer you a guaranteed safety of your water.
According to a 2015 study undertaken by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) – a nonprofit organization, about 18 million Americans have lead or other EPA-regulated impurities in their public water supply. This was attributed to environmental pollution and continuous degradation of the pipes. So, even if your tap water looks and tastes okay, you may have contaminants deposited in the water during transit. NRDC identified impurities like fecal waste, rocket fuel, lead, arsenic, and other byproducts produced during water treatment in the tap water studied. And the presence of these contaminants may cause serious health concerns.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) noted in its booklet, Drinking Water: What Health Care Providers Should Know, that “exposure to the contaminants (sometimes found in public and private drinking water) can cause many health problems, ranging from nausea and stomach pain to developmental problems and cancer.” The report mentioned that about 900,000 Americans suffered ill-health annually from contaminated private and public drinking water. Approximately 900 patients end up dying from the complications of their sicknesses.
While it is clear how unsafe public water can be, it is still almost as safe as bottled water. So, despite pumping billions of dollars into making water clean and healthy for drinking, bottled water manufacturers have not exactly achieved what they claim they have. Instead, they only sell the idea of bottled water being better and safer than tap water.

Going From Unsafe Water to Clean Water

Step 1 – Know what you are up against.

There is no universal water filter. Filters are designed to be effective against a specific set of contaminants. Knowing the contaminants in your water will help you choose the right filter, thus saving you money and time that could have been wasted on the wrong filter. This is why you must do a little research before anything else.
According to James P. McMahon, the owner of Sweetwater, LLC, a leading product consultant company on water and air purification, people end up with the wrong filter system skipping the research part of the process. “They skip this very important step, and then they’ve wasted money and resources on a system that isn’t making their water any safer.”
The annual “Consumer Confidence Report” from your water utility company often contains details like the source of your drinking water, the contaminants present, and their levels relative to the national standards. Suppose you don’t get a copy of this report by July 1. In that case, you can reach out to your utility and request a company or check www.epa.gov/safewater if it is available online.
The report will give you insights into the state of the water in your area; you need something more specific to verify the safety of your tap water. This is where the water test comes in. A water test at a state-certified lab can provide such information. You can check the EPA’s drinking water website for the list of suitable labs. Note that these tests come at a fee.
The same is applicable if your water source is a private well. Do your well water test during late spring or whenever there is a change in color or taste.

Step 2 – Identify the safest type of water filter.

There are tons of water filters in the market, including under-the-sink filters, faucet filters, inbuilt refrigerator filters, pitcher filters, and even whole-house filters. Each filter type is different, especially in the media types adopted. So, you need to go for one that best suits your needs.
If your Consumer Confidence Reports show that your water is better than the EPA levels, you can go for a water filter that targets the chemicals used in treating your water at the municipal plants. If these chemicals are not listed in your report, reach out to your utility and ask. Chemicals like chlorine, which is used for treating microorganisms, may combine with organic elements to produce carcinogenic byproducts, causing neurological and respiratory problems in humans. Chloramine is another water treatment chemical that can cause respiratory and circulatory problems.
The most effective filter type against chlorine and its byproducts is a combination of carbon/KDF adsorption filters. They are available as sink filters, whole-house filters, and shower filters. Waterdrop are known manufacturers of such filters.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
You can go for a countertop or under-the-sink filters if there are one or multiple contaminants in your water. The NSF online database can guide you on choosing filters that have been verified to be effective against the contaminants of interest.

Epic Pure Water Filter Pitchers for Drinking Water, 10 Cup 150 Gallon Long Last Filter, Tritan BPA Free, Removes Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead, PFAS, PFOA
Lastly, if you detect serious safety issues with your drinking water, the best solution would be a multi-stage filter. Such a filter can eliminate almost all contaminants in water, thanks to the variety of filter types it combines.

Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System SK99-NEW, Direct Connect, NSF/ANSI 53&42 Certified 0.5 Micron Carbon Block, Remove 99.99% Lead, Chlorine, Chloramine, Fluoride, Odor & Bad Taste- Quick Change

Step 3 – Check the labels.

What you are looking for on the labels is mainly the NSF certifications. The NSF International is a nonprofit organization that conducts standardized safety tests on products from the water and food industries. In the case of filters, NSF certifications signify that the filters have been tested and found to perform according to the manufacturer’s claims. Water Quality Association and Underwriters Laboratories are two other organizations that run similar certification tests in line with the NSF standards.
There are various NSF certifications. For instance, if a filter is NSF-certified to be effective against chlorine, it will not be effective against nitrates or lead. This is why you should check the filter labels and ensure that it is effective against your contaminants of interest. You should also check for either the Water Quality Association Gold Seal, the NSF seal, or the UL Water Quality mark on the label for additional assurance on the filter’s performance.

Safe Water For The Present And The Future

Filters are far from perfection. They come at a relatively high cost, in terms of money and energy, plus you cannot recycle the filter cartridge. However, you will only end up disposing of a few cartridges, which is better than disposing of billions of single-use water bottles. So, what can we do to ensure we get clean and safe drinking water for now and in the future?
We should start by avoiding bottled water. It is not safer than tap water, yet, it is expensive and harms the environment. Next is to demand that companies manufacturing water filters take back their cartridges for proper recycling. The best way to recycle filter cartridges is to dispose of them off in a sealed landfill, ensuring that the contaminants trapped in them do not escape back into the environment.
Brita is a popular water filtration brand with several refrigerator filters, faucet-mounted filters, and carbon adsorption pitcher filters to its name. The company accepts recycling shipments of its products once correctly sent by the consumer. You may want to check if your filter manufacturer offers a recycling option before purchase or have one in the works.
Lastly, America still relies on its old and tired water treatment and distribution systems. It is vital to repair and upgrade these systems to ensure the public gets safer and cleaner water. While such repairs and upgrades may be capital intensive, they are worth the investment. Fortunately, a few organizations are pressuring Congress to provide funding for these projects.
In the end, we cannot entirely run away from the use of water treatment chemicals, especially in the future. This is why we must take charge of our health and safety by putting adequate measures in place to make our water as safe and healthy as possible for drinking.
Categories
All Reviews

The Guide To Choosing The Right Water Filter For Refrigerators

With more people becoming more committed to their health, it is understandable why the demand for newer and better water filter solutions is rising. Homeowners are actively seeking efficient ways to eliminate the high number of contaminants in their tap water.
One of the best methods to ensure your family gets the best quality water is to install a high-performance refrigerator water filter. This system serves as a dual source of both filtered cold water and ice made from filtered water.
Deciding to buy a refrigerator water filter is the easy part. The challenging part is how to determine the most suitable out of the lot. That is why we have put together this guide to help you decide correctly and in line with your needs.

