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.
If we talk about water, then even spring water, recognized as the standard of purity and taste, has various impurities. It will become safe and useful after special processing. Therefore, in this article we will try to figure out how to choose a filter, which one to prefer and talk about the functionality of various cleaners.
Which purifier to choose for the house
The choice of cleaning devices is replete with various models. The optimal solution depends on many factors and is within certain conditions.
A jug is perfect for quickly purifying small portions of water, lime will decrease under the influence of a magnetic purifier, crystal clear water will become thanks to reverse osmosis. To make the right decision when buying, it is desirable to have an idea about each of them.
jug type
The simplest representative of home appliances is a jug. Its simplicity is the reason for its widespread use.
Performance indicators:
- Capacity: from 1 to 5 liters.
- Speed: 1 liter in 7-10 minutes.
- Resource: from 100 to 400 liters.
- Service life: an average of 1.5 months.
Significant advantages:
- does not require special installation;
- low cost;
- ease of transportation;
- the possibility of cleaning from a specific type of pollution (depending on the composition of the water, the “filling” of the filter is selected).
Significant disadvantages:
- frequent replacement of the cartridge (approximately once every 45 days);
- maintenance costs (a replacement unit is not much cheaper than the entire filter);
- will not purify water simultaneously from different impurities.
Important! The jug purifies the water. After processing, it is better to boil it.
The cleaning device in the form of a nozzle on the tap is easy to install and compact. Visually, this is a small cylinder. The nozzle does not work in a constant mode, but is connected as needed.
There are three types of such products:
- Removable includes two elements: an adapter and a nozzle. The adapter is attached to the crane. The nozzle is put on when it is necessary to purify the water.
- Stationary does not need to be constantly removed from the crane. It is equipped with a switch that regulates the use of purified liquid.
- The desktop one is connected to the adapter with a flexible tube, and a special tap is brought out to receive the purified liquid.
Performance indicators:
- Speed: 0.5-3 liters per 1 minute (depending on modification).
- Resource: from 1 to 3 thousand liters.
- Service life: from several months to a year (varies with the quality of the liquid).
Advantages:
- ease of installation;
- low cost;
- compactness;
- transportation.
Flaws:
- low level of purification;
- slow flow of clean liquid.
Important! The filter attachment is too sensitive to temperature conditions. It will not work to clean hot liquid.
coal device
The carbon filter consists of a container with an activated carbon cleaning element placed inside. Despite its simple design, it carefully rids the water of all kinds of inclusions.
This cleaner uses wood, stone or coconut shell charcoal. The latter is recognized as the most effective material for filtration.
Performance indicators:
- Speed: from 0.5 l in 1 minute (depending on the model).
- Resource: from 450 l.
- Service life: about 2 months (coconut charcoal increases it to 6-9 months).
Positive sides:
- environmental friendliness of the sorbent;
- low cost;
- good efficiency.
Negative points:
- fragility of the cartridge (change is required almost as often as in a jug);
- If used incorrectly, there is a risk of reproduction of bacteria and viruses.
Important! The coal type of the cleaner requires strict adherence to the terms of operation. If you do not replace the cartridge in a timely manner, bacteria will appear in it.
magnetic view
The magnetic filter looks like a piece of pipe about 15 cm long. In fact, these are two powerful magnets hidden in a plastic case. The principle of operation is a change in the structure of a liquid substance.
Installation of this device is very simple: it does not need to be cut into the pipe. It is put on and then screwed on. It is important that the device starts working immediately after installation, without special settings.
- long service life (more than 25 years);
- decrease in the rigidity of the liquid to be purified;
- scale protection.
- high price;
- technical requirements for water that must be taken into account: constant temperature conditions (preferably at room level), speed and direction of movement;
- danger of “addiction” of the liquid (if it becomes hard again, you will have to dismantle the filter for 2 weeks, and then return it to its place - its efficiency will be restored).
Important! The magnetic filter is mounted no further than 2 meters from equipment that requires protection from contaminated water.
The main filtration system is mounted in the water supply network at the entrance to the premises. This places throughput as the main criterion when choosing a purifier. The optimal value is 20-50 liters per minute.
Trunk models have different degrees of purification:
- rough (large mechanical pollution);
- fine (small impurities and impurities);
- softening (magnetic filtration system).
Such purifiers are also used for processing hot water. In this case, they are made from heat-resistant materials.
Advantages:
- excellent cleaning efficiency;
- convenience of technology;
- economy.
Disadvantages of trunk models:
- smell is not destroyed;
- periodic cleaning is required.
Flow filter
A distinctive feature of this type of cleaner is the absence of any drives. The installation is done under the sink. The flow type performs both mechanical and absorbent cleaning. Modern models have up to five stages of cleaning.
The main disadvantage of this model is the high price. But the resource of the filter elements is quite large - from 3 thousand liters, and this allows us to call the flow filter a fairly budget option.
Such water treatment is recognized as the highest quality and at the same time the most expensive. The system includes several cartridges for coarse and special membranes for fine water purification.
The essence of the method: only a water molecule passes through the membrane, other substances get stuck in it. The purified liquid is collected in a tank with a volume of up to 12 liters. The whole process takes quite a long time. This water is only used for drinking or cooking. For other needs, untreated tap water is used.
- the highest degree of purification.
- high price;
- poor performance;
- high resource consumption (1 liter of clean water is produced from 5 liters of dirty water);
- too deep cleaning (elements necessary for a person are filtered out).
Criterias of choice
Following some tips will allow you to decide which filter to choose for your home, and decide on the best option. The essence of the choice is to understand what kind of liquid is needed at the outlet and how polluted it is in the water supply.
