Choosing and installing a water filter under the sink

No. 2. Why is the main filter better than others?

The problem of polluted water is so massive that mankind has come up with a lot of different devices for cleaning it. We will not go into details, but among the most popular filtration systems today they use the following:

• pitcher-type filters and dispensaries do not belong to flow filters - a certain amount of water is poured into them, which after a while is cleaned by built-in cartridges.This solution is only suitable for water purification for drinking and cooking, since the volume of vessels, as a rule, does not exceed 3-4 liters;
• the filter nozzle on the tap allows you to purify water from large mechanical impurities, improve its organoleptic qualities. The filter is suitable if the water quality is satisfactory, meets the standards, but you just want to improve it a little. Such a filter is easy to install, you can even take it with you on trips, but it will not cope with serious pollution, has low performance and requires frequent replacement of cartridges;
• the “next to the sink” filter is also easy to install, connects to the water supply using a special adapter and provides an average level of purification, ridding the water of large contaminants and unpleasant odors;
• stationary filter "under the sink" is installed under the sink, allows you to purify water from mechanical impurities, chlorine, heavy metals, eliminate odors and tastes. This is a very popular system, it is easy to maintain, requires replacement of cartridges every 5-6 months, but the cost of its arrangement is higher than the previously listed options. This solution also has some drawbacks. The filter will not cope with the most serious contaminants, it has limitations in terms of performance and cannot be installed on pipes with hot water.

If any of the listed filters allows you to purify water to an acceptable quality, you are very lucky. But if you are not lucky, then you should not be upset, because there are flow-through main filters, which are actually a miniature water treatment station.

The main filter is built into the water supply system of an apartment or house, crashes into the water main and creates a serious barrier to the water entering the apartment, which, passing through the filter system, is cleaned of mechanical impurities, harmful elements and compounds. The filter can be put on hot and cold water, and since it will stand at the inlet, purified water will flow from all taps.

A flow-through main water filter is usually used in houses that have their own source of water supply (a well or a well), but recently a similar system has often been installed in apartment buildings where the water pipes are very worn out. Such filters allow you to solve several problems at once:

• water purification from harmful impurities, chlorine and microorganisms;
• improving the taste of water and getting rid of metallic and other tastes;
• softening, because hard water negatively affects the skin and hair, leads to the rapid wear of some household appliances;
• keeping plumbing fixtures in good condition. Conventional (non-main) filters purify water only at one point of consumption, and it runs through the rest of the pipes in the apartment silted and contaminated with particles of rust and other debris, which gradually leads to blockages and breakdowns. With the main filter, this problem disappears.

The main advantages of main filters include:

• high cleaning efficiency;
• high performance (the filter cleans 20-50 liters of water per minute);
• variability. Depending on what it is necessary to purify water from, various cartridges can be used;
• the ability to purify water for all water intake points with one filter;
• durability with proper use.

Among the shortcomings, we note only the complexity of installation - you will need the help of specialists. You can service the main filter yourself, but if a blockage occurs, you can hardly do without a professional. The cost of trunk systems, of course, is higher than that of simpler filters, but it is not sky-high.

How to install a water filter under the sink

1. The space under the sink is the most suitable place to install a flow filter. When the installation work is completed, several problems are solved:
2. the filter will not occupy a useful place in the kitchen;
3. the process of installing it under the sink will be simpler;
4. at any time, you can replace the used cartridge in it with another one.

If the owner of the apartment decides to install a water filter with a separate tap for the sink, then in this case work will be required to finalize the sink. It will have to make an additional hole with a diameter of 12 mm. It will be used to install an additional crane. It will be connected directly to the filter.

• It should be said that not only the sink, but also the cold water supply system will have to be improved. A branch tee must be installed next to the filter. The following options are available here:
• You can cut a part of the pipe and install a tee into the resulting cutout.
• Use a hose clamp. With it, this element must be clamped on the pipe above the hole cut in it.
• When all water filtration elements are installed under the sink, they are connected via flexible wiring.

When the tap is turned on, the volume of the flow filter is completely filled in 2-3 minutes. However, another 10 liters will need to be drained in order to flush the system. When this is done, the filter can be used normally.

Installing the filter head

The filter nozzle is connected directly to the water tap. Many models are supplied with bushings that allow the filter to be connected to a faucet without thread (smooth faucet).

With the help of adapter sleeves VP3, VP4, VP5, the filter can be connected to taps with a thread at the end of the spout

When buying a filter attachment for a faucet, pay attention to the package contents, because. Some attachments are not included and must be purchased separately.

One of the common mistakes when installing filters is ignoring the leak test and rinsing of the cartridges. Experts recommend putting a spacing under the filter or adjusting a dry rag, leaving it for a day. If puddles have formed under the filtration system or water drops are visible, all FUM connections must be sealed with tape.

