Purchasing drinking water is not always convenient and profitable, and drinking it unpurified from the tap can be hazardous to health. In this case, it is best to buy good filter for water for installation under the sink and enjoy it clean, healthy and tasty. In this rating, we have collected effective flow-through cleaning systems, as well as reverse osmosis units. Of these, everyone will be able to choose a suitable option for themselves, including a budget one. But first you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of various models.
You don’t have to go far in search of good water filtration systems; there are many good Russian-made units for sale at affordable prices. Dozens of popular manufacturers operate in this market, but the most famous are the following:
- Geyser– the history of the brand began in 1999 with a group of enthusiasts and developed into a large company that has become one of the leaders in the plumbing and plumbing equipment market. It offers both individual flasks and complex multi-stage cleaning systems with 2 and 3 modules, with storage tanks. Its units are able to cope with the heaviest pollution.
- Aquaphor- one of the leaders in the market of water purification filters, which began work in 1992. Its products are sold in 20 countries and are developed to strict quality and safety standards. The manufacturer controls the process at all stages, from development to sale. The company uses modern technologies that provide high quality water.
- Barrier– the mission of the company is to provide the population with high-quality, tasty and safe running water from the tap, which will not adversely affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys, bladder. Its products are convenient to use, easy to install and readily available in the market. The manufacturer produces not only systems, but also separate removable cassettes for replacing obsolete components, which facilitates their operation.
- Atoll- filters of this trademark provide 100% deep cleaning, effectively removing even the smallest particles and softening the water. In the assortment, special attention is paid to multi-level filtration systems, which simply does not leave a chance for harmful substances. The company's cartridges use materials that meet the most stringent safety standards. There is also budget models, and premium units.
You can buy goods not only in online stores, but also on the official websites of companies. Some companies even offer free home delivery and installation of filter systems under the sink.
Rating of the best water filters for washing
The basis for compiling this TOP was customer reviews and expert opinions. When looking for the best filters for cleaning water for washing, we took into account many important points:
- Weight and dimensions of the unit;
- Type - with or without osmosis;
- Functions - removal of chlorine, salt ions, softening and mineralization;
- Ease of installation;
- Easy to change cartridges;
- The presence of sediment after boiling;
- Taste properties of water;
- The number of degrees of filtration - usually three or five are offered;
- Water treatment rate;
- Cartridge resource;
- Easy maintenance, how often do you need to change the cartridges.
The most important selection criterion for us was the quality of the outgoing water, to determine which it was compared with that produced by a well and a spring, as well as with that sold in stores. An important parameter was the ratio of the usefulness of the units to the price set for them.
The best flow filters for washing
Such filter systems are created from several modules, each of which contains a cartridge. Water, passing through them, is purified, and small particles of salt, chlorine, iron and many other harmful substances are eliminated from it. Getting rid of these impurities, it ceases to be harmful and becomes more tasty. These units are cheaper than those that have a reverse osmosis function. We present to your attention the 3 best flow filters for water under the sink.
...Recently, I conducted a test, compared water from a well and from a tap, purified using this filter. My relatives and myself did not notice any difference, which speaks positively about him ...
Expert opinion
By choosing this model, you can count on water purification at a rate of 3.6 liters per minute. Two levels of filtration allow the appliance to keep out rust and bleach, pesticides and nitrates, making it soft, tasty and less harmful. It is enough to simply attach it to the crane, and reliable clamps do not allow the bolts to break even under strong pressure, which eliminates emergency situations. After treatment, the water becomes useful, saturated with calcium, as a result, it can be drunk without boiling, without fear for health.
Advantages:
- Good work speed;
- Easy to install and use;
- Inexpensive cartridge;
- Does not take up much space under the sink;
- Long period of use;
- Softens the water and makes it more pleasant to drink.
Flaws:
- Sometimes the cartridge becomes dirty, it needs to be washed with hot water and citric acid.
The device for water purification brand "Aquaphor" consists of three modules, which are compactly assembled into one design. Thanks to this, the unit purifies water from heavy metals, magnesium and excess salts. With its help, it is disinfected, which minimizes the harmful effects on the liver, kidneys and bladder. Cartridges can be easily replaced if dirty or damaged, and this allows you to increase the service life of the product.
Advantages:
- Gives tasty water;
- Easy installation;
- Convenient design;
- Quick and easy cartridge replacement;
- Well softens water;
- Multiple cleaning steps.
Flaws:
- It cleanly removes salts that the body needs to some extent.
Since the resource of the filtering module is 6000 liters, its service lasts for a long time. Also, buyers note that after its installation, as a result of boiling water, less scale began to form.
Externally, the cleaning filter for running water is similar to the previous ones, but it stands out against their background with the ability to withstand a load of more than 10,000 liters. In one minute, it can purify up to 2 liters of tap water, which is a good indicator. His work is stable under both strong and weak pressure. It eliminates harmful iron and chlorine, making water healthy and tasty. This effect allows you to get a 3-stage filtration system. The device does not take up much space under the sink.
Advantages:
- High quality of leaving water;
- Reliable fastening to the wall with two screws under the sink;
- Cartridges last for a long time;
- Removes the taste of chlorine;
- Easy to use;
- Small kit size.
Flaws:
- With careless handling, there is a possibility of a crack on the flask along the thread.
In the reviews, buyers point to the simplicity of the design, the absence of scale in the water after cleaning it, and ease of use.
