How to choose a water filter. Which water filter to choose for an apartment. Reverse Osmosis Water Filters Atoll

The liquid flowing in the centralized water supply system can only very conditionally be considered suitable for technical use - for washing, washing dishes, etc. With a very big stretch, it can be used for cooking, but you can’t drink it without boiling it at all. To bring it up to the norm, it is necessary to use different types of filters for water purification. There are inexpensive units, but they tend to have low productivity and average cleaning quality, and there are expensive systems that can give ideal results.

The situation is no better with water supply from a well or a well. There is still a high probability of bacterial infection, so cleansing should be even better. In general, it is necessary to take the sample for analysis, and then, based on the results, select the required types of filters for water purification. In private homes, this is usually a multi-stage system that results in potable quality water.

Purification from mechanical impurities

The water that flows in our plumbing contains grains of sand, fragments of rust, metal, windings, etc. These impurities are called mechanical. Their presence has a bad effect on the durability of valves (faucets, valves, etc.) and household appliances. Therefore, in apartments and private houses they put filters at the entrance to remove them. There are few types of filters for water purification from mechanical impurities. This is with mesh and discs as filter elements.

The filter element in mechanical filters is a mesh. According to the cell size, these filters are divided into coarse (300–500 microns) and fine (larger than 100 microns) devices. They can stand in a cascade - first coarse cleaning (mud), then fine. Often a coarse filter is placed at the inlet to the pipeline, and devices with a smaller cell are placed in front of a household appliance, since different equipment may require different degrees of water purification.

According to the orientation of the flask in which the filter element is installed, they are straight and oblique. Oblique ones create less hydraulic resistance, therefore they are most often installed. During installation, the direction of flow must be observed, it is indicated by an arrow on the body.

Mechanical filter

There are two types of mechanical filters - with and without auto-flushing. Devices without autoflush are small in size, their inlet / outlet diameters are selected according to the dimensions of the pipe in which they are installed. Body material - stainless steel or brass, threaded connections - different (external or internal threads are selected as needed). The cost of this type of mechanical filters is low - in the region of hundreds of rubles, although branded ones can cost much more.

Mechanical filters without backwash: straight and oblique

Since the screens get clogged and need to be cleaned periodically, the lower part of the flask is removable. If necessary, it is unscrewed, removed and washed with a mesh, then everything is returned back (all work is carried out after shutting off the water).

Mesh with autowash

A mechanical filter with auto-washing (self-cleaning) has a branch pipe and a tap in the lower part of the flask with a filter element. The branch pipe is discharged into the sewer with a hose or a piece of pipe. If it is necessary to rinse such a filter, simply open the tap. Water under pressure flushes the contents into the sewer, the tap closes, you can continue to operate.

This type of mechanical water filter often contains a pressure gauge. It determines whether the grid is clogged or not. The pressure is low - it's time to clean the filter. If the flask of the device is transparent, there may not be a pressure gauge - you can determine by the appearance of the grid or the walls of the flask. In this segment, oblique water filters are rare, but still there are.

A pressure reducing valve can be integrated into the body to neutralize pressure differences. There are models with the possibility of installing an auto-flushing unit.

Tying this type of mechanical filter is a little more complicated - it needs to be drained into the sewer, but there are also models with different types of threads so that you can use as few adapters as possible.

Connection types

Mechanical cleaning filters can be sleeved, they can be flanged. Flanged - this is usually main equipment for water pipes with high pressure and diameters. It can be used in the device of water supply of a private house.

Disc (ring) filters

This type of equipment is less common, although it is less prone to silting, has a large filtration area, and can retain particles of different sizes.

The filter element is a set of polymer discs, on the surface of which depressions-scratches of different depths are applied. The discs in the assembled state are tightly pressed against each other, water passes through the hollows in the discs, while particles of a larger diameter settle on them. The movement of water is spiral, so that suspensions are removed efficiently.

When the water filter becomes clogged, the discs are removed from the housing, moved apart and washed. After that, put in place. Periodically, the discs must be replaced, the service life of the filter element depends on the amount of contamination and the quality of the discs themselves. There are models with autowash.

Mounted in a pipe break, the flask can be directed up or down (see installation instructions).

Inexpensive types of filters for water purification to drinking

Water purified from mechanical impurities can be used for domestic needs, fed into household appliances, but it is only conditionally suitable for drinking or cooking - after boiling. In order to drink it without boiling, fine filters are needed, which retain a significant part of the substances dissolved in water and disinfect it. Consider how to make tap water drinkable, the types of filters for water purification that can be used.

filter jug

The easiest, but not very productive way to make tap water drinkable is to pass it through a filter jug. Purification takes place in a replaceable cartridge through which water passes. A good cartridge contains the following filter media:

• polypropylene fibers for the deposition of residual mechanical impurities;
• activated carbon with additives to remove microorganisms, chlorine compounds;
• ion-exchange resin for removing manganese and calcium salts, radionuclides, iron compounds, heavy metals;
• porous activated carbon for water clarification, organic sedimentation.

Filter jug ​​- simple, cheap

Filter jugs differ in the composition of the cartridge, its resource (how much water it can clean) and in volume. The smallest models of desktop filters can purify 1.5-1.6 liters of water at a time, the largest - about 4 liters. Just keep in mind that the column "filter volume" indicates the volume of the bowl, the useful volume (the amount of purified water) is much less - about two times.

Faucet filter attachment

Very compact filter for running tap water, which is put on the faucet. Cleansing speed - from 200 ml / min to 6 l / min. The degree of purification depends on the composition of the filtering part, but usually differs little from pitcher filters.

According to the method of operation, there are two types of filters on the faucet - some are put on immediately before its use, others have the ability to switch to the "without purification" mode. More convenient, of course, the second option, but the switches often break. As a temporary measure - an excellent solution, but "permanently" it is better to choose another device.

Filters under / on the sink - a way to get a large amount of drinking water

For greater performance and better water purification, filters are used that are installed under or on the sink, they can also be mounted on the wall.

There are two types of such systems - cartridge and reverse osmosis systems. Cartridge ones are cheaper, and this is their plus, and the minus is that you need to monitor the condition of the filter element and change it in time, otherwise all the accumulated dirt goes into the water.

Reverse osmosis systems are already more technologically advanced equipment that has a much higher cost, but the quality of cleaning and productivity are much higher. These water treatment plants use a multi-layer membrane, each layer of which traps certain types of contaminants.

Cartridge

In cartridge filters, the quality of cleaning depends on the number of cleaning stages - individual filter elements that "catch" a certain type of pollution. There are single-stage systems, there are two, three and even four-stage filters.

In single-stage, universal inserts with a multilayer structure are used. They are inexpensive, but it is difficult to predict whether you will be satisfied with the degree of cleaning. The composition of water in different regions is very different and it would be desirable to select / replace filters as needed. And so, we have to hope for the universality of the liner.