Water Filter Type

The first step is to determine which filter(s) your fridge can perfectly work with. Identify the location of the filter in your refrigerator and ensure you can get its correct size and specifications. You will most likely find your refrigerator filter in one of the following places;

Grille

In most cases, the refrigerator filter comes in a long, slim cartridge, which you can find around the fridge base, with close proximity to the grille. There may be a protective knob covering that blends both the cartridge and the grille. So, take your time in finding the filter cartridge.
When you eventually find it, twist it slightly to get it out. Alternatively, you may look for a push-button designed to eject the filter cartridge when pressed.

Drop Down

The filter may be present in a drop-down hatch, right in the fridge’s food compartment.

Slide Out

Similar to grille filters in appearance, slide-out fridge filters can be ejected by pressing a dedicated eject button. You will find them also in the food compartment.

Canister

Canister water filters usually hang down from the top towards the end of the food compartment of your refrigerator. A slight turn should detach the filter in most cases. If this doesn’t work, you may need a wrench to detach the protective plastic guard.
In some cases, you may not find an inbuilt water filter in your refrigerator. Such fridges use inline filters linked directly to the system through the waterline. They are usually complex to install or uninstall. Still, there are various methods of replacing them, depending on the type of replacement filter you want.

Filtering Capabilities

The filtering capability of a filter essentially means how well it does the filtration. It is measured in microns. A lower micron rating indicates better filtration performance, i.e., the filter will be more effective against even tiny contaminants.
The common filter material in refrigerators is granular activated carbon, which helps to remove contaminants and particles from water. The average micron rating of a granular activated carbon filter is around 20 microns.
Asides from the micron rating, you can find other information like the specific contaminants the filter is effective against on the specs sheet, which is often included in the package. You need all these to make a sound comparison while shopping.

Manufacturer and Merchant

Considering how important purchasing a fridge water filter is, you must not leave any stone unturned. This is why you should factor in the manufacturer of the filter you are buying. While there are top products from reputable brands and manufacturers, you must be ready to pay good money. Notable names like KitchenAid, Maytag, and General Electric all have remarkable filter models out there.
Aside from the manufacturers, where you buy your filter is also essential. Ensure you buy from a trusted merchant with a track record of quality products, excellent customer service, fast and reliable delivery, and overall service integrity. Once a merchant checks all these boxes, you can go ahead and buy from them. Water Filters Fast is one of the best merchants in the business.

Top Rated Refrigerator Water Filter

Samsung Genuine DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter


2 Pack Samsung DA29-00020B HAF-CIN/EXP Refrigerator Water Filter (2 Items)
The Samsung Genuine DA29-00020B is known for its consistency and its ability to deliver pure and tasty drinking water. As is the case with the higher-end models in this market, this unit can handle cleaning water successfully for up to six months or up to 300 gallons of water before needing replacement. This model usually retails for approximately $50 – $55, so it is a bit on the expensive side when compared to other filters.

Waterdrop Replacement for Samsung DA29-00020B Fridge Water Filter


Waterdrop Replacement for Samsung DA29-00020B Fridge Water Filter
Waterdrop filters have comprehensive certification from WQA, IAPMO, and NSF 401, 53, 42 and 372. To achieve these standards, the filter cartridge is thoroughly tested to ensure perfect filtration. The NSF 401 certification shows that it significantly reduces levels of ibuprofen, phenytoin, naproxen, estrone, bisphenol A, and nonylphenol. Additionally, it has also achieved the NSF 53 standard for removing mercury, benzene, and lead from water. This refrigerator filters significantly reduce the levels of many different harmful substances in your water, including chlorine, heavy metals, lead, mercury, odor, large particles, and many other major impurities. The filter additionally allows through many of the beneficial minerals in water that are essential for health. Waterdrop uses coconut shell carbon blocks supplied from Sri Lanka that have enlarged surface area and more micropores than inferior carbon blocks. The filter cartridge is far more effective in reducing levels of chlorine, dirt, sediment, rust, and a wide range of heavy metals. In line with our high level of attention to detail, we have chosen a BPA-free and food-grade housing for the filter that exceeds the NSF 372 certification for lead-free filtration.

EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1


EveryDrop by Whirlpool 10383251 Refrigerator Water Filter 1, EDR1RXD1 (Pack of 1), Purple
Some people have trouble deciding whether or not the best refrigerator water filter for their needs, based on their research, is one that’s going to fit their existing fridge. You probably won’t have that worry with the EveryDrop Water Filter 1 by Whirlpool, as it’s the only model that the manufacturer certifies as proper replacements for high-end and high-selling refrigerator brands such as Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, and Amana. The only somewhat negative feedback with regards to this model from consumers is that it is a bit expensive, but at around $50 per unit, it doesn’t seem out of line with its competitors to us.

In Conclusion

Contrary to popular opinion, it is not difficult to choose the right water filter for your refrigerator. You only need to understand what you need and how to get it. Remember, the safety of your family is important. So, you must get it right by getting a filter that can provide you with safe, pure, and healthy cold water and ice.
Categories
Water Filtration

Is RV Water Safe for Drinking?

If you are not conversant with RVs, it is common to bother about the water quality you get from your taps, especially when you consider the only visible source is a tank similar to those used in storing sewage and greywater. This brings us to the question – is the water from your RV really safe for drinking?
On a good note, the water from your RV is suitable for drinking, provided the tank and system have been adequately treated and cleaned. But for rented RVs or the ones you are not conversant with the water tank, you are better off with bottled water.
As you may have noticed, getting safe drinking water from your RV requires serious maintenance works. This post discusses the ins and outs of RV water, alongside the common warning signs you should look out for in unsafe RV water. Knowing how your RV water supply works and how you can maintain it can help you access safe and fresh water at all times.

What is the source of the water in an RV?

There are two possible sources of water in an RV. The first is the water tank, and the second is the city water. Let’s take a closer look at both.

City Water

Adopting city water as your RV water source requires creating a connection between the screw-on connection and the water source in the background using a hose. Note that only specific freshwater hoses are approved for this connection. If properly done, you get water to your RV directly from the source with no contamination.