To obtain drinking water, a jug filter or a nozzle on the faucet is sufficient. Both options can easily cope with excessive rigidity, the presence of large debris, rust and iron. None of the models involves installation difficulties and large financial investments. Maintenance consists of changing cartridges. In fact, the choice between these filters is the ease of use. Otherwise, their characteristics are almost the same.
In the presence of a difficult situation with water, you will have to choose between more serious filtration systems. Depending on the level of pollution, a flow-through type of cleaning or reverse osmosis is chosen. The latter will give a perfectly clean liquid, but the flow one works faster.
The financial side of the issue will require a fairly impressive initial investment, but the maintenance costs will be lower than when using jugs or nozzles.
Water for technical household needs (laundry, washing dishes, etc.) does not require serious purification, like drinking water. Installation of a coarse filter is required when it is necessary to protect equipment from limescale, scale, and large mechanical impurities. Such a protective mechanism will extend the life of the installed drinking water purifiers.
Briefly about the main
A jug or nozzle is suitable for drinking water, for cooking you will need to install a more powerful flow or charcoal filter.
To protect against large debris, a coarse cleaning device at the entrance to the room is suitable.
A magnetic filter will protect against rust, scale and hardness.
A carbon filter will save you from odor, heavy metals, chlorine and bacteria.
Ideally pure, distilled liquid will flow from the tap when installing the reverse osmosis system.
A small review of popular brands and the brands of cleaning systems they offer, mounted under the sink, will help you choose a model for your home.
"Aquaphor Favorite"
Stationary filter with high performance. The cartridge is multi-layered, the cell structure is different in size. This improves the filtration efficiency. One of the filter components is the company's own development - Aqualen material.
Resource - 12 thousand liters. This allows for replacement once a year.
The cost is about 4000 rubles.
"Geyser Bio"
Stationary three-stage filter with a high-strength plastic housing. The filtering component and it is also a unique development - Aragon, which produces structural changes in calcium salts. Calcium is converted to safe aragonite. Silver and ion exchange resins increase the quality of cleaning.
Cartridge resource - 25 thousand liters. After working out the specified volume of liquid, you can regenerate the cartridge with soda and citric acid.
The cost is from 3000 to 5000 rubles.
"New Water", Expert series
The multi-stage cleaning system (from 3 to 5 stages) is packed in a small plastic case 8.5 cm thick.
Fillers contain natural materials (activated carbon from coke shell supplemented with silver, ion exchange resin, shungite), which indicates the environmental friendliness of the system. The deluxe package is equipped with a microcapillary membrane that allows bacteria and viruses to be filtered out.
Cartridge resource - 8 thousand liters.
The cost of the filter is from 3500 to 7000 rubles (depending on the configuration).
The undisputed favorite among the presented modifications will be Geyser Bio. Productivity, service life and the possibility of regeneration speak in favor of this choice.
Video on how to choose a water filter for your home:
How often do we think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or for cooking? Alas, we have to admit that not everyone has yet fully understood the need for its purification and filtration. But this is by no means an idle question: the quality of water from autonomous sources or from the city network very often lies outside the limits of permissible sanitary standards. Simply boiling or settling can only help a little, and is unable to deal with the overwhelming amount of pollution or even infection.
It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude to health, one's own and the immediate environment, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the growing popularity and demand for household appliances for water purification. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety presented for sale can easily put into a "stupor" the buyer who purchases such products for the first time, and is not too well aware of the question of how to choose a water filter.
Where does the choice begin?
In this publication there will be no detailed story about the factors polluting water, about the technologies for cleaning it from certain substances, about the principles of operation of various filtering devices.
How are coarse and fine filters arranged and how do they work?
It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article of our portal is devoted to the issue of the device and functioning of various devices.
Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person in order to provide their homes with clean water. Let's take "out of brackets" and complex powerful water treatment plants assembled from several column-type filters - only specialists should be engaged in their selection, assembly and installation. Let's consider the problem in the context of purchasing a ready-made filter or filtration complex in a specialized store, designed for the needs of one average family.
The implementation of any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to get as a result. By purchasing any, in fact, things or products, a person usually already knows what functions or qualities he hopes to receive for his money spent. The water filter is no exception in this matter. It is required to confidently imagine what properties it should have.
The simplistic “just purify the water” approach is, of course, sheer amateurism. Along with obvious signs of pollution (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to the eye, smell or taste, posing a threat to human health.
You should not trust either your superficial feelings, or, even more so, the advice of your neighbors. Subjective opinions can lie in a wide range - from "we have been drinking this kind of water all our lives" to some far-fetched "horrors" that are more likely to be classified as "urban legends". And, besides, the quality of water from nearby nearby sources, or even in neighboring urban buildings, can vary significantly.
As a result, you can fall into one of two extremes:
- Purchasing a filter that does not have the required cleaning functions will simply be a waste of money.
- Taking advantage of the consumer's apparent ignorance, shop assistants will try to impose an expensive filter system that is absolutely not needed. As a result, it is also lost money.
The best solution is to take a sample of water from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.
The most correct decision is to conduct a laboratory study of water from your source The analysis solves a lot of questions at once:
- One can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
- The results of the analysis will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of the effectiveness of its work.
- Regular testing will allow tracking the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important event for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
- Having a laboratory test protocol in hand can become a document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims against city utilities.
By the way, many thoughtful people, when purchasing a new home, immediately require the presentation of a document on the quality of drinking water.
To carry out the analysis, it is necessary to decide on the laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working with water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and with companies involved in the installation of filtering and purification systems (there, of course, there may be another extreme). It is best to choose an independent organization that has the appropriate government certification.
Laboratory analyzes are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should already go through the stage of disinfection, often only a chemical test is limited, although a microbiological study will also never become superfluous.
It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers on the time of delivery of the taken water samples, since there are certain restrictions on their shelf life (2 ÷ 3 hours).
