What Type of Water Filter Does Your Home Really Need?

Importance of Water Filtration

Water is an essential part of life. Every living thing requires water to function. As we confront climate change, pollution, and an increase in water demand, the quality of water we consume has changed drastically. Tap water now contains many contaminants, including heavy metals, chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, bacteria, and organic and inorganic compounds. No one has natural spring water running in their backyard, and purchasing pre-bottled water can be inconvenient financially and environmentally. This is where water filtration plays an important role. With a water filter that can be placed in different areas of your home, you can ensure that your water is free from contaminants and toxic elements.

Different Types of Home Water Filters

• Activated Carbon: Activated carbon filters work by adsorption. Compared to absorption, which is one material soaking up the other, adsorption occurs when one material sticks to another while passing through a membrane. Activated charcoal is created when an organic material with high carbon content is heated in a way that results in a char. The char then passes through a porous material, which filters certain toxins and impurities, thereby helping to produce clean water.
• Ion Exchange: Ion exchange is different from activated carbon. These filters are good for removing hard water minerals and radioactive materials. As its name implies, ion exchange will replace one ion for another as water passes through it. This will help soften the water and remove radioactive materials.
• Mechanical Filter: Mechanical filters are perfect for any homeowner complaining about the presence of physical particles in their water, like sediment, dirt, and waste matter. Most mechanical filters are used as a pre-filtration method. If you are more worried about the presence of microorganisms in your water, though, that’s where ultraviolet filtration steps in.
• Ultraviolet: Ultraviolet lamps are good for removing any bacteria and viruses from the water. The UV filters help sterilize the water but don’t have effects on other contaminants like chlorine, lead, and pesticides.
• Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis filters are good at removing toxins like arsenic, copper, fluoride, radium, and many more. Reverse osmosis filters are great for removing contaminants from your water and even have beneficial effects against dangerous bacteria.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Water Filter

Before you invest in a water filter, there are some important factors that you have to consider. The first is the upfront cost and the maintenance fees, as some filters are more costly than others. In addition, you should determine whether you want the filter to apply to your whole house or just a specific fixture like the kitchen sink. Homeowners must do their research when it comes to balancing between their budget, long-term reliability, and convenience. If you want to learn more or get more tips, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today to learn which plumbing service you need.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Are you looking for a plumbing company to help you choose which water filter would be the best for your home? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we would be more than happy to help. Our experienced plumbers can inspect your home and identify the exact type of water filtration installation you need. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.