Water Tank

If you find yourself in an area without water hookups, your go-to water source will be the RV water tank. You can fill your water tank through the “Fresh Water” connection, usually on the outside of your RV. Some RVs share just one connection for city and freshwater, and the connections are different in other models. In all of these, always factor in the extra weight of the water.
Both the city water and water tank connection options require pipes in your RV. These pipes are used to move the water to your faucet. This is why you should keep your water system clean, even after using the RV water tank.

Should you use a water filter on your connection?

Yes, you should use a water filter at all times. Campground-supplied water often contains a considerable amount of chlorine, added to disinfect it. However, the presence of chlorine tends to alter the taste and odor of the water, leaving you with something like the swimming pool water. You can remove these traces of chlorine using a filter to get a better tasting and smelling water. Using the filter also ensures sediments do not get into your RV water supply.
You will find certain RV water filters capable of double cartridge filtration because they have a carbon filter and a sediment filter. If you go for a filter that combines with your filter hose, it means the water will be filtered before it gets into your RV. However, you may have to detach and store the filter when your RV is not in use.
Alternatively, you can install a filter inside the trailer, right under the sink. These filters are designed to filter the water before it comes out of the tap. This means that even the leftover water in the lines is purified before you collect it for drinking. This setup removes the need to remove and store the filter.

Ultra-filtration Under Sink Water Filter System
Under-sink filter units provide a superior method of water filtration, for filtered, clean water that’s safe to drink or cook with on your RV. A filtration unit, such as the Waterdrop smart under-sink ultrafiltration TSU system not only saves space under your sink, but also filters out contaminants up to 0.1 microns in size. This means sediment, rust, chlorine, bacteria, and other minerals, microbes, and chemicals are effectively removed. An extended filter lifespan also provides up to two years of filtered use, effectively reducing the need for frequent filter replacements.
Not only will the nearly complete removal of the aforementioned contaminants create better tasting and smelling water, but it equal healthier bodies, too. The only downside to a UF filter is that it is incapable of removing TDS. Although it retains the majority of beneficial minerals typically found in tap water, the Waterdrop TSU system cannot stand up to RO systems in situations where source water exceeds ideal TDS levels (500PPM in the USA).

Water Filter Pitcher


200-Gallon Long-Life Chubby 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher with 1 Filter, NSF Certified, 5X Times Lifetime, Reduces Lead, Fluoride, Chlorine and More, BPA Free, White, by Waterdrop
Other simple RV filter options include a space saving countertop style filter, such as a water filter pitcher. The Waterdrop water filter pitcher provides carbon blocks, and other various media, to reduce or remove rust, sediment, chlorine, and other harmful substances.
One of the top benefits to a countertop pitcher style water filter is the sheer portability and compact design. This enables users to take them anywhere on the go, regardless of where they’re headed. The biggest downside to a water filter pitcher is the lack of capacity, which requires frequent filling for a continuous supply of clean drinking water.

What are the components of the RV water tank?

The water tanks in RVs are made of plastic, with polythene the adopted plastic-type in most cases. You may want to ask, is polyethylene safe?
Interestingly, polyethylene is a ubiquitous plastic-type, which has been extensively tested over time for safety. None of the tests and studies on the safety of polyethylene has confirmed it to be toxic. So, we can conclude that polyethylene is not harmful to your eyes or skin if it gets into your system by drinking water stored in a polyethylene container. Likewise, there is no scientific proof that polyethylene is a potential cause of cancer.

How do you keep your RV water system sanitized?

Sanitizing your RV’s water tank is easier than you think. You can use the traditional house cleaners without any worries. It is best to sanitize every spring, but you can sanitize if you sense an unusual odor coming from the tank.
Here are practical steps you can follow to disinfect your tank to keep your drinking water pure:
  1. Get all the water in the tank out. You can do this by opening both the low point and freshwater drains. Close the drains after draining is complete.
  2. You need ¼ of bleach for every 15 gallons water tank capacity. For instance, if the tank’s capacity is 30 gallons, you need ½ bleach.
  3. Combine the bleach with water in a 1-gallon container.
  4. Pour the solution into the freshwater tank through a funnel.
  5. Fill the freshwater tank to the brim with water.
  6. Turn on the water pump and open all the faucets, including the hot and cold faucets.
  7. Wait for a moment to detect the odor of the bleach coming out of the faucet.
  8. Now, close the faucets and allow the bleach solution to stay in the tank for at least 12 hours.
  9. After the wait, empty the system again and refill the freshwater tank with clean and pure drinking water.
  10. Now you can open all the faucets, leaving them to run until the bleach smell is no more detectable. This may require you to refill your freshwater tank repeatedly until you are sure there are no traces of bleach in the system.
Now your fresh drinking water system can store drinking water. The role of bleach is to kill the bacteria and mold in your tank. This is why you must flush the bleach out to ensure your tank is 100% free of any harmful contaminants.

How do I solve the problem of smelling water?

If you sense a bad smell coming out from the freshwater tank, do not get overly worried. First, stop using the water from the tank because the water is most likely contaminated with bacteria or mold. Next, sanitize your system by following the steps listed above. Only drink water from your tank after cleaning out the system and confirming that the water coming out is odorless.

Should you drink tap water in a rented RV?

No, you shouldn’t! You will agree that most rental RVs are hardly properly treated. This is because the owners of the RV systems do not know how to maintain and clean the systems. Another reason is that previous users do not adequately clean the water supply before returning them to the rentals.
To be on the safe side, always come with your own drinking water supply if you rent an RV. This is the only way to ensure you are drinking fresh and safe water. Otherwise, you might be putting your health at risk.

Is the water from the RV suitable for showering?

If you have put in all that work to ensure your RV tank contains clean and healthy water, why restrict yourself to only drinking? Feel free to use your RV water to shower. Clean water baths can keep your body clean and relaxed. However, avoid long baths if you want to use your limited water supply for as long as possible.

Clean, Pure RV Water Supply All Day

Once you understand how you can maintain your RV water system, all you have to do is enjoy the system’s clean water supply. Now you can worry less about accessing a constant supply of pure water when outdoors. The convenience is top-notch, and there is zero health risk to worry about with this safe drinking water supply.
Finally, you should check these helpful guides for more information.
Categories
Countertop

Things to Know About Water Filter Pitcher

Those of you who own a water filter pitcher probably didn’t put much thought into water filtration after your initial pitcher purchase. Perhaps you have invested in a few replacement filter cartridges, or didn’t notice enough of a difference to justify the continued use of a water filter pitcher. I mean, the whole idea behind this product design is to fill and go – right?

