Water filtration systems are available in various designs and functionalities, allowing you to select the one that aligns perfectly with your specific needs. To determine the most suitable option for your requirements, it’s essential to follow a straightforward process, including assessing your water source, intended use, filter quality, pricing, and any extra features. Continue reading for our expert guidance on selecting the ideal water filter.
1. Analyze Your Home’s Water Supply
Your initial step should involve identifying both the volume and nature of contaminants present in your water source. If your water source is private, such as a well, private supplier, or river, you have affordable options like water testing tools to obtain precise reports. Alternatively, you can enlist the services of a water specialist for this task. On the other hand, if you receive water from a government-provided public supply, you can request a Water Quality Index (WQI) report from your local supply office. These reports will provide valuable insights into the specific filtration requirements tailored to your needs.
2. Understand the Purpose of Your Filter
Whole-house water filters are robust appliances available in a wide array of sizes and flow rates, offering optimal solutions for a diverse range of users, from individual households to expansive commercial enterprises. If you have a storage tank in place, determining the appropriate size for your whole-house water filter becomes a straightforward task. However, if you solely rely on direct water supply, the filter’s size hinges on your daily water consumption, especially when dealing with hard water.. To calculate your daily water usage accurately, you can monitor your water meter, with special attention to days when you engage in activities like laundry.
3. Check the Flow Rate of Your Faucets
Many individuals purchase water filters without first assessing the flow rates of their faucets, which can result in fluctuating water pressure. If the hose’s flow rate is lower than that of the water filter, it can increase the likelihood of hose bursting or leaks. Conversely, if the flow rate of the faucets and hoses exceeds that of the water filter, it can lead to reduced water flow and potentially cause frequent blockages due to air accumulation. This variation in flow rates between faucets and water filters can also impact the performance of filter cartridges and shorten their lifespan. To address this issue, it’s advisable to check the water flow rates of all your faucets and calculate an average estimate. This will enable you to purchase a water filter with a flow rate 1-2 gallons per minute (gpm) higher than your calculated average.
4. Confirm NSF Certification
When searching for whole-house filters, it’s crucial to ensure that any filter you select holds NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grants NSF the responsibility of upholding rigorous standards across all water filtration solutions. Whole-house filters employ robust Polypropylene cartridges that enhance the durability of the filter housing. Only Polypropylene of FDA-approved quality earns NSF certification. This translates to higher-quality filters and faster filtration performance.
Choosing the Right Filter
In the market, you’ll find a wide range of whole-house filters, often at competitive prices. Therefore, it’s advantageous to compare both the pricing and specifications offered by different companies, not just the ones you initially favor. Always scrutinize the list of contaminants that the water filters are capable of purifying. Additionally, it’s essential to verify the reputation and credibility of the manufacturer. Reading reviews and assessing the manufacturer’s credibility can lead to a better understanding of product quality and service.
In many instances, installation may be required to be carried out either directly by the seller or manufacturer, if they provide such a service, or by a certified plumber. Attempting to install the system yourself could potentially void warranty policies.
If you’ve purchased or are in the process of purchasing a water filtration system and require the expertise of a certified plumber for installation, please don’t hesitate to contact Pristine Plumbing, Inc. Our team of experienced plumbers specializes in water filtration installations and is readily available to assist you. You can reach us today at 714-397-5954.