Water intake also requires compliance with certain rules:
For chemical analysis, it is necessary to pass 1.5 liters.
- The optimal solution is a clean plastic bottle, but only from non-carbonated drinking water. It is forbidden to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
- The tap opens, and the water is given at least 15 minutes for free exit. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will even take 2 hours).
- The bottle and cap are thoroughly rinsed with the same water that will be analyzed. No detergents are used.
- Then the pressure is made minimal, so that when entering the bottle, aeration is not created - - the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
- The container is filled completely, with overflow, so that there is no air left under the tightly screwed stopper.
For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.
- The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if, for example, a glass jar is used, then both it and the lid to it are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories practice taking samples for microbiology exclusively in their sterile disposable containers, which are issued to the customer.
- For water intake, hands must be dressed in sterile medical gloves.
For the “purity of the experiment”, water sampling for biological analysis is carried out with sterile gloves - Even before opening the tap, the spout cut is either burned through with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is required to completely exclude microorganisms from entering the sample from the side.
- A faucet is opened, and water is circulated under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- After that, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top, and immediately hermetically closed.
Usually, the term for fulfilling an order for a qualitative laboratory study of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day ÷ two, this should alert. It happens that not entirely conscientious offices conduct a superficial express test, which is then passed off as an in-depth study.
As a result, the customer must receive a protocol certified in accordance with the established procedure, which has the force of a legal document.
As a rule, this is a table in which, for clarity, the maximum allowable norms for water established by SanPiN and the actual indicators obtained are indicated.
Having such a document in hand and highlighting positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters of the appropriate direction of action.
The protocol of the laboratory study will help determine the "strategy" of water treatment, and can also be of help in making claims against utilities. Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?
Experts have a common opinion on this matter - such an analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to a laboratory one. Of course, he will show the presence of a problem, but he will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, there will be clearly not enough data for a qualitative selection of a filtering system.
And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. If the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, then we can proceed from an average rate of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not work at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is desirable to increase this rate, say, by half.
Thus, if, for example, five people live in a house (apartment), then it is easy to determine that approximately 30 liters of purified water per day will be required. Accordingly, the purchased device must cope with such a load.
We now turn to the consideration of various models of household
The simplest option: filter - jug
Filter jug device
For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on the purchase of a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to get involved with any installation or connection of the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a "light option" - a jug. Of course, such a solution is possible only if the quality of the incoming water allows it.
The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution is to purchase a pitcher filter. Although outwardly in shape and color design, filter jugs can seriously differ. The basic design of the is always the same, and does not differ in great complexity.
In fact, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.
The body of the jug (pos. 1) serves to collect purified water. It is always made of a transparent food-grade polymer, and a volume scale is often placed on its walls - for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually a number of models are on sale with a volume of filtered water in the range of 1.3 ÷ 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family's need for drinking water.
The upper container (pos. 2) is an insert in the body. It is also made of impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has a darker tone (the color may be different - depending on the design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity, as a rule, is about half the usable volume of the jug.
At the bottom of the insert, where it forms a kind of funnel, there is a socket into which the filter cartridge (pos. 3) is tightly inserted and fixed. The purpose, that is, the functionality of the cartridge may be different - this is selected based on the existing "clinical picture" of the state of the water.
It is important to know that the locking or threaded connection of the cartridge with the upper container can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Apparently, this is a method of stimulating the purchase of only branded components.
There is a spout in the upper part of the body - for the convenience of directed draining of filtered water (pos. 4). The design is such that even with a strong inclination of the jug, water from the upper and lower compartments does not have the opportunity to accidentally mix.
The collection of water for filtration is carried out with the cover folded back (pos. 5), which can be equipped with a convenient lock (pos. 6), or through the intake hatch, which also necessarily has its own cover to prevent accidental ingress of dust or debris inside.
The filter jug always has a convenient handle (pos. 7). A “reminder” can be placed on top of the lid or on the handle - a mechanical calendar that will prompt the owner about the timing of the replacement of the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have electronic indication. Moreover, when selling some branded models, it is practiced to register customers who will subsequently receive Internet or SMS messages about the need to replace.
The scheme of work is obvious - the water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required purification and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are poured into the receiving container.
Applicable cartridges
It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its choice.
The shape of the cartridge and its lock part can be different, and there is almost no talk of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.
But cartridges for one filter model can have a different purpose:
- Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help to cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, impurities of chlorine, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
- There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - a certain amount of ion-exchange resins is additionally introduced into them.
- You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use a reagent-free iron removal and filtration technology.
- For springs, water from which does not pass the stage of disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
- Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluorinating effect on water.
Most companies use some form of silver in cartridge fillers to prevent bacterial colonies from growing inside them. And besides, each of the manufacturers tries to surprise the consumer with their own original developments.
Usually at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, usually in replaceable elements it has a special throttling device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the filling level of the upper part of the jug.
Advantages and disadvantages. Filter pitcher selection options.
The following can be said about the positive qualities of filter jugs:
- Their operation is the simplest, which anyone can handle.
- There are simply no installation operations, except for connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorm or rental housing.
- The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, for a vacation trip.
- Low cost, available to any family.
There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:
- Cleaning goes only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
- The cleaning rate is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often even much less.
- Frequent (about once a month and a half) replacement of the cartridge is required. the period may be even shorter.
- Relatively high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at the future. So, already in a year and a half - two years, the total costs can equal, or even exceed the costs of a really powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration unit.
When choosing a jug filter, care should be taken, as the market is replete with cheap fakes.
In no case do not buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models of well-known brands.
Carefully inspect and, literally, sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food grade plastics must be labeled appropriately as shown in the figure.
This sign says that "food" plastic was used to make the jug. You should immediately evaluate the possibility of acquiring original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.