Have You Changed the Filter Recently?

Chances are you are, at the very least, somewhat familiar with Brita brand water pitchers – a product which enables users to fill at the tap. By utilizing gravity, water trickles through a simple carbon cartridge filter, down to the lower compartment. The biggest issue with this design, however, is the dependency upon regularly renewed carbon water filter cartridges. If you own a Brita filter, how confident are you in your upkeep?

Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, White, Large 10 Cup, 1 Count
Many individuals put their hope in Brita filters because of their availability, affordability, and overall ease of use. From the get go, users typically notice a marked improvement in flavor by simply filtering their tap water through a Brita water filter pitcher. Aside from better tasting water, does this type of water filter actually purify drinking water? Due to the simplicity of this type of water filter cartridge, you might be surprised to learn about the lack of features in a cheap water filter pitcher.

The Inner Workings of a Water Pitcher Filter

Each water filter, regardless of the style, utilizes different filtration methods, types of inner media, and outer shell material, to name just a few. The majority of water filter cartridges use activated carbon to improve flavor, as well as to reduce numerous impurities. By working through basic absorption, activated carbon creates a strong adherence to contaminant molecules in order to neutralize their influence over quality and taste. Due to the inherently large surface area found in carbon, it acts like a sponge inside of a water filter in order to reduce the presence of copper, lead, mercury, chlorine, and other pesticides, as well as some organic compounds.
The biggest issue with activated carbon filters is that they are incapable of removing dissolved materials, nitrates, or bacteria and viruses commonly present in tap water. These contaminants are incapable of binding to carbon, and they pass through unfazed. That being said, it’s worth noting that dissolved minerals are not typically hazardous. Additionally, tap water is generally treated for the removal of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, due to municipal water facility standards.

Improved Water Filter Pitcher Options

This isn’t to say that water filter pitchers aren’t worth keeping around, they are actually extremely helpful. As with any other product, there are low end, mid range, and premium water pitcher options available. Although there are many easily accessible filter pitchers available at your local grocery store, the higher quality models can be found at health food stores as well as online. The Waterdrop, for example, uses coconut-based activated carbon filter in order to neutralize and eliminate cadmium, chlorine, copper, mercury, and zinc.

Water Filter Pitcher, Chubby Blue / White
There are various types of filter media that include materials known as ion exchange resin, which works to remove calcium and magnesium ions, as well as lowering water hardness. Many high end water filter pitchers prove they are an easy-to-use, affordable option for water purification in the comfort of your own home. Per year, annual cost reports show that water filter pitchers cost anywhere between $30 to $175, depending on brand, material, etc.
While shopping for your water filter pitcher, pay attention to the details found on the label. For example, ensure the product meets certain standards for efficacy and sanitation, by locating a badge on the label displays stating “NSF-certified Trusted Source”. This allows consumers to understand the level of testing and requirements that must be met by certified filters. If a water filter pitcher isn’t exactly what you are looking for, you may consider at-home treatments such as a distillation unit, reverse osmosis system, under-the-sink filters, or refrigerator filters, to name a few.

Creating a Regular Water Filter Replacement Schedule

You may find it helpful to create a schedule for the regular replacement and maintenance of your water filter pitcher. Not only will this ensure your container is clean and free of algae or bacteria, but it keeps a steady supply of filtered water on hand with new filter cartridges. This is all dependent upon the manufacturer and pitcher model, and it’s highly advisable to adhere to manufacturer standards as far as filter replacement. This will better enable homeowners to get the most out of their water pitcher, while also enjoying clean drinking water. More often than not, filter replacement recommendations are supplied on a monthly basis, depending on amount of gallons filtered, and more. Higher end models may supply a built-in sensor, which changes color when it’s time to replace the filter.

Ramifications of Replacing Filters Irregularly

There are a few ways to identify when you have waited too long to change your filter cartridge of your water pitcher. Not only is it unsanitary, and promote the growth of bacteria and algae, but replacing filters on an irregular basis makes your pitcher less effective and slow. By ignoring replacement recommendations you could put yourself and your family at risk of consuming contaminated drinking water. When filters are not changed regularly, contaminants build up and create blockages which slow down the trickle of filtered water. Additionally, the build up of contaminants poses potentially harmful effects to overall health.
Water filter cartridges do not kill bacteria present in municipal water and, as a downside, can create a breeding ground when not replaced regularly. In short, this is due to the presence of a moist, dark environment, which better enables the multiplication of bacteria in high concentration. These microbes may become trapped, flowing on into the resulting water for your consumption. In many cases, the presence of bacteria in water tends to increase with older water pitcher filter cartridges. According to a German Study, the amount of bacteria in a water filter pitcher is 10,000 times greater than that found in tap water. They concluded that this was due to the fact that filter cartridges create a perfect environment for the development of biofilm.

The Health Concerns Associated with Unfiltered Water

Before digging in too deep, it is crucial to point out the difference between tap water, and “raw” water. “Raw” water is produced by natural waterways, such as rivers, streams, and lakes, which is left untreated. Tap water, by comparison, is thoroughly treated through the utilization of various methods at local water treatment facilities. However, treated water can also continue to contain bacteria and contaminants after much processing and treatments. When individuals are concerned with the unseen solids hiding in their tap, they often turn to filtration solutions.
There is an extensive list of solids and contaminants that can end up in your tap water, from chemical runoff, to pesticides, lead, and more. Although some of these contaminants are seemingly harmless, many others at high levels tend to be harmful or, in rare cases, deadly. Many of these issues are resolved by swapping out lead faucets and pipes, or lead parts used throughout plumbing systems. As lead piping or fixtures begin to corrode, poisoning creates development delays in children, as well as learning disabilities. Effected adults suffer from high blood pressure and kidney issues after being exposed to lead poisoning.
Other biological contaminants may include bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. Over slight exposure, the aforementioned contaminants are capable of leading to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, nausea, and more. Although tap water is generally sanitized by local water treatment facilities, outbreaks are possible – which is when a boil advisory is typically issued. In unfiltered, treated tap water, these dangerous contaminants can remain ever present, waiting to be consumed by your family. Although a little confusing, it can be easy to recognize the signs of unsuitable tap water.