In multi-stage cartridge filters, the housing consists of several flasks, each of which has a separate / special filter element that removes certain contaminants. The flasks are connected in series with overflows, flowing from one flask to another, the water is purified. In this case, it is possible to choose the types of filters for water purification specifically for your analysis, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of purification.

Desktop cartridge filters for running water

The most inexpensive version of cartridge filters is installed next to the sink. These are miniature models that differ in small dimensions. They can be one or two-stage, there is a small tap on the body. The filter is connected with hoses to a special outlet of the mixer, it can be connected directly to the water supply.

Trunk

These are usually cartridge single-stage filter flasks, which are placed after a mechanical filter. They remove a significant amount of impurities, making water suitable for drinking and protecting household appliances from the formation of scale and other deposits. Their disadvantage is the need to change the filter elements.

For the convenience of monitoring the state and degree of contamination, the flask is made transparent. In case of visible contamination, it is necessary to replace the cartridge with another one. In some models, self-restoration of the cleaning element is possible - it is washed under running water. In other models, this is prohibited, so read the instructions carefully.

Multistage filters

They differ from those described above by a large number of flask cases, each of which has a cartridge that removes various types of contaminants. The more stages of purification, the cleaner the output water is. It is necessary to select the composition of the filter elements for the specific composition of the water (carefully read the technical specifications and description).

These installations can also be placed on the main line, or they can be placed under the sink and receive high quality drinking water.

reverse osmosis

The most advanced water purification technology today is reverse osmosis. Multilayer membranes are used here, which allow only water and oxygen molecules to pass through, not passing even the smallest pollution. Water is obtained practically without salt content, which is also not good. This is precisely the disadvantage of reverse osmosis systems. To neutralize it, the installations are equipped with mineralizers that add the necessary minerals.

The disadvantages of this system include their low productivity - only one glass or so of clean water can run per minute. It is clear that such a speed causes inconvenience, so that it is felt less, manufacturers complete the installations with tanks for purified water, to which taps are already connected.

Filters for purification of water from dissolved substances

In addition to mechanical impurities in tap water, there is also a decent part of the periodic table: iron, mercury, manganese, potassium, calcium (hardness salts from which scale is formed), etc. All of them can be removed, but different filters are needed for this.

To make water drinkable, different types of filters are used to purify water.

To remove iron

Most often, water from wells or wells contains a large amount of iron. It gives the water a reddish tint and a specific taste, is deposited on the walls of plumbing fixtures, clogs shutoff valves, so it is desirable to remove it. It makes sense to do this if the amount of iron exceeds 2 mg / l.

Divalent iron dissolved in water can be removed from the water using a catalytic filter. This is a large cylinder into which catalysts are poured, the work is controlled by a small processor, that is, this equipment requires power supply.

The backfill located in the catalytic filter greatly accelerates the process of oxidation of ferrous iron and its precipitation. Depending on the backfill, impurities of manganese, chlorine, and other substances dissolved in water can also be removed, and mechanical particles also settle to the bottom during the cleaning process. Removal of accumulated deposits occurs according to a predetermined schedule, usually at night. The backfill is washed under the pressure of water, everything is drained into the sewer, for the time of washing, the water supply stops. Catalytic filters are complex and expensive equipment, but they are the most durable in existence.

Another way to remove iron and water is aeration. Water is supplied in the form of a fine suspension into a cylinder with air pumped by a pump (through nozzles). The iron in it reacts with atmospheric oxygen and its oxides are filtered out at the outlet. There are two types of water filters of this type - pressure and non-pressure. For more active oxidation, an oxidizer — hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite — can be supplied to these plants. In this case, biological water treatment is also carried out - from microbes and bacteria.

Purification of water from hardness salts

To soften water, filters with ion exchange resins are used. In the process of interaction with water, harmful impurities are replaced with neutral or useful ones (an increase in the amount of iodine and fluorine).

Externally, this equipment is a tank partially filled with ion-exchange material. Paired with it is a second similar regenerator tank filled with a highly concentrated salt solution (special sold in tablets, highly purified).

The advantages of filters for water purification of this type are high performance, low noise level during operation, rare backfill replacement (it lasts for 5-7 years). For softening water, ion exchange filters are the best choice. Cons - the need to use a regeneration tank with a concentrated salt solution. To get drinking water, you need to install an activated carbon filter.

The quality of tap water has long ceased to be considered sufficient to be consumed without additional purification. The specific taste and smell of untreated water can spoil the cooked dish, and drinking it is completely unpleasant. For this reason, many install a water filter under the sink in the kitchen of their house or apartment, which one is better and what characteristics are important when choosing - we will consider in this article.

Why is it needed. The principle of operation of various models. Which inline water filter is better. Table with the characteristics of the most popular models.

Which water filter to buy under the sink: the best domestic manufacturers

There is a lot of debate about whether it is worth giving preference to domestic manufacturers, or is it still better to purchase a foreign model of a famous brand? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, but it is important to understand that most of our companies work in accordance with international standards and are in no way inferior to other manufacturers in the quality of their products.

Water Filter Barrier

Barrier is one of the most popular brands on the market today. Together with Aquaphor, he occupies a leading position. It appeared in 1993 and belongs to the domestic company METTEM Technologies. Being a fairly large-scale enterprise, Barrier owns four factories, fully equipped with high-quality German equipment. In addition, they have their own research center.

Both reverse osmosis and standard flow filters come off their conveyors, most of which have three degrees of purification. A feature of their models can be called the presence of a special one-piece cover, which allows you to ensure the absence of leaks. Filter capacity - up to 2 liters of water per minute. Replacing cartridges in water filters for washing the Barrier is elementary, within a few seconds.

Household filters for purification of drinking water Aquaphor

The main competitor of Barrier filters and no less popular manufacturer of water filters is Aquaphor. The company first announced itself on the market in 1992 and today has two large factories, one of which is located in St. Petersburg.

Among the brand's products, you can find both trunk and reverse osmosis systems. But especially popular are filters-jugs for water purification. You can buy them for several hundred rubles, and yet the level of cleaning they offer is more than high.

In addition, the company's specialists presented their own development: the Aqualen sorbent. Its thin carbon fibers are able to provide a particularly high level of purification of the water passing through it.

Water filters New water

Buying New Water filters is also very easy. Despite the fact that the company is a little younger than the previous two and was founded in 1996, already in 2006 it received membership in the global Water Quality Association, which specializes in water quality. In the assortment of the company you can find both reverse osmosis and flow-through devices for cleaning, as well as a variety of types of replaceable cartridges.