Features of using filters

Although there are a wide variety of different water filters on the market, there are some common features you should be aware of.

While in the store and choosing a hydrofilter, you should ask the seller for a certificate of conformity for the model you have chosen for installation under the sink.

The need for a certificate is a guarantee that the model you buy can be used in Russian conditions. This is due to the fact that our country's water requirements are somewhat different from the standards adopted abroad.

Another important point is the replacement of used cartridges.When the cartridge has become unusable, the quality of water treatment decreases, and besides this, there is a real threat to human health. Dirt that has accumulated in it can get into the water, which can make it even more polluted than it was in the plumbing.

You should be aware that the cartridge in the filter jars must be replaced every 300 liters of filtered water. If the apartment uses a flow filter installed under the sink, then it lasts longer. It should be replaced every year. However, you need to be aware that different models have a different resource.

Therefore, in order not to have health problems, you should focus on the manufacturer's recommendations. In accordance with them, it is necessary to replace the cartridges without delay.

Separately, it is worth noting the flow filters. They have one characteristic. It lies in the fact that they must be used continuously. If there is a pause in their use, then this can lead to the reproduction of microorganisms in the cartridge, and in addition, the filter material itself will lose its performance.

Therefore, if there is a break in the use of the flow filter, then it must be replaced with a new one. And only after that you can resume its use.

The best flow filters for washing according to user reviews

To simplify the process of choosing a water purification system, you should look at the rating of filters from leading domestic and foreign manufacturers. This will narrow your search and allow you to make the right decision.

Barrier EXPERT Ferrum effective iron removal

The model is an effective home water filter for the kitchen, which has the following advantages:

1. High degree of water purification from impurities of iron, chlorine and other substances.
2. Ease of installation and affordable cost.
3. No effect on overall pressure.
4. Ease of replacing cartridges, due to the special technology of their installation.
5. No leaks.
6. Compact dimensions and ergonomic design.
7. Compared to jugs, cartridges are changed much less frequently.

The disadvantages include low efficiency with scale from increased hardness. Replacement elements are quite expensive, and you can not find them in any store. To do this, you need to visit the manufacturer's website or contact the official supplier by phone.

Barrier EXPERT Hard - the best price

When choosing the best water filters for washing, you should pay attention to the EXPERT Hard model. It is characterized by such advantages:

1. Efficient cleaning. The processed liquid becomes transparent and tasty. Any scale or impurities are completely excluded.
2. Small size and the presence of thin flasks, which give the unit ergonomics and allow you to install it under any sink.
3. Effective water softening.
4. The service life of the filter cartridge is quite long, while anyone can replace it on their own. It is also easy to install filtering equipment.
5. Affordable cost.
6. High speed. In a minute, the device purifies more than 1 liter of water.

The list of cons is as follows:

1. After the cleaning process is completed, the appliance becomes heavy.
2. In the basic kit there is a not very convenient ball valve. For its manufacture, an alloy of silumin was used. There are no nuts for screwing in and out in the package.
3. After the first starts, the water may be cloudy.Therefore, experts recommend draining the first 10 liters into the sewer.
4. If the water is very hard, the life of the cartridge will be shortened.

Aquaphor Crystal H - effective water softening

The model is made of high quality materials and has a comfortable design. Filtered water is characterized by good taste and does not differ from the store. The stated service life is 1.5 years. The equipment qualitatively softens water, and the cartridge is subject to regeneration.

The disadvantages include the limited working life of the cartridge - it varies from 200 to 250 liters. However, the exact operating time is determined by the properties of the liquid. Users may also dislike the need to regularly flush the water softener cartridge. Purchasing a new device will incur additional costs.

New Water Expert M410 - compact dimensions and high-quality cleaning

This tap water sink filter is compact. Its width does not exceed 10 cm, while various household appliances are freely placed under the sink. Impact-resistant plastic is used as the material of manufacture, the joints are treated with sealant and are reliable.

Externally, the filter is beautiful, it goes well with any kitchen interior. The cost of the model is relatively low, and the basic kit contains all the necessary elements and parts.

Experts also note that the model normally copes with cleaning the liquid from chlorine and gives a clean liquid that resembles spring water in taste. As for the filtration rate, it remains satisfactory.The system also supports the function of ultrafiltration with enhanced cleaning.

Of the negative points, the inability to cope with very hard water and the high cost of replaceable elements are distinguished.

Aquaphor Crystal Quadro - for home cleaning experts

Built-in household filters for drinking water from the Aquaphor Crystal Quadro series are characterized by the following advantages:

1. Possibility to purchase any modules, including fine filters.
2. Ease of replacement of removable cartridges (they are removed together with the body by easy rotation).
3. Ergonomic size and stylish design.

