Under Sink Water Filters
Under sink water filters offer a low cost solution when you only want the water from one location in the house to provide filtered water for drinking, cooking, dishwashing, coffee, and other applications. They are usually multi-chambered to filter a wide variety of water contaminants and since they are installed under the sink and out of the way, they allow for a cleaner look than faucet mounted filters.
The explosion in the popularity of water filtering has lead to a very competitive marketplace where each brand claims to be the best and most complete water filtering system. But there are several things to consider before settling on one system or another. When you are looking for an under sink water filter, take these factors into consideration:
What is the source of your drinking water?
What is the initial cost?
Can I install it myself?
How much will it cost over time?
Is your drinking water from a well or municipal water system? The answer to this question will determine the type of filtration that will serve you best. Well water is more likely to contain agricultural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides as well as color and odors from minerals in the soil. Water from municipal water treatment systems will likely have chlorine that acts as a disinfectant as well as other chemicals added to the water as cost-effective filtering solutions.
These are very simplified examples but the main point is: make sure that the under sink water filter that you choose is designed to meet the specific requirements of your drinking water. Read the carton containing the filter and the literature inside to see that it will filter out the contaminants that are likely to be present.
The costs of under sink water filters can vary significantly from under $50 to well over $400. Also, the performance and quality of filtration can vary as well. A high price does not always guarantee the best filtration or value. Always look for the NSF label to see if the filter has passed the stringent tests of this organization.
It depends on the size of the filter and how confident you are with do-it-yourself projects. Most under sink water filters come with all the parts that you�ll need to do the installation yourself, but some folks are more comfortable having a plumber do the installation.
This is something that you�ll want to determine before you buy the filter. Many manufacturers price their filters below cost to entice consumers to buy their products. They make their money on expensive replacement filters and parts once you have made a commitment and are unlikely to switch.
Do some comparison analysis yourself on each system and see how much replacement filters cost versus how many gallons of water they are designed to filter. On average, you�re better off buying an under sink water filter that costs a little more initially, but has lower maintenance costs over time.
An under sink water filter may be the most cost-effective water filtering solution for your home, but make sure you select one that is engineered to meet your specific needs. