Water filters for washing: which one is better?

Clean drinking water is essential in every home. It determines the quality of life. And buying bottled water in a store or home delivery is very expensive. In addition, numerous studies conducted by Roskontrol and other organizations have shown that sometimes purchased bottled water is no different from running tap water.

The easiest way out of this situation is to purchase a home water filter. Moreover, in recent years, domestic and foreign manufacturers have been offering various models of household water purification systems.

Some work on the principle of a jug, in which water, passing through a removable filter, is cleaned and saturated with useful trace elements. And other filters are easier to use.

The principle of their work is that the multistage cantilever system is installed under the sink and is connected to the cold water supply, and next to the ordinary faucet near the sink is mounted a small fender for cold filtered and clear water. In this case, the main advantages are not only in convenience and compactness.

Pure drinking water is a source of life and a guarantee of health for humans. Often we feel rapid fatigue, fatigue, decreased performance and other unpleasant signals of the body, but we prefer not to pay attention to these seemingly insignificant symptoms. But in this case, the solution to all problems may lie on the surface. It is likely that you only need to pay attention to the water that we drink, with which we wash the dishes and with which we prepare daily.

Before the water gets into our faucet, it goes a long way, which includes several stages of cleaning, decontamination and laboratory control. But nonetheless, running water undrinkable in its original form. In the process of transporting it can get impurities of iron, rust, sand and even petroleum products. Why taste and smell leaves much to be desired. It is better to equate such water more with technical than with drinking water..

Filters under the sink are considered a universal solution to many problems.

The filtration system consists of several elements:

• console - on which replaceable cartridges for cleaning are mounted;
• filtration modules - represent flasks for installation of replaceable cartridges;
• replaceable cartridges - set in a certain sequence for gradual sequential cleaning;
• crane - it is installed near the sink to supply clean filtered water;
• reverse osmosis unit - presented in some models, such systems also have an additional pipe for discharge of dirty water into the sewage system;
• crane with tee for tapping into the water supply system;
• fitting with fitting - to connect the cleaning system to the water supply;
• outlet pipe - it is necessary for connection to the crane for a channel of the filtered water;
• key - to fix and replace the filter elements of the system;
• flexible hoses to connect the entire system.

The cantilever water treatment systems include volumetric flasks with filters, which are installed under the sink and connected to water hoses. The number of flasks depending on the purpose of the system varies from 2 to 8 pieces.which are connected in series. A separate tap is used to supply purified water.

Advantages of built-in stationary filters under the sink:

• Filters under the sink clean running water from impurities, heavy metals, chlorine and sand.
• Convenience is the most important advantage of the presented systems. An additional tap allows not only to get clean water in a glass, kettle or saucepan, they are also convenient to use if you need to wash fruits and vegetables.
• Allow to achieve the desired water quality.
• Stylish and modern look.
• Compactness - on the table an additional miniature faucet takes up minimal space, which is not the case with bulky water purification jugs or coolers with 20-liter bottles on top.
• Hidden installation - cartridges are hidden from the eyes and are under the sink, in a place that is rarely used to store household items and dishes.
• Speed ​​- water is cleared of harmful impurities instantly. The flow rate in all models is different, but, nevertheless, dial a glass of clean cold water in 30 seconds - a feasible task for everyone.

• A large resource - manufacturers indicate the service life of replacement cartridges on the package. On average, most filters of popular models can be used for 1 year or more.
• Savings - if we take into account the amount of clean water consumed per year, the purchase and installation of a stationary filter under the sink will be a profitable investment.
• Replaceable cartridges allow you to adjust the functionality of the system by replacing filters.

Water can enter the house from an artesian well, mountain streams, surface waters, and also from the sea after desalination. But regardless of the source, before it enters the urban water supply system, it goes through several stages of cleaning. At the very beginning, waste untreated water is pre-cleaned through a filtering layer that separates gravel, rubble, sand and other large impurities.After that it passes through the sand and microfilter, which are responsible for the safety of running water and protection against bacteria and red blood cells.

Filtration also includes chemical and physical cleaning methods. They allow you to remove all contaminants, kill pathogens and neutralize acidity. But All these stages of filtration allow only the use of running water for technical purposes.

Flow through filters under the sink allow you not only to instantly clean running water from the remaining harmful impurities, but also to saturate it with useful trace elements.. And therefore modern manufacturers of cleaning systems offer different models of filters for any budget.