The best reverse osmosis water filters
Compared to ordinary flow-through filter systems, such units are more versatile. They not only remove small mechanical particles from the water, but also disinfect it, and sometimes also mineralize it. Thanks to this, it not only ceases to be harmful, but even becomes useful. True, this fact did not play in favor of the price, which is quite high here. This rating category describes the top 3 reverse osmosis water filters on the market.
This water purification system is highly efficient due to the function of reverse osmosis, which allows it to remove particles with a minimum size from the liquid. It easily copes with the filtration of sodium ions, salts, dyes, small molecules. As a result, the taste of water becomes pleasant and natural, and it ceases to be harmful to health. This is facilitated, in particular, by the option of softening it, as well as 5 stages of cleaning. Convenient is the presence of a storage tank with a volume of 12 liters, where it can be stored.
Advantages:
- Works great even with very dirty water
- It can provide up to 200 liters of clean water per day;
- Has a separate faucet;
- Allows you to forget about scale;
- Iron removal function;
- Availability of filter modules.
Flaws:
- Productivity does not exceed 0.14 l per minute.
Purifying filter "Geyser Prestige" well prepares water for both drinking and cooking.
This is one of the most popular units in its category, which has won a place in the rating of water filters for washing due to the high quality of work. As a result, it turns out not only clean and safe, but also tasty. According to customer reviews, it is difficult to distinguish it from spring or taken from a well. This model handles stiffness well thanks to the softening function, which is well appreciated by people with kidney disease. At any time, you can replace an outdated cartridge with a new one, which is not difficult to find on the market.
Advantages:
- Separate faucet included
- Easily connects to the water supply;
- Withstands even heavy loads;
- Not visible to others;
- Mineralizes water, which makes it useful;
- Cleans in 5 stages.
Flaws:
- The maximum inlet water temperature is 38 degrees;
- Cannot filter faster than 0.08L per minute.
According to reviews, water after purification no longer causes complaints about its taste, smell and color for buyers.
This is a good budget water filter with reverse osmosis, iron removal, chlorine removal. This explains the high quality of the liquid at the outlet, and the option of softening and mineralization is responsible for the pleasant taste. It is installed under the sink, which allows you to save space and not spoil the design of the kitchen. Not even a master can handle connecting the structure to the water supply, and it weighs only 6.2 kg. Its advantage is the ability to work even under low pressure.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- The presence of a mineralization function;
- Normal cleaning speed;
- The "native" storage tank is more than enough;
- Ease of installation.
Flaws:
- The faucet from the kit may give an oily film on the water;
- Extra long screws for fixing the drain pipe clamp.
Effective disinfection model "Aquaphor DWM 101S Morion" makes the best filter for water purification for installation under the sink, due to which it becomes safe for health.
Which water filter for washing is better to buy
For water purification from salts, heavy metals and other harmful substances Quite enough ordinary flow filters. If you also need to eliminate bacteria, as well as carry out mineralization and finer purification, then you will need more expensive reverse osmosis systems. Both those and other units are built into the water supply system and have removable cleaning modules. For a small family, a unit with a filtration rate of up to 1 liter per minute may be enough, and for large ones, faster models are needed. The more modules, the more versatile the filter.
- For a large family, the Geyser ECO model will be just right, which is capable of passing 3.6 liters per minute.
- Those living in regions where there is a high probability of infection with hepatitis should pay attention to Aquaphor Crystal N.
- If you need to get not just not harmful, but useful water, the best choice there will be a "Barrier Profi Standard" system.
- To accumulate water, you will need models with a special tank in the kit, for example, Geyser Prestige.
- In the event that there are children in the house, especially small ones, the Atoll A-550m STD filter will be relevant.
- If you need to not only purify, but also mineralize the water, then Aquaphor DWM 101S Morion will be able to cope with this.
The rating of wash water filters included the most efficient, reliable and proven systems. They differ somewhat in parameters, so there is a good model for each situation. The main thing is that the unit adequately performs its cleaning tasks, which will preserve your health.
Sorption cleaning
There are several ways to purify water used in modern filters. The cheapest and most common filters are sorption. Their work is based on the principle of adsorption - the absorption of substances from a solution by a solid body or a layer of liquid. Activated carbon is most often used as an adsorbent in such filters.
Sorption filters are cheap, purify water well from chlorine, large pollutants like sand and rust, and do not require installation. However, they do not purify water very well, not protecting against bacteria, viruses and hardness salts. Water still needs to be boiled, and when boiled, scale will form on the kettle.
Membrane cleaning
This is a more modern and high-quality cleaning method. The key element here is a semi-permeable membrane with tiny pores that traps contaminants. Water passes through the membrane under pressure, purified water enters the storage tank, and dirty water with impurities goes into the sewer.
There are several types of membrane cleaning:
- Microfiltration. Membrane with holes ranging in size from 0.015 to 5 microns, rolled into rolls or tubes, is used. Water is supplied under pressure of 2-3 bar.
- Ultrafiltration. Membranes with a smaller pore size of 0.015–0.02 µm are used. Operates at higher pressure - up to 6 bar.
- Reverse osmosis. Membranes with the smallest pores of 1 angstrom (0.0001 µm) are used. They pass only water molecules and nothing else. Wherein modern systems do not require high pressure, 1.5–2 atmospheres is enough.
The reverse osmosis system is one of the most popular and high-quality membrane purification systems today.
In addition to the semi-permeable membrane, modern reverse osmosis water purification systems have pre-filters and post-filters. For clarity, let's consider how filtration occurs in the reverse osmosis system with mineralization Expert Osmos MO520 from Prio.
