Water filtration has become a tool of both convenience and utility in the household. The demand for water filtration systems in recent years has shown an interest for safe, clean water and as such many different types of filtration methods have been developed.
The complexity of filtration units means that installation would require some DIY skills or a professional plumber. When deciding what water filtration system is needed for a specific home, one must take into consideration specific factors, like which type of filtration method fits best, the available space in the home, and even budget.
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Types of water filtration systems
Depending on how water is treated, we can extrapolate what the different types of water filters are. The most easily recognized form of water filtration is one that uses carbon as filtering media, and they fall in the category of absorption filters. Whether using granular activated charcoal or a carbon block the functionality is much the same, large surfaces with a lot of grooves and niches that absorb a high number of contaminants.
Mechanical filtration is implemented as another type of water cleaning system that is very popular with sediment removal. Many filtering mediums are used in mechanical filtration, from a simple fabric mesh to more complex materials like ceramics. The porous structure of ceramics is so effective at cleaning that they can even take out fluoride from drinking water. Find out more about ceramic filters here: https://watermasterz.com/does-ceramic-water-filter-remove-fluoride/
Then there is a type of water filtration that uses a chemical process to purify drinking water. In this category we can include filters like an ion-exchange device that uses resin beads to descale water by exchanging the magnesium and calcium ions, thus reducing limescale deposits.
Reverse osmosis filters are maybe the most sought type of water filters, and they use a semipermeable membrane to clean water.
How to install a water filter?
In addition to the method by which water gets cleaned, water filters also come in various types depending on how they can be used. Some filters in the form of pitchers or those that go on the counter, don’t require extensive installation as the ones that are meant to filter water directly at the tap. Hence, under the sink and whole house filtration systems need more leg work before they can be used to purify water.
Before beginning the installation process
It’s important to make sure you have chosen a water filtration system that can deal with the water quality issues you face at your current location. Not all water supplies suffer from the same problems, some may have heavy water, limescale deposits, or other contaminants. Check which and how many of these issues you need to remove so that your water filter is capable of it.
Measure the available space where you need to install the filtration system, and either make sure to get one that fits or make room for it.
Turn off the water supply
Whether you choose an under the sink filter or a whole house filter, they both need to be connected to the water supply, either at the point of use or point of entry. In any case, the process of installation cannot begin in earnest with the water still on. To make sure no water is left on the pipe, purge it by turning on nearby faucets until the water stops flowing.
Connect to the pipe
In the case of an under the sink water filter, making room for the connection on the pipe right before it reaches the tap is the standard way to install it. This will require a T-piece to expand the entry point of the water supply and accommodate an extra tap where filtered water will come out. Teflon tape or rubber o rings would need to be used at every connection point to secure them against leaks.
When it comes to whole house filters, they will need to be installed on the pipe before it reaches any household water devices, tap included. For this, a slip T system extension may be needed. Cut a section of the pipe with a tube cutter and then sand off the burrs so that no ruff sharp edges remain. Then insert the slip T extension on the pipe and connect the water filter system to it.
Additional fittings
For under the sink water filters, there could be the need to make room for a separate tap. In order to do this, a new space on the counter will need to be made ready by drilling a hole. Depending on the type of under sink water filter, a combination of various filtering mediums can be a part of one unit, which will also require installation.
Taking each individual cartridge and slotting them in their place, as instructed according to the model, use the cartridge wrench to make sure each one is tightly secured. The o ring for them will need caring for with silicone-based food-grade lubricant. This maintains the unit while also providing a leak-proof fit.
Turn the water supply back on
After all has been neatly installed and secured, turning the water back on is the final step. A whole house water filtration system will most likely need to have some water run through it before beginning to use the filtered water. This is especially encouraged for mechanical sediment filters as a way to prime the filter before first use and after each cartridge change.
In conclusion
Installing a home water filtration unit can be done by everyday users and it may even save up on expenses after the big purchase of a water filter. A little preparation beforehand and with all the necessary material gathered, connecting your very own filter can go like a charm. The most important thing to remember when trying this by yourself is to make sure the water supply has been turned off. After that, it’s just a matter of putting together the pieces of the filtration system carefully and patiently.
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