However, the model also has important disadvantages:

• the presence of the fourth filter does not always justify itself, but it affects the cost of the equipment;
• replacement units are quite expensive, since the cartridge comes with a flask;
• the attachment points are not of high quality, therefore, in case of leaks, there is a possibility of flooding the neighbors.

Reverse osmosis installation - instructions

The introductory sheet for the device tells you how to do everything right. And in conjunction with this article, you will have all the necessary information for installation, including the installation procedure for reverse osmosis filters and other equally important processes.

The first task is to find a place where the drinking liquid filtration system will stand. For the area under the sink, you will need a container (basin or something similar) and a towel that absorbs moisture well.

Installation of connection tie-in and liquid supply to the filter

To do this, you need to perform a number of actions:

1. Turn off the tap for supplying liquid to the house, open the mixer that supplies cold water. This is required to remove the remaining pressure.
2. Disconnect the flexible hose, whose task is to supply cold water to the mixer.Make sure that the gasket is new, otherwise it will be impossible for the nut to shrink on the coupling.
3. Next, you need to screw on the thread where the hose was connected, a coupling with a tap. At the finish, you should feel how the thread came close to the rubber gasket.
4. Connect the mixer hose to the other end of the coupling in the same way.
5. Then close the valve through which the liquid flows to the filter, and slowly open the apartment valve.

At this stage, it is important to see if there is a leak. To do this, the air is released by opening a conventional tap.

When you see that the water is no longer bubbles, stop its supply.

Installation of a clamp for drainage for sewerage

A drain clamp is installed on the siphon in order to divert non-potable water to waste. It is recommended to place it above the water seal. This is a special device that prevents the smell of sewage from seeping out of the drain. It is often performed as a curved pipe.

Here you will need a drill and a 7 mm drill bit. The hole is for a propylene tube. When drilling, you need to be especially careful, as you can pierce the siphon through and through. Do not forget that the seal must be glued inside the clamp. It is included in the kit.

Then you need to put a nut on the propylene tube and thread the tube into the front of the siphon. The tube should enter 5 or 10 cm. The main task here is to make the tube bend, and not be close to the siphon wall. So you will ensure the minimum level of audibility of the murmur of water. Bend the tube inside the siphon, attach the other part of the drain clamp, tighten with bolts. Be careful when doing this, there is a risk of bending the siphon.

Installation of a faucet for supplying clean water

Most often, the faucet is installed in the corner of the washing area.But here the main condition is ease of use and free space below. It does not matter if there is no free space on the sink. The crane will look practical and aesthetically pleasing in the countertop. With a drill, you can drill a neat hole in it.

The tap is fixed at the bottom with two nuts, different in size. First, place a rubber gasket, and place the washer on it, which you will find in the kit. First you need to tighten the thin nut, at the end of the process - the second.

Connecting a reverse osmosis membrane

To place the membrane, you need to find a two-piece body on a metal bracket. It lies on a horizontal plane, fixed with plastic brackets. You need to disconnect the hose and fitting and disconnect the body on the right where the cover is. The next step is to unscrew the cover and install the membrane element.

The diaphragm is placed in depth, stem with rubber bands for sealing forward. In order for it to enter correctly into the intended place, you need to very carefully create pressure on it, it is better to do it with your hand.

After installing the membrane, you need to deal with the cartridges of the lower row of pre-cleaning. They need to be put into the cases intended for this, it's easy, they are most often symmetrical. When twisting, you need to make sure that the body is close to the elastic.

It is easy to attach a container where purified water enters to the entire system. It is necessary to place a sealing thread on the thread. And screw on the valve for the tank.

How to choose a filter for washing and what should be considered?

Fact number 1. Dimensions of the cleaning system.

Pretty big cartridges. Plus a storage tank, the volume of which is about 12 liters (depending on the model).All this must be placed under the kitchen sink - hung on the wall, put on the bottom of the furniture. Therefore, we recommend, firstly, to make hinged doors under the sink. Thanks to them, the device will become great, it will always be easy to access. Drawers are better not to do.

Secondly, it is better to order a kitchen drawer with a reinforced bottom.

So that it can safely withstand the reverse osmosis system, the weight of which, of course, increases significantly when water enters it (the storage tank holds about 8 liters plus moisture in the cartridges).

Fact number 2. Faucet for clean water.

In order for the liquid from the filter to get into our glass, a special small tap is used. It usually comes with the device. But, if desired, you can choose your favorite model from those offered by the seller. Sold, for example, gilded options, classic, high-tech.