Wash water filters Geyser

Geyser is one of the oldest, and therefore respected companies, which is represented in the water treatment filter market. Existing since 1986, it has managed to offer its customers a huge variety of scientific developments, which are now used in filters of its own production. During this period, the company was officially issued more than 20 patents.

Among the developments of this company, which have been recognized throughout the world, one can single out a microporous ion-exchange polymer. It was he who provided the company with worldwide popularity and allowed it to take a position in the world market. However, users are often much more interested in the fact that cartridges are easily replaced with Aquaphor ones, which greatly simplifies the procedure for replacing them.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters Atoll

Buying an Atoll water filter means getting American quality at a very reasonable price. The thing is that the components are made in the United States, while the assembly is done in Russia. All products are certified according to the international NSF standard, and therefore recognized as one of the best.

Depending on the application, four different models of filters are available, designed to eliminate a particular problem. All devices have three stages of cleaning.

Rating of water filters for a flow-type sink: 5 best models

In order for you to choose the most suitable model, consider the five most popular options that have been recognized by users as the best. The table will allow you to compare the characteristics, and a detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages will allow you to make your own opinion about each model:

EXPERT Ferrum (Barrier): the best filter for water treatment with a high iron content

The advantages of this model include the following indicators:

• the filter provides high-quality water purification from impurities such as iron, chlorine, etc.;
• the cost of the device is more than moderate;
• filter installation is extremely simple;
• the filter does not affect the total water pressure in the pipes;
• it is very easy to buy an EXPERT Ferrum water filter cartridge, as well as to replace it yourself;
• The filter has a small size as well as a cute design.

But according to reviews, the EXPERT Ferrum Barrier water filter has the following disadvantages:

• copes rather badly with increased rigidity, practically does not soften water;
• replacement cartridges have a high cost, which, with constant use of the filter, significantly affects the budget;
• prolonged use of the filter leads to the appearance of a specific aftertaste characteristic of coal.

Helpful advice! If there is any foreign taste or smell in the water, drain at least 5 liters of water first. If the situation does not improve, then the problem is in the filter itself and it needs to be replaced.

From the above information, we can conclude that this model is an excellent choice if your goal is to purify water from iron impurities, which often cause rust stains in the sink and bathroom. Moreover, drinking such water is not only unhealthy, but also tasteless, since the taste of iron is pronounced. Here's what the reviews say:

“The analysis of our water showed that the level of iron is very high, but everything is in order with hardness. So this filter is perfect for us. Moreover, it is quite inexpensive, and the cartridges are very easy to change.

Evgeny Astakhov, Yekaterinburg

The filter is simply not designed to reduce water hardness, however, at its low price, the EXPERT Ferrum Barrier water filter fully performs its main function of iron removal. The system is placed under the sink, and replaceable cartridges are changed in one motion.

EXPERT Hard (Barrier): membrane filter for water treatment

The positive aspects of using this filter can be formulated in a few simple points:

• thanks to such purification, the water becomes much tastier, cleaner and more transparent, the smell characteristic of chlorine impurities completely disappears, and scale does not appear in the kettle even after a long time;
• the design of the filter is designed in such a way that thin flasks can easily fit even in a very limited space under the sink and at the same time look very aesthetically pleasing;
• the filter does an excellent job of softening the water;
• the service life of the cartridges for these filters is at least six months, and the replacement is done in one motion;
• the filter is capable of processing more than one liter of liquid per minute;
• such a device is not too expensive, but it is very easy to install.

But EXPERT Hard also has disadvantages, which are best known in advance:

• the device has a fairly large weight and therefore it is best to place it on the floor or bottom of the kitchen cabinet;
• the basic configuration of the filter provides for a special ball valve, which, according to users, is not very convenient to use. This is primarily due to the fact that there is no nut for it that would allow it to be unscrewed if necessary;
• another difficulty that often arises during the installation process is the inconsistency of the adapter with respect to some mixers;
• immediately after installing the filter, the water from the tap will flow cloudy, so the first at least 10 liters must simply be drained into the sewer;
• the cartridge that is responsible for softening is not very effective over a long period of time if the tap water is very hard.

Summing up, we can say that this flow filter is able to inexpensively solve the main problems associated with water purification from free chlorine and softening. It is not intended for too harsh operating conditions, however, as a simple household option, it copes with its tasks perfectly.

Water filters for washing Aquaphor Crystal N

This filter from Aquaphor is especially popular among users, and there are a number of reasons for this:

• it has a very convenient design, and all the materials used for its manufacture are of increased strength;
• the manufacturer indicates that it is necessary to change the cartridges every one and a half years, which is a considerable service life for elements of this type;
• copes well with the function of softening tap water;
• has a positive effect on water characteristics such as smell and taste.

Cons of using the Aquaphor Crystal N filter:

• the cartridge responsible for softening the water does not have a very long resource. On average, it is enough to process 200-250 liters of water, although this largely depends on the degree of its initial hardness;
• the softening module can be restored by washing it regularly. However, to perform this procedure every 2 months is quite tedious, and changing the cartridge to a new one is expensive.

Helpful advice! If the prospect of constantly worrying about the need to maintain replacement modules scares you, you might want to look at water filters without cartridges.

Perhaps the only drawback of this filter is the need to regenerate the softening module. Otherwise, the device does an excellent job with all functions, providing clean and tasty water, purified from all unnecessary. The device itself looks beautiful, but it is inexpensive.

Expert M410 (New water): a good choice of a water filter for washing

This device has a number of unique advantages that make it indispensable in some operating conditions:

• the width of the filter does not exceed 10 cm, which allows it to be used even in very limited space under the sink. But even if there is enough free space, this option allows you to save space in order to use it to accommodate other necessary items;
• high-quality plastic is used for manufacturing, and the manufacturer pays special attention to the reliability of connections;
• The faucet for the drinking water filter that comes with the kit looks very nice. It will become a worthy decoration of any kitchen;

• for a very reasonable price, you get a complete set of parts necessary for the installation and operation of the filter;
• the filter does an excellent job of eliminating free chlorine, which makes the water much tastier and clearer;
• as many as five degrees of purification are used, one of which is ultrafiltration;
• the water filtration rate is quite sufficient for domestic use, and the replacement of cartridges is very quick and easy.

This model is devoid of serious shortcomings, however, users noted that replacement cartridges for this model cannot boast of a low price, and the water softening element often requires maintenance after a month of regular use.

Such a compact and beautiful model includes as many as five degrees of purification, including ultrafiltration. This undoubtedly makes the filter one of the best contenders to purchase. Of course, too hard water can become an obstacle to the comfortable use of the device, but otherwise it does an excellent job.

Crystal Quadro (Aquaphor): the best filter for washing water with the ability to select modules

There are several advantages of this filter:

• you can choose modules for your filter individually, which allows you to independently determine the most suitable configurations that can solve actual problems associated with the presence of impurities in water;
• cartridges are replaced directly with the flask body, which greatly simplifies the replacement procedure;
• the device has a compact size.

