A good under sink water filter will ensure that the water from your tap is drinkable and contaminant free. Also known as point-of-use filters; one should be installed at each faucet from which you plan to drink. There are a number of under sink water filter systems on the market. In order to choose the right system for your faucet, it is important to know which contaminants are in your water. Your water company composes an annual report on water quality in your area, which lists all pollutants present in your water. Use this information to select the most effective filtration system for your sink.
One thing that each of the best under sink water filters have in common is a label stating that they meet the NSF/ANSI standard 53. This certifies that the filter in question will in fact remove common contaminants that may affect your health from the water. This label can be used to narrow down a search, but it is common amongst filters, and not all that bear the seal are equal.
A common filtration device in an under sink water filter system is an activated carbon filter. This system uses carbon to filter pollutants and impurities from drinking water. If your water has tested positive for the presence of parasites or heavy metals like lead and copper, this filter may be the best choice for your home. Activated carbon under sink water filters are also popular due to their ability to improve water’s taste and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Ultraviolet disinfection is a newer method that may be employed by an under sink water filter system. This filter uses ultraviolet light to kill any bacteria or parasites present in the water. Though incredibly effective at removing bacteria, this filter does nothing to remove heavy metals or other contaminants. Often, ultraviolet and activated carbon filters are combined in one system for maximum results.
The third commonly used under sink water filter system relies on reverse osmosis to filter tap water. Most of these systems are adept at ridding water of the same pollutants that an activated carbon filter does. This filter may not be recommended for everyone though, because the filtration process results in a great deal of water loss.
Even the best under sink water filter will not work unless it is properly maintained. Make sure that you read the manuals that accompany your filter and adhere to the recommended cleaning or filter replacement schedule. Every under the sink water filter on the market requires maintenance at different intervals, and can depend either on the amount of water used or the length of time they have been installed. If the filters are not properly cleaned, they may be adding contaminants to your water instead of removing them.
Under sink water filters can be purchased at most department and home improvement stores. Most are designed to be easy for the user to install themselves, but speak to store representatives or consult online reviews for guidance on ease of installation.