Water filters: types, advantages and rating of the best

One of the popular ways to purify tap water is filtration using plastic or glass jugs. The product is compact and inexpensive, so it can be found in almost every family. However, the jug itself does not play any role in eliminating harmful impurities. Cleaning efficiency depends on the cartridge. We will tell you the rules for using filter modules, and also describe the features of cassettes of various brands.

Types of water filters depending on the principle of operation

Today, the most popular types of household filters are a jug, a sorption unit, and a reverse osmosis system. But there are other models that allow you to remove not only bacteria and salts from water, but also dirt, chemical impurities, metal particles, etc. All of them can be divided into several categories depending on the cleaning method:

• Mechanical. They are used to remove organic and mineral impurities that are insoluble. No chemical reagents are used, water purification is carried out at normal room temperature. Such installations are used at the initial stages for “rough” liquid processing. Sometimes they are also used to control the final stages of purification.
• Sorptive. To remove impurities from water, porous materials are used, in which they are kept bound. The most commonly used filler is coal-based. This method is used only if there are no chlorine compounds or organic substances in the drinking water. Such options take up a lot of space and require regular special maintenance.
• Ion exchange. They cope well with bacteria and parasites, even destroy viruses. They work on the principle of cell oxidation by interacting with ozone. The system is used only in combination with other installations, as it only sterilizes water, but does not remove other impurities.
• Membrane. A modern and effective method of water purification, since all unwanted and harmful elements undergo a division process and are removed by membranes. In this case, impurities are removed as drainage rather than remaining in the system. But filter membranes should still be regularly maintained, as their properties deteriorate over time.
• Electrochemical. The operating principle of such water purification filters is based on passing an electric current with certain parameters through water. Its impact leads to the breakdown of harmful substances into components that either do not affect water quality or are further purified as impurities in other filters.
• With UV disinfection system. Ultraviolet rays, which are used in these installations, remove almost all types of contaminants. At the same time, all the beneficial properties of water are preserved.

To select a filter with the correct operating principle, it is not necessary to study its characteristics in detail. It is enough to understand for what purposes its installation is needed, and then choose the appropriate model. The main problems are presented in the table.

In practice, even in domestic conditions, a tap water purification system consisting of various filters is most often used. Only in this way can the maximum effect be achieved.

Advantages and disadvantages

Flow filters have many positive properties:

1. 
   High degree of purification. The filter removes from the water:

   chlorine;
2. iron (suspended or dissolved);
3. organic compounds;
4. hardness salts;
5. pesticides;
6. mechanical particles;
7. heavy metals;
8. abrasive,
9. caught in the pipes.
10. Reasonable price for filter and cleaning elements.
11. Long life of filter cartridges.
12. Compactness.
13. Ease of use.
14. Easy to maintain.

Flaws:

• Restriction on installation location.
• The appearance of scale when the resources of the filter element are exhausted.
• It is necessary to constantly monitor and change cartridges.

Main types of household filters

Jug filter

A convenient and popular water filter consisting of a plastic or glass jug, as well as a cleaning cartridge at the top of the structure. This element perfectly retains dirt, sand and various large impurities. Partial removal of metals, chemicals and chlorine occurs. The average duration of filtration of one liter of liquid is 6 minutes. Cartridges require frequent replacement (one is enough to clean 300 liters).

Advantages of this type of filters:

• high-quality water purification from mechanical impurities;
• ease of use and compactness, the ability to install for cleaning anywhere in the house;
• ease of maintenance, constant availability of necessary consumables and affordable price.

It is recommended to use such filter models if there are no harmful impurities in the water. Otherwise, this option will be ineffective. Great option for a family.

Stationary and convenient water filters also include dispensers. They are a container in which water is filtered using cartridges with various active substances. They are equipped with a convenient tap so that water is always freely available.