Reverse osmosis system with mineralization Expert Osmos MO520
First, tap water enters mechanical pre-filters (A and B), which remove particles larger than 0.5 microns, rust, grains of sand and other large impurities from it. After that, water under pressure enters the membrane (C). Passing through it, the liquid is cleared of everything else: organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses. Reading water goes into the storage tank, and untreated - into the sewer.
Before reaching the user, water from the tank passes through an additional post-filter mineralizer (D), where it is cleaned of foreign odors and saturated with minerals.
However, not all reverse osmosis systems clean equally well. First of all, the quality of water purification depends on the main element of the system - the membrane.
How to determine the quality of the membrane
Reverse osmosis membranes differ in the degree and selectivity of purification, resistance to chlorine and bacterial contamination, filtration rate, pressure required for operation and the degree of pH correction of water.
One of the best options on the market today is the Japanese Toray polymer composite film membrane. It scores high in all of the above.
Toray membranes are quite expensive, but they provide the highest quality cleaning. In this case, you can not rely on the assurances of manufacturers, but check the quality of the membrane yourself using a TDS meter, or saline meter.
A TDS meter is a device that measures the concentration of impurities in a liquid and indicates how many solid particles per million (ppm) are in the water being tested.
For example, drinking water is between 50 and 170 ppm, while perfectly readable water is between 0 and 50 ppm.
At tap water rates of 260 ppm, Toray membranes provide an output product of 8 ppm, and if the water from the water supply system is especially dirty - about 480 ppm, then the membrane will provide water with indicators of 13 ppm at the outlet.
Cheaper membranes, such as Chinese ones, allow you to get water no cleaner than 60–80 ppm - drinkable, but still quite hard.
In addition to the quality of water treatment, Toray membranes have several other advantages over cheaper options. They operate at an inlet pressure of only 2 atmospheres, and their high performance allows you to create reverse osmosis systems without a storage tank - modern direct-flow systems.
Direct flow reverse osmosis systems
What it is
These are the latest water purification systems that require less space and filter water much faster. Here is an example of such a system - Econic Osmos Stream OD320.
Direct-flow reverse osmosis system Econic Osmos Stream OD320 Unlike a system with a tank, after cleaning with a pre-filter (K870) and a membrane (K857), water does not enter the storage tank, but through the post-filter-mineralizer immediately to the user.
Let's see how this system is beneficial, using the Osmos Stream series filters from Prio Novaya Voda as an example.
System advantages
compactness
The ability to get rid of a bulky tank can be considered a real revolution in reverse osmosis filtration. Now the dimensions of the kitchen and the place under the sink do not matter: the filter takes up very little space.
This is how, for example, the installed direct-flow split system Expert Osmos Stream MOD600 looks like - everything is neat, compact and beautiful.
Expert Osmos Stream MOD600 No restrictions on the amount of water
When the tank of the reverse osmosis system runs out of water, you have no choice but to wait until it is filled again. With direct-flow systems, this problem does not arise. Osmos Stream systems filter water the moment you turn on the faucet, they don't store or do anything ahead of time. At the same time, water consumption is not limited. No need to focus on the fullness of the tank, you can turn on the tap at any time and get up to 1,500 liters per day.
Long service life of consumables
Some Prio straight-through filters include automatic system membrane cleaning, which significantly extends the life of this expensive consumable.
Prio Osmos Stream cleaning systems of the MOD, OUD or OD360 series are equipped with an automatic Prio® Jet control unit that flushes the membrane after each cycle of switching on the pump unit. Due to this, the membrane lasts longer.
Prio® Jet block Water saving
One of the significant disadvantages of conventional reverse osmosis filters with a tank is the high water consumption. Purified water makes up only about 20% of the total mass of incoming water, the rest is discharged into the sewer.
In-line filters managed to solve this problem. The high selectivity of the membrane and better filtration can significantly reduce the flow of water discharged into the sewer. Typically, with such a filter, no more than ⅓ of the total volume is sent to the drainage system, and ⅔ is purified water. Saving several tons a year!
In addition, once-through systems are easier to maintain and require fewer mandatory cartridges, which also helps save significant amounts of money. For example, in the Prio Econic Osmos Stream OD310 once-through system, only three elements need to be changed: a pressed activated carbon pre-filter, a granular activated carbon post-filter and a Toray membrane. Unlike 5-6 conventional filter cartridges, this minimalism saves a lot of money.
Compared to conventional reverse osmosis filters, once-through models save significant amounts of money. But are they really that economical compared to having no filters at all? Let's consider what will be more profitable: to buy water or use a high-quality direct-flow filter.
How in-line filters help save money
We will not compare direct-flow reverse osmosis filters with conventional sorption ones, since the latter do not provide such a quality of cleaning. Even filters with ionic resin do not purify water from hardness salts and bacteria, as a result of which it still needs to be boiled, constantly removing scale from the kettle.
Clean and tasty water of reverse osmosis filters can only be compared with purchased ones, so we will compare the costs of buying and maintaining a filter with the cost of bottles of purified water.
Five-liter bottles of purified water cost about 80 rubles. On average, one family consumes about 4 liters of water per day: tea and coffee, cooking, just drinking water. It turns out that a family needs 1,460 liters per year drinking water- this is about 290 bottles, which will cost 23,200 rubles.
Now let's calculate how much money it will take to purchase and maintain the filter. For example, let's take the Prio Econic Osmos Stream OD310 for 11,950 rubles. We add the cost of replacing two cartridges: 870 + 790 = 1,660 rubles.