The disadvantages of this device include a number of the following characteristics:

• the presence of the fourth stage of purification significantly increases the price of the device, while it is far from always necessary and justified;
• due to the design features, it is necessary to replace not only the cartridge, but also the flask, which also increases the cost of replaceable elements;
• like most flow filters, scale appears on this model after two months of operation.

Generally speaking, this is a compact filter that will allow you to select the modules yourself, thus ensuring the most effective cleaning. However, this model can hardly be called economical, which should be considered before purchasing it.

Reverse osmosis systems: which water filter is better

Another popular way to purify water is osmosis. Filters for this purpose have a special design and differ significantly from flow filters. Consider several popular models from various manufacturers: their main characteristics in the form of a comparative table, as well as advantages and disadvantages:

Filter Prestige 2 (Geyser): ideal value for money

When deciding which is the best water filter for your home to choose, you should definitely pay attention to this model. After all, she gained her popularity not just like that, but due to a number of advantages:

• among models of this type, Prestige 2 boasts a very high water filtration rate;
• removes unpleasant odors and tastes, making water suitable for drinking and cooking;
• the model has moderate dimensions;
• the cost of replaceable elements is low, and replacement is elementary;
• the resource of cartridges is so great that some users note their proper operation for 2-3 years;
• installing such a filter yourself is more than simple.

Disadvantages Prestige 2:

• you will most likely have to buy a faucet for a drinking water filter separately, since the one that comes in the basic package cannot boast of an exquisite design or beauty;
• the purchase of replacement cartridges often causes difficulties, since they are far from always available;
• the junction with the ball valve has to be additionally sealed with tow, adhesive tape, etc. to avoid leakage.

Helpful advice! Keep in mind that such models consume water for drainage, which can lead to serious financial costs if you have a water meter installed in your apartment or house.

The main difficulty that arises with this filter model is installation and maintenance. Otherwise, the filter is very popular due to its long service life, as well as high-quality water purification for quite modest means. Here are some reviews you can find on the Internet:

“Before making a purchase, I studied for almost a month which hard water filter is best. I read and looked, probably, all the information that could be found on this topic. I settled on Prestige 2 because of the high quality of their cartridges and a fairly long service life. I've been using it for almost a year and so far I'm happy with everything.

Vitaly Semenov, Nizhny Novgorod

Atoll A-550 STD: extra high performance filter

Advantages of the A-550 STD (Atoll):

• the manufacturer took care of the ease of installation by making all the hoses of different colors. This greatly simplifies the task and allows you not to confuse which one should be connected where;
• the use of components produced and tested in accordance with international quality standards allows us to guarantee the highest quality of water purification;
• the plastic from which the filter is made is of very high quality;
• despite its compactness, the filter has an extremely high performance;
• The basic package of the filter includes not only a stylish and elegant faucet for clean water, but also a special silicone grease and FUM tape.

Disadvantages of using the Atoll A-550 STD filter:

• despite the fact that it is quite simple to mount the filter, the abundance of connections still does not have a very positive effect on the strength of the system;
• no spare retaining rings included;
• such a filter is not cheap and it is really possible to recoup it only if the daily consumption is more than 20 liters per day;
• users also note that the key, made of plastic, which is designed to unscrew the flasks, breaks very easily.

If you are not worried about the cost of the device or you are just ready to seriously invest in high-quality water purification, this model can be called an ideal option. All components are imported and can boast of high quality. The filter itself is characterized by high performance, and therefore is suitable for an apartment or house where a large family lives.

Barrier PROFI Osmo 100, household filter for drinking water: reviews and specifications

First of all, this simple model is famous for its low cost with as many as 5 cleaning steps. But besides this, the following points are distinguished:

• all flasks are disassembled, which in the future allows significant savings;
• after cleaning, foreign odors and taste disappear;
• cartridges have a long resource and do not require frequent replacement;

Reverse Osmosis Filter Barrier Profi Osmo Boot

Among the shortcomings most discussed by users on forums and thematic portals are:

• The quality of the parts leaves much to be desired. This applies to both the plastic itself and such trifles as the absence of a special latch, which should ensure a reliable connection of the elements;
• the four-way valve emits a specific hum when the storage tank is empty;
• it is necessary to constantly monitor the pressure level so that the filtration system works properly;
• the water consumption in the filtration process is very high;
• this model can hardly be called compact. Most likely it will take up all the free space under the sink.

In short, this is practically the cheapest version of the five-stage water filter that you can find. In this regard, one has to face a number of difficulties, such as increased water consumption and the need to control pressure. However, this model is quite inexpensive. Here is what those who have purchased this filter say on the forums:

“The main thing that attracted me to this sink water filter was the price. Initially, I did not plan to spend a lot on it, and therefore such a cheap option suited me perfectly. In general, a very economical thing: I installed it myself and everything is in order. Fortunately, I don’t have a water meter.”

Nikolay Tyumentsev, Ufa



“Everything is fine with the filter, except for the fact that it is very sensitive to pressure. I had to spend time once and solve this problem, but now everything works fine and there are no problems.”

Konstantin Pritulny, Volgograd

Expert Osmos MO510 (New Water): compact and convenient water filter

Buying a membrane filter for water purification of this quality means paying due attention not only to the quality of the water itself, but also to the design of the device. Here are some of its benefits:

• membranes used are made in Japan and meet all quality requirements;
• both the filter and the faucet included in the kit boast an original design and ease of use;
• the filter is easy to install on your own, but at the same time, you can always get qualified help using the support service on the official website of the company;
• the membrane, as well as the cartridges themselves, are easy to maintain and replace.



Cons of using this filter:

• rather high cost of both the model itself and individual components, in particular cartridges;
• filtered particles tend to clog the membrane, which negatively affects the pressure of the water supply;
• Unfortunately, these wash water filters are not leak tested, which leads to the risk of leakage immediately after installation.

Such a model is quite suitable for water purification, provided that the content of mechanical impurities is not too high. However, it is better to entrust the installation of this particular filter to a professional.



Devices without replaceable cartridges: main-type water filters

Water filters without replaceable cartridges occupy a special place in the modern market of water purification devices. One of the brightest representatives of this category is Titanof titanium water filter. Reviews about it unanimously testify to both ease of use and high quality cleaning. The efficiency of using a titanium filter is many times higher than the installation of a coarse water filter, as well as most membrane models. Here is what users say about such a device:

“Been using the Brita pitcher water filter for quite some time. It seems that buying a cartridge is not too expensive, and not too difficult, but in reality, it soon gets tired of thinking about it and remembering it. Therefore, when choosing a filter for washing, they chose titanium primarily because it does not have replaceable cartridges. And the quality of water purification is at the highest level.”