Flow-type models for water purification

Installed directly into the water supply system. The accumulation of clean water is carried out in a special tank. Thanks to the multi-stage cleaning principle, harmful substances of various types (mechanical, organic, chemical, etc.) are removed as much as possible. Some filters come complete with reverse osmosis systems, mineralizers and other add-ons. A mineralizer is used to saturate distilled water with beneficial substances.

Often these filters are complemented by a kitchen faucet with two channels: through the first, clean liquid for cooking is supplied, through the second, enriched water for drinking.

Advantages of the model:

• High efficiency of liquid purification.
• The average cleaning performance is approximately 2.5 liters per minute.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Great for families with high resource consumption.

The only disadvantage of this filter system is its high cost. Consumables are also expensive, but the result is worth it.

In the event that the water is very dirty, which can cause problems with the main filter and all household appliances and plumbing (not to mention health), it is recommended to install a pre-filter. It is mounted into the main line and removes most of the contaminants.

Filter attachment

It is a small cup with a cartridge that fits onto a water tap. According to the principle of operation, the nozzle on the faucet is more reminiscent of the jug version, but more effective. Many models come with a special switch from drinking water to tap water (depending on the specific filter requirements).

Purified water is collected in a container inside the cup. No more than one liter is cleaned per minute. The advantages are small size, ease of use, low cost of purchasing and maintaining the system.

Pre-filters

They are used for preliminary cleaning of solid mechanical suspensions, which are harmful and affect the quality of the liquid. If you do not clean them and install another type of filter, its service life will be significantly reduced. The same applies to the reaction of household appliances to water with impurities.

This category also includes the so-called mud collectors. They consist of several meshes through which water is passed for rough cleaning. Suitable for cold and hot water.

Three-stage installations

The filter system consists of three cartridges, each of which is responsible for a specific purification category: the first removes mechanical impurities, the second neutralizes chlorine and hydrogen sulfide compounds using activated carbon, and the third is necessary to soften drinking water by removing salts. There are models with two flasks, but there one cartridge performs two functions at once (the equipment simply takes up less space). The service life of each cartridge depends not only on the total volume, but also on the period of their use.

Ultrafiltration equipment

Ultrafiltration cleaning is by far the most popular and in demand due to its effectiveness. The main working element in filters is a membrane made of a tubular-type composite material. Compared to conventional membranes, the size of permeable particles is hundreds of times smaller. The average productivity per hour is 200 liters of water.

Ultrafiltration stages:

1. The water is purified from mechanical suspensions with a diameter of no more than 10 microns. A classic mesh is suitable.
2. Neutralization of chlorine and chloride compounds, organic components, various gases that negatively affect the taste and aroma of drinking water. Activated carbon copes best with this task.
3. Additional purification from mechanical impurities with sizes of no more than 0.5 microns. Even coal granules completely remove all organochlorine compounds.
4. Treatment of water from impurities of organic origin, salts, metal particles, manganese, mercury, heavy metals, as well as bacteriological contamination.
5. Complete removal of flavor and aroma components through the use of coconut charcoal in the system.

Five-stage purification is considered the most effective and is used not only for purifying water from the water supply, but also for supplying liquid from wells and wells.

Water purification using a reverse osmosis system

Membrane installations make it possible to remove almost all organic and mineral impurities, bacteria and viruses, chemical compounds, excess chlorine, etc. Such systems are extremely effective; they allow you to stock up on 10 liters of prepared water.

The kit includes a set of cartridges, a reverse osmosis membrane, and an additional filter for subsequent processing. It can be additionally equipped with a mineralizer. Consumables need to be replaced approximately once a year, membranes are changed every three years.

The sequence of five-stage removal of impurities by reverse osmosis:

1. Getting rid of various mechanical impurities in the filter ranging in size from 15 to 30 microns.
2. Removal of chlorine, neutralization of chloride compounds and gases using activated carbon.
3. Fine processing to remove mechanical components no larger than 1 micron.
4. Performing reverse osmosis to completely disinfect and purify the liquid.
5. Final passage through a carbon filter (post-cleaning).