It is necessary to reasonably approach the choice of a jug by volume. Remember - such a filter is not a "carafe" at all, but serves only to purify water. The capacity of the vessel should correspond to real needs with a small margin. It is not recommended to store filtered water for more than a day. This means that you will have to simply drain the excess, wasting the resource of a replaceable cartridge in vain.
Usually for a single person or for a couple, a jug of one and a half liters is enough. It is fashionable to think about buying a filter of maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.
Purchased cartridges must be in their original sealed packaging. Be sure to check their expiration date.
The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, but they should still be evaluated last.
To complete the section on jug filters - a small overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.
| Model, short description | Illustration | Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge yield (liters) | approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER" | |||
| Jug "Barrier-Style", compact layout, mechanical resource indicator | 2.5 / 1.0 | 490 rub. | |
| Jug "Barrier Grand NEO Ruby", volume scale, mechanical resource indicator | 3.7/2.0 | 550 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Barrier - 7 iron" for standard and water purification and iron removal | 350 | 250 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for filtration and bactericidal treatment of water | 200 | 400 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - "AQUAPHOR" | |||
| Jug "Aquaphor Line" classic design, compact size | 3.2 / 1.4 | 350 rub. | |
| Jug "Aquaphor Prestige", mechanical indicator | 3.0 / 1.35 | 540 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-15, universal action | 170 | 155 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-6, softening | 300 | 320 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - GEYSER | |||
| Jug "Geyser Matisse-Chrome", graphite or deep blue color, high temperature resistant plastic | 4.0 / 1.5 | 840 rub | |
| Jug "Geyser Dolphin" - a stylish model, a choice of 5 shades | 3.0 / 1.4 | 380 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with softening effect | 300 | 210 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 301", universal type | 300 | 170 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - «ВRITA» | |||
| Jug "Elemaris XL", with electronic cartridge resource indicator | 3.5 / 1.5 | 1450 rub. | |
| Pitcher "Marella XL", electronic indication | 2.2 / 1.2 | 790 rub. | |
| "Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs | 150 | 290 | |
| "Brita Maxtra" - a cartridge with four stages of water purification | 150 | 360 rub. |
Video: an overview of filter jugs of the Barrier brand
Faucet attachment filters
Another type of filter, which can be attributed to the simplest water purification systems.
As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the top of the faucet spout. Water is filtered in a flowing way, due to the pressure in the pipes. This makes it possible to use carefully compacted sorbent backfill in such filters, in contrast to jug cartridges, that is, to improve the quality of water purification.
The advantages of such desktop filters-nozzles are an increased resource and performance. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.
However, there are also many disadvantages. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of usable space near the sink, to which it is “tied”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may be an obstacle.
A set of water from such a filter requires care - careless inclusion will result in liquid spilling onto the surface of the table. The probability of accidental release of hot water into the filter is fully preserved.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Modern" | Spindle-shaped body, spout placed on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration speed - up to 1.2 l / min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - memo. | 770 rub. | |
| "Barrier Optima" | Original design, microprocessor control over the residual life of the filter module. Revolving spout. Cartridge resource - up to 1500 l. Filtration speed – up to 1 l/min. | 1200 rub. | |
| "Rodnik-3M" | Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight in the state not filled with water - 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration speed - up to 2 l / min. | 790 rub. | |
| "Geyser 1 UZH EURO" | A modern model with a wide selection of filter modules of various functionality with the possibility of regeneration. Module resource - up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration speed - up to 1.5 l / min. | 1500 rub. |
Under sink filter systems
Universal installations for filtration and fine purification of water, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are gaining more and more popularity among users.
The most rational solution is to hide the filter system under the kitchen sink Structurally, such systems usually represent a series of cartridge-type filters, each with its own cartridge of a certain type of action. (The design of such filters is described in detail in the article, the link to which is placed above). Water on the way from the water supply to the point of analysis sequentially passes all the modules, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.
All filters are usually assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.
The location of the filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, it is possible to arrange in two rows or in two tiers, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.
The number of modules, that is, the cleaning steps: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This causes the highest "flexibility" of the system - the mounting dimensions of replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are the same for one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select the general characteristics of the entire complex, depending on the results of a laboratory study of water.
Such complexes are very easy to use. When they are installed, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last filtration stage. At any time, you can substitute the container, open the faucet and draw the right amount of purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide the optimal pressure for high-quality filtration - there is no risk of exceeding it. In addition, the possibility of accidentally letting hot water into the filter modules is completely eliminated.
The disadvantages of such complexes can only be considered a certain complexity of the initial installation, although for the owner, who is familiar with basic plumbing techniques, there should not be any special problems. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be attributed to disadvantages - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and a considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback of the filter unit.
The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.
- Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, external design issues, as a rule, are not among the primary ones. Much more important is the correspondence of the dimensions of the complex to the actual dimensions of the space allotted for its installation.
- Since the system involves, most often, multi-stage cleaning, one should be guided not by the persuasion of the sales assistant, but by the available results of laboratory research. It is important to prioritize in advance in order to correctly select the modular content of the kit.
- Some complexes have extended functionality - after the first stage of mechanical cleaning, there is a branch to a conventional mixer or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
- Assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the "slowest" cartridge. Usually, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of the order of 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
- Filtering modules can also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to follow this on his own, since, perhaps, the change of cartridges will sometimes need to be done not at once, but “in steps”. Some modules are amenable to periodic regeneration.