Is My Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Upon visiting any given area, or moving into your new apartment, you may quickly notice a few signs that point toward unsafe drinking water. In the United States, generally speaking, most tap water must meet specific sanitation standards. However, it is possible to fail to meet these standards or, in rare cases, for issues to go unnoticed. How can you know, regardless of your country of residence, whether your tap water is perfectly safe to consume?
  • To test the safety of your tap water, simply fill up a clear glass with tap water, and watch for sediment, or cloudiness. Upon closer observation, if you notice either of these issues in the glass, avoid drinking any, pour it down the sink, and begin shopping for a water filter pitcher or whole house water filtration system.
  • In the event of your water pitcher producing cloudy water, it may be time to take a step back and review a few details. In essence, cloudy water in a water pitcher means the filter has been used beyond its lifespan, and is creating an unsanitary environment. In this case, it’s safe to say you should replace the water pitcher filter immediately, after washing the container with soap and warm water.

Water Filtration is a Personal Choice

It’s worth noting that a water filtration device or whole house system is not an essential part of life. Depending on your personal preferences and needs, it may not be worth the space to store a water filter pitcher on your counter or fridge. However, if you are someone who is concerned with your own health, as well as the health of your family, a water filter can be a great solution to questionable tap water. Although filter cartridges do not kill bacteria, and may become a host to bacteria with unchanged filters, it can help to remove a whole slew of contaminants that make people sick. If you are one of these people, you cannot go wrong by investing in a Waterdrop water filter pitcher in order to provide your family with clean drinking water.
Categories
Countertop

Top 5 Countertop Water Filters You Should Consider In 2021

It is more convenient to grab a bottle of water on the go. However, investing in a countertop filtration system for your home will save you more money and protect you from contaminants like pathogens, PFAs, and lead. There are many filters out there, each designed to be effective against specific contaminants. The only way to determine the right filter for you is to know the type of contaminants in your water. This information is often present in your local water utility’s annual water quality report. Alternatively, you can assess your well water or other water sources in a private lab.
After you know the contaminants you are up against, you can check suitable filters in the market. The best filters are NSF certified, confirming they are originals and perform as advertised. Watch out for filters made from substandard materials. Such filters often leach and add more contaminants to your water. Counterfeit replacement cartridges often have the wrong fitting, so they cause water leaks and may damage your plumbing fixtures. Ensure you check the product on the NSF’s online listing for its certification.
Fortunately, you can save yourself time and effort by choosing from these top five authentic countertop filters hand-picked specifically for you.

Our Best 5 Pick Reviews

Waterdrop M5 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter


Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter with Portable Water Pitcher
The M5 RO system is the latest from Waterdrop. It is equipped with advanced water filtration technology and a 5-stage filtration system that uses double layers of sediment PP membrane, premium carbon block, RO membrane, and post-activated carbon black layer to deliver pure, clean filtered water. The configuration makes the filter effective against harmful substances like heavy metals, TDS, particulates, rust, sand, lead, chlorine, etc. It also gets rid of bad odor and taste, leaving you with only great-tasting water.
The 8 oz. water pitcher is where you collect the filtered water in the M5 Countertop RO system. The Tritan material is BPA-free, giving you a clean and healthy water purification process. You can move the water filter pitcher around, thanks to its portability. You can also rotate it 180 degrees to get water out from different sides. Switching the all-in-one filter is easy, although the extended life span and lower costs mean spending less on replacements. The system works without electricity or a water pump – you can rest assured of a seamless installation process and near-silent performance.
This countertop reverse osmosis system can easily deliver 12 months of optimal filtration performance or 550 gallons of filtered water, depending on your water quality. If and when you have to change the filter, the replacement process is seamless and requires no prior plumbing experience.

iSpring CKC1 Countertop Water Filter


iSpring CKC1 Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System with Carbon Filter 2.5″ x 10″, White
There are many things to love about this CKC1 Countertop Water Filter System from iSpring. The sleek modern design makes it an excellent addition to your kitchen counter in your home, apartment, RVs, or counter.
The excellent filtration performance of this filter system is attributed to its coconut-shell carbon block filter, which conveniently removes up to 95% of impurities in your water, including rust, sediment, silt, sand, odors, chlorine, and others. It is also effective against industrial chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides. The filter is only due for a replacement after six months.
This product is tested and certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to have met the NSF/ANSI standards. Asides from the effective filtration performance, this filter system is easy to install and use. Once you remove the aerator from the faucet (if present), you can connect the diverter valve. You get two adapters and sealing washers out of the box, which matches the external or internal threads on your faucet. After this, you can turn on the water and leave it to run clear, flushing out the loose carbon. You can get both the normal tap water and the filtered water from the faucets – tap water comes out when the diverter handle is in line with the connector, and filtered water comes out when the diverter handle is perpendicular to the connector.
This countertop water filter is available in transparent purple and white models. Now you can drink pure and healthy water or use it for your coffee, juice, or smoothie.

Aquasana Countertop Water Filter


Aquasana AQ-4000W Countertop Drinking Water Filter System, White
This water filter system will turn your tap water into a clean, healthy, and great-tasting beverage, thanks to its superior filtration performance. With NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, and P473 certifications, this filter system has been proven to be effective against up to 77 contaminants found in water. These include lead, mercury, and chlorine-resistant cysts like cryptosporidium and giardia. It is also effective against herbicides, pesticides, and other organic chemicals, as well as ibuprofen, estrone, and other pharmaceuticals.
The Aquasana Countertop Water Filter runs on a Claryum technology that retains the naturally occurring minerals in your water. It does this through activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration processes. So, your filtered water is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Owners of this filter have great feedback about its ease of installation. Once you screw the faucet attachment to your sink, you can get filtered water directly from the tap. What’s more, the six months or 450 gallons of filtered water lifespan means fewer filter replacements.
Finally, this machine comes with a 90-day guarantee and an additional one-year warranty to protect buyers.

Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher


Water Filter Pitcher, Chubby Blue / White
Here is another exquisitely designed filtration system on our list. The self-contained design in the Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher is complimented with a super filtration performance that leaves no impurity in your filtered water.
The water filter pitchers often have containers of varying sizes. You only go with the size that corresponds to how much water you filter at once. Also worthy of note is the slower filtration process of water filter pitchers than other countertop water filters. You will need to wait for a few more minutes for the feed water to flow through the cartridge. But they make up for this with their pricing, portability, and durability. This filter system will deliver up to two months of optimal filtration and 40 gallons of filtered water.

