A water filter can help in the removal of harmful contaminants that are commonly found in drinking water. If you are not filtering your water supply, it is very likely that you and your family might just end up drinking dangerous bacteria and various harmful chemicals.
Our Picks for the Best Home Water Filters
Removes up to 99-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds healthy minerals back
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
NSF-Certified, EPA approved
Requires basic plumbing tools like wrenches and teflon tape
Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top
Removes viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals
Safe to use, durable and long lasting
The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results
Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
Filters an astounding one million gallon of water and is expected to last a decade
The UV filter protects against viruses and bacteria from festering and growing
Multiple filtration systems provide your whole house with clean water for all needs
Easy to install and easy to function
More expensive than smaller systems but lasts much longer
May need professional assistance depending on current plumbing system
Long lasting and durable, this system can pump around 3,000 gallons of water
No cumbersome maintenance required
Filters out heavy chemicals, metals and chlorine compounds with its 4-filtration systems
One of the cheapest water filtration systems for homes and offices
May run into minor leaking issues
Easy installation unless your fridge is over 20 years old
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There are many different types of water filtration systems available today and most modern homes tend to have water filters installed in their piping system. This holds particularly true for city water supplied homes.
However, even the most highly sophisticated water filtration system can easily let in bacteria and other contaminates if it has been installed incorrectly, or if it has not been replaced in time.
How Do Water Filters Work?
A water filter essentially works like the lint tray present in your laundry machine. In other words, your water filter will collect all of the extra particles and other gunk from the water, so that it is suitable for human consumption.
If your water filter installation has been done correctly, it will pull out the contaminants from the water so that you will be able to drink healthy and unpolluted water. However, that is only possible if the water filter itself is completely clean. The substances that are removed from the water usually start to clog up the water filter every time it is used.
The more the foreign matter in your water supply, the faster will your water filter loses its efficacy. In short, it will become less and less effective, every time it is used. This is why it is absolutely imperative to clean or outrightly replace your water filter on a regular basis to keep it clear, clean, and functioning in peak condition.
Replacing Water Filters
Most water filters need to be replaced after they have filtered 40 gallons of water. In a typical household, it translates to approximately two months or so. But this is only an approximate assumption. How often you remove and replace water filter will depend on several other factors that include:
- The total water consumption of your household
- The type of filtration system used
- The amount of the elements that require filtering
- The overall hardness of the water
This means that it is important for you to change your filter at least once every two to six weeks provided that:
- There are plenty of people in your home
- You use a lot of filtered water very frequently
- The water supplied to your home is very hard
- There are plenty of heavy sediments in your water supply
Usually, whole house filter replacement is easy because many such water filters are equipped with electronic indicators that will help determine when it is time to change or clean them.
The electronic indicator is a very handy device that will help you to measure the effectiveness of your water filter. The indicator will periodically blink or flash a bright red color to inform you when you need to change the filter. This way, there is no need for any guesswork when it comes to changing the filter.
Some of them are also equipped with a cling calendar so that you will be able to see when exactly you last replaced your water filter. They will also show you when the next change is due. However, it is imperative that you remember to check them regularly. Otherwise, you won’t know when the next change is due.
It will also help if you were to schedule a reminder on your phone or any other smart device to check your water filters and see if they need replacement.
Brita Filter Replacement
If you own a Brita filter and want to replace it you should take the following steps:
- Flush the filter with cold water for at least 15 seconds
- Insert the filter into the main water reservoir by carefully lining up the groove in the filter with the ridge of the pitcher’s reservoir
- Press them both together very firmly to ensure a watertight seal
- You should add standard tap water to the reservoir at least thrice
- Discard the first three containers full of filtered water or water your plants with it
- You should replace your Brita filter regularly in order to ensure optimal performance
Changing Water Filters in the Refrigerator
Many people don’t bother to change their refrigerator water filter because their water tastes the same, every time they drink it. However, just because the water seems to taste fresh does not mean that it is fresh. This is due to the fact that there exist many contaminants that are entirely tasteless.
Refrigerator water filter replacement becomes necessary after every 6 months. This holds true even if you rarely use your refrigerator for drinking water purposes. Water can oxidize the filter and decrease its efficacy.
Generally speaking, a family of four who regularly use their water dispenser, as well as the ice machine, should not wait that long and get their filter changed once every four months.
If you have never changed your refrigerator water filter, you may be drinking severely contaminated water, without even realizing it.
If you want to know how to change your water filter, you are in luck because it is a very easy job. There are slight differences in the installation process depending on model to model, but the common steps are the same. They are as follows:
- Open the water filter cover located in the upper right corner inside the refrigerator
- Lift the filter door
- Pull the old filter out and throw it away
- Open the new filter and carefully remove the protective coverings on the filter
- Slowly insert the filter into its slot. Don’t force it. If it seems to be jammed, rotate it until all the notches are properly aligned together. It will slide in easily after that.
- Close the filter door
- Run a few gallons of water after installing a new filter so that all the gunk is flushed out
Conclusion
Water is the key ingredient of life. This makes water filters extremely important for our well-being and we should change them regularly to ensure our health as well as that of our loved ones.
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