Many people do not want to use tap water for food. Indeed, without purification, it can impart an unpleasant taste and smell of coffee and tea, make soups and broths not so tasty and fragrant. Therefore, water filters for washing have become so popular - which one will better cope with its tasks, which producers should pay attention to and which models should be considered for purchase. We will answer all these questions in this article.
Features of filters for water purification with placement under the sink
As a matter of fact, their distinctive feature lies in the name. The filters are installed under the kitchen sink and are connected to water pipes with the help of special connections. A separate tap is discharged upwards from which it will be possible to draw purified water. If there is not enough space under the sink, then wall placement is used as an alternative. Connected to the filter using a flexible eyeliner faucet is also installed on the sink.
If you look at the diversity of these systems, it may seem that it is very difficult to choose the best filter.
But, in fact, the whole choice consists of three stages:
The choice of filter type
Manufacturer selection
Model selection
Varieties of filters "under the sink"
Before you decide which filter for cleaning the water under the sink is best for you, you need to know what they are generally produced. There are only two types of similar devices that look very similar to each other, but differ in the internal "stuffing". The first is flow-through filtration systems. The second - filters using the principle of reverse osmosis. Further - in detail about each species.
Flow filters
Such a system consists of three to four modules that are connected in series with each other. That is, first there is a preliminary purification of tap water, then - the main, and at the final stage - the finish. Due to the presence of several stages using different cleaning methods (using a mechanical filter, sorbent, silver particles, etc.), the water is qualitatively filtered.
It removes both pieces of rust and dirt, as well as microorganisms, unpleasant odors (in particular, the smell of chlorine). If there are harmful substances in the water, such as oil refining products, salts of heavy metals or pesticides, the filter system also safely removes them.
The modules that make up the filter can be filled with cartridges of various types.
They are:
- for mechanical cleaning;
- universal, suitable for ordinary ordinary tap water, not burdened with a large number of any impurities;
- intended for too hard water;
- intended for water containing excessive amounts of metals;
- antibacterial, purifying water from various microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, cysts) .
Thus, you can always choose the option that is most suitable for a particular case. But It is worth noting that if there is a very hard water in the house, the maintenance of such a filter will cost a lot of money. Consumables - cartridges - will require frequent replacement.
Flow-through water filter with installation under the sink.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
The design of such a system is similar to flow sorption filters, but has several additional nodes. Here, on the common console, several filter modules are installed, which can be from one to four, and in premium high-purity models even five. Each of the modules, which is a plastic container with filter cartridges inside, is designed to perform its work. The main feature of such systems is the presence of a module with a reverse osmotic membrane, passing through which the water is subjected to ultra-fine cleaning.
Here are the main types of cartridges used in such systems:
- filters (usually made of polypropylene) that cope with a variety of mechanical impurities in water.
- Filters containing coal sorbent inside can cope with organic matter, hydrocarbons, heavy metal salts, taste and smell of chlorine.
- filters that remove excess iron from water are called iron removers, inside there is an active substance that reacts with iron dissolved in water.
After preliminary cleaning, with the help of the above-mentioned cartridges, water is supplied to the module with a reverse osmosis membrane. It is on this membrane, which passes through itself only water molecules, and the principle of the reverse osmosis system is based. To pass through the membrane in the plumbing system must be a pressure of about 3 - 3.5 bar. Therefore, often included in the scope of delivery electric pressure pump.In some models for disinfecting water and destroying harmful microorganisms is an ultraviolet lamp.
Water purified in this way is akin to distilled. To replenish minerals, a number of reverse osmosis systems have a special mineralizer. Since water passes through the membrane slowly, the reverse osmosis systems are equipped with a storage tank - usually up to ten liters. This is very convenient when you need a large amount of water at once, but there is no time to wait for it to clear.
Summing up, we note that reverse osmosis systems provide the cleanest water. Exactly the same that is sold in stores in bottled form. Only the cost of one liter will be many times lower. So the savings are obvious - many zealous owners understood this long ago, acquiring similar systems and enjoying the purest, transparent, like a tear, water.
A reverse osmosis system with installation under the sink.
Determine which filter for washing is best for your water
Now we need to determine what type of water filter "mod washing" needs to be chosen. The first thing to look at is not the filter, but the quality of the water. In each house and apartment water quality may be different. It depends not only on the source from which it comes into the water supply, but also on other factors. In particular, the quality of water pipes (if they are old and rusty, then surely there will be an excess of iron and pieces of rust in the water). Or there may be bacterial contamination, which is fraught with intestinal infections and gastric disorders.
In order to determine exactly which system (and with which cartridge) it will be better to cope with contaminants, it is worth making an examination of your tap water. Taking a clean bottle (best from under the purchased water), fill it with a tap and go to the sanitary epidemiological station. True, there will have to wait for the results for some time. Want to quickly - go to the test center. You have to pay, but the result is immediately.
Water will be analyzed in the most detailed way, checking for thirty items. You can find out if there is radiation in the water (which represents the greatest threat), excess salt, iron or lime, organic matter (microbes, viruses and bacteria). The level of pH pH, color, odor, transparency is also checked. Other characteristics are also determined - everything will be given to you in writing. And you can find out what got into your body.
After receiving the results, you can safely proceed to the selection of a water treatment system:
# 1. If there is an excess amount of iron, chlorine or any chemical compounds in water, but with a normal level of hardness , you can install a flow system with approximately the following set of cartridges:
- cartridge for mechanical water purification;
- sorption cartridge containing activated carbon;
- iron removal cartridge.
# 2. But if the water is too hard, then the flow devices should be discarded. Despite the fact that flow systems can be equipped with cartridges designed for water softening, they have a very limited lifespan, after which they should be subjected to restoration. To cope such cartridges can only if the water has a small hardness. They will become clogged too quickly, as a result, it will cost you a pretty penny. Therefore, only the reverse osmosis system will help you out in the case of hard water. The entire function of water softening, in this case, is assumed by the reverse osmosis membrane.
# 3. The presence of organic matter in water (microbes, bacteria, viruses) can greatly harm babies, old people and allergies. The reverse osmosis system will come to the rescue - its membrane will reliably hold any bacteria with microbes, as well as parasite eggs. For one hundred percent effect (sometimes extremely small bacteria still slip through the pores of the membrane), an ultraviolet filter is installed at the output, which completely disinfects water. In some cases, you can consider and flow filter, which is equipped with a module with ultraviolet cleaning.
The best filter manufacturers
As can be seen below, these are mainly domestic companies that produce good-quality and high-quality world-class products. And often it is their products that are at the top of the water filter rating for washing.
Barrier
This brand belongs to the Russian company METTEM Technologies (operating since 1993). It has its own research center and four factories equipped with modern German robotic equipment.Filters for washing are available in both flow and reverse osmosis.
Systems, as a rule, three-stage, closed on top with a one-piece lid that prevents leakage. Handled per minute to two liters of water. The company produces many types of different cartridges that are easily replaced (with one slight movement of the hand).
Aquaphor
This is the main domestic competitor of the manufacturer described above. The company has been successfully working on the manufacture of filters since 1992. Production capacity - two plants in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. Both trunk and reverse osmosis systems are produced. The company's specialists have developed their own unique sorbent - Aqualene carbon fibers, which are very thin and have a high degree of purification.
New water
This brand is a bit younger than the previous two, but it has already managed to become well recognized. The company was founded in Ukraine in 1996, becoming in 2006 a member of the World Water Quality Association (Water Quality Association). It also manufactures filters for washing both varieties (flow and reverse osmosis) and several types of cartridges for them.
Geyser
The company from St. Petersburg is one of the oldest - it has been operating since 1986. It has a lot of its own scientific developments, which it uses in its filters. He has more than twenty patents. Special recognition was received by a special microporous ion-exchange polymer, which allowed the company to become one of the world's top manufacturers of water purifiers. Makes both types of systems for washing and cartridges, interchangeable with Akvafor.
Atoll
This brand is originally from America, but filters are collected (from US components) at the Russian enterprise Comintex-Ecology, which operates more than ten years old. All products have an international NSF certificate, which guarantees a high quality. Available line of three-stage filters A-313 (there are four modifications for different water).
Rating of filters for water purification for washing
Next, we present to your attention a selection of the best filters of this type, based on the opinion of those who have used various models of popular manufacturers for a sufficient time.
The best flow filters under the sink, according to users
EXPERT Ferrum Barrier - effective iron removal
+ Pros EXPERT Ferrum Barrier
- Produces good cleaning of tap water from chlorine, iron and other substances.
- The system is easy to install, is quite inexpensive.
- Does not affect the total water pressure.
- Cartridges are easily and quickly replaced due to a unique proprietary replacement system.
- Nothing leaks anywhere.
- The filter is compact and has a nice design.
- If you compare with a jug, then the cartridges need to be changed much less frequently.
- Cons Barrier EXPERT Ferrum
- From scale (high hardness) water relieves poorly.
- Replaceable cartridges are quite expensive. They can not always be found in the nearest store. We have to ring them or order on the Internet.
- If you use the filter not too often, a palatable taste of coal appears in the water. It passes only after draining from three to five liters.
Results: This three-step flow model is ideal for those who are tired of washing rust stains from the sink and feel an unpleasant glandular taste in the mouth, quenching their thirst. The system is inexpensive, fits under the sink, it has easy to change cartridges. But for hard water is no good.
EXPERT Hard Barrier - best price
+ Pros EXPERT Hard Bar
- Makes water absolutely clear, clean and tasty. There is no scale in the kettle. The smell of chlorine evaporates.
- The model is compact, with thin bulbs, it looks very nice and fits under any sink.
- Excellent water softening.
- Cartridges serve a long time, at least six months, they are very easy to change. The replacement system Onech Touch has greatly facilitated this process - even a small child can do it.
- The process of installing a filter is quite simple.
- Not too high a price.
- Good filtering speed - more than one liter per minute.
- Cons EXPERT Hard Barrier
- After filtration, the device becomes quite heavy. It is better to put it on the bottom of the cabinet or on the floor.
- Included is a not very comfortable ball valve. It is made of an alloy of the silumin type, it does not have a nut for screwing in and out.
- If you do not put the faucet that comes in the kit, the adapter may not be suitable for the mixer.
- At first, the water flows out slightly turbid (however, the manufacturer recommends the first ten liters to be drained into the sewer).
- When water is too hard, the water softening cartridge lasts a short time.
Results: This three-step flow model is designed for softening and cleaning from free chlorine. Suitable for those who want not too expensive and without unnecessary trouble with installing the system and replacing cartridges to get excellent water, not worse than bottled. But in the tap should not be too hard water.
Akvafor Crystal H - effective water softening
+ Pros Aquaphor Crystal N
- The filter is made soundly and efficiently, its design is comfortable.
- The water turns out very tasty (no worse than the one that is sold in bottles).
- The average declared resource of cartridges is one and a half years.
- It softens the water quite well; the replaceable special cartridge designed for this is easily regenerated.
- Cons Aquaphor Crystal H
- The softening module resource is not too long - it corresponds to about 200-250 liters. However, it depends on the individual characteristics of the water.
- Those who do not like unnecessary body movements will not like every two months to wash the water softening cartridge in order to restore it. Buying regularly new is too expensive.
Results: The model is positioned as softening water. It is not expensive, it looks beautiful, it copes with its tasks "with a bang." Tasty, clean, soft water - a great alternative to the purchase. But you need to be prepared for the fact that you have to regularly regenerate the softening module. If this does not scare you, feel free to buy a filter.
New Water Expert M410 - compact size and high-quality cleaning
+ Pros New Water Expert M410
- The device is compact. Its width is not more than ten centimeters. Under the sink there is enough space for other household trifles (bin, for example).