Brondell H20+ Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System


Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System, 11.5x11x4.25, White/Black
This countertop water filter works perfectly without any under-sink installation, thanks to the advanced filtration technology adopted. The three-stage patented Nanotrap technology adopted in this filter system is restricted to under-counter systems only, delivering an excellent filtration performance that eliminates bad taste and odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, industrial chemicals, viruses, and bacteria.
The Brondell H20+ Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System is certified by the Water Quality Association, in compliance with NSF/ANSI standards 372, 53, and 42. Once you can create enough room for this 3.75 x 10.5 x 13.5 inches model, you are in for an enjoyable user experience that may last up to 6 months before a filter replacement is due.
The system is equipped with three filters, each for a different filtration stage. The composite filter handles the stage one filtration, the Nanotrap filter handles the second stage filtration, while the carbon block filter handles the third stage of filtration. Stages one and two filters can last up to six months, while the stage three filter can last up to a year.
The majority of the current owners of this filter system commend its seamless and fast installation process. In 10 minutes, you can set up your countertop water filter system and enjoy clean, filtered, and pure water.

In Conclusion

This blog has discussed in detail the top countertop water filter systems you should look out for in the current market. Aside from their ease of installation and use, you can trust these types of water treatment systems to consistently deliver pure and great-tasting water while taking up minimum space and costing less.
With all the information at your disposal, we believe you are now better equipped to choose the best countertop water filter system for your space. Enjoy the shopping experience.
Categories
Water Filtration

Why Do I Need A Whole House Filter?

What does our water contain?

The tap water and well water Americans use for their daily household activities contain moderate to high levels of impurities, usually from environmental and industrial pollution. The same can be said for other water sources, including glaciers, rivers, lakes, and others. These contaminants are usually naturally occurring minerals and man-made byproducts and chemicals.
When contaminant sources like stormwater runoff, acidic rain, industrial wastes, or pesticide runoff find their way into surface water like lakes or rivers, it leads to contamination of water. Likewise, when disease-producing pathogens, toxic household products, agricultural chemicals, and leachates from landfills and septic systems find their way into groundwater like public water supplies or private wells, they contaminate the water.
Most contaminants are present at moderate levels, so they do not cause sickness instantly. However, if they are accumulated over time, they cause chronic health issues.

Foreign Substances in Water

Microbial Pathogens, which are microorganisms that cause diseases, such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria.
– Organic substances
  • Trihalomethanes are one of the products of the reaction between chlorine and naturally occurring organic matter in drinking water.
  • Pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides.
  • Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), including gasoline additives, degreasers, solvents, and others.
– Inorganic substances
  • Toxic metals, including mercury, lead, chromium, barium, arsenic, and others.
  • Radioactive Elements, coming from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils.
  • Scale is formed by the presence of hard water minerals like magnesium and calcium. They are found on surfaces of fixtures and appliances, where they cause lime deposits.
The regular water treatment standards are effective against only a few of these substances. A whole house water filtration is required to ensure 100% protection against all of these impurities.

What are the most popular whole house water filter types?

With a whole house water system in place, you can fix most issues around your water quality, taste, odor, or appearance. These systems are specially designed to get rid of impurities from your water, using a filter connected to your water line. The filtration occurs right at the main source of water in your home. So, the water coming out of your toilets, faucets, and other appliances is already filtered.
The specific impurities in your water often depend on the source. For instance, homes that rely on municipal water will need a whole house carbon filtration system to do a general whole house water purification. Carbon filtration can efficiently remove odor, chloramines, chlorine, and VOCs in your water, leaving you with chemical-free drinkable water. However, if you have identified certain impurities like iron, bacteria, sediment, or fluoride, you need a whole house system that is equipped to remove these contaminants. For instance, having brown iron or orange stains around your water fixtures signifies the presence of iron. So, you need a whole house iron filter to correct this.
Note that a whole house softener is not the same as a filter – it only helps to soften hard water. You should only consider a whole house softener if you want soft water that keeps your glassware spotless and your environment free of scale. However, the combination of a softener with any whole house filtration system will ensure you get clean and soft water from all your faucets.

Types of whole house systems

We have three major types of whole house systems – the heavy-duty filtration system, the standard capacity water cartridge and spin down sediment filter.
As the name suggests, heavy-duty systems are the most powerful contaminant removal systems out there. They are equipped with large amounts of filtered water, installed in a tank of up to 50” in height. They deliver up to 5-10 years of consistent filtration before the media is due for a replacement.

APEC Water Systems FUTURA-15 Premium 15 GPM Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener & Water Conditioner
The standard capacity water cartridges, on the other hand, are equipped with water filter cartridges that are installed inside durable filter housings. These cartridges treat the contaminated water directly at the source. Most standard capacity water cartridges are 10” or 20” in height with a diameter of 4.5”. They can work a whole year before they are due for replacement. And while they are more affordable, you may need to do a bit more maintenance.

iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System with 10″ x 4.5″ Sediment CTO(Chlorine, Taste, and Odor) Filter, 1″ Inlet/Outlet
Spin down sediment filter blocks impurities with its inner mesh. It houses a 50-micron 316L molybdenum alloy filter that blocks impurities such as rust or small objects. It is designed to not to cause drop in your water pressure. Reinforced housing has been subjected to rigorous voltage, pressure, explosion, and prolonged water hammer impact tests. With improved backwashing function, you don’t have to disassemble the housing and clean the mesh.

Reusable Whole House Spin Down Sediment Water Filter 50 Micron

Water Flow Requirements

A lot of factors should be considered when choosing the right filtration system for your home. The water flow is one of these factors. Your filter system must deliver filtered water directly from the supply – a process that requires a higher flow rate capacity. Filters with flow rate capacities lower than your peak water flow will reduce pressure and limit the volume of water you get from your faucets. The minimum water pressure rating of most filters is 15 gallons per minute. However, you can look out for models that offer as much as 40 gallons per minute.

