Everybody knows how essential water is for our everyday lives. People who work throughout the day in warm climates can even drink up to about 16 liters on a daily basis. They do so to keep hydrated and control their body temperature.
While all of the above is obvious, did you know that about 95% of the American population tends to drink only about 1 liter of water on a daily basis. If you think that’s alright, we’re here to tell you that they should be drinking a minimum of 2 or 3 liters.
So why don’t they? Well, most of us would like to but carrying plastic bottles everywhere isn’t really what we’d like to do. Due to this, we consider the next best option – which is tap water. That being said, we already know how dangerous tap water can get.
This is why in our article we’ll be talking about the various benefits of using a water filter. Many people already have these water filters in their homes but you might find yourself wondering how you’re going to buy the right one.
Go on ahead and read our comprehensive guide for water filters and how you can choose the best for yourself and your loved ones.
How Water Filters Work
When you go out to get yourself a water filter, you should know that there are 4 types of water filters. These types are the most commonly used in households in America and each one of these work in a different manner. Let’s have a look at how each of these works:
1) - Activated Carbon
Activated carbon water filters would through what is known as absorption. In this process, gases and liquids get attracted to other solids and liquids. When the tap water in your home passes through a carbon filter, most of its impurities will automatically get attracted to the carbon’s spongy surface. When this happens, the deep ridges of the filter will get filled.
Charcoal filters are great for removing most ordinary contaminants. One of its disadvantages though is that it won’t be able to block limescale in tap water.
There are also some other contaminants that won’t be attracted to the charcoal. If you are using activated carbon in your home, then some microbes, sodium, fluoride and nitrates will still be flowing in your water.
2) - Distillation
These distillation water filters work in a manner to boil the water and capture the steam that is produced. Then this steam cools down, it will be condensed back into water which will be subsequently collected in a container.
As you may already know, water tends to boil at a lower temperature than most of its usual contaminants. This is why they will remain inside the original container when the water will have been turned into steam.
The advantage of this water filtration system is unfortunately also its disadvantage. There are some contaminants in water which tend to actually boil before water. This is why the condensed steam in the second container may actually have some contaminants.
3) - Ion Exchange
Ion exchange water filters consist of zeolite beads which are full of sodium ions. When hard water passes through these water filters and its zeolite beads, then their ions get attracted to the calcium and magnesium components. As a result the sodium exchange chemical reaction takes place.
In limescale the major components are calcium and magnesium. Without theses the sodium will still be present in the water and this is why the water from these water filtration systems are considered is found to be salty.
Oftentimes homeowners don’t like this new taste of water and some others will choose not to drink it because they are following a strict diet.
4) - Reverse Osmosis
The reverse osmosis filtration system uses at least 5 filters in its system and some products may also use more. The first filter in these systems blocks out all the debris, dust, rust and other contaminants that can harm the membrane.
The second filter in these products is usually the carbon filters and it helps block out all the chemicals like fluoride, chlorine and some more. The third filter is also carbon but is much denser in order to capture the smallest particles. This filter makes sure that the water is really clean before it reaches the membrane.
The fourth filter in a reverse osmosis water filter is what is known as the reverse membrane. It blocks contaminants in the water based on their size, ionic charge and even their molecular weight. 95 to 99% of the contaminants in the tap water are therefore blocked at this point.
Some products have a fifth filter which makes sure what’s left of the chorine, viruses and bacteria or even any bad smells and tastes are removed from the water. Some models from the same category are also fitted with UV light or special filters which will help raise the pH level of the water.
Find the Right Water Filter for Your Needs
Other than testing or experiencing your water yourself, you can always have an expert make a water quality report for your home. With the help of this water quality report, you will be able to determine how contaminated your tap water really is. Once you know this, you can go ahead and choose which water filtration system you need in your home.
Mesa Plumbing Company
Mesa Plumbing Company has a lot of experience when it comes to water filtration systems and they will be able to tailor a system for your needs. So what’re you waiting for? Mesa Plumbing Company is your one stop shop for plumbing issues and clean water. Place your trust with the best and visit our website to find out more. You can also go ahead and call us at (480)-832-1660.