In total, it turns out 13,610 rubles a year - almost two times cheaper than purchased water.
Even the premium model Prio - a split system with mineralization Expert Osmos Stream MOD600 for 25,880 rubles - will fully pay off in a year and a half, after which you will save about 25,000 rubles a year.
At the same time, reverse osmosis filters with a Toray membrane, which only let water molecules through, can provide even better quality than plants that purify water for sale. After all, often purchased drinking water is taken from the central water supply system, so it may well contain by-products of chlorination.
You can check the quality of purchased water with a TDS meter and decide if it's worth the money. But even if it is perfect, Prio New Water direct-flow filters will help you get the same much cheaper and faster without having to constantly carry heavy bottles.
How often do we think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or for cooking? Alas, we have to admit that not everyone has yet fully understood the need for its purification and filtration. But this is by no means an idle question: the quality of water from autonomous sources or from the city network very often lies outside the limits of permissible sanitary standards. Simply boiling or settling can only help a little, and is unable to deal with the overwhelming amount of pollution or even infection.
It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude to health, one's own and the immediate environment, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the growing popularity and demand for household appliances for water purification. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety presented for sale can easily put into a "stupor" the buyer who purchases such products for the first time, and is not too well aware of the question of how to choose a water filter.
Where does the choice begin?
In this publication there will be no detailed story about the factors polluting water, about the technologies for cleaning it from certain substances, about the principles of operation of various filtering devices.
How are coarse and fine filters arranged and how do they work?
It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article of our portal is devoted to the issue of the device and functioning of various devices.
Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person in order to provide their homes with clean water. Let's take "out of brackets" and complex powerful water treatment plants assembled from several column-type filters - only specialists should be engaged in their selection, assembly and installation. Let's consider the problem in the context of purchasing a ready-made filter or filtration complex in a specialized store, designed for the needs of one average family.
The implementation of any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to get as a result. By purchasing any, in fact, things or products, a person usually already knows what functions or qualities he hopes to receive for his money spent. The water filter is no exception in this matter. It is required to confidently imagine what properties it should have.
The simplistic “just purify the water” approach is, of course, sheer amateurism. Along with obvious signs of pollution (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to the eye, smell or taste, posing a threat to human health.
You should not trust either your superficial feelings, or, even more so, the advice of your neighbors. Subjective opinions can lie in a wide range - from "we have been drinking this kind of water all our lives" to some far-fetched "horrors" that are more likely to be classified as "urban legends". And, besides, the quality of water from nearby nearby sources, or even in neighboring urban buildings, can vary significantly.
As a result, you can fall into one of two extremes:
- Purchasing a filter that does not have the required cleaning functions will simply be a waste of money.
- Taking advantage of the consumer's apparent ignorance, shop assistants will try to impose an expensive filter system that is absolutely not needed. As a result, it is also lost money.
The best solution is to take a sample of water from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.
The most correct decision is to conduct a laboratory study of water from your source The analysis solves a lot of questions at once:
- One can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
- The results of the analysis will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of the effectiveness of its work.
- Regular testing will allow tracking the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important event for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
- Having a laboratory test protocol in hand can become a document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims against city utilities.
By the way, many thoughtful people, when purchasing a new home, immediately require the presentation of a document on the quality of drinking water.
To carry out the analysis, it is necessary to decide on the laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working with water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and with companies involved in the installation of filtering and purification systems (there, of course, there may be another extreme). It is best to choose an independent organization that has the appropriate government certification.
Laboratory analyzes are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should already go through the stage of disinfection, often only a chemical test is limited, although a microbiological study will also never become superfluous.
It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers on the time of delivery of the taken water samples, since there are certain restrictions on their shelf life (2 ÷ 3 hours).
Water intake also requires compliance with certain rules:
For chemical analysis 1.5 liters is required.
- The optimal solution is pure plastic bottle, but only from drinking non-carbonated water. It is forbidden to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
- The tap opens, and the water is given at least 15 minutes for free exit. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will even take 2 hours).
- The bottle and cap are thoroughly rinsed with the same water that will be analyzed. No detergents are used.
- Then the pressure is made minimal, so that when entering the bottle, aeration is not created - - the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
- The container is filled completely, with overflow, so that there is no air left under the tightly screwed stopper.
For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.
- The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if, for example, a glass jar is used, then both it and the lid to it are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories practice taking samples for microbiology exclusively in their sterile disposable containers, which are issued to the customer.
- For water intake, hands must be dressed in sterile medical gloves.
For the “purity of the experiment”, water sampling for biological analysis is carried out with sterile gloves - Even before the tap is opened, the spout cut is either burned through with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is required to completely exclude microorganisms from entering the sample from the side.
- A faucet is opened, and water is circulated under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- After that, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top, and immediately hermetically closed.
Usually, the term for fulfilling an order for a qualitative laboratory study of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day ÷ two, this should alert. It happens that not entirely conscientious offices conduct a superficial express test, which is then passed off as an in-depth study.
As a result, the customer must receive a protocol certified in accordance with the established procedure, which has the force of a legal document.
As a rule, this is a table in which, for clarity, the maximum allowable norms for water, established by SanPiN, and actually obtained indicators.
Having such a document in hand and highlighting positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters of the appropriate direction of action.
The protocol of the laboratory study will help determine the "strategy" of water treatment, and can also be of help in making claims against utilities. Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?
Experts have a common opinion on this matter - such an analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to a laboratory one. Of course, he will show the presence of a problem, but he will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, there will be clearly not enough data for a qualitative selection of a filtering system.
