Water is an essential part of everyday life, and the quality of water you drink is important. A high-quality under sink water filtration system can provide you with clean, filtered water straight from your tap. There are a variety of different systems available on the market, so it’s difficult to determine which one is the best for your home. In this article, we will explore the unique features of the top under the sink water filtration system that I recommend.
Why Should You Invest in a Water Filter?
There are many reasons you should invest in a water filter for your home. Tap water is not always safe to drink and can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants. A water filter can remove these contaminants, making your water safer to drink. It can also improve the taste and quality of your tap water. A water filter can also save you money on bottled water costs.
What is an Under-Sink Water Filter System?
An under-sink water filter system is a water purification system that sits under the kitchen sink. It typically consists of a large plastic container that holds the filter. The cold water line supplies the water for the under sink filter. You can connect the water filter to a dedicated faucet or you can connect it to the existing faucet.
The filter typically contains activated charcoal, which removes chlorine and other impurities from the water. Activated charcoal is made from carbonized organic substances such as wood or coconut shells that are treated with oxygen to create porous surfaces. The pores trap particles in the water by a process called adsorption, which means they attract and hold on to certain substances in the water.
What are the Different Types of Under Sink Water Filters?
An under sink water filter is a device that removes contaminants from the water that comes out of your tap.
There are two different filters: activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters.
Activated Carbon filters are the most common type of under sink water filter and they remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water. The downside to these is that they need to be replaced every few months.
Reverse osmosis systems remove impurities by forcing them through a membrane with high pressure. This process removes any bacteria or other substances in the water, but it can take up to three gallons of water for every gallon of clean drinking water produced.
Unless you need to remove a specific contaminant, like nitrates in the water, an activated carbon filter is going to be the best choice.
The Benefits of Using an Under Sink Water Filter
A water filter is a device that removes contaminants from water by using one or more physical or chemical processes.
This section will talk about the benefits of using an under sink water filter.
The first benefit is that it’s affordable and easy to install. You rarely need a plumber to install an under sink water filter.
The second benefit is that it’s convenient. With a water filter installed under your sink, you have access to filtered water for cooking, drinking and washing dishes anytime you need it.
The third benefit is that it reduces waste from plastic bottles. There is no need for bottled water. You can fill up one of those cool looking refillable water bottles right from the tap.
The fourth benefit is that it is out of the way. You don’t have an unsightly filter canisters sitting on the counter. And you don’t have a big, bulky filter connected to your faucet.
How to Install an Under Sink Water Filter
Installing an under sink water filter is a relatively simple process, and you can do it in just a few minutes. Here’s how:
1. Shut off the water supply to your sink by turning off the valve on the COLD water supply line. Bleed off the pressure by opening the cold water valve on the sink.
2. Disconnect the water supply line from the faucet. Be sure to have some towels handy to soak up any access water left in the line.
3. Install the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually just attaching a bracket with two screws or adhesive tape with velcro (NOTE: If using screws, make sure they aren’t too long that they go through the side of the cabinet.)
4. Connect the water supply line to the faucet. Connect the inlet side of the water filter to the supply line at the valve. The outlet side of the filter connects to the line leading to the faucet.
5.Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
That’s it. Although, depending on the filter manufacturer, you may need to flush the filter for a couple of minutes.
Maintaining Your Under Sink Water Filter
There is not too much to do to maintain your water filter. The main thing it to change the filter as required. The Epic Smart Shield filter I recommend needs to be changed every 12 months.
I have never had a problem with it leaking, but if you are unsure, you could check it periodically.
Best Under Sink Water Filter For Home
The best under sink water filter for my needs is the Epic Smart Shield. Why the Epic Smart Shield:
- The Epic Smart Shield is independently tested against the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 42. NSF 42 deals with the aesthetic effects in drinking water. These effects include taste and odor, chlorine, particulates, and zinc.
- The filter is also tested against NFS 53. This standard deals with health effects in drinking water. NFS 53 covers over 50 contaminants including, lead, fluoride, chromium and Cryptosporidium.
- It is also tested for NFS 401. This standard covers emerging compounds. These emerging compounds include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides and pesticides.
- It is the only under counter filter certified to 3 different NSF drinking water standards.
- The Epic Smart Shield is made in Colorado.
- It’s easy to install and change filters.
About Me
I have worked in the water treatment field for 33 years. During that time, I worked for three different municipalities. All three had very different water sources. While every water plant did its best to make the best drinking water possible, it was not economically practical to go beyond meeting the EPA drinking water standards. That is why I see the need for people taking a little extra effort to improve the quality of their drinking water.
My goal is to help you make the best decision for you regarding home water treatment systems.