Understanding the Different Types of Water Filters: Which One is Right for You?

October 18, 2023 Ilya Herasimovich - Filterway - Blog

Ever wondered what is the best water filtration system for home? With an abundance of choices available – ranging from simple pitchers to advanced reverse osmosis systems – the task might seem overwhelming. It's like trying to pick the perfect superhero suit from a variety of options, and they're all good in their own way. However, it doesn't have to be complicated.

In this article, we'll explore the different types of water filters out there, including faucet-mounted filters, reverse osmosis systems, UV purifiers , and undersink filters. We'll break down the good and the bad of each, making it easy for you to pick the one that's just right for your water purification needs.

Types of Water Filters for Home Use

Here are the different water filtration system types, each with its features, pros, and cons:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

RO systems represent the pinnacle of water filtration technology. They work using semipermeable membranes, designed to let only water molecules through, thus capturing and removing a broad spectrum of impurities. The impurities include bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals, which are retained and then flushed out of the system. The outcome is water that is highly purified, devoid of harmful substances, and safe to drink. RO systems typically require regular replacement and propper maintenance. The system efficiency also depends on the quality of RO replacements like faucets and membranes.

Pros:

Removes 99% of contaminants.
Provides purified water for all domestic needs.
Eliminates taste and odor

Cons:

Wastes lots of water during filtration.
Requires regular maintenance and replacements.
Removes beneficial minerals along with contaminants, potentially affecting water taste.

Faucet-Mounted Filters

These are user-friendly systems attached directly to the faucet, providing immediate access to purified water. With minimal installation effort, no specialized tools, and low maintenance, usually just occasional filter cartridge replacement, they are a convenient option. They effectively remove common contaminants like chlorine, lead, bacteria, and parasites, ensuring clean and safe water.

Pros:

Easy installation without any plumbing modifications.
An affordable option for basic filtration needs.
Some models offer switchable filtration modes.

Cons:

Limited filtration capacity compared to larger systems.
May be unnecessary if you have the whole house filtration system in a place
May not effectively remove specific contaminants.
Can slow down the flow from the faucet.

Countertop Filters

These units sit right on your countertop and connect to your faucet, usually with a separate spout for giving out the filtered water. They have several stages of cleaning, getting rid of lots of bad stuff like chlorine, lead, VOCs, heavy metals, and cysts. However, if you already have a whole-house system in place, countertop filters may not offer significant advantages and could be redundant.

Pros:

No plumbing changes are required for installation.
Larger filtration capacity than faucet-mounted filters.
Portable and can be moved if needed.

Cons:

Takes up countertop space.
Filtration effectiveness can vary based on the type of filter used.
May not be suitable for purifying large quantities of water.

Shower Filters

While these filters are designed to either attach to the showerhead or be installed in the shower's water line, they do come with certain limitations when compared to comprehensive whole-house filtration systems. Thus, their effectiveness may be diminished if you already have a whole-house system in place. Nevertheless, for those without such systems, these filters can still offer some benefits.

These filters use activated carbon or KDF to remove contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and bacteria, improving skin and hair health and enhancing the shower experience. Some also include a vitamin C filter to neutralize chlorine and chloramines and nourish skin and hair.

Installation is straightforward, and filters typically need replacement every 6-12 months, depending on water quality and usage. Despite this maintenance, many find the benefits of cleaner, healthier water well worth the effort.

Pros:

Reduces chlorine exposure during showers, benefiting skin and hair health.
Some models can remove sediment and odors.
Easy installation without plumbing changes.

Cons:

Limited filtration compared to whole-house systems.
May not effectively remove specific contaminants.
Filter replacement is necessary over time.

Whole House Systems

One of the best filtration systems to invest in is the whole-house filtration system. Installed at entry, this system ensures all household water is filtered. This contrasts with point-of-use models catering to individual needs, like facets or shower filters.

Whole house systems manage high fluid volumes, providing comprehensive filtration with low upkeep, while localized point-of-use filters, such as pitcher, shower, or fridge filters, treat specific outlets and require more frequent upkeep.

The most common whole house system type is cartridge-based system. It incorporates a filter housing with three separate cartridges, each with a distinct filtration media. This setup ensures comprehensive purification, enhancing water quality for various domestic uses.

Considering the solutions the whole house systems provide, the water filtration system types may be divided into the following types:

Heavy metals filtration: specifically designed to remove these harmful substances, ensuring your water is safe for consumption and everyday use.
Iron & Manganese Filtration: designed to address iron and manganese sediment problems, enhancing the aesthetic quality of your water. These sediments often causing issues like staining, foul odors, and a metallic taste in your water.
Anti-Scale Filtration: Hard water, characterized by high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, can lead to scale build-up in pipes and appliances. Anti-scale filtration cartridges are designed to combat this issue, extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.

Whole house systems come in different configurations, including 1-stage, 2-stage, and 3-stage systems, each with its own unique advantages. The choice between the three depends on your contamination concerns, budget, and the level of filtration required for different areas of your home.