And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. If the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, then we can proceed from an average rate of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not work at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is desirable to increase this rate, say, by half.
Thus, if, for example, five people live in a house (apartment), then it is easy to determine that approximately 30 liters of purified water per day will be required. Accordingly, the purchased device must cope with such a load.
We now turn to the consideration of various models of household
The simplest option: filter - jug
Filter jug device
For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on the purchase of a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to get involved with any installation or connection of the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a "light option" - a jug. Of course, such a solution is possible only if the quality of the incoming water allows it.
The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution is to purchase a pitcher filter. Although outwardly in shape and color design, filter jugs can seriously differ. The basic design of the is always the same, and does not differ in great complexity.
In fact, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.
The body of the jug (pos. 1) serves to collect purified water. It is always made of a transparent food-grade polymer, and a volume scale is often placed on its walls - for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually a number of models are on sale with a volume of filtered water in the range of 1.3 ÷ 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family's need for drinking water.
The upper container (pos. 2) is an insert in the body. It is also made of impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has a darker tone (the color may be different - depending on the design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity, as a rule, is about half the usable volume of the jug.
At the bottom of the insert, where it forms a kind of funnel, there is a socket into which the filter cartridge (pos. 3) is tightly inserted and fixed. The purpose, that is, the functionality of the cartridge may be different - this is selected based on the existing "clinical picture" of the state of the water.
It is important to know that the locking or threaded connection of the cartridge with the upper container can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Apparently, this is a method of stimulating the purchase of only branded components.
There is a spout in the upper part of the body - for the convenience of directed draining of filtered water (pos. 4). The design is such that even with a strong inclination of the jug, water from the upper and lower compartments does not have the opportunity to accidentally mix.
The collection of water for filtration is carried out with the cover folded back (pos. 5), which can be equipped with a convenient lock (pos. 6), or through the intake hatch, which also necessarily has its own cover in order to exclude accidental hit dust or debris inside.
The filter jug always has a convenient handle (pos. 7). A “reminder” can be placed on top of the lid or on the handle - a mechanical calendar that will prompt the owner about the timing of the replacement of the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have electronic indication. Moreover, when selling some branded models, it is practiced to register customers who will subsequently receive Internet or SMS messages about the need to replace.
The scheme of work is obvious - the water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required purification and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are poured into the receiving container.
Applicable cartridges
It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its choice.
The shape of the cartridge and its lock part can be different, and there is almost no talk of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.
But cartridges for one filter model can have a different purpose:
- Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help to cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, impurities of chlorine, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
- There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - a certain amount of ion-exchange resins is additionally introduced into them.
- You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use a reagent-free iron removal and filtration technology.
- For springs, water from which does not pass the stage of disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
- Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluorinating effect on water.
Most companies use some form of silver in cartridge fillers to prevent bacterial colonies from growing inside them. And besides, each of the manufacturers tries to surprise the consumer with their own original developments.
Usually at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, usually in replaceable elements it has a special throttling device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the filling level of the upper part of the jug.
Advantages and disadvantages. Filter pitcher selection options.
The following can be said about the positive qualities of filter jugs:
- Their operation is the simplest, which anyone can handle.
- There are simply no installation operations, except for connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorm or rental housing.
- The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, for a vacation trip.
- Low cost, available to any family.
There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:
- Cleaning goes only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
- The cleaning rate is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often even much less.
- Frequent (about once a month and a half) replacement of the cartridge is required. the period may be even shorter.
- Relatively high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at the future. So, already in a year and a half - two years, the total costs can equal, or even exceed the costs of a really powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration unit.
When choosing a jug filter, care should be taken, as the market is replete with cheap fakes.
In no case do not buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models of well-known brands.
Carefully inspect and, literally, sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food grade plastics must be labeled appropriately as shown in the figure.
This sign says that "food" plastic was used to make the jug. You should immediately evaluate the possibility of acquiring original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.
It is necessary to reasonably approach the choice of a jug by volume. Remember - such a filter is not a "carafe" at all, but serves only to purify water. The capacity of the vessel should correspond to real needs with a small margin. It is not recommended to store filtered water for more than a day. This means that you will have to simply drain the excess, wasting the resource of a replaceable cartridge in vain.
Usually for a single person or for a couple, a jug of one and a half liters is enough. It is fashionable to think about buying a filter of maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.
Purchased cartridges must be in their original sealed packaging. Be sure to check their expiration date.
The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, but they should still be evaluated last.
To complete the section on jug filters - a small overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.
| Model, short description | Illustration | Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge yield (liters) | approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER" | |||
| Jug "Barrier-Style", compact layout, mechanical resource indicator | 2.5 / 1.0 | 490 rub. | |
| Jug "Barrier Grand NEO Ruby", volume scale, mechanical resource indicator | 3.7/2.0 | 550 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Barrier - 7 iron" for standard and water purification and iron removal | 350 | 250 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for water filtration and bactericidal treatment | 200 | 400 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - "AQUAPHOR" | |||
| Jug "Aquaphor Line" classic design, compact size | 3.2 / 1.4 | 350 rub. | |
| Jug "Aquaphor Prestige", mechanical indicator | 3.0 / 1.35 | 540 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-15, universal action | 170 | 155 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-6, softening | 300 | 320 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - GEYSER | |||
| Jug "Geyser Matisse-Chrome", graphite or deep blue color, high temperature resistant plastic | 4.0 / 1.5 | 840 rub | |
| Jug "Geyser Dolphin" - a stylish model, a choice of 5 shades | 3.0 / 1.4 | 380 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with softening effect | 300 | 210 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 301", universal type | 300 | 170 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - «ВRITA» | |||
| Jug "Elemaris XL", with electronic cartridge life indicator | 3.5 / 1.5 | 1450 rub. | |
| Pitcher "Marella XL", electronic indication | 2.2 / 1.2 | 790 rub. | |
| "Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs | 150 | 290 | |
| "Brita Maxtra" - a cartridge with four stages of water purification | 150 | 360 rub. |
Video: an overview of filter jugs of the Barrier brand
Faucet attachment filters
Another type of filter, which can be attributed to the simplest water purification systems.