If you like all the elements of the interior to be designed in the same style, harmony is important to you, check out the range of filter taps before buying a kitchen faucet. Think about which model looks better in a room made in a certain style, with a vending faucet.

Fact number 3. The system may need a booster pump.

There are times when the pressure in the water line is not high enough for the filter to work effectively. Then you need to additionally buy and install sediment, which will increase this pressure. It is mains powered. It is necessary that there is an outlet under the sink. It is better to provide for it in the repair process.

Installation and maintenance

Installation must be carried out in several stages:

• Free up the work area under the sink;
• Shut off the water supply;
• Open any tap and drain all the water from the pipe;
• Disconnect the supply hose from the bottom of the mixer;
• Attach the modules according to the instructions;
• Check all fasteners, make sure they are securely fixed;
• Substitute a container under the system;
• Open the valve and carry out a test run.

If no moisture or leaks appear anywhere, then the installation was done correctly. Even the best filter can be safely used as long as it does not get dirty.

Important. The frequency of replacing cartridges depends on the habits of the family, which vary significantly even with the same number of people.

In some cases, a reminder is the appearance of an unpleasant taste or smell near the water. Then the cartridge needs to be changed immediately

Each owner must approximately estimate the consumption, compare it with the allowable figure from the accompanying documents for the filter, and draw conclusions about the timing of replacement. In some cases, a reminder is the appearance of an unpleasant taste or smell near the water. Then the cartridge needs to be changed immediately.

Types of filters for washing

The product line is divided according to the principle of operation: flow and reverse osmosis. The choice depends on the quality of the incoming liquid, the possibilities of installation and the specifics of the work.

Flowing

Devices for multi-stage cleaning. Water passes through 3-4 filters, each of which removes harmful impurities and improves the quality of the liquid. The main advantage of flow equipment is the ability to independently change the configuration of cartridges and regulate the degree of purification.

Flow filters remove mechanical impurities, unpleasant odors, microorganisms.

Multi-stage cleaning eliminates:

• heavy metal salts;
• pesticides;
• residual products of oil refining.

The device is supplemented with replaceable cartridges, which also differ in the type of cleaning:

1. To remove mechanical impurities, including scale and rust from a worn-out piping system.
2. Universal. Remove all impurities added to water.
3. For purification of hard water.
4. To remove excess metal components, impurities.
5. Antibacterial. Microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, cysts are removed from the liquid.

Cartridges require timely replacement - this is a minus. And the plus is that you can put 1 or more cartridges, focusing on seasonal changes in the components of the liquid.

Reverse osmosis filters

Representing a plastic module with a cartridge, the device is supplemented with an osmotic membrane, which provides the finest water purification. Modules can be up to 4-5 pcs.

Advantages of reverse osmosis filters:

• high-quality cleaning from impurities of a mechanical, organic type;
• elimination of hydrocarbon, chlorine compounds, salts of heavy metals;
• cleaning from iron impurities.

The module with a reverse osmosis membrane is mounted last in a row so that the liquid comes in without mechanical and organic impurities. A thin membrane allows only water molecules to pass through, all the dirt remains on the outside.

Features of the use of devices:

After thorough purification, water does not differ in properties from distilled water.

Therefore, it is important to replenish the mineral composition of the liquid, which means spending money on a mineralizer.
Some high-end devices are equipped with UV lamps that destroy harmful microorganisms. Reverse osmosis filters provide a high degree of purification and are considered the best today.

Reverse osmosis filters provide a high degree of purification and are considered the best to date.

Wash water filter: tips for choosing

In order to understand which filter cartridge you need for washing, you need to do a preliminary water analysis. This will help you find problem areas and make the right choice. With the question of choosing a filter, you can also contact the seller in the store. To do this, he needs to know:

1) Does the water have a metallic taste? If so, this means that the water is too ferruginous;

2) Is there a strong scale in the kettle? (This is how the presence of salts in water is determined)

3) Does foam appear on aluminum cookware? (This indicates a high alkali content)

4) Do stains remain on silver after washing? (Indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide)

5) Does the water smell? (Contains organic impurities)

6) Does a brown precipitate form? (Talking about iron oxide content)

7) How many people live in the house? (A family of up to four people needs about ten liters of purified water per day)

Where are the faucets in the house? What are they? (You need to know this to select a flow filter)

9) Will children use the filter?

10) How much are you willing to spend on replacing cartridges?

By answering these questions, you can definitely decide not only on the option of replacement cartridges, but also on the type of filter itself. And only in this case you can be completely sure that the filter element you have chosen will be able to fully meet the needs of your family in purified drinking water.For example, as a filter for washing, you can consider the products of the Novaya Voda company.