Water treatment systems are divided into several types:

• Mechanical filtering - if necessary, clean running water from large impurities. At this stage, the water is cleaned from suspended matter and solid particles. Mechanical filtering takes place at the very beginning, otherwise solid elements will quickly disable other system filters. The design of the cartridge with mechanical cleaning is simple: inside there are small pores, due to which solid particles are retained, and the water passes to the next stage of cleaning.
• Universal type - it can be used for purification of ordinary running water, which does not contain a large amount of impurities. It allows you to get rid of chlorine, impurities of dissolved hydrogen sulfide, salts of heavy metals and even the concentration of petroleum products. All these impurities impair the nutritional quality of drinking water.
• Rigidity - This feature is due to the high content of calcium and magnesium salts. Hard water is unpleasant to drink, it acquires a bitter taste, and also forms a precipitate when boiling, which remains at the bottom of the dish.
• High content of dissolved metals - in addition to the fact that iron gives the water an unpleasant odor, and on clothing can leave stains, dissolved iron in large quantities can cause the appearance and development of diseases of the body. All methods of cleaning from iron are reduced to the activation process with oxygen.
• Antibacterial - for purification from microorganisms (viruses and bacteria).

The most Triple cleaners are considered available.. At the first stage, the running water is cleaned from particles of sand, rust and other foreign elements.Next is the process of cleaning from pesticides, chlorine, petroleum products and other compounds necessary for disinfection. The third stage is necessary for softening and saturation with useful microelements.

Reverse osmosis is membrane filtration or ultrafiltration (different manufacturers offer different names). The peculiarity of this system is that running water, passing through this filter, is cleaned from all kinds of viruses and bacteria. The membrane passes only the smallest particles up to 0.0005 microns, and the output is almost pure ideal water. But in the membrane filter and minerals are retained, which remain in a special tank, and then sent to the sewage system by a separate tap. And in fact simple water is obtained at the outlet - neither harmful nor useful.

More advanced and more expensive models of filters have an additional step of passing - the mineralizer. His job is to saturate the water with minerals. Thus, at the exit of the system you get drinking water purified and enriched with useful microelements.

Carbon filter - the most common, it is present in most console systems. It is designed for fine mechanical cleaning. Its purpose is to purify water from chlorine, phenol, benzene, toluene, petroleum products and pesticides.

Softener - essential filter for salt removal from hard flowing water. At the same time, the content of calcium and magnesium ions in water decreases.

Deironing, or, in other words, a filter for removing dissolved iron from running water, contains chemical reagents that bind iron atoms with oxygen and trap metal oxides. Systems with the function of deferrization are useful for residents of areas with hard water.. But during operation, they clog up faster than other cartridges, therefore they require more frequent replacement.

UV lamp for disinfection represented only in some systems. As you know, ultraviolet rays can kill almost all pathogenic bacteria. According to the same principle and function ultraviolet filters. But such a system requires an electrical connection..

Biochemical filter also called biological. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the cartridge contains specially excreted bacteria that feed on harmful microflora. That is, when water enters the cartridge, the effect of microflora on the chemical composition is neutralized. But the biochemical filter has an obvious disadvantage - it reduces the performance of the system and reduces the flow rate of the filtered water. Therefore, manufacturers of water purification systems rarely use a biochemical filter in the complete sets of embedded flow systems.

Mineralizer is the final stage before supplying clean filtered water to the faucet. It allows you to improve water performance, restore the structure and optimize the chemical composition. This filter makes filtered water drinkable. And besides, it is saturated with ions of silver, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

Before buying a home cantilever filter, it is good to have information about the chemical composition of the water that flows from your faucet. The quality of water from the city water supply in different areas of the city may be different. It depends on many factors, such as the source, the quality of the water pipes and the cleaning methods. Knowing the composition of running water, you can purchase the filter that suits you best.. For example, if the water in the tap is tough enough, then you should pay attention to reverse osmosis filters, which will make the water suitable for drinking, which is especially important for people with kidney disease. But such filter models are more expensive than simple analogs.

For information on the chemical composition of water, you can contact your local Vodokanal. And it is better not to get involved in a relationship with the bureaucratic service system and conduct your own small research at home. All necessary equipment for a home laboratory can be purchased at aquarium stores.. So, in order to know the hardness of the water, you will need a special test strip,and the chlorine content will help identify the iodine starch paper.

The most reliable way is to take a sample of the water yourself and send it for analysis to the sanitary and epidemiological station.. After the study, you will receive a detailed analysis of water, including about 30 parameters. In addition to the content of sand, salts, iron and organic matter, there may be radiation in water, which is the greatest threat to life. This method of research is, of course, better, but it will require additional financial costs from you, and also take a lot of time.