As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the top of the faucet spout. Water is filtered in a flowing way, due to the pressure in the pipes. This makes it possible to use carefully compacted sorbent backfill in such filters, in contrast to jug cartridges, that is, to improve the quality of water purification.
The advantages of such desktop filters-nozzles are an increased resource and productivity. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.
However, there are also many disadvantages. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of usable space near the sink, to which it is “tied”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may be an obstacle.
A set of water from such a filter requires care - careless inclusion will result in liquid spilling onto the surface of the table. The probability of accidental release of hot water into the filter is fully preserved.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Modern" | Spindle-shaped body, spout placed on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration speed - up to 1.2 l / min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - memo. | 770 rub. | |
| "Barrier Optima" | Original design, microprocessor control over the residual life of the filter module. Revolving spout. Cartridge resource - up to 1500 l. Filtration speed – up to 1 l/min. | 1200 rub. | |
| "Rodnik-3M" | Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight in the state not filled with water - 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration speed - up to 2 l / min. | 790 rub. | |
| "Geyser 1 UZH EURO" | A modern model with a wide selection of filter modules of various functionality with the possibility of regeneration. Module resource - up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration speed - up to 1.5 l / min. | 1500 rub. |
Under sink filter systems
Universal installations for filtration and fine purification of water, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are gaining more and more popularity among users.
The most rational solution is to hide the filter system under the kitchen sink Structurally, such systems usually represent a series of cartridge-type filters, each with its own cartridge of a certain type of action. (The design of such filters is described in detail in the article, the link to which is placed above). Water on the way from the water supply to the point of analysis sequentially passes all the modules, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.
All filters are usually assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.
The location of the filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, it is possible to arrange in two rows or in two tiers, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.
The number of modules, that is, the cleaning steps: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This leads to the highest "flexibility" of the system - the mounting dimensions of replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are the same for one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select General characteristics of the whole complex, depending on the results of a laboratory study of water.
Such complexes are very easy to use. When they are installed, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last filtration stage. At any time, you can substitute the container, open the faucet and draw the right amount of purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide the optimal pressure for high-quality filtration - there is no risk of exceeding it. In addition, the possibility of accidentally letting hot water into the filter modules is completely eliminated.
The disadvantages of such complexes can only be considered a certain complexity of the initial installation, although for the owner, who is familiar with basic plumbing techniques, there should not be any special problems. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be attributed to disadvantages - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and a considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback of the filter unit.
The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.
- Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, external design issues, as a rule, are not among the primary ones. Much more important is the correspondence of the dimensions of the complex to the actual dimensions of the space allotted for its installation.
- Since the system involves, most often, multi-stage cleaning, one should be guided not by the persuasion of the sales assistant, but by the available results of laboratory research. It is important to prioritize in advance in order to correctly select the modular content of the kit.
- Some complexes have extended functionality - after the first stage of mechanical cleaning, there is a branch to a conventional mixer or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
- Assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the "slowest" cartridge. Usually, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of the order of 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
- Filtering modules can also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to follow this on his own, since, perhaps, the change of cartridges will sometimes need to be done not at once, but “in steps”. Some modules are amenable to periodic regeneration.
Of course, you should check the completeness of the delivery. Usually the system is supplied with everything necessary for its complete installation - a hanging or floor console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for tapping into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a tap for installation on a sink, a key for "Packaging" flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit also includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Solo Crystal" | The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260×340×90 mm. Productivity up to 2.5 l/min. | 2500 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor B510-08" | Replaceable module for deep water purification. Resource - 4000 l or 6 months. exploitation | 350 - 400 rubles. | |
| Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD) | Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and softening of hard water. Dimensions 355×365×145. Productivity - up to 3.8 l / min. | 7300 rub. | |
| Atoll A-211E + Atoll A-211E g | An additional set of cartridges designed for 2 years of operation with a change every 6 months | 4000 rub | |
| "Barrier Expert Complex" | Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, water softening and iron removal. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity - up to 2 l / min. | 3700 rub. | |
| "Expert Complex" | Set of cartridges. Resource 10000 liters or 1 year of operation | 1400 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor Crystal ECO N" | System with four stages of purification, including disinfection, softening, iron removal, mineralization and water conditioning. Dimensions 377×342×92 mm. Productivity - up to 2.5 l / min. | 4800 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor" K3, KN, K7 and K7V | A set of four replaceable cartridges with an increased resource - 8000 liters or 18 months. exploitation | 2200 rub |
Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter
Flowing main filters of the "Fibos" type
Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through the filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure generated by the pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for the initial connection of the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.
The advantage of main filters is that already clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several points of water analysis (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher, etc.).
We will analyze the operation of these filters using the Fibos filters as an example.
- Untreated water enters the outer flask of the filter.
- Under pressure, it passes through the filter element - a cloth wound with an ultra-thin microwire. The distance between the turns of the microwire is 1 micron.