1-Stage System

1-stage whole house system filters, also known as single-stage filters, are relatively straightforward in their design and function. These filters use a single filtration medium to remove impurities from your tap water. The most common medium used is activated carbon, which adsorbs contaminants as water passes through it. They are usually easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

2-Stage System

2-stage whole house system filters are a more comprehensive solution for purifying tap water. These systems incorporate two separate filtration stages to target a wider range of impurities. The first stage often employs activated carbon to remove chlorine, sediments, and some organic compounds. The second stage may involve a different medium like a reverse osmosis membrane or a specialized cartridge designed to eliminate specific contaminants. Usually they're removing a broader spectrum of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues, often have a longer lifespan and require less frequent replacement.

3-Stage Systems

Three-stage whole house systems systems are the most comprehensive, with each stage targeting specific contaminants. The first stage removes sediment, the second stage addresses chemicals and odors, and the third stage may utilize advanced filtration or specialized media to further purify the water.

Types of Water Filter Cartridges

Water filter cartridges are replaceable cylindrical or cartridge-shaped devices in filtration systems containing media designed to remove impurities and contaminants from water. They play a crucial role in filtration by trapping particles, chemicals, and microorganisms, leaving behind cleaner and safer water.

So, how do these devices work? The precise mechanism varies depending on the specific type of water filter cartridge, but the goal remains consistent: remove contaminants and let clean water through. For instance, activated carbon cartridges use adsorption to trap impurities on the carbon surface before water reaches the tap.

The benefits of using filter cartridges are numerous. Some of them include:

Enhanced Water Quality: Cartridges effectively eliminate bacteria, sediment, chlorine, and harmful substances, significantly improving water taste and quality.
Cost-Effective: Cartridges are a budget-friendly alternative to bottled water and costly filtration systems. Easy replacements offer clean, safe hydration at a lower expense.
Environmental-Friendly: Cartridges reduce single-use plastic waste, as filtering tap water negates the need for plastic bottles. This aids in pollution reduction and resource conservation.
Convenient and User-Friendly: Designed for easy use, cartridges require minimal maintenance. Replacements are simple, needing no special tools or expertise.
Versatility: Cartridges are available in various sizes and filtration levels to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether for a countertop pitcher, under-sink system, or whole-house setup, a cartridge is available to suit every filtration requirement.

Media Types in Cartridges

As we’ve already established, cartridges contain the filtering media that remove impurities and contaminants from water. Here are a few examples:

Carbon-Based Media: Catalytic and activated carbon excel at adsorption, trapping chlorine and VOCs. Catalytic carbon is especially effective against chloramine, a common disinfectant.
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion): KDF, a copper-zinc alloy, employs redox to eliminate chlorine, heavy metals, and hydrogen sulfide. It also curbs bacteria growth, ensuring safe drinking water.
Ceramic Filters: These devices are made from a porous ceramic material that eliminates sediments and certain bacteria via physical filtration and adsorption, ensuring clean and safe H2O.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane: This semi-permeable membrane acts as a barrier, effectively removing contaminants like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved solids from water.
Activated Alumina: This is a granular media commonly used in filtration cartridges to remove fluoride, arsenic, and selenium by adsorption and ion exchange, preventing their passage.

Types of Whole House Water Filters

Considering the solutions the whole house systems provide, the water filtration system types may be divided into the following types:

Heavy metals filtration: specifically designed to remove these harmful substances, ensuring your water is safe for consumption and everyday use.
Iron & Manganese Filtration: designed to address iron and manganese sediment problems, enhancing the aesthetic quality of your water. These sediments often causing issues like staining, foul odors, and a metallic taste in your water.
Anti-Scale Filtration: Hard water, characterized by high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, can lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Anti-scale filtration cartridges are designed to combat this issue, extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.

The choice between the two depends on your contamination concerns, budget, and the level of filtration required for different areas of your home.

Addressing Water Problems

When choosing a filter, prioritize addressing specific issues, as different contaminants may require specific filtration media. Here are some key points to consider:

Water Problem Assessment: Start by identifying the contaminants in your plumbing source. This will help you choose the right type of filter media. For example, activated carbon tackles chlorine, taste, and odor. Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for eliminating heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses.
Maintenance and Longevity: Be mindful of ongoing costs and upkeep. Some filters demand frequent replacements, while others need periodic cleaning or membrane changes. Choose accordingly to fit your budget and maintenance preferences.
Flow Rate and Capacity: Flow rate dictates filtration speed, while its capacity measures how much fluid it can handle before replacement. Match the filter's flow rate to your needs and its capacity to your household's H2O usage.
Certification and Standards: Go for products certified by reputable organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. These certifications guarantee adherence to strict contaminant removal and performance criteria.

Considering these key points, you can select a filter that effectively addresses your specific water problems, whether for your fridge or drinking.

Final Thoughts

Many different types of water filters exist, but, choose based on the quality of your water and target contaminants. It's also essential to shop from a reliable brand. Trusted brands like Filterway tend to provide warranties, superior quality assurance, and customer support, giving you added confidence in your filter choice.