Miroslav Velikhodov, Ryazan

The titanium filter provides high-quality water purification from free chlorine, iron, aluminum, metal salts, as well as nitrates and other unsafe chemical compounds. At the same time, the filter does not affect the mineral composition of the water.



Helpful advice! If you are just deciding where to buy a water filter, then it is best to place an order on the official website of the manufacturer. This way you can at least be sure that you have purchased an original product, and in case of a malfunction, contact the manufacturer directly.

Installing a water filter under the sink with your own hands

Having finally decided on a suitable model and having bought it, you just have to install the filter in place and start using it. The easiest way is to invite a master for this, whose qualifications will allow him to do it with the highest quality. However, often the considerable price of household filters for drinking water purification pushes people to save on installation.

Installing a water filter can be done independently. But in this case, it is necessary to take into account both the basic rules for the installation of such devices, and the individual recommendations of the manufacturer.



Consider the general procedure for installing a filter for water purification under the sink:

1. First of all, remove everything from under the sink that can interfere or get wet during work. Prepare a cloth, bowl or bucket.
2. Turn off the water and relieve pressure in the system by opening any of the taps.
3. Unscrew the hose in the water supply in the place where the transition from the common line to the mixer is located.
4. Be sure to measure the current pressure on the lines and, in case of discrepancy between the indicator, take the necessary measure: if the pressure is high, a reducer is installed, and if it is too low, a special pump is installed.
5. According to the instructions supplied by the filter manufacturer, secure all the constituent elements. At the same time, do not forget about small but important details, such as gaskets and rubber bands, since they are the ones that ensure the tightness of the system.
6. Take care of the quality connection of the drinking water faucet with the filter. Inspect all joints in advance and make sure they are secure.
7. Before checking, place a bowl under the sink and place a rag around it in case there is a leak somewhere. Let the water run down the drain for at least 10 minutes. If during this time everything is in order, you can return everything removed earlier to the sink.

Helpful advice! In order to increase the service life of the rubber parts of the filter and prevent them from drying out, pre-lubricate them with Vaseline or silicone.

Deciding to take care of the quality of the water you use for drinking and cooking, you will definitely have to face a difficult choice. But after carefully reading the reviews about water filters for washing, the features of operation, as well as the main characteristics, you will surely understand which one you need to buy a filter for cleaning water for washing.

The World Health Organization notes that most human ailments are caused by the poor quality of drinking water. And that even a “respectably” looking liquid can contain a lot of harmful components in its composition. To everyone who values ​​their own health and the health of their loved ones, experts recommend purchasing water filters - we will now tell you how to choose them.

Ways to purify water from a well or water supply

To purify water from harmful substances, it is necessary to pass it through a special environment - this is the principle of filtration technology. Depending on the type of medium used, the properties of the liquid also change. Different filters use their work resources. To ensure the acceptable content of impurities in the liquid, they must be changed before the resource is completely exhausted.

Mechanical

Mechanical water treatment is preliminary

Mechanical filtration is carried out to remove insoluble mineral and organic impurities from water. The positive quality of this process is the ability to use it at normal temperatures without the addition of chemicals. Usually such treatment is a preliminary, in rare cases - the final method of water treatment.

Sorption

Overall dimensions - a significant minus of sorption purification systems

Sorption purification of a liquid implies the use of porous materials that bind contaminants and hold them. Carbon filler is often used. It is effectively used in the presence of inorganic and organic substances, as well as chlorine compounds in water.

The main disadvantage of sorption filters is the very large dimensions of these devices. Fillers are laid in them in several layers to ensure the most complete release from hazardous substances.

Charcoal filters require proper maintenance. Only professional service guarantees high-quality and effective filtration. Since bacteria can settle in the pores of the charcoal, use hot water to flush it out.

Ion exchange treatment

Such systems are expensive.

However, ion exchange purification alone will not be enough, since such filtration:

• does not remove heavy metals, minerals and pesticides;
• ozone, unlike chlorine, which has a similar effect, decomposes very quickly and there is no residual cleaning effect.

Also, ozonation of water will be expensive, for this reason it is not the best idea to use ion-exchange purification at home.

Membrane

The membrane system provides a high degree of water purification

With membrane filtration, high purification is ensured due to the precise division into elements of impurities present in the liquid. The main advantage of using membranes is that impurities will not remain there, their removal occurs due to the drainage system.

However, this method of water purification has one nuance: during the processing, the accumulation of impurities occurs extremely close to the membrane itself. This phenomenon is called concentration polarization, which can affect the results of filtration, reduce the properties of the membrane.

Electrochemical

When using this method, an electric current is passed through the water

During electrochemical water purification, an electric current is passed through it, as a result of which the impurities contained in the liquid usually break down into non-toxic substances.

The main advantages of this method are the small size of the complex, ease of operation, no need to use reagents, and effective bactericidal cleaning. However, there are certain disadvantages, namely, low productivity and high energy consumption.

UV disinfection

UV disinfection is an environmentally friendly cleaning method

UV disinfection is considered universal because it destroys all types of contaminants. Also noted is the environmental friendliness of the cleaning method, its low cost and the absence of the need for expensive maintenance. After filtration, the structure of water does not change, and all useful elements are preserved in it.

Which cartridges to choose

The choice of cartridge will depend on the filter you are using and what kind of result you want to achieve.

For jugs, there are cartridges with several types of cleaning, in flow and main cartridges, each type of cartridge is designed for a certain type of cleaning, there is also a complex cleaning.

Depending on the type, the cartridge can perform one of the functions listed above.

When choosing, consider a few simple rules:

• mechanical cleaning with a filtration fineness of 1 or 5 microns is required;
• on the riser, the water must pass through a mechanical deep cleaning of 10 or 100 microns;
• if you want to get rid of iron, choose a cartridge containing components designed for this;
• for softening, it is better to take cartridges with ion exchange resin;
• to improve the taste of water and purify it from chemical impurities, pay attention to carbon cartridges.

The choice of system depending on the contamination of the water

The efficiency of the cleaning system and the quality of the liquid filtration depend on the specificity of the contamination present. Before you decide on a water filter, you need to carry out a comprehensive analysis of impurities. Only after that it will become clear what to choose.

Additional options to keep in mind when choosing a filter

Now you should familiarize yourself with the additional parameters that you need to pay attention to when you move on to choosing a water filter.

There are a few more factors to consider when choosing a filtration system.

Filtration of cold and hot water

Most purifiers are designed to filter cold water. The maximum allowable temperature in this case should not exceed 400C. For this reason, if you wish to purify hot water, then look for filters with a high temperature limit.

Filter module performance and resources

Filter performance refers to its ability to pass and clean a certain volume of water per minute. This indicator is minimal in reverse osmosis systems, since it takes a long time for the liquid to pass through the filter membrane. So when choosing a filter, you need to decide how often it will be used and how much water will need to be cleaned per day.

