What is the Best under Sink Filtration System?
Are you thinking about installing an under sink filtration system? In that case, you need to consider the quality of your water, water pressure, and space under your under sink cabinets. Once you consider these important aspects, you can easily pick the right filtration option for you.
Read more to get an idea of what filter options you have and how you can pick one.
Best Under Sink Water Filters
When it comes to under sink water filters, these are several options for you. However, not all of these filters can offer you efficiency and high-quality results.
Here are some of the best under sink filtration systems that you can invest in. Let’s take a look.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
These water filters flush out contaminants and other elements from the water supply to offer you filtered water. The water passes through several filtration steps and then reaches the faucet. You also need to know that this system forces water to pass through a membrane that has several pores in it. These pores are pretty small and only allow water molecules to pass through while eliminating around 1,000 toxins. These toxins include fluoride, chlorine, bacteria, pesticides, and heavy metals.
To improve the effectiveness of these filters manufacturers incorporate multiple levels of filtration. In some cases, they also come with carbon filters. This is why your filter can take a significant space in your under sink cabinet. So, you have to make room for it.
Ultrafiltration (UF)
This type of filtration system is not popular among homeowners. They use a hollow membrane to prevent contaminants and debris from entering the water. Plus, it doesn’t have the ability to get rid of all toxins as an RO system does. However, this system helps you retain healthy and necessary minerals in the water.
Note that these filters are extremely easy to install, as you only need to install them with the existing faucets. But since you have to attach it to your faucet, you may have to change these filter more frequently than filters that come with a separate faucet.
Carbon Filters
Carbon water filtration uses the simplest method to deliver filtered water. However, they are still exceptionally effective and worth installing under your sink. People use it for several systems, from advanced multi-level systems to simple systems.
These water filtration systems come with activated carbon that chemically bonds with the impurities and contaminants. This method helps remove these elements from water.
Note that the efficiency of these water filters can vary greatly. This is why you need to look at the features of the filters and check what contaminants they can remove before purchasing one.
Things You Need to Consider before Purchasing Under Sink Filters
Whether you are looking to purchase carbon filters, reverse osmosis, or ultrafiltration systems, you need to consider the following things before purchasing one.
Water Quality
Generally, water supplied to homes is hard water. This means you a get a considerable amount of total dissolved solids or TDS with the water. You also need to know that TDS in water has inorganic salts, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium.
It also contains potassium, chlorides, bicarbonates, and sulfates. The best water filters to eliminate these inorganic compounds are reverse osmosis systems. Since the pores of the membranes in these systems are 0.0005 microns, it makes it impossible for solid molecules to reach the other side of the membrane.
Contamination
Contaminated water contains heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, copper, magnesium, and iron. Not to mention, these elements can be extremely toxic if consumed in greater amounts. Unfortunately, due to the development of factories and manufacturing units, the concentration of these metals is higher. Nitrate contamination is one of the biggest concerns of them all.
Reverse Osmosis systems help reduce suspended and dissolved impurities. This is why experts suggest installing the whole house reverse osmosis systems in your houses.
For under sink filters, you can install an RO-based UV purifier. Another option you have is to purchase RO filters that have an ultra filter (UF). This helps in getting rid of bacteria and other contaminants. But, it only works best when the water supply don’t contain TDS.
Water Pressure
The rate of water flow in your house determines what filter will work best for you. An RO filter is only perfect for homes that have high water pressure. The water pressure dramatically depends on the elevation of your building and some other factors, such as clogged filters and blocked pipes.
You need to keep in mind that water filters typically need 5-50 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi). Some people also attach booster pumps with the RO system to resolve water pressure issues. Otherwise, you can simply go for the activated carbon filters if your tap water has less TDS.
Electricity
Electricity is another factor that you need to consider before purchasing a filtration system. Most filters don’t operate without electricity and are not beneficial for homes with power shortages problems.
An RO filter system will not work for you if there are frequent power breakdowns in your area. This is because it needs electricity to create enough water pressure to force the water through the membrane. However, carbon filters don’t need a power supply to filter water.
You can read about our other popular reviews on Culligan, Kinetico, Rayne Water, and waterboss.
Bottom Line
So, now you can easily decide which under sink filtration system will work best for you. Make sure to consider all the essential factors before investing a lot of money into a system that you may not need. Consider your requirements and needs to choose the most suitable filter for your house.
Installing an under sink water filter can be life-changing. It can simplify your domestic life and even bring an end to the never-ending argument: “whose turn is it to refill the pitchers?”
