Under-sink water filters are one of the best human inventions. As the term suggests, these filters are installed underneath the sinks that help purify the water. This is a great solution for states with odd-smelling and tasting water. After the installation of this type of water filtration system, you can get clean water from the tap where you have installed. We will discuss under-sink water filters in detail for you to consider before installing them in your house.
What Is The Purpose Of Under-Sink Water Filters?
Under-sink water filters are also called drinking water systems. Although there are several different types of water filtration systems available out there, under-sink water filters differ in the sense that they are installed right under the sink. So, the water passes through the filters first before coming out of the tap.
Some people tend to confuse them with faucet-mounted filters that do wonders too but take too much space on the counter. But, in the case of under-sink water filters, since they are installed underneath the sink, they do not utilize any space at all.
When it comes to comparing water filtration systems, you must define your needs and preferences first. This is because water filtration systems are of various types and some filter more contaminants than others.
Plus, many are water filters are different in how they function. For instance, some water filtration systems are installed where the main water supply is connecting the house. This helps purify water being circulated in the entire house. But, when it comes to under-sink water filters, they do not purify water for the entire house but only the sink or the tap they are connected to.
How Do Under-Sink Water Filters Work?
If you are wondering how under-sink water filters work, they commonly use the reverse osmosis filtration method. As the term suggests, reverse osmosis is the opposite of osmosis. Although the osmosis process is a bit technical, but to simplify it, you can assume it to be a system with a diluted solution on one side and a concentrated solution on the other with a semipermeable membrane in the middle.
During the osmosis process, the dilution solution continuously goes into the concentrated solution after passing though the membrane. This forces the concentration to equalize. This process also takes place in human bodies. However, reverse osmosis is a bit different.
While osmosis is passive, the reverse happens to be forced. This means the tap water in your case is being forced or propelled to go through the membrane at high pressure. As a result, even the tiniest of particles or atoms are filtered. And, the best thing about all this is that it happens automatically, without you having to put in any manual effort.
The reverse osmosis process takes place in different stages. To begin with, the under-sink water filtration system takes in water and uses the pump to feed it through the initial filter. This step helps the filter catch sediments and particles like rust, contamination, and other elements that contaminate the water.
Next, the water moves or flows into the system’s reverse osmosis chamber. It has the semipermeable membrane. The system forces the water at high pressure into the membrane which acts like a net and catches all the contaminants and toxicants. The ability of the under-sink water filtration system to filter water depends on the quality of the filter installed.
Moving on, the under-sink filtration system filters the water again. Although, this step is not offered by all but you can add a filter just to make sure the water is clean. If you think that the water quality in your area is bad, you can install an additional cartridge to address mercury, lead, and other issues.
As part of the filtration process, the under-sink filtration system drains waste. Then again, the amount of water wasted depends on the filtration system. Some systems tend to waste less water than others. This is why you need to look for a high-efficiency system that does not drive up your water bill.
Finally, once the filtration steps are done with, the water is clean and ready to be poured into the glass on demand. If your filtration system has a tank attached, the system will store some water for instance access.
Keep in mind this is one type of under-sink water filtration process. Other types of under-sink water filters that use an ultrafiltration membrane and carbon filters. You should know your needs so you can choose the right one. For example, for water odors, carbon filters are better. However, if you have hard water problem, you should use a water softener system Meadville instead.
Do I Need An Under-Sink Water Filter?
As mentioned earlier, an under-sink water filter is primarily designed to trap contaminants and sediments that reduce the water quality. But there are many others reasons as well why you should have at least one installed in your house.
Instant Access
As a first, an under-sink water filtration system gives you instant access to clean water. This means that if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, you simply turn on the tap to get pure water. Even though this benefit is common in almost all water filtration systems, it’s worth mentioning because this is the basic purpose of the system.
Don’t Need Much Space
Another benefit of under-sink water filtration systems is that they are compact. They don’t take any of your kitchen or counter space as they are installed under the sink. They are hidden and compact and work effectively. However, this fact should not let you ignore it’s maintenance like replacing the cartridge and cleaning it.
Cost Saving
Furthermore, under-sink water filter systems can be on the expensive side as well. When compared to the other types, they tend to be pricey but help you save a lot in the long run. This is because they do not need too frequent filter replacements like kitchen faucet filters. And, on top of that, you won’t need to spend money on single-use water bottles every time.
How Much Do Under-Sink Filters Last And Cost?
The price of the under-sink water filters varies depending on the manufacturer, quality, and features. If you opt for the best-quality filters, you can expect them to be a bit more pricey than the standard ones. Technically, the price of the filters is determined based on how comprehensive the filtration is.
At the same time, the overall cost of the filtration process depends on the system’s efficiency, smart functionality, and other accessories or additions installed such as the cartridges. On the other hand, the life of the under-sink filters depends on how much water is used, the quality of the water, and the reliability of the manufacturer.
There is no universal or single answer as to how long the filters will last. If you follow the user manual, you might be able to prolong their usage and save money. However, if you have a big family and water usage is higher, you will need to replace the filters soon.
Conclusion
Under-sink water filters should be installed to ensure everyone in your family receives the best-quality water. Moreover, you should be clear about your needs and preferences. If you are still confused about the options, you will need to consult an expert because for some homes under-sink water filters are great, but for some others, a whole house water filtration Erie system can be a better option.