If you order a system in which only four stages of purification are performed, the stage of removing finely dispersed insoluble impurities in water is automatically excluded. On the one hand, it is not mandatory, but if laboratory tests of liquid samples show the presence of such particles, it is not worth saving money.

Trunk installations

They are installed in the water supply system, removing chemical compounds and impurities. They can also soften water by neutralizing salt ions in the filter. For a residential building or apartment, choose a system with a capacity of approximately 40 liters per minute. But it is better to calculate this indicator individually and select a model for it. There may be a separate tap for supplying clean liquid.

Advantages of the equipment:

• Cleaning is carried out comprehensively; not only mechanical impurities are removed, but also harmful bacteria.
• The taste of water increases and odors are removed.
• Does not take up much space, is easy to install and is easy to maintain.
• Consumables can be purchased and replaced at any convenient time.

It is important to take into account the fact that for stable operation of such a device, constant water pressure without drops is necessary.

Postfilters

The systems are designed for the last stage of processing and remove volatile components that affect aroma and taste. Most often, activated carbon blocks, mineralizers and membranes are placed inside the capsule. Very compact and inexpensive, but requires regular replacement.

Cartridge installation procedure

Each cartridge has its own service life, after which it is replaced or restored. This requires dismantling the old and installing a new one.

1. Stop water supply. If there is no separate tap, then the water is turned off for the entire building. Prepare two containers: empty - for draining water, with water - for filling the flask with the cartridge.
2. Reduce the pressure in the system using a special mechanism. If it is missing, use a tap after the filter.
3. Using the special tap from the kit, remove the filter cover. You need to be careful so that water does not splash out of it.
4. Remove the old cartridge.
5. Check the rubber seals. If they have not hardened, then just wipe them with a soft cloth. Otherwise, they should be replaced.
6. Drain the water and wash the flask. Do not use cleaning powders: they will then get into the water and ruin the filtration system.
7. Install a new cartridge.
8. Fill the flask with water to prevent the formation of air bubbles that will damage the membrane. Screw the flask until it stops.
9. If the filter is not a membrane type, then release the air: gradually unscrew the water supply valve to the filter.
10. Make sure there is no water leakage. If water leaks, tighten the flask more tightly or replace the rubber gaskets in the hollow of the flask.
11. Drain the water for 15 minutes to remove all blockages.

Types of filter modules

• Nets made of plastic and metal. They are used to neutralize contaminants in water such as particles of earth and metal, rust, and other mineral contaminants of various sizes.
• Backfill elements for filters. They are a mixture of active substances that are poured into collapsible cones instead of used consumables. Sold already in portioned packaging.
• Cartridges. A familiar and classic option that is used in many types of filters. Requires regular replacement. It can be with different active substances (selected depending on the required degree of water purification).
• Membranes. They are porous, tubular materials with a certain permeability of particles, which are used for reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration systems. Impurities are not only collected on membranes in the filter, but also compressed and removed through the drainage system.
• Aerators. They are closed systems that remove various gas and metal impurities, as well as chloride and hydrogen sulfide compounds due to the active saturation of the liquid with oxygen.
• Ultraviolet radiation sources. UV rays are the most effective, and today, option for sterilizing water and completely disinfecting it. Not only viruses are destroyed, but also bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this case, the element is adjusted to safe waves that do not disturb the structure of the water.

Most often, combined options are used, which make it possible to comprehensively purify water and completely remove harmful impurities of various types.

How to choose the right cartridge

First of all, the type of filter and its company are specified. Many manufacturers make special consumables for their products. Next, it’s worth deciding on the degree of water contamination and the necessary quality indicators at the output, since the cartridges differ from each other in their active ingredients. There are a number of rules for choosing products for water purification:

• The filtration fineness should be from 1 to 5 microns.
• To remove the taste of iron and its particles, you need to use special cartridges.
• If the water is very hard, products with resin are used to soften it.
• The classic carbon cartridge copes well with chemical impurities.