The next way to know the composition of water is much easier than all the others. You only need to call the office of a representative of a branded water filter. And at the appointed time a company specialist will arrive at your home, who with the help of his own modern devices will be able to demonstrate visually the difference between tap water and filtered or bottled water. And they will immediately propose to put a suitable system and orient at the cost of all work.

You can also independently check the quality of water without special devices:

• if in cold running water the soap foams poorly, and after boiling at the bottom of the kettle there is a sediment - it means that the water contains more calcium and magnesium salts;
• if after boiling water is unpleasant to taste, then it contains hydrogen sulfide, iron or organic trace elements;
• if after washing white things get a gray tint, then the water contains manganese or heavy metals.

When buying a filter, you need to pay attention to various criteria and parameters:

• First of all, it iscleaning requirements. In this case, you need to decide what degree of cleaning is needed for your region. Each filter can have its different degrees, which the vendor will tell you about. A system with single-stage filtration will allow purifying water from large impurities. Additional two and three steps will allow you to get drinking water of medium purity, which before use must be boiled.

• Price - in many cases it is the main criterion. It depends directly on the quantity and quality of filter elements. And also the brand plays an important role.
• Filter Resource - even in one system, filters can have different service life. As a rule, manufacturers measure the resource by the amount of water that is passed through. But also pay attention to the recommendations indicated on the cartridge packaging. In most cases, there may be additional information about the time interval, for example, the filter is designed for 8 months of operation and 4000 liters of water. And in this case, even if the amount of water being passed is still within the normal range, and 8 months from the moment of installation have already passed, the cartridge must be replaced.

• Head pressure - Pay attention to the pressure in the water supply system. If the flow rate of water in the apartment is low, then you should choose a cleaning model with a two-stage filtration system. Or consider upgraded and more expensive filters with an integrated pump to increase pressure.
• The required amount of drinking water per day - this indicator will allow you to make the right choice among a wide variety of filters. Specifications and cost of many models may not differ. And in this case, the performance will help make the right choice.The selected cleaning system should provide the required volume of clean water per day and have sufficient pressure.
• Manufacturer - an important selection criterion. Domestic and foreign manufacturers equally compete on the modern market. Therefore, you should not chase the well-known brand, the quality of the systems produced in Russia and Ukraine is in no way inferior to imported filters.
• Materials must comply with sanitary and environmental requirements.. This information is presented in the hygienic certificate or technical data sheet of the system.
• System dimensions - an important fact, especially for owners of small apartments. The size of the model can vary considerably, besides for periodic changing and cleaning of filters it is necessary to leave free access to the system.
• Weight of the structure - if the system has an additional reservoir for the accumulation of water, then it is necessary to provide for the strengthening of the supporting structure.

When choosing a filtration system, it is also necessary to pay attention to modern models of leading manufacturers in the market. To do this, we have prepared a comparative review of home filters for any budget.

Deserves special attention model "Aquaphor Favorit" - the external case of the system is made of stainless steel, inside of which a filter with a capacity of 2.5 liters per minute is hidden. But it is worth considering that "Favorite" does not soften the water and is not suitable for regions with water of high hardness. This fact can not be attributed to the minuses, it is a feature of this model. In turn, "Favorite" perfectly purifies water from chlorine and preserves beneficial magnesium and calcium salts..

Other model company "Aquaphor" with a three-stage cleaning system - "Crystal Eco", is among the budget popular filters for washing. This kit includes coal cleaning, ion exchange and ultrafiltration. At the same time, the filter allows you to gain 2.5 liters of purified drinking water in one minute. And according to customer feedback, the Aquaphor filter has many advantages, including not only attractive prices, but also ease of installation and compactness of the system. And at the same time, the manufacturer offers replaceable cartridges at a relatively low price. And thanks to all these components, the Crystal Eco system remains the most popular among its peers.

Also pay attention to other popular models of the company - “Aquaphor Crystal N”, DWM-41 and DWM-101S “Morion” - Customer reviews suggest that these cleaning systems can remove bacteria, improve taste and soften running water. Also, manufacturers have provided for the fact that replacing cartridges to customers costs a fairly large amount of money.

Another popular model of Aquaphor does not belong to the budget segment. More advanced Osmo 50 system has 5 cleaning steps, reverse osmosis and is equipped with an additional reservoir of 10 liters for the storage of clean water. In addition, the system allows you to soften and purify water from dissolved iron. Customers leave positive feedback on the Osmo 50 filter and note the lack of scale at the bottom of the kettle and unpleasant odors in the kitchen. But it is also worth considering that This model does not apply to economical, since the drainage takes a lot of water. So, for example, with a monthly consumption of drinking water of 300 liters, it will take about 1800 liters to drain, which will affect utility costs and will be very disadvantageous to owners of country houses with private sewers.