Almost everyone has a filter module designed to purify a specific volume of water. Once its resource is exhausted, it will not be able to provide adequate water quality and will have to be replaced.

Availability of consumables

You need to pay attention to the cost of filter modules - cartridges, since in most filters they quickly exhaust their working life, which means you will have to pay a lot.

Any cartridges have their working resource

Manufacturer's choice

It is no secret that both domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of filtration plants. Some have been realizing themselves in this area for more than a decade, while others are just stepping on this path, without focusing their activities on water treatment systems.

If you can’t decide which is better, we recommend that you abandon the stereotypes that, “they say, everything foreign is better, better, more reliable,” and choose products from experienced companies with a name and positive reviews. By the way, there are enough of them on the Russian market. It is enough to look at the rating of water filters to understand that “our” companies are able to make solid, durable units.

It is better to stop the choice on products whose manufacturers have been working in this market for a long time and were able to recommend themselves well. Each of them has its own developments for different cleaning systems.

Price

If the price of the desired model is very different from the average market value, then you need to think about where this product comes from. If this product was purchased from an official supplier, but the price is very different from prices in other stores, then this is a 100% fake.

Availability of a certificate

If you doubt the quality of the goods, you can ask the seller for a quality certificate. Moreover, this document must be genuine, and not an ordinary photocopy.

Which water purification filter to choose for an apartment and a house

These units may differ in technical characteristics and in the device. Therefore, when deciding which filter to choose for a house, apartment or summer cottage, it is very important to clearly define your needs and objectively coordinate them with real possibilities.

The efficiency of the filter depends on which filter is chosen in each particular case. Modern manufacturers are ready to offer many models of different cleaning equipment and filters.

Prefilters

Pre-filters purify water from solid impurities

Pre-filters are used to purify water from solid impurities that significantly impair its taste and can harm household appliances. When choosing a particular model, consider the amount of water consumed.

Mud filters

Mud filters are used for mechanical water purification. She, passing through a special mesh, leaves solid impurities on it. Mud collectors can be used for preliminary cleaning of both cold and even hot water up to 150°C.

Jug

Pitcher filters - the most affordable water treatment device

These are the most primitive devices, the resource of their cartridges is very small (as a rule, up to three hundred liters). Their main purpose is to rid the water of chlorine and unpleasant odors, and partially of hardness. Pitchers are mobile and compact; they can be successfully used both at home and on the road. With them, clean water is always at hand. The frequency of cartridge replacement is once a month. The maximum degree of purification is 20 microns.

Advantages:

• does not need to be connected to the water supply;
• extremely easy to use, does not require human control.

Flaws:

• in them, the degree of purification is an order of magnitude lower than in those “integrated” into the water supply;
• small volumes of purified water.

The amount of liquid purified at a time cannot exceed the volume of the jug itself - usually it is one or two liters. That is, if cooking requires three liters of water, the jug will have to be filled twice anyway. And this is not always convenient.

A pitcher filter is the best option for those who have a rather limited budget or, due to the small size of the kitchen, cannot allocate space under the sink for a stationary system.

Faucet water purifiers

The filter nozzle has a compact size and affordable price

These are small-sized devices that are worn directly on the crane. Their advantage lies in the low price and the ability to take with you on trips.

Disadvantages - a small volume of sorbent and low productivity - up to half a liter per minute (if the manufacturers' advertising slogans say that it can be faster, do not believe it). And here, containers are also needed to store the purified liquid.

Dispensers

Filter-dispensers are designed for post-treatment of water

Dispensers are used to carry out post-treatment of drinking water at home. They are easy to use because you do not need to connect this filter to the water supply.

The filter removes unpleasant tastes and odors from water. Replaceable cartridges can remove solid suspensions, many organic and inorganic impurities and soften water.

Flow-through for washing

The cartridge is located next to the faucet and is connected with a flexible hose

Such water purifiers are not put on the faucet itself, but are placed nearby. Such installations are attached to the faucet with a flexible hose.

Their main advantages are sufficient productivity (higher than that of a nozzle on a tap) - up to one and a half liters per minute. Plus, there is no need for separate containers for purified water.

But such a filter takes up precious space in the sink. True, if he is handsome, this item can be excluded from the rank of shortcomings. Well, it should be remembered that it requires connection and disconnection after water purification.

Flow filters for water under the sink

Such a filter has a lot of advantages, but unfortunately, the price is high.

The stationary filter under the sink is built into the water supply. The unit itself is located under the sink, and a separate tap is brought out to it - exclusively for purified water. The frequency of changing cartridges is once every six months. The maximum degree of purification is 0.05-1 micron.

Advantages:

• high degree of water purification;
• sufficient performance;
• great resource;
• the presence of a separate tap for purified liquid;
• Ease of use;
• the required volume of purified water is always available;
• location under the sink - no clutter of the working space.

The only drawback is the high price.

Stationary filters are chosen by those users who understand the value and importance of highly purified water and are ready to invest in their health.

Softeners

The disadvantage of the system is that bacteria and metals are not cleaned

Water is softened by reducing the amount of salts, usually chlorides and sulfates. To do this, replaceable filters with a cation exchange resin that adsorb salts are used, instead of saturating the water with hydrogen and sodium ions. The downside is that softeners do not clean bacteria and metals.

Home reverse osmosis systems

Thanks to reverse osmosis systems, it became possible to obtain water at home that is not inferior in quality to bottled water.

These are arguably the best water purifiers available today. They allow you to remove not only excess water hardness, excess iron and chlorine, but also all kinds of bacteria and viruses.

The key filtering component of such systems is the reverse osmosis membrane. Its pores are much smaller than most known viruses, therefore, your body will be protected as reliably as possible.

The main advantages of reverse osmosis systems over other purification plants:

• the highest degree of purification;
• low cost of treated water;
• constant supply of liquid (ten liters).

The configuration of such installations looks like this:

• pre-cleaning cartridge system;
• reverse osmosis membrane;
• special post-cleaning filter.

These units, if desired, can be understaffed with a structurer and a mineralizer - this will make the water rich in useful minerals that can improve digestion and blood circulation.

The maximum degree of purification of such systems is 0.0001 microns. The frequency of replacement of the reverse osmosis membrane is once every three years. The frequency of replacement of post-cleaning cartridges is once a year.

Reverse osmosis systems are chosen by people who want to constantly consume highly purified water without overpaying for it (bottled products).

Trunk

Main filters are installed in the water supply

Filters of this type are mounted directly in the water supply. They are designed to purify water from mechanical formations and chemical compounds. By type, they are divided into systems for coarse and fine cleaning, as well as for water softening.