- The plastic is of high quality and strong, all the connections are very reliable.
- A beautiful, solid and stylishly designed faucet that will decorate any kitchen.
- Low price.
- Complete set of all necessary.
- It copes well with chlorine, gives clean and clear water, similar in taste to spring water.
- The filtering speed is quite decent.
- Ultrafiltration is present, there are five cleaning steps.
- It is easy to change the cartridges.
- Cons New Water Expert M410
- If the water is too hard, mitigation is enough for about a month. Then scum appears.
- Replaceable cartridges are quite expensive.
Results: This reliable, quite affordable and very compact flow model boasts as many as five cleaning steps (including ultrafiltration). Many are pleased with the beautiful crane that comes in the kit. If your water is not too hard, you may well opt for this filter. Otherwise you will have to buy cartridges too often (and they are not cheap).
Aquaphor Crystal Quadro - for home cleaning experts
+ Pros Aquaphor Crystal Quadro
- Possibility to purchase any set of modules (including the K1-078 module that cleans up to 0.1 micron ).
- Easy replacement of cartridges - immediately with the case together. You just need to make a slight turn.
- Small dimensions of the device.
- Cons Aquaphor Quadro
- It is not always necessary to have a fourth filter that significantly increases the price (compared to triple models of the same manufacturer).
- Replaceable elements are expensive because they include a cartridge along with a flask.
- Not too high-quality fasteners - and neighbors may be flooded. The heavy filter filled with water is kept on a thin plastic.
- With hard water, scum appears after two months. You have to constantly regenerate the softening module.
Results: The model is compact and able to adjust the set of cartridges to fit your water. It is convenient to change them, but at the price they are quite expensive (as they are sold in the case). When installing, check the reliability of fasteners. If you have hard water, then too often it is necessary to regenerate the softening module. So in this case, this model will not suit you well.
The best reverse osmosis systems for washing, according to user reviews
Prestige Geyser 2 - an excellent price-performance ratio for cleaning
+ Pros Prestige Geyser 2
- The filtering speed is very high (when compared with similar models).
- Perfectly purifies water, making it absolutely neutral in taste and allowing you to enjoy coffee and tea to the full.
- Small size, not too high price.
- It is quite easy and inexpensive to change filters.
- An impressively long cartridge life - for some, they serve up to three years.
- Easy installation, detailed glossy instructions telling how to do this.
- Cons Prestige Geyser 2
- The tee that comes in the kit has a not too tight connection. FUM tape will help solve this problem.
- The crane is not too beautiful design.
- Replaceable cartridges are not always on sale.
- A lot of water goes into drainage. Five liters of clean - from ten to fifteen liters. In the presence of a water meter is expensive.
- The ball valve fits poorly on the hub - a manufacturer’s flaw. You have to use tow, tape, other materials.
Results: This is a good reverse osmosis system for a harmonious ratio of workmanship and cost. Resource-intensive cartridges do an excellent job. But you can not buy them all the time. The installation should be entrusted to the master or a person whose hands are “growing from that place”, as there are problems with sealing joints.
Atoll A-550 STD - choice for large families
+ Pros Atoll A-550 STD
- Multicolored supply hoses are very convenient. Do not confuse which one to insert.
- The quality of cleaning is at the highest global level, since certified components of foreign production are used.
- Excellent plastic quality.
- High performance.
- Compact, easy installation.
- A sleek, soft-working tap.
- The replacement kits include FUM tape and silicone grease - the connections do not flow.
- Cons Atoll A-550 STD
- A fairly flimsy plastic key that is easy to break. Therefore, it is better to twist and unscrew the bulb with your hands.
- Sealing gum on the spout of the drinking tap will quickly wear out if you twist it. Therefore, the nose is better not to touch.
- A large number of connections.
- Lack of spare retaining rings.
- High enough price. The model pays off only with a large daily water consumption - more than twenty liters.