Mesh Microns

The sediment filter mesh has pores. The sizes of these pores are recorded in microns, and they determine the type of sediment particles the filter can remove. The finest meshes have the lowest micron ratings and are more efficient at reducing even the smallest sediment particles in your water. Considering this, it would be logical to go for a filter system with the smallest micron rating. But this assumption is not right.
If the water you want to filter contains large particles of metal or rust, going for a smaller mesh size means the filter will clog up faster. When this happens, it reduces your water pressure until you clean or changes the filter. If your filter is washable or reusable, this means you need to wash and replace it almost every day to keep the flow normal. If the filter is not reusable – as in a cartridge system – you spend more money buy new filters to replace the clogged ones.
In most cases, there are different types of sediment in your water, which may change with time or the age of your well. This is why you should test your water to know the contaminants present and use it as a guide to decide the best micron mesh size for you. Alternatively, you can try out different meshes until you find the most effective. If your water contains multiple sediment types, it is best to go for a multi-stage filtration system that is effective against all of them.

Durability and Lifespan

Changing your filter every time is stressful and expensive. Your water usage determines how frequently you change your filter. If you are staying alone, you will use less water compared to an entire family. So, your cartridges will last even longer than that of a family with heavy use of water.
You can determine the life expectancy of filters and cartridges by checking the product specifications. The lifespan often depends on the amount of water filtered, but it is not strange to see manufacturers provide an estimated timeframe.
However, these are only projections. If your water contains several sediment particles, your filter might expire before the expected timeframe. Likewise, if your water contains fewer sediment particles of the same size, your filter life may be longer than quoted by the manufacturer.
Your filter life is also affected by how frequently you flush or clean the system. When you flush a filter, you run water through multiple times while discarding the filtered water. There are various cleaning methods, depending on the type of filter. However, you can use mild detergents or a homemade vinegar solution for most filters. For detergents, make sure you get rid of all the detergent before replacement.
Cleaning your filter regularly will extend its lifespan and make it more efficient. It also minimizes environmental pollution because you are discarding less used filters.

What are the advantages of a whole house water filter?

With a whole house water filter, you get:
  • Clean, filtered water from all your faucets
  • Clean water for bathing
  • Longer lifespan of water appliances and household pipes
  • Soft, scale-free water suitable for your glasses and showers
  • Softer, clean, and longer-lasting clothing
  • Finer and healthier hair and skin, with no contaminants
The water from your municipal water plant is treated. However, it still contains a few contaminants. Installing a whole-house system gives you the additional protection you need. It ensures the water from all your outlets is clean and safe for use. Filtered water keeps you healthy and immune to water-related diseases.
You can opt for a whole house carbon filtration system if your water has no unusual contaminant issues. The system provides a general multi-purpose whole house water filtration. However, it is best to go for a whole house system that is effective against such issues if you have special water issues.
Overall, whole house water filters will keep you healthy and give you the benefits and peace of mind you can expect from unrestricted access to clean water.
Categories
All Reviews Reverse Osmosis

The 5 Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filters in 2021

Your search for the best water filtration systems for your household brought you
here. Want to ensure you and your family enjoy unrestricted
access to safe and healthy drinking water? You may have considered water
filter pitchers and
refrigerators,
but they can only do much to reduce contaminants and improve
odor and smell. To get the best water purification experience, you need a reverse osmosis water filtration
system.
There are tons of RO systems out there. You can spend all day looking for the best.
But we have made it all easy for you – just read
through our Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Buying Guide. We have wp-org-recommended the 5 best reverse osmosis water
treatment systems from the best manufacturers in the industry,
each with impressive features.

Top-5 Expert Recommendations

1. Waterdrop G3 RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Read our full review
of the Waterdrop water purification system.
Asides from the powerful filtration process this system delivers, you also get a
host of great features and a sleek, compact design. It relies
on a seven-stage filtration to provide constant clean and great-tasting reverse osmosis water for your
household.
Here are the three biggest features that made us recommend the Waterdrop G3 RO
System;
NSF Certified Performance
The system has an NSF 58 certification for TDS reduction. The filtration accuracy
of the reverse osmosis filtration technology in this system
is 0.0001 microns, making it highly effective against most contaminants. This system reduces heavy metals,
limescale, fluoride, and even TDS in your tap water. There is
also an NSF 372 certification for lead-free materials.
Tankless
Design
Unlike other under sink reverse osmosis water filter systems with a pressurized
storage tank for keeping filtered water, this Waterdrop RO system
provides filtered water on demand. It continues producing rather than slowing down to refill the tank. The
absence of a tank also makes installation easier.
5x Normal Daily Output
The system is fitted with an internal pump, with a capacity to produce about 400
gallons per day – that’s a major upgrade to the 75 gallons per
day most traditional RO systems with a tank of offers. The filtered water to wastewater ratio is 1:1.
2. APEC Water Systems Essence Series Water Filter System

APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 Essence Series Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage
Certified Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
This RO system is known for its seamless installation and high-capacity filters.
You get a longer service life from the filters compared to other water filter
systems. This RO system from APEC adopts a six-stage filtration system, which allows the filter to last for a
full year before they are due for replacement.
This system gets rid of 99% bacteria while restoring the important healthy minerals
and calcium into the filtered water. You can get up to 75 gallons of filtered
water daily. The wastewater to filtered water ratio is 3:1, i.e., 3 gallons of wastewater for every 1 gallon of
filtered water.
You will need sufficient under sink space for this water filter system, thanks to
its 11-inch by 15-inch, 4-gallon tank.
3. Waterdrop G2 P600 Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System for Home
When you opt for this system, you get a 600 GPD output and a highly efficient
filtered water to wastewater ratio of 2:1. This is easily the most efficient
and fastest RO system on our list. The tankless design makes the system easy to install and maintain. You also
need a little space under your sink to accommodate this powerhouse.
TheWaterdrop
G2 P600 is a reliable water filter.
It is ideal for homeowners who want a system that gets the job done with little or no noise.
4. iSpring RCC7AK-UV Reverse Osmosis System

iSpring RCC7AK-UV, NSF Certified, 75GPD 7-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis RO Drinking Water
Filtration System with Alkaline Remineralization Filter and UV Ultraviolet Filter
If your source water is coming from the well, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV is your
go-to RO water filter system. Unlike the municipal tap water that has been treated
to remove/reduce microorganisms, well water still contains higher levels of microorganisms.
It comes with an integrated Ultraviolet (UV) light filter that sterilizes the
water, killing every virus, bacteria, and other microorganisms that may be present
after reverse osmosis filtration. Aside from this RO system’s higher capacity, it relies on a 7-stage
filtration to provide pure and great-tasting drinking water. The UV filter included
requires a 110V power outlet to work and deliver 75 gallons of purified RO water daily.
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV Reverse Osmosis System only expends 3 gallons of
wastewater for every gallon of purified water produced. This may be lower or higher,
based on the pressure of your feed water. The user-friendly design of this system means you can easily
install it using the components included in the box. You can install every component,
including the pressurized storage tank and the faucet, in about an hour.
5. NU Aqua 7-stage Reverse Osmosis System