Of course, you should check the completeness of the delivery. Usually the system is supplied with everything necessary for its complete installation - a hanging or floor console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for tapping into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a tap for installation on a sink, a key for "Packaging" flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit also includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Solo Crystal" | The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260×340×90 mm. Productivity up to 2.5 l/min. | 2500 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor B510-08" | Replaceable module for deep water purification. Resource - 4000 l or 6 months. exploitation | 350 - 400 rubles. | |
| Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD) | Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and softening of hard water. Dimensions 355×365×145. Productivity - up to 3.8 l / min. | 7300 rub. | |
| Atoll A-211E + Atoll A-211E g | An additional set of cartridges designed for 2 years of operation with a change every 6 months | 4000 rub | |
| "Barrier Expert Complex" | Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, water softening and iron removal. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity - up to 2 l / min. | 3700 rub. | |
| "Expert Complex" | Set of cartridges. Resource 10000 liters or 1 year of operation | 1400 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor Crystal ECO N" | System with four stages of purification, including disinfection, softening, iron removal, mineralization and water conditioning. Dimensions 377×342×92 mm. Productivity - up to 2.5 l / min. | 4800 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor" K3, KN, K7 and K7V | A set of four replaceable cartridges with an increased resource - 8000 liters or 18 months. exploitation | 2200 rub |
Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter
Flowing main filters of the "Fibos" type
Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through the filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure generated by the pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for the initial connection of the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.
The advantage of main filters is that already clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several points of water analysis (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher, etc.).
We will analyze the operation of these filters using the Fibos filters as an example.
- Untreated water enters the outer flask of the filter.
- Under pressure, it passes through the filter element - a cloth wound with an ultra-thin microwire. The distance between the turns of the microwire is 1 micron.
- Contaminants remain in the outer part of the flask.
- Clean water from the filter element is supplied to the tap and to household appliances.
- Impurities are removed from the outside of the flask by simply opening the drain cock.
The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?
Currently, the world's only mass production of microwires is located in Russia. The technology of its production was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of microwire use are the military and space industries.
A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is not more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.
In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between the turns of 1 µm. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer flask of the filter, then they are removed when the drain valve is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that impurities do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off during washing.
If you look at the photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. Looking closely, you can see the gap between the turns, which is about 1 micron.
In addition to fine purification of water from impurities of a mechanical type, Fibos type filters protect against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter stops them completely.
If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, reduce the iron content in water, after the main filter of the Fibos type, you can put an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties. Cartridges last much longer, change less often, as the Fibos filter does preliminary fine cleaning.
In terms of performance, there is a line of Fibos filters from 5 l / min for the kitchen, 16.5 l / min for an apartment or cottage, 50 l / min for a cottage, 83 l / min for a cottage, pool to industrial designs of 1000 l / min .
Fibos filters work with water pressure from 0.5 to 16 bar. They come with a pressure gauge that shows the pressure in the system.
Another plus to these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.
For ease of use, devices for automatic washing are attached to Fibos filters.
The filters are compact, from 146 mm to 183 mm high without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.
| Model | Description | average price |
|---|---|---|
| A handy little filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | 6 990 rub. | |
| Compact filter for a summer house or an apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | 8 990 rub. | |
| An excellent filter for a country house or cottage. Produces 50 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1 inch or 3/4 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 13,990 | |
| The filter is ideal for cottages, swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1,25 inch or 1 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 23,990 |
Filters with reverse osmosis system
The highest rates of water purification from any inclusions, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filtering installations, in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.
For the "apologists" of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis First, what is reverse osmosis?
If the vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then a liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, then the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one in order to equalize the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called direct osmosis.
But if an external influence is applied to the volume of a more concentrated liquid - to increase its pressure, then the flow through the membrane will begin to be carried out in the opposite direction. And it will depend only on the size of the cells of the membrane what will go to the next section.
This is how reverse osmosis filters work.
Schematically - what is the process of reverse osmosis Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow) whose micro-holes are only about 0.3 nm in size, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where the filtered water enters the points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). All larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane, and are removed together with a concentrated solution into the drain (arrow No. 2). A common occurrence is the proportion of ⅓ of the total volume - purified water and ⅔ - discharged concentrate.
In principle, such a scheme is able to independently purify water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to "overload" the membrane, and so that its pores do not overgrow, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, constantly present in tap water) are smaller than water molecules and must be disposed of in advance. Therefore, preliminary filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.
The output is water, which, according to its characteristics, approaches distilled water. From the point of view of cleanliness - this is excellent, but from the standpoint of consumer qualities - not very. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, it is of little use for drinking, and the dishes prepared from it will not be the most delicious. Moreover, many doctors agree that water of this degree of purification can even be harmful to the human body.
To eliminate this drawback, for domestic purposes, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis. Usually it is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for a person. A carbon post-filter can also be installed, a biothermal module that normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can also be used at the end of the cycle.
The cost of such installations is quite high, so you need to immediately decide how much there is a need for it. In addition, when choosing, a number of important criteria are taken into account.
- The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of around 2.8 bar. Not always plumbing systems meet these indicators. This means that either the installation of a pump that increases the pressure in the system will be required, or it will be necessary to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will be a need to organize power supply as well.
- Very "how much" is the question of the performance of the filter installation. Here it is important to find a “golden mean” so that the need for clean water is met and unnecessary surpluses are not created. We should not forget that in order to get a liter of purified water, about two liters will have to be drained into the sewer. That is, it would be extremely unreasonable to use such water for economic purposes.
Even the smallest installations are capable of delivering up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So chasing high performance is hardly worth it, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.
- It should be decided which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow systems, filtration occurs only when the tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another option, the system has its own storage tank - the filtration process takes place only when necessary - with a decrease in the total volume of accumulated purified water to a certain level. Very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembly assembly. But the price of such complexes is much lower.