The most suitable medium-sized apartments or houses are units capable of flowing from 20 to 50 liters per minute. But in some cases, the calculation of the required power is individual and depends on the maximum amount of water consumption. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the pressure in the plumbing system must correspond to 0.1 - 0.5 bar.

The service life depends on the intensity of use and can even be unlimited if used correctly, with the only condition that the cleaning cells need to be washed.

Advantages:

• thanks to the complex purification from bacteria and technical impurities, the taste of water improves;
• the service life of water pipes and household appliances will be significantly increased;
• it is small in size, easy to use, and you can replace the filter components yourself;
• Another advantage of these units is the low price of replacement cartridges.

There can be one drawback - the installation process. If you have not been involved in the installation and connection of the water supply, then most likely you will need the help of a specialist. But this is not such a serious minus.

Main filters of Fibos type with flushing system

Unlike mud collectors and mesh filters, Fibos filters produce fine water purification. Their filter element is made in the form of a cylinder with an ultrathin microwire wound round to round. The distance between adjacent turns in the winding does not exceed 1 micron. This makes it possible to retain not only particles of dirt, but also 99% of the bacteria that form a biofilm on these particles. To prevent contamination of the Fibos filter element, the microwire is covered with a thin layer of glass insulation, which prevents particles in the water from adhering to the microwire.

Microwire is a unique technology developed back in the USSR for defense and space purposes, its only mass production in the world is in Russia.

Fibos filters have a direct flush through the outlet cock into any suitable container or into the sewer system. An additional device allows you to automate the flushing process.

The performance of the Fibos filter line has wide limits. Practically without reducing the pressure in the water supply system, the filters purify 5 liters of water per minute when used in the kitchen under the sink, 16 l / min when cleaning in an apartment or in the country, 50 l / min in cottages, 83 l / min in cottages, swimming pools , up to 1000 l/min in production.

Since Fibos does fine water purification, if necessary, inexpensive cartridge filters can be installed after it to soften water, reduce iron content, and remove chlorine. In this case, the service life of the cartridges is significantly increased.

The cost of Fibos filters is from 7990 rubles with a service life of more than 10 years. The filters work in systems of both cold and hot water supply up to +95°C.

Fine filter Fibos - the leader among main filters

Postfilters

These filters improve the taste of water.

Post-filters are used in reverse osmosis systems to eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the taste of water. The active element here is activated carbon. Mineralizer filters are also used in these systems. They are necessary to restore the natural mineralogical composition of water, which is disturbed after the passage of liquid through the membrane.

Video: cleaning filters overview

General requirements for water treatment systems for a house or apartment

Since the filter is constantly in contact with drinking water, it must be made of environmentally friendly, safe materials that do not emit either chemicals or a characteristic odor. Just smell the plastic parts and you'll know if the product is right in front of you or not.

For high-quality operation of the water treatment system, all cartridges must be replaced in a timely manner.

For a stationary system connected to the water supply, strong, durable housing materials are very important. Modern high-quality water purifiers are made of glass-filled plastic - it is much better than usual.

The choice of a water filter should be based entirely on the principles of common sense - do not be naive to assume that a jug-type unit will serve you for ten years. But if you are single, accustomed to an active lifestyle, this one (or a faucet attachment) will suit you best. For a large family, it is almost impossible to overestimate the convenience and significance of a stationary device.

Any of the cartridges used in the cleaning system has its own resource, which, if exhausted, should be replaced. It is usually expressed in terms of liters of treated liquid or time of use, however, taking into account the average water consumption per day. Filters used for mechanical cleaning need to be cleaned occasionally to remove accumulated dirt. If you do not follow the rules of operation, then the system, instead of cleaning, will pollute the water.

In some countries, such as India, drinking tap water is dangerous: you can get an upset stomach or intestinal infection. In Russia, things are better with water supply, but many still use the filter. Why is it necessary and which device is more effective?

In large cities of Russia, water supply stations guarantee the safety of tap water. But before getting to our tap, the liquid goes through the pipes. Many pipes are old, rusty and worn out. Through them, harmful substances enter the water from the tap.

Some people don't drink tap water because they have a suspicious taste in it. But even if the water tastes normal, it is not certain that it is safe. To check if it contains impurities and contaminants, contact the sanitary and epidemiological service and hand over a sample of the liquid for testing.

You can roughly determine the quality of water yourself:

• If scale appears in your teapot, white stains remain after washing the dishes, and after brewing tea, a film appears in the mug - the water is hard, that is, it contains a lot of salts.
• The putrid taste of water indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and the tart taste indicates an excess of iron.
• If after washing the clothes have a gray tint, then there is manganese and heavy metals in the water.

In addition, you can look at the Internet project of Rospotrebnadzor "Water Map of Russia". The site has a map of laboratory studies of water in different regions. Most of the research is in the Moscow region.

Someone prefers bottled tap water from the store, but there are some nuances here. According to experts, bottled water does not always meet safety requirements. The list of "unsafe" brands is on the website of Roskontrol. In addition, water from the store, as a rule, is more expensive than filtered water at home. Therefore, many begin to buy filters.

The filter improves the quality of the liquid: it cleans it from heavy metals, impurities, viruses and bacteria. The worse the water, the more powerful and expensive the device is needed. We made an overview of the types of water filters and at the end of the article gave recommendations for choosing them.

Coarse or mechanical cleaning- from large solid particles of sand, rust, clay, etc. Coarse filters are grids made of steel or polymeric materials with small cells.

Filters fine cleaning use the following technologies:

• Sorption cleaning- from, chlorine, oil products and other harmful compounds. During cleaning, water passes through a sorbent - as a rule, it is activated carbon.
• Ion exchange– water passes through ion exchange resins. As a result, magnesium and calcium ions, which give water hardness, are replaced by harmless sodium atoms.
• Reverse osmosis– the most efficient cleaning technology. Under pressure, water passes through the membrane, which does not let through almost anything except the liquid itself.
• UV disinfection- Eliminates most micro-organisms. In urban water supply centers, water is already undergoing ultraviolet treatment, so it is necessary to get a water pipe from a well or a well as soon as possible.

Types of filters for water purification in the apartment

The most popular filter in the kitchen for drinking water. The device consists of three parts:

• Jug glass or plastic. The volume of the container is 1.5–4 liters.
• Receiving bowl, or funnel occupies almost half of the jug. A cleaning cartridge is attached to its bottom.
• Cartridge purifies water. Periodically, it must be replaced: depending on the model, it is designed for 100-450 liters. There are cartridges with and without thread. The latter can be installed incorrectly, then untreated water will seep into the tank.

The liquid flows through several cleaning layers inside the cartridge:

• prefilter retains solid insoluble particles;
• Activated carbon removes most harmful organic compounds. As a rule, this is the main filter component;
• ion exchange resins soften water and remove impurities of heavy metals;
• silver iodide kills bacteria;
• postfilter blocks the ingress of particles of filtering materials into the water - for example, the same coal.