- Contaminants remain in the outer part of the flask.
- Clean water from the filter element is supplied to the tap and to household appliances.
- Impurities are removed from the outside of the flask by simply opening the drain cock.
The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?
Currently, the world's only mass production of microwires is located in Russia. The technology of its production was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of microwire use are the military and space industries.
A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is not more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.
In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between the turns of 1 µm. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer flask of the filter, then they are removed when the drain valve is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that impurities do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off during washing.
If you look at the photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. Looking closely, you can see the gap between the turns, which is about 1 micron.
In addition to fine purification of water from impurities of a mechanical type, Fibos type filters protect against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter stops them completely.
If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, reduce the iron content in water, after the main filter of the Fibos type, you can put an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties. Cartridges last much longer, change less often, as the Fibos filter does preliminary fine cleaning.
In terms of performance, there is a line of Fibos filters from 5 l / min for the kitchen, 16.5 l / min for an apartment or cottage, 50 l / min for a cottage, 83 l / min for a cottage, pool to industrial designs of 1000 l / min .
Fibos filters work with water pressure from 0.5 to 16 bar. They come with a pressure gauge that shows the pressure in the system.
Another plus to these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.
For ease of use, devices for automatic washing are attached to Fibos filters.
The filters are compact, from 146 mm to 183 mm high without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.
| Model | Description | average price |
|---|---|---|
| A handy little filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 6,990 | |
| Compact filter for a summer house or an apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 8,990 | |
| An excellent filter for a country house or cottage. Produces 50 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1 inch or 3/4 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 13,990 | |
| The filter is ideal for cottages, swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1,25 inch or 1 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | 23 990 rub. |
Filters with reverse osmosis system
The highest rates of water purification from any inclusions, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filtering units, in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.
For the "apologists" of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis First, what is reverse osmosis?
If the vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then a liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, then the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one in order to equalize the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called direct osmosis.
But if an external influence is applied to the volume of a more concentrated liquid - to increase its pressure, then the flow through the membrane will begin to be carried out in the opposite direction. And it will depend only on the size of the cells of the membrane what will go to the next section.
This is how reverse osmosis filters work.
Schematically - what is the process of reverse osmosis Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow) whose micro-holes are only about 0.3 nm in size, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where the filtered water enters the points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). All larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane, and are removed together with a concentrated solution into the drain (arrow No. 2). A common occurrence is the proportion of ⅓ of the total volume - purified water and ⅔ - discharged concentrate.
In principle, such a scheme is able to independently purify water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to "overload" the membrane, and so that its pores do not overgrow, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, which is constantly present in tap water) are smaller than water molecules and must be disposed of in advance. Therefore, preliminary filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.
The output is water, which, according to its characteristics, approaches distilled water. From the point of view of cleanliness - this is excellent, but from the standpoint of consumer qualities - not very. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, it is of little use for drinking, and the dishes prepared from it will not be the most delicious. Moreover, many doctors agree that water of this degree of purification can even be harmful to the human body.
To eliminate this drawback, for domestic purposes, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis. Usually it is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for a person. A carbon post-filter can also be installed, a biothermal module that normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can also be used at the end of the cycle.
The cost of such installations is quite high, so you need to immediately decide how much there is a need for it. In addition, when choosing, a number of important criteria are taken into account.
- The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of around 2.8 bar. Not always plumbing systems meet these indicators. This means that either the installation of a pump that increases the pressure in the system will be required, or it will be necessary to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will be a need to organize power supply as well.
- Very "how much" is the question of the performance of the filter installation. Here it is important to find golden mean", so that the need for clean water is provided, and unnecessary surpluses are not created. We should not forget that in order to get a liter of purified water, about two liters will have to be drained into the sewer. That is, it would be extremely unreasonable to use such water for economic purposes.
Even the smallest installations are capable of delivering up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So chasing high performance is hardly worth it, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.
- It should be decided which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow systems, filtration occurs only when the tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another option, the system has its own storage tank - the filtration process takes place only when necessary - with a decrease in the total volume of accumulated purified water to a certain level. Very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembly assembly. But the price of such complexes is much lower.
The most expensive module, of course, is reverse osmosis, but its resource is quite large - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. The rest of the replaceable cartridges change more often, as the resources embedded in them are depleted. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a carbon post-filter cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water can "signal" a bitter taste.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6" | Three-stage pre-cleaner, mineralizer and post-filter. Accumulative tank of 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity is 15,6 l/hour. | 14000 rub. | |
| Geyser Prestige PM | Six steps pre and post. cleaning. Storage tank 12 liters. Productivity - 12 l/hour. Two tap positions - for clean and mineralized water. | 14100 rub. | |
| "Barrier Profi Osmo 100 boost" | Five-stage cleaning, built-in pump. Accumulative tank on 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/h. | 11000 rub. | |
| "Atoll A-560E SailBoat" | Original monobloc design that simplifies the installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. The built-in membrane tank on 8 l. Productivity - up to 6 l / hour. | 20000 rub. |
Video: household filtration plant with a reverse osmosis system "Aquaphor - Morion"
Tap water almost never meets the requirements for purity - impurities appear in it one way or another, as a result of which taste characteristics, smell and even transparency change. It is clear that drinking water straight from the tap is not worth it. You can solve the problem by installing a main filter for water purification in the apartment. This device is mounted directly into the pipeline and allows you to clean the entire volume of passing water.