The most expensive module, of course, is reverse osmosis, but its resource is quite large - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. The rest of the replaceable cartridges change more often, as the resources embedded in them are depleted. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a carbon post-filter cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water can "signal" a bitter taste.
| Model | Short description | Illustration | average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6" | Three-stage pre-cleaner, mineralizer and post-filter. Accumulative tank of 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity is 15,6 l/hour. | 14000 rub. | |
| Geyser Prestige PM | Six steps pre and post. cleaning. Storage tank 12 liters. Productivity - 12 l/hour. Two tap positions - for clean and mineralized water. | 14100 rub. | |
| "Barrier Profi Osmo 100 boost" | Five-stage cleaning, built-in pump. Accumulative tank on 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/h. | 11000 rub. | |
| "Atoll A-560E SailBoat" | The original monoblock design simplifies the installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. The built-in membrane tank on 8 l. Productivity - up to 6 l / hour. | 20000 rub. |
Video: household filtration plant with a reverse osmosis system "Aquaphor - Morion"
Often, tap water leaves much to be desired, it is harmful to health and negatively affects the taste of drinks and dishes.
There are 3 ways out of the situation:
- Humble yourself.
- Buy bottled water.
- Put a filter.
The most common type of filter is under the sink. This is a water purification system that is installed under the kitchen sink on the floor or wall. With the help of flexible connections, the filter is connected to the water supply, a separate tap for filtered water is displayed on the countertop or sink surface.
What are sink water filters?
Flow filters
The design consists of 2-4 modules connected in series with each other. Water goes through several stages of purification, each filter has its own purpose:
- Mechanical cleaning filter. Removes solid particles from water. It is a cellular fabric or mesh material. Cell size - up to 30 microns.
- Fine filter. The carbon filter, which retains particles up to 5 microns in size, effectively fights odors.
- Ion exchange filter. Its main purpose is water softening. Calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium, chloride and other soluble compounds. The cartridges contain both artificially synthesized resins and sulfonated carbons.
- Iron-free elements. The filter contains chemicals that help bind the iron and oxygen atoms. Metal oxides form a precipitate, which remains inside the filter.
- Antibacterial filter. Purifies water from bacteria and viruses, manufacturers claim that silver ions are used in the manufacture of such filters. Less commonly used ultraviolet lamps.
- Combined. They are almost never used in multistage systems, only in single-flask filters. One cartridge combines several types of filter elements.
Important! The composition of tap water must be taken into account! The harder it is and the more impurities it contains, the more often you will have to change cartridges.
Reverse osmosis systems
The design of the reverse osmosis system is similar to the flow one, the difference is in additional modules and advanced filters. Most often, membrane filters with micropores are used in such installations. Almost all organic and inorganic substances remain on the filter, pollution is removed by the flow of water into the sewer. By performance, filters are:
- 50G - this marking indicates the rate of water purification up to 200 liters per day.
- 100 G - productivity is about 400 liters per day.
Important! Reverse osmosis filters purify water longer than flow ones, so they are often equipped with tanks for storing filtered liquid (up to 10 liters).
In reverse osmosis systems, there must be a polypropylene filter (coarse cleaning), a carbon or iron-removing element, less often an ultraviolet lamp. Only then does the water pass to the membrane filter. It is very important that the water supply system has normal pressure (1.5-3 bar). If the pressure is low, you will have to additionally purchase a pressure pump.
Since the water that has passed through the reverse osmosis system is close in composition to distilled water, it will not bring benefits to the body. The necessary salts and compounds are simply removed from it. The filter-mineralizer restores its structure and saturates it with minerals. The liquid is enriched with magnesium, calcium, sodium, silver ions, sulfites, chlorides, fluorides. A high-quality filter allows you to get water in composition close to mineral.
How to choose a water filter for washing
The first thing to do is to hand over the water for analysis (to a sanitary and epidemiological station or a testing center). In the laboratory, the sample is checked for the presence of heavy metals, salts, organic impurities, and pathogens. Characteristics of color, PH, transparency, smell and others are determined. You will be given a detailed document on the basis of which you can select a cleaning system.
What problems does a water filter solve?
Most often, users encounter the following problems:
- The increased content of chemical compounds (chlorine, heavy metals and others). The cleaning system must have a polypropylene cartridge (mechanical), carbon and iron removal.
- High water hardness. It is better to give preference to a reverse osmosis system. On flow filters, you will have to change cartridges almost every month - this is extremely unprofitable. In osmotic systems, a membrane filter does an excellent job of this task.
- Increased organic content. The water may contain microbes, viruses, bacteria, which will help to cope with a disinfecting filter. This is a silver ion cartridge or an ultraviolet lamp. A reverse osmosis membrane filter is also useful.
What to look for when buying
When buying a filtration system, you should also pay attention to other criteria:
- The number of purification levels (from 2 to 6) - the more - the better quality water you get. If the water is slightly different from the norm, a 3-stage filter is enough.
- Performance. With flow filters, everything is clear, but the reverse osmosis system purifies water more slowly. The manufacturer must indicate the number of liters per hour in the passport.
- Quality. The materials from which the equipment is made must comply with environmental and sanitary standards. Do not be too lazy to ask the seller for certificates.
- Availability of accessories. On the model of well-known manufacturers, it is easier to find replacement filters and spare parts.
- Dimensions, the presence of a tank for storing water.
The best manufacturers of water filters for washing water
TOP 5 best filter manufacturers
5. Barrier (Russia). Produces filters for over 15 years. There are 4 own enterprises and a research center. Brand of CJSC "METTEM Technologies". The product line includes flow, osmosis systems for domestic and industrial purposes. Of the minuses, users note a poorly developed customer service.
4. Geyser (Russia). The first domestic manufacturer of water filters. The company was founded in 1986. They produce both flow filters and reverse osmosis systems. The produced goods are exported to 45 countries of the world. Components interchangeable with TM "Aquaphor".
3. Aquaphor (Russia). The company was founded in 1992 in St. Petersburg. Production is located in 3 more cities. Products are exported to more than 20 countries. The range includes both flow-through and reverse osmosis water purification systems. Drinking water machines are also offered - the same reverse osmosis technology, but the models take up less space and require less pressure in the system - 2 bar.
2. Aquafilter (Poland). This company has been producing water filters since 1994. Products are exported to 45 countries. The main production facilities are located in Poland and Germany. A wide range of models: from simple to industrial water purification systems. Advanced technologies are used, including micro- and nanofiltration.
1. Atoll (USA). The first filters were brought to Russia in 1994. Now production facilities are located not only in the USA, but also at the Russian plant "Comintex-Ecology" (since 2004). Production has the international NSF certificate. The range includes flow and reverse inspection, main filtration systems.
Also known in Russia are brand filters Praktik (Germany), Novaya Voda (Ukraine), Zepter (Germany) and others.
Rating of water filters for washing
TOP-5 flow filters
Barrier Expert Complex
The average price is 3500 rubles. The filter is recommended for hard water with a high iron content. Cartridge types: polypropylene, ionized resin and carbon with silver ions. Working pressure - up to 7 atmospheres. Average productivity - 2 liters per minute. Water temperature - from +5 to +30 degrees. The system well purifies water from heavy metals. The filter itself is compact, cartridges are easily and quickly replaced. Among the shortcomings, users note the high cost of replacement cartridges, it is not always possible to find accessories in the store.
- Performance - 4
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 4
- Overall score: 4.5
New Water Expert M420
The average price is 5400 rubles. 5-stage cleaning, 4 filter elements. Types of filters: carbon with silver ions, ion exchange resin, coal with coconut shell, membrane. It is completed with the improved ceramic crane. There is an ultraviolet membrane. Compact device, capacity 1-2 liters per minute. The recommended water temperature is +5 - +35 degrees. High resistance to water hammer. Cleans water of medium hardness well. Of the minuses - cartridges are expensive, not suitable for very hard water.
- Performance - 4
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall score: 4.75
Aquaphor Crystal Quadro
The average market price is 6500 rubles. System of 4 filter blocks, throughput - 2.5 liters per minute. It is intended for purification and softening of very hard water. Water temperature - from +5 to +40 degrees. Pressure - from 0.6 to 6 atmospheres. There are 5 options for completing the modules, including very fine cleaning. The model has small dimensions, and the cartridges are replaced along with the flask. Users note weak fastenings and the high cost of replaceable elements.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Overall score: 4.75
Atoll A-313E Lux
The average price is 5000 rubles. Suitable for water treatment of medium hardness. Three-stage system with a mechanical, iron-removing and carbon filter. Operating temperature from +2 to +42 degrees. Withstands water hammer, working pressure - up to 6 atmospheres. Throughput - 2 liters per minute. It cleans water well, a good resource of cartridges. Components are not cheap, but are sold in most specialized stores.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 5
Aquafilter Excito-B
Estimated cost - 7000 rubles. Seven-stage cleaning system (5 cartridges, 2 of which are double action). Working pressure 4 atmospheres. The recommended water temperature is from +2 to +42 degrees. It cleans well even very hard water, it is equipped with a membrane filter for very fine cleaning. The average throughput is 3 liters per minute. Quite compact, filters are enough for 4000-6000 liters of water. The membrane needs to be changed once a year. There are no special complaints from users, except for the high cost of components.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 5
TOP 5 reverse osmosis systems
Geyser Prestige 2
The average price is 6000 rubles. Budget version of the reverse osmosis system for water of medium hardness. Three-stage cleaning system (mechanical, iron-removing, membrane filter). Faucet and fittings included. Productivity - 300 liters a day. The recommended water temperature is from +4 to +40 degrees. Working pressure 1.5-8 atmospheres. The pre-treatment unit replaces the three-stage pre-filtration typical of reverse osmosis systems. Of the shortcomings - weak fastenings, no water tank.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 4
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 4
- Overall rating: 4.5
Aquaphor DWM-101S Morion
Cost - from 11,000 rubles. Six-stage cleaning system. The filter is completed with a 5-liter plastic tank and the crane. There is a pre-filter, a water treatment unit, a membrane filter, a fine filter, a mineralizer. Productivity - 190 liters a day. The recommended water temperature is from +2 to +40 degrees. Pressure from 2 to 6 bar. Of the minuses - lower productivity, a plastic water tank.
- Performance - 4
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 4.75
New water Expert Osmos MO530
The average cost is 11,000 rubles. Four-stage cleaning system, equipped with a tap and a storage tank with a volume of 15 liters. Productivity - 280 liters a day. It is completed with a polypropylene, iron-free, softening filter and a membrane. There is a mineralizer. Working pressure 2-29 atmospheres. The recommended water temperature is from +5 to +35 degrees. A compact unit that does its job well. Of the minuses - a plastic tank.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 5
Aquafilter RX-RO6-75
The average price is 10,000 rubles. Six-stage cleaning system, complete with faucet and storage tank for water, with a volume of 12 liters. It is completed with filters: coarse and fine cleaning, coal, membrane, post-cleaner. There is a mineralizer. Withstands pressure up to 6 bar. Productivity - up to 300 liters per day. The recommended water temperature is +2-+40 degrees. Of the shortcomings - a plastic tank.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 5
Atoll A-550 Max
The average price is 20,000 rubles. It is completed with the crane and a tank for storage of pure water, with a volume of 12 liters. The capacity of the system is 280 liters per day. A 5-stage filtration system ensures proper water quality even with increased hardness. There is a pre-filtration cartridge, 2 coal cartridges, a membrane and a post-filter for fine cleaning, a mineralizer. Operating temperature from +5 to +40 degrees. Pressure - from 2 to 6 atmospheres. The storage tank is made of metal. No particular deficiencies were identified.