Another available model offers domestic company "Barrier" - filter "Expert Hard". The main advantage of this system is the long lifetime of the filter. Replaceable cartridge from the "Barrier" can be used to clean at least 10 thousand liters, and similar models can qualitatively clean only 3.5 thousand liters.

According to the manufacturer, scum will not form in the kettle, and customer reviews confirm this fact. The water remains absolutely clear and there is no smell of bleach. Thus, at the exit soft potable water turns out. But some buyers left negative reviews, explaining that after 2-3 months of using the filter, scale still appeared at the bottom of the kettle. So, the filter for softening is clogged and fails faster than the other filters presented in the kit. But it should be borne in mind that in different regions and even areas of the city water hardness may differ, therefore for each apartment it is necessary to select a filter, taking into account the specific features of the area.

Another model of the company "Barrier" is very popular among buyers. Three-stage flow filter "Expert Ferrum Barrier" Specially designed to clean running water from iron. According to customers, the quality of the system corresponds to the specified characteristics. Running water really becomes clean, without iron and other substances, the smell of chlorine disappears. But filters still fail to cope with increased rigidity, as evidenced by the constant scum on the bottom of the kettle. Also, positive feedback buyers leave about the performance of the system - the pressure of the filtered water remains the same. But to the downside, many attribute the cost of replacement filters and a small number of representative offices, even in large cities. Also some noted that with frequent use of the filter, the taste of coal in water is felt. And to solve this problem, you need to drain about four liters of water.

Filter with reverse osmosis "Barrier Profi Osmo 100" also included in the top 3 most popular models of the manufacturer. The system includes five cleaning steps, including a carbon filter. For the smooth operation of the filter, the manufacturer has completed this model with a reservoir for the accumulation of water of 8 liters. Buyers claim that the price for this filter is fully justified and corresponds to the quality of filtered water. The output is clean drinking water without unpleasant odors, impurities and pronounced taste. But It should be borne in mind that membrane filters discharge large amounts of water into the sewage system.. And the model "Profi Osmo 100" is no exception. Up to 80% of cold water goes into drainage, which is very expensive in the presence of a meter.

More expensive filter offers company "Geyzer" - model "Prestige 2". This manufacturer has improved the system and added a stage of purification from dissolved iron. Other popular model of the company - "Prestige P"is significantly different. The set includes 5 stages of water treatment, including iron, as well as softening and reverse osmosis. And, importantly for a large family, Prestige P model has a volume tank for collecting and storing 12 liters. The filtration system is supplemented with a special pump to increase the pressure, which allows the filter to be used not only in a city apartment, but also in a country cottage with possible interruptions in water supply.

In the same price category, another leading model is presented. filter manufacturer Atoll. But unlike “Geyser Prestige P”, the filter "Atoll A-550m STD" has an additional mineralization function. The system fills clean water with oxygen and beneficial trace elements and is additionally equipped with a 12-liter tank. These functions, of course, are reflected in the cost of the system, but compared to the “Geyser”, the difference is not so obvious. And, as buyers say, the price is quite justified. In addition, users note the absence of an unpleasant smell and changes in water quality to taste. BUT the service life of removable filters averages 3 yearsthat in comparison with other domestic manufacturers is a very good indicator. But replacing filters for Atoll models will cost about the same amount as buying a full-fledged new system.

If we consider the system "Geyser" without a reverse osmosis system, a large Attention should be paid to the model "Nanotek". Its feature is the successful combination of reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration functionality. Flowing water is quickly cleared of harmful impurities and various microelements, which are retained due to the modern development of the company - a membrane with pores of 0.001 microns.

On the modern market a large number of various systems for cleaning. And domestic producers are no exception. Among the most popular It is possible to distinguish three leaders: “Aquaphor”, “Barrier” and “Geyser”.

The company "Geyser" popular not only in Russia, the company's extensive experience has allowed it to expand the market and open offices in Europe: Latvia, the Czech Republic and Serbia. The company has a lot of its own unique developments, including more than 20 patents, which it actively implements in its systems. On the most popular model of the company - "Prestige 2" with a reverse osmosis system, customers leave only positive feedback.

The advantages include an attractive price, easy installation method, compact system and, of course, excellent water quality. But, as buyers note, a lot of water goes into drainage and performance compared to similar models is noticeably inferior. In one minute you can dial only one glass of clean water, which is very small compared to other domestic manufacturers.

