How to Choose a Front Water Filter
A water filter is an excellent option for anyone looking to cut back on the cost of bottled water. It also works well for those with a taste or odor preference and helps to reduce heavy metals like lead that leach into water from plumbing.
These filters are best used with a chemical purifier to remove viruses, bacteria and protozoa from water. They are typically favored by backpackers for camping and hiking trips.
Water Capacity
One of the most important factors in choosing a front water filter is its water capacity. This refers to how much water the filter can process before it needs to be replaced. Most filters have a monthly, yearly or gallons capacity rating. The higher the capacity, the more contaminants it can remove before needing to be replaced.
Most of these ratings are based on lab test data and the manufacturer’s own performance tests. They are meant to provide a general idea of how well a particular filter will work in different homes. However, the actual performance of any system will depend on influent water quality, flow rate and applications.
The size of your home, number of people living in it and the amount Industrial water treatment of water used daily will all affect your water usage. This is why it is important to consider these factors when deciding on the right water filter for your home. The proper sizing of your water filter will help you avoid reduction in your water pressure during peak use times.
Most of these systems have a built-in filter monitor that notifies you when the time comes to change the filter. Some even have a light indicator on the base of the faucet that lights up to indicate when the filter is ready to be replaced. If you choose a filter with a monitor, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Flow Rate
Flow rate is the amount of water passing through a filter in a specific amount of time, typically measured in gallons per minute (gpm). This is one of the key factors to consider when choosing a filter system. You will want to determine how much water your household uses, such as the number of people and appliances, so you can choose a filter that has enough capacity.
In general, higher filtration rates require larger filters. However, you will also want to consider your water pressure, which is a determining factor in how fast the water moves through your pipes. You can test your water pressure by turning on your faucet and filling a container in about 10 seconds. Then, multiply the number of cups of water you filled by 6, which will give you your household’s average daily use.
Keep in mind that water usage varies throughout the day, so it is important to estimate peak demand during your household’s most active usage times. This will help you ensure your filter has Outdoor water purification straw enough capacity during these periods to avoid compromising your home’s water quality. It’s also worth noting that flow rates rarely remain constant; a filter will experience spikes and lulls throughout its life cycle, which can impact performance. Therefore, you should also consider the minimum and maximum expected flow rate during your filter selection process.
Water Temperature
Water temperature can vary, so be sure the filter you choose supports your household’s hot and cold water needs. Look at the label to find out if the model is certified by NSF for hot or cold water use, as well as for what contaminants it removes. If you’re not familiar with the different types of filters, salespeople may be able to help you select one that matches your needs. But remember that they are often paid to sell a specific brand and that the claims they make might not always be accurate.
The next filter your water will go through is a carbon block filter that adsorbs hundreds of chemicals and contaminants, such as chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), industrial chemicals, lead, mercury, benzene, and trihalomethanes — the byproducts of disinfectants that can cause cancer. The carbon in the filter also eliminates bad taste and odor and reduces cysts and other microscopic organisms that can make your water unsafe to drink. For additional protection, some models are also tested to reduce PFOA and PFOS, as well as Hexavalent Chromium and Trivalent Chromium. Some even provide instant-hot functionality, enabling you to get a glass of hot water quickly.
Installation
If you have a water filtration system that’s already installed, check to see if it’s plumbed backwards. It’s possible that the waterlines attached to the filter were reversed during installation, and as a result, debris is building up inside the cartridge. This can lead to premature failure and expensive repairs.
To find out if your filter is plumbed correctly, remove the toe kick grille and locate the filter cover. Then, insert your fingers into the square openings and lift the grille. Once the cover is removed, you should see a cap inside the filter slot that is easy to open by pushing on the tab. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it and discard the old filter.
The next step is to install a carbon filter. This is the most important because it eliminates a host of contaminants including chlorine, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), herbicides and trihalomethanes that can cause cancer. The carbon in this filter adsorbs these chemicals and makes your water taste great.
Once you’ve installed the new filter, you should run four gallons of water through the line to flush it. This will help prevent any trapped air from getting into the system and will also reset the filter indicator if your model has one. For specific instructions on how to do this, refer to your product’s user guide.