NU Aqua Platinum Series 7 Stage Alkaline and UV Ultraviolet 100GPD RO System
The NU Aqua 7-stage Reverse Osmosis System has the five basic filtration stages
and two advanced stages – the UV (ultraviolet) light filter that eliminates
bacteria and microorganisms and the alkaline filter that restores beneficial materials to the filtered
water.
There is also a booster pump that minimizes the amount of wastewater while
improving efficiency. The 100 gallons per day output capacity is one of the best
around. Chances are you will not need this amount of filtered water every day, but the higher capacity
guarantees a higher flow rate.
Another feature worthy of mention is the 5-year manufacturer warranty and
lifetime support that comes with this system.
Having a 5-year warranty on RO systems is not common, but the NU Aqua offers that.
Lastly, you get a free digital PPM meter water tester that helps you easily
measure the RO water’s overall quality. This comes as a bonus to the overall package.

Conclusion

Each RO system on this list offers a host of different features. All you have
to do is compare the features to your household
filtered water needs and see
which works best for you. Whichever you end up with, rest assured of a lasting and constant supply of safe,
pure, and healthy filtered water for you and your household.
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How to Use Cheap XWFE Water Filter Replacement for GE Refrigerator

The GE refrigerators are popular options when it comes to picking a good refrigerator. The French door design, large capacity and filtered
water dispenser make the GE stand out from other brands.
Yet, if you’ve ever replaced the water filter in your GE refrigerator, you know they are not very budget-friendly. The GE XWFE water
filter can cost as much as $50, and it needs to be replaced every six months. You can do the math and figure out how much additional cost the refrigerator would take.

XWFE vs. XWF What’s the difference?

XWFE is GE’s updated version of the XWF filter. The XWFE replaces the XWF, and is compatible with all refrigerators using the XWF.
The only difference between the XWFE and the XWF is a chip on the back of the XWFE filter, which the newer GE refrigerators “use radio frequency identification
(RFID) to “talk” to the fridge. The chip is used to detect leaks and let the refrigerator know whether it’s a genuine factory product or not.

How to replace and install the XWFE water filter

First thing first, let’s learn how to take the original filter off from the GE refrigerator.

Can I replace my XWFE water filter with generic replacement?

It’s very normal that people go online and try to find better-priced generic filters. However, we quickly find out that there are no
generic filters can replace the GE XWFE filters. Why?
Because the RFID chip prevents people from replacing with cheap water filters. A generic XWF water filter from other brands would not
be recognized by the GE refrigerator and the refrigerator would stop dispensing water for you.

More economical ways to replace the XWFE water filter

Cutting the chip off may be too much of a risk sometimes. In this case, you should go for the more secure option – replacing the system with an
under sink water filtration system.
All you have to do is get the GE bypass cartridge installed within the refrigerator so that the refrigerator can dispense water as usual.

1. Waterdrop 15UC-UF Water Filter System


Waterdrop 15UC-UF Water Filter System, 0.01 μm Ultra Filtration for Baçtёria Reduction, NSF/ANSI 42 Certified, 1/4 inch Direct Connect to Refrigerators and Ice Makers, 16K Gallons Capacity, USA Tech
If you are looking for a reliable source of crisp, cool drinking water, the Waterdrop 15UC-UF water filter system is a top choice. It works with most refrigerators,
giving you a filtration performance just like the original. With a filtration accuracy of 0.01 μm, the ultrafiltration membrane filters out most of bacteria larger than 0.01 μm. Activated carbon
block and other advanced filter media ensure efficient and safe filtration. KDF effectively inhibition of bacteria growth. This filter is NSF-372 certified to confirm the adoption of only
premium, lead-free, and BPA-free materials. The NSF-42 certification also confirms that the filter effectively reduces chlorine, odor, and taste, leaving you with clean and pure drinking
water. Installation is seamless, whether you are connecting the system to the cold-water line under your sink or refrigerator. The twist-and-lock design is quick and easy, and you get 1.4”
PE tubing out of the box.
This under sink water filter delivers a fast flow rate of 0.75 gpm at 60 psi. You can enjoy pure and freshwater with zero wait or interruptions.

2. Vegebe Inline Water Filter


Vegebe Inline Water Filter for Ice Maker, Refrigerator, Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Water System, Post Activated Carbon Water Filter Replacement Cartridge with 1/4-Inch Quick-Connect (Pack of 2)
The Vegebe Inline Water Filter is the go-to filtration system for homeowners interested in a water filter for their ice maker, refrigerator, or under-sink reverse
osmosis water system. The filter ensures your drinking water is free of bad taste and odors. The NSF/ANSI-42 certified food-grade coconut shell activated carbon has a high iodine adsorption
capacity.
You do not need prior plumbing experience to install the Vegebe Inline Water Filter. All you have to do is insert the ¼” water line tube straight into the inbuilt ¼”
quick connections on either end. It works flawlessly with existing or new plumbing fixtures, giving you up to 12 months or 1,500-1,800 gallons of filtered water.
The versatility of the Vegebe Inline Water Filter makes it compatible with almost all your water appliances, including ice machines, drinking fountains,
RO systems, water coolers, refrigerators, water coolers, and coffee makers.

3. Watts Inline Water Filter


Watts Inline Water Filter 20,000 gallon Capacity- Inline Filter for refrigerator, Ice Maker, Under Sink, and Reduces Bad Taste, Odors, Chlorine and Sediment in Drinking Water
The 20,000-gallon filter capacity is one of the largest you will find around. The filter is effective against bad taste and odors, as well as sediments and chlorine
in your tap water. The efficient filtration process leaves you with clean, pure, and healthy drinking water for you and your family.
Whether you are using the Watts Inline Water Filter with your refrigerator or ice-makers, you can rest assured of excellent filtration performance. You can also use
it with your coffee maker, water coolers, or RV campers, provided there is a ¼” line for connection.
You get a 10” KDF inline filter and 2x 14” brass connectors out of the box for faster installation and easier operation. The filter is NSF listed and certified by
WQA to NSF/ANSI 372 to confirm it is lead-free. The best part? This filter is only due for a replacement after 20,000 gallons or six months of service, depending on your tap water quality.