Results: If you want to get perfectly purified water, without paying attention to the cost of the filter, you can safely look at this model. After all, when assembling it, the best components of well-known foreign manufacturers were used. Solidly made of metal and plastic, the system has high performance. Good for a large family spending more than twenty liters per day.
Barrier PROFI Osmo 100 is a good resource of filter modules
+ Pros Barrier PROMI Osmo 100
- Low price compared to other manufacturers.
- The presence of collapsible flasks - this will in the future serve as a good saving.
- Good cleaning quality with five steps. The water is delicious, without odors and impurities.
- Installation is simple - you can do it yourself.
- Filtered particles leave through a special tube - convenient.
- Cartridges do not need to be changed often.
- Cons Barrier PROFI Osmo 100
- Fittings of the best quality are clearly Chinese. They have no latches that prevent the connection to open. Yes, and other components come across with flaws (clamps, tee).
- The plastic of the filter itself is average.
- When the storage tank is empty, the four-way valve is buzzing.
- Not too compact model - the place under the sink "eats" completely.
- There are no branded mineralizers. There is no double tap (for clean and mineralized water).
- Much water is drained during filtration eighty percent.
- The system is quite demanding on the level of pressure.
Results: This model of reverse osmosis is suitable for those who save money but want to get high-quality purified water (which the filter successfully copes with). But the level of pressure in the water supply system should be at the level - otherwise, immediately purchase a pump (or a more expensive version of this model with the pump included).Otherwise, you will have to be very nervous, waiting for the water to slowly filter out. And also: get ready for a big water discharge - there is a lot of stupidly going down the drain.
New Water Expert Osmos MO510 - compact and excellent design
+ Pros New Water Expert Osmos MO510
- Excellent quality hologram membrane made in Japan.
- Original design and design (of both the filter itself and the large convenient crane).
- Compactness.
- Self-assembly is easy.
- The cleaning quality is excellent.
- Good and responsive support service on the company's website.
- Membrane and cartridges are easily replaced.
- Cons New Water Expert Osmos MO510
- Not at all a low price.
- Consumables (cartridges) are also quite expensive.
- The K871 cartridge is quickly clogged when heavily polluted water. As a result, the pressure drops, and filtering is slow.
- The factory does not pass pressure testing for tightness of connections inside the box. Because of this, there are instances of leakage.
- The tanks are usually pumped, which is why they get less water than stated (two liters instead of three and a half). An experienced master will solve this issue.
Results: A model that does a very good job of cleansing is perfect for a family of two or three people. But only where tap water is not too polluted by mechanical impurities (this makes it often necessary to change the polypropylene cartridge, quickly clogged). And another thing: it is better to entrust the installation of the system to the master, who will immediately eliminate the shortcomings, if any. For example, a leak or pumped tank, reducing the amount of accumulated water.
Video: Choosing a filter for cleaning water "under the sink"
Take the survey:
Search
Related Articles
Protection of wooden structures from rotting and fungus: recommendations
Wooden structures are increasingly used in modern construction. Houses, farm buildings of various purposes, arbors, built of wood, look harmonious, beautiful and safe from the point of view of ecol...
How to choose an oil cooler - choice of oil heater
The beginning of cold weather makes you think about the issue of heating a home. In the case when central heating does not warm the rooms enough or the heating season has not come yet, it becomes ne...
Wooden floor in the bath: the device and the order of creation
To ensure proper rest in a country house or in the country build baths or saunas. The most important element in the construction of the bath is the floor. Tree is traditionally considered to be th...
How to insulate garage doors with your own hands + photo
Some car owners have places for them - garages. This is the best option not only to store the vehicle, but also to accommodate all the tools, parts and accessories. To make this room warm in the col...
Interior living room in a private house - 53 ideas for inspiration
What does the living room of your dreams look like? Do you like the simplicity of the laconic Scandinavian style? And the comfort of the Danish style Hugge? Or maybe you like the eclectic combinatio...