Sometimes consumables contain minerals and trace elements that make water healthier.

Pros:

• The filter jug ​​is a budget option. A jug costs from 300 rubles, a cartridge - from 150.
• No need to understand the installation, it's easy to use: poured water, waited, drank.
• The jug does not take up much space, it is easy to lift and carry.

Minuses:

• Low performance. Water flows slowly, so the jug is designed for a family of two or three people.
• May not remove all contaminants. If the tap water is of extremely poor quality, you should purchase a more powerful device.
• Small tank volume.

When choosing a jug, pay attention to which cartridges are compatible with it and how long they last.

The principle of operation is the same as that of a jug: water passes through the cartridge into the reservoir. Only in terms of volume the tank is more capacious; it has a small faucet through which water is poured. Typically, dispensers have a longer cartridge life than jugs. This type of water purifier is optimal for small offices and families with more than three people.

The nozzle is attached to the mixer and purifies water from chlorine, rust and small suspensions. Inside there is a cassette (cartridge), which must be changed every one to three months. The main filter component is activated carbon.

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive - from 170 rubles.
• Easy to use and install.
• The cleaning speed is higher than that of pitcher filters.

Minuses:

• You need to constantly remove and put on the nozzle so as not to waste purified water on washing dishes and other needs.
• If an excessively strong flow of water passes through the device, the filtration quality may be reduced.

The filter for the apartment is placed near the sink and connected to the mixer using a flexible hose. The device has its own faucet, from which purified water is supplied. The cartridge needs to be changed every 2-4 months.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Productivity is higher than that of jugs and nozzles - about two liters per minute.

Minuses:

• Need a free space next to the sink.
• The price is higher than that of the previous types - from 1,000 rubles.

Other names - prefilter, mechanical (preliminary) filter. It is cut into the main cold or hot water supply. It is needed primarily to protect plumbing, dishwashers and washing machines. It is also used as a well water filter.

For cold water, a standard pre-filter is used, and for hot water, it is made of heat-resistant materials. The service life of such devices is up to 30 years.

The pre-filter is not a panacea. It removes only large insoluble impurities, thus extending the life of the main filter.

Main filters are divided into several types:

• Strainers trap large particles of contaminants with a mesh. The smaller the grid cells, the more particles of different sizes it will hold. There are flushing and non-flushing devices. In the first, the dirt is automatically washed off with running water. To clean the non-flushing filter, you need to rinse the mesh yourself.
• Disc line filters they are also cleaned of mechanical impurities, but their performance is higher than that of mesh ones. Filter elements are pressed polymer disks. When the disks are compressed, the grooves on them form a grid. They need to be washed in a timely manner under running water.
• Cartridge (cartridge) filters are replacement cartridges. They need to be changed much more often than the mesh or discs, but the cleaning quality is higher. Housings for cold water cartridges are made of transparent or opaque plastic. Transparent is more convenient, because through it you can see how dirty the cartridge is. For hot water, cases are made of opaque heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel. Cases come in different sizes: the larger they are, the better the performance of the device and the longer its lifespan.

You can embed the device into the water supply yourself, but this is a laborious procedure. If you are not confident in your abilities, ask a specialist for help.

Prices for a pre-filter start at 1,500 rubles, there are models for 13,000.

When buying this type, you need to know the cross-sectional diameter of the water pipe and the water temperature for which the device is designed.

Pros:

• Do not require frequent replacement.
• Serves for many years.
• Has high performance
• Easy to use.

Minuses:

• Removes only large particles.
• The pre-filter is difficult to install without the help of a specialist.
• To replace the cartridge in cartridge form, you need to shut off the water supply.

These are the most effective household filters for purifying tap water. Water goes through several stages of purification, disinfection and softening. The system contains 3-5 sections - flasks with cartridges. Cartridges are replaced every six months to a year.

You need free space under the sink and a place to output an additional tap. The liquid is supplied through a separate mixer with a drinking water filter. The device is connected to water pipes.

Filters "under the sink" are of two types - flowing And reverse osmosis.

The flow filter for water consists of three to four modules (cartridges):

• pre-cleaning- from sand, rust, silt;
• carbonic- from chlorine, salts, organic compounds, heavy metals;
• with ion exchange resins- for iron removal and water softening;
• with fine silver particles- cleanses of bacteria.

You can experiment with a set of cartridges - this way you will adjust the degree of water purification.

Some models are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp - it destroys dangerous microorganisms.

reverse osmosis system- a special case of the "under the sink" type. Comparison of water filters shows that this is the most efficient option. In such a system, water can be 99% purified.

Cleaning goes through the following steps:

1. The pre-filter purifies water from large contaminants;
2. Water passes through the membrane - a material twisted into a roll, the pore size is 0.0001 microns. The membrane allows only water molecules to pass through, all other compounds are discharged into the sewer by a forced flow of liquid.
   The water is then stored in a 4–12 liter tank.

Membranes are not changed as often as cartridges - its service life is 1-5 years. The performance of household reverse osmosis systems is 150-300 liters per day.

After such a thorough purification, useful minerals are also removed from the water, so a mineralizer is built into the reverse osmosis system. This is a cartridge with mineral filling, which gradually dissolves in water, saturating it with magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and other elements. Mineralization improves the taste and quality of water. Cartridge resource - 3-4 thousand liters.

The quality of our tap water, to put it mildly, is far from international standards. Agree, drinking untreated tap water is an extreme activity that can result in serious health problems. Therefore, buying a good filter is paramount.

If you do not like to risk your health, then you are probably thinking about how to choose water filters. The variety of offers on the market will make even the most daring get confused.

We will help you put everything in its place and make a choice - this article discusses the existing types of filtering devices and their characteristics.

And also the main criteria influencing the choice of the most suitable filter, and the rating of the best manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, are given. For a better perception of information, visual diagrams and photographic materials, expert video recommendations for selection were selected.

There are several main types of household water filters.

To make a choice, it is better to study in detail the principle of operation, the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so as not to get lost in the variety of proposals.

Water filters offered on the modern market are represented by a wide range of devices and devices that differ in the principle of operation, degree and speed of purification.

View #1 - pure water pitcher

The simplest type of filter for drinking water - jug. It looks extremely simple, the name speaks for itself. The filter is a plastic container in the shape of a jug.

A replaceable cartridge is installed in a special hole. It purifies water from impurities in ways that combine mechanical, chemical, less often biological treatment.

To understand the principle of the filter jug, you need to consider its "heart" - a replaceable cartridge in the context.

Its insides can be very diverse, it all depends on the manufacturer, but the technology is always the same. Water enters the filter from above, successively passes through all levels of purification and enters the bowl of the jug.