- Performance - 5
- Water purification quality - 5
- Availability of components - 5
- Ease of installation and maintenance - 5
- Overall rating: 5
Filtration systems are a necessary purchase, because your health depends on the quality of water! A high-quality filter will allow you to get really clean and healthy water, the main thing is not to forget to change cartridges in time.
Write in the comments if you use water filters, how do you like the result?
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 drops. 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 grooves-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.
| Name | bowl volume | Cleaning module resource | Cleaning degree | Additional devices | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQUAPHOR Art "Ice Age" | 3.8 liters | 300 l | 4-6$ | ||
| AQUAPHOR Prestige | 2.8 l | 300 l | Slightly reduces water hardness, removes mechanical, organic impurities, active chlorine, heavy metals | resource indicator | 5-6$ |
| AQUAPHOR Premium "Dachny" | 3.8 l | 300 l | Reduces water hardness, removes mechanical and organic impurities, active chlorine, heavy metals | Large funnel - 1.7 l | 8-10$ |
| Filter jug Barrier Extra | 2.5 l | 350 l | 5-6$ | ||
| Filter pitcher Barrier Grand Neo | 4.2 l | 350 l | Depending on filter type | Cassettes for different types of water they go to + to the cost of a jug | 8-10$ |
| Filter jug Barrier Smart | 3.3 l | 350 l | Depending on filter type | Cassettes for different types of water they go to + to the cost + mechanical resource indicator | 9-11$ |
| Filter pitcher Geyser Aquarius | 3.7 l | 300 l | For hard water with bacterial treatment | Cartridge replacement indicator | 9-11$ |
| Filter pitcher Geyser Hercules | 4 l | 300 l | From heavy metals, iron, organic compounds, chlorine | Receiving funnel 2 l | 7-10$ |
Faucet filter nozzle
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.
| Name | Performance | Cassette resource | What cleanses | Manufacturer country | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defort DWF-600 | up to 20 l/h | 3000-5000 l | China | 2$ | |
| Defort DWF-500 | up to 20 l/h | 3000-5000 liters or 6 months | organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, chlorine and radioactive elements | China | 2$ |
| Aquaphor Modern-1 | 1-1.2 l/min | 40000 l | from active chlorine, lead, cadmium, phenols, benzenes, pesticides | Russia | 13-15$ |
| Aquaphor "B300" with bacterial post-treatment | 0.3 l/min | 1000 l | it is recommended to use in case of possible bacterial contamination of water | Russia | 4-5$ |
| Geyser Euro | 0.5 l/min | 3000 l | carcinogenic and organic compounds, chlorine, iron, heavy metals, nitrates, pesticides and microorganisms | Russia | 13-15$ |
| Philips WP-3861 | 2 l/min | 2000 l | chlorine compounds | 180$ | |
| Sorbent RODNIK-ZM | 2 l/min | 3600 l | purification from free chlorine, iron removal | 8-10$ |
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.
| Name of cartridge filter | Type | Number of cleaning steps | For what water | Cartridge resource | Performance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWT Woda-Pure | Household with the possibility of washing | 1 cartridge + membrane | medium hardness | 10 000 l or 6 months | 1.5-3 l/min | 70$ |
| Raifil PU897 BK1 PR (Big Blue 10”) | Trunk | 1 | cold tap water | 26$ | ||
| Geyser Lux | under the sink | 3 | soft/medium/hard/glandular | 7000 l | 3 l/min | 70-85$ |
| GEYSER GEYSER-3 BIO | under the sink | 3 + protection against viruses and bacteria | soft/hard/very hard/glandular | 7000 l | 3 l/min | 110-125$ |
| Geyser-1 Euro | desktop version | 1 | normal/soft/hard | 7000 l | 1.5 l/min | 32-35$ |
| Pentek Slim Line 10 | Trunk | 1 | 19 l/min | 20$ | ||
| Expert M200 | under the sink | 3 | normal/soft | 6,000 - 10,000 l depending on the cartridge | 1-2 l/min | 60-65$ |
| Brita On Line Active Plus | under the sink | 1 | flowing | 2 l/min | 80-85$ | |
| AQUAFILTER FP3-HJ-K1 | under the sink | 4 + protection against bacteria and viruses | for cold water | 3 l/min | 60-90$ | |
| Barrier Expert Hard | under the sink | 3 | for hard water | 10,000 l or 1 year | 2 l/min | 55-60 $ |
| Atoll D-31 (Patriot) | under the sink | 3 | highly chlorinated water | 3.8 l/min | 67$ |
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.
| Name | Number of cleaning steps | Resource / frequency of replacement | Filtration speed | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geyser Prestige 2 | 6 | 1 time per year | 0.15 l/min | Purified water storage tank 7.6 l | 70-85$ |
| Atoll A-450 (Patriot) | 6 | pre-filters - 6 months, membrane - 24-30 months, carbon post-filter - 6 months. | 120 l/day | Has an external tank | 115-130$ |
| Barrier Profi Osmo 100 | 6 | 1 step - from 3 to 6 months, 2 steps - every 5 - 6 months, 3 steps - from 3 to 6 months, 4 steps - from 12 to 18 months (up to 5000 liters), 5 steps - every 12 months | 12 l/hour | Has an external tank | 95-120$ |
| Aquaphor DWM 101S Morion (with mineralizer) | 6 | pre-filters - 3-4 months, membrane - 18-24 months, post-filter mineralizer - 12 months. | 7.8 l/h | External tank + mineralizer | 120-135$ |
| Barrier K-OSMOS (K-OSMOS) | 4 | 5000 l (no more than a year) | 200 l/day | External tank | 120-150$ |
| Atoll A-450 STD Compact | 5 | pre-filters - 6 months, membrane - 24-30 months, carbon post-filter - 6 months. | 120 l/day | External tank | 150$ |
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.