Main filters for cold or hot water are used for such needs:
- Water purification. This is very important, because not everyone can live above a deep well, and drinking water comes to houses, most likely from the nearest reservoir, river or lake. At the same time, urban treatment plants often do not remove carcinogens and heavy metals from water, but only chlorinate, while a number of chlorine-resistant bacteria can remain in the liquid.
- Improving the taste of water. Chlorine, rusty metal, hydrogen sulfide - water with completely unexpected tastes can flow from a tap. Naturally, it also changes the quality of the food. And purified water allows you to cook really delicious dishes.
- Water softening to reduce exposure to skin and hair. After all, polluted water spoils hair and skin, leads to the appearance of wrinkles, rashes, and destruction of the hair structure. And purified water will not allow all these manifestations to form.
- Maintaining the performance of appliances and plumbing fixtures. If you do not remove solid particles and dirt, then scale appears on boilers, dishwashers and washing machines, electric kettles.
Different types of devices and how they work
Main filters for water purification in an apartment and in a country house are classified into:
The main filter for water purification most often works in combination with additional devices. So, a softener is installed complete with a coarse filter, which allows you to normalize chemical composition liquids and prevent scale formation in appliances. Chemical-free filters with permanent magnets can act as softeners, the action of which causes the salts dissolved in water to precipitate without causing harm to plumbing and other appliances.
And only after the coarse cleaning system, fine cleaning devices are installed- in this case, they will be less susceptible to contamination and cartridges will have to be changed less often.
Information about that is in a separate article on the site. In it you will find a video example.
Read about the room in another article. Troubleshooting is described.
Also can be purchased grain loading equipment. It is a main filter for complex cleaning, which allows to eliminate both chemical and biological contaminants. Outwardly, this is a large cylinder, the performance of which is in the range of 16-400 liters per minute. Such main water filters in an apartment or in a private house at the same time they are water softeners and deep filters. Of the minuses, it is worth noting their large size.
Rules for choosing a suitable filter model
So, the main water filter - how to choose for cleaning? Keep in mind that in ordinary apartments, as a rule, passes two lines - with cold and hot water. If we are talking about individual heating systems, then they need devices for purifying cold water.
Important: The main filter for hot water is made of materials that are resistant to prolonged exposure. high temperatures. It can also be used on highways with cold water, but not vice versa.
To choose main filters for cold or hot water, you must consider:
The mesh filters used are multi-layered and fixed in a metal pipe. With its help, water is purified from all large particles (sand or scale), the size of which exceeds 50 microns. It is better to choose a main water filter with flushing - it is able to catch more contaminants. When choosing a mesh filter, you must check pipe diameter, on which the mount will be made, and in accordance with this value, purchase the device.
As for cartridge devices, the main mechanical water filter is a design of a flask, a cap and a replaceable cartridge. They are able to catch any small particles - accordingly, the thinner the degree of filtration, the more transparent and tastier the water at the outlet.
Cartridge for main filters for water treatment should be regularly change and purchase depending on the needs:
- BA - to normalize the amount of iron.
- BS - for water softening.
- With activated carbon - for cleaning from chlorine.
- With polyphosphate loading - eliminates lime deposits, protects appliances from scale.
The main filter is mounted directly into the water main. It is also advisable to install shut-off ball valves and a bypass at the site for supplying and discharging water from the filtering device. The installation site of the cartridge filter must be freely accessible, since the cartridges will have to be replaced regularly.. We eliminate the most common malfunctions.
Brief overview of filter manufacturers
Among the popular companies producing high-quality main filters, it is worth noting Honeywell and Aquaphor, New Water and Geyser.
Thus, the Aquaphor company produces a wide range of cartridge main filters - for drinking water, for household appliances (for washing machines or dishwashers), for showers. You can choose devices designed for operation with cold and hot water, eliminating chemical compounds or only insoluble impurities such as sand or rust.
The German brand Honeywell offers devices of unique quality, designed for ten times the operating pressure in the network. Here you can choose elements for coarse or fine cleaning, and the filter element is a metal mesh enclosed in an ultra-reliable flask.
New Water products are characterized by availability and high quality. The range offers main filters with a separate tap, and the degree of purification can be adjusted by installing certain cartridges.
And Geyser filters are high-tech scientific developments, thanks to which filter elements based on an ion-exchange polymer were created.
It is unlikely that any of the modern people doubt that water filters for apartment- not a whim, but a direct necessity. If only because the chlorine used in the central water supply system, although it kills most harmful microbes, is in itself harmful to human body
In addition, the water treated at Vodokanal, passing through old pipelines, “gains” iron salts again. So the liquid from the tap is at least tasteless, and at the most harmful. And additional water purification in the apartment should fix this
What are the filters for water purification in the apartment. Let's go from simple to complex:
The simplest and most inexpensive devices are jug filters with a small capacity, where water is collected for filtration, and replaceable cartridges. They cope with rust, excess chlorine, hardness salts. But they are unproductive and not very convenient if a lot of clean water is required. In addition, the water in the tap is always cold, and after standing in a jug, it becomes room temperature. Summer is not for everyone.
Flow filter for water in the apartment installed under the sink. A thin outlet is made from the common pipe, the water is filtered and enters a special small faucet designed for drinking water. The filter is quite expensive and bulky, but you only need to change the cartridge once a year or two, and the cleaning quality is high.
The most expensive and "serious" of apartment devices - main water filter in the apartment. It is mounted only by specialists, as it is built directly into the water supply. But such a filter not only provides people with clean drinking water, but also protects expensive equipment (washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers that draw water themselves, etc.) from hardness salts.