It is also important to take into account the presence of filters in the line or before washing, which affect the quality of the product at the outlet. If they are missing, the cartridge must contain several active components for comprehensive cleaning.

Installation

When purchasing a product, you must select a rigid pipe as a base with parameters that match the product. Otherwise, you will have to purchase additional elements, and this may lead to leaks. Make sure all necessary fittings and hoses are included.

Let's start installation:

• Clean the area under the sink and remove all unnecessary items. This space should not be cluttered with trash cans, empty cans and bottles. This is necessary to monitor the operation of equipment and repair in case of force majeure.
• Disconnect cold water from the central line.
• Install the complex as written in the instructions.
• Secure the joints with fum tape.
• Bring out the gander from which purified moisture will flow.
• Leave the “original” faucet in its original place. You will need it for washing dishes and cleaning the room.
• Perform a test run. If no leakage occurs after a few minutes, use the filter on a regular basis.

It is important to know that many designs have a special bracket for hanging on the wall. And some are made as a monolith, in which case fastening occurs using dowels. What is important here is strong fasteners, which will not lead to an emergency in the future.

The second point that is worth paying attention to is that when installing, observe the proportions. There should be such a distance from the bottom of the flasks to the floor that you can easily replace the cartridges.

Criteria for choosing a filter for your home

• Possibility of filtering water at different temperatures. If only liquid at standard room (or ambient) temperature will be purified, then any system can be used. But, for hot ones, installations are required that will withstand the influence and will not melt.
• Filter module resource. Regardless of the type, each device contains consumables, which are responsible for the high quality of the finished product. Over time, the module requires mandatory replacement. If a family consumes clean water in large quantities, it is better to turn to those models that offer a long service life of cartridges and other consumables.
• Performance. It is determined in the amount of purified water that is obtained per minute of operation of the filter unit. Of course, a lot depends on the type of filters: reverse osmosis initially requires more time, and the same applies to membranes.
• Availability of consumables. All elements that require regular replacement must be freely accessible. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the price category.
• Manufacturer. There are water filters from various manufacturers on the market. In order to choose the best brand, you need to familiarize yourself with the assortment and reviews in advance, and find out about the availability of a certificate. In this case, the documents must be original, and not ordinary photocopies.
• Initial water quality. Water from a tap, well or well can contain a variety of impurities, ranging from rust and ordinary sand, to hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, salts, volatile substances, etc. Therefore, before choosing filters, it is recommended to submit water for analysis in specialized laboratories.
• Availability of free space. There are stationary, built-in, hidden installations, but they all require space. If there is no free space for a battery of several cartridges, it is better to look for other options.

Of course, it is worth paying attention to the presence of additional functions, such as mineralization (saturation of drinking water with useful components), the presence of a storage tank for collecting purified liquid, a bioactivator to restore the natural structure of the liquid, ultraviolet radiation sources for disinfection, degree of processing, etc.

What it is?

A flow filter is a compact cleaning device consisting of plastic flasks with built-in cartridges with filter material.
The flasks are mounted on metal or plastic brackets and connected to each other with fittings.

The principle of operation of flow filters is that purification occurs in a continuous flow, passing through flasks with filter cartridges . It is then supplied through hoses to a faucet built into the filter, or to a faucet installed next to the kitchen sink.

It is recommended to purchase a flow-through filter for large families, because a jug-type filter will not be enough for everyone.

Even if the family is small, but there are children or elderly people, a flow filter is the best value for money. For little money you can get high quality water that will not irritate the gastric mucosa.

This filter is also suitable for people suffering from high sensitivity or allergic reactions to microelements contained in water. The filter element will eliminate irritating microelements and make the water healthy for consumption.

The best filter manufacturers

ICAR

A Russian brand that produces household filters for installation under the sink. The equipment consists of five stages of filtration (including reverse osmosis), a special patented filter element for removing impurities and ionization, and a block for mineralization.

The water installation consumes minimal energy, is easy to operate, and is highly efficient and productive. The disadvantages include the high cost due to the use of our own developments, which have received good reviews in Switzerland and Belgium.

Aquaphor

A popular water filter brand that is considered a leader in the water filter industry. They manufacture and sell almost all types of cleaning elements, not to mention the ability to choose the optimal model based on general requirements and cost.

Most often in everyday life, preference is given to Aquaphor jugs with replaceable cartridges. Consumables are sold not only in specialized stores, but also in regular supermarkets (hermetically packaged). The most popular models of jugs are Premium, Prestige and Ocean.

The cartridges do not contain activated carbon, but a special substance called Aqualene, which is a unique development of the company. Flow-through models for water are also available with the ability to disassemble and replace the filler. The best filters are the Trio, Crystal and Favorite models.

Barrier

Aquaphor's most famous competitor. The range includes both conventional jugs and complex flow-through systems. The number of filtration stages and their type are selected individually. All consumables and even a jug can be purchased not only at authorized points of sale, but also in trusted supermarkets.

Each model of tap water filters differs in its purpose. For example, a softening cartridge is used for softening, and the Ferrostop system is used to remove iron particles. To connect to the water main, QuickFitting type designs are used.

Aqualine

A budget but high-quality option for a drinking water filter from Taiwan. The brand specializes in flow-through units and reverse osmosis systems. The first feature is the use of transparent plastic flasks. Thanks to this, you can understand when the cartridge needs to be replaced. A special mineralizer can be installed in one of the grooves.

Raifil

A company from Korea that has been on the market for almost 20 years and has an excellent rating. They specialize in high quality membrane filters for household use. All modules are only Korean and American made, not Chinese. In addition, sophisticated and effective systems for ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are produced.

To extend the service life of the flasks and increase their strength against water, special plastic, sealing rings and stiffeners are used. Improved fixation is achieved using Teflon tape.

Flaws

Just like any product has its pros and cons, the three-stage filter is no exception.

The main disadvantages include two points:

• Difficult to install. Although, if you set a goal and pay special attention to studying the technical passport, you can easily cope on your own. But to avoid mistakes, it is better to invite specialists from the company where you purchased the device.
• The need to clean mesh barriers. If you notice a significant decrease in flow, you most likely have a clog. In this case, according to the instructions, wash the element that traps mechanical contaminants under high-pressure running water.

Basic operating rules

• It is important to promptly change cartridges in filters that have exhausted their service life. Old consumables not only reduce the overall performance of the filter, but also pose a serious threat to human health. Dirt accumulates on their surface, which gradually increases, breaks into components and enters the human body.
• Water filters should be used constantly. If for some reason it has been offline for a week or more, it is imperative to clean it and replace the cartridges. During downtime, the contaminants that have accumulated on the surface turn into an excellent breeding ground for many microorganisms.
• An ordinary jug cannot completely purify water. Even if it contains cartridges with several active substances, they still cannot completely cope with all impurities. Therefore, it is important to think about installing other equipment for hard water, if this is really necessary.

Of course, these are general recommendations. You can find out about all operating conditions in the detailed instructions that come with the equipment, or ask for help from a consultant. A full range of reliable water filters of various types from the world's leading manufacturers (Atoll, BWT, Omoikiri, Aquaphor, Geyser, Barrier) at a competitive price is presented in the MoykiPlus online store. Delivery of goods is carried out in Moscow by courier and to other cities of the Russian Federation by postal services. For purchases over 8,000 rubles, delivery is free. All products sold are guaranteed. You can place an order by phone with the help of a manager or through the shopping cart on the website.

Follow our promotions, which will allow you to purchase equipment at an even better price.

Ionizers

To improve water quality, ionizers, such as Aqualife, are used. Water treated in this device is divided into acidic and alkaline. Alkaline ionized water has many health benefits.

The cartridge for the water ionizer is used for periodic cleaning of the ionization chamber from salt deposits and scale, which worsen the quality of the process and can even lead to breakdown of the device.