Company "Barrier" appeared on the Russian market in the early 90s. For 15 years, she carefully monitors the quality of drinking water. The company has its own research laboratory, and the production lines at four plants are equipped with modern robotic equipment. The manufacturer actively implements modern developments and improves the manufactured products.

One of the first "Barrier" released filters with technology "Ferrostop", which allows you to clean the running water from the dissolved iron, make the water more transparent, softer and without unpleasant smell.

Russian-American Joint Venture filters "Aquaphor" appeared in 1992. During this time, the company has released hundreds of comfortable and ergonomic models. A feature of Aquaphor systems is fast filtering and easy installation.. The company has released a unique sorbet - carbon fibers, which provide an excellent degree of purification. Also, manufacturers have improved the system "Crystal". Studies have shown that turbid water after passing through the Aquaphor system is perfectly cleaned of rust, sand and mist. This became possible after the development of a modern filter that has 30% more sorbents compared to other brands.

Domestic company Prio produces filters with imported components. So, for example, one of the best models of the brand - "Econic Osmos TO300"It works on the principle of reverse osmosis. Flowing water passes through three stages of purification, including the membrane, bacteriological cleaning and deferrization, which allows to obtain perfectly clean drinking water without admixture of calcium and magnesium salts.The membrane used in this system was developed in Japan and provides excellent performance. This model is specially designed for regions where a high content of hardness salts in the aqueduct prevails.. But some buyers leave negative feedback on Prio products, explaining that the design of the system quickly failed, which required the purchase of a new filter.

Russian company Atoll appeared in the domestic market in 1994 and has American roots. The quality of the products is confirmed by international NSF certificates, which indicates the high quality of the systems. Among the advantages, customers note the compactness of the system, ease of use, ease of installation and water quality. Components and some elements of the system are supplied by the American company Pentair, therefore the filters of this brand are much more expensive than domestic analogues.

Brand "New Water" not as popular in Russia as other companies. Initially, the company appeared in Ukraine in 1996. The company's product range includes flow stationary systems and reverse osmosis filters.The main advantages of the popular model “Expert Ferrum” include the compactness of the system. The whole structure under the sink takes only about 10 cm.that allows you to place other household supplies at the bottom. Buyers also note among the advantages of the system an affordable price for a five-step cleaning system and ultrafiltration function. But buyers also assure that cartridge replacement will be expensive.

Today is gaining popularity European brand Bluefilters. The company produces filters in Germany and has offices in 12 countries. Some models of the brand have 8 stages of purification, which include polypropylene fiber, a cartridge with "living water", reverse osmosis, coconut coal, tourmaline and mineralizer.

Clean drinking water is definitely needed in every home and apartment. And the best way to get quality water is to install a flow filter. It has many advantages and almost no drawbacks.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is important to follow a few simple recommendations:

• Most models can be installed easily with their own hands.. Included with the system, manufacturers offer detailed step-by-step instructions and a set of necessary accessories, which include fixing brackets, gaskets, parts for tapping into the water supply system and stop valves. But if you doubt your own strength, then pay attention to Atoll filters. The manufacturer took care of its customers and completed the system with multi-colored hoses to simplify the work.
• For a large million-plus city, it’s worth choosing a five-step cleaning system.. Such a filter will not only purify running water, but also enrich the filtered water in the mineralizer.
• Perhaps, membrane filter has the highest quality filtration system.. He allows to clear flowing water of many pollution. Iron, oil products, chlorine, sand, etc. are retained on a dense membrane. But when choosing a system with such a filter, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the flow rate will depend on pressure. Since the membrane is very dense, for fast performance it is necessary to increase the pressure.

• The mineralizer must be a necessary complement of the membrane filter., because after reverse osmosis, water is deprived of not only harmful, but also useful substances and trace elements. A filter of mineralization and structurization will allow you to restore the structure of the filtered water.
• Additionally, you can purchase a tank for storing filtered water.. This is very convenient, especially if for some reason the water supply is suspended in the house, and you always have a small amount in reserve.
• The service life of filter elements depends on the quality of running water.. Expensive cleaning systems are expensive to replace filter elements. So, for example, filters for the Akvafor OSMO 50 system will cost from 1,500 to 5,500 rubles per year. The life of the cartridge may be reduced due to heavily contaminated water, which will require premature replacement of filters. Therefore, when installing the system, it is important to pay attention not only to the life of the cartridge indicated on the package, but also to the quality of drinking water when using the filter.

For information on which water filter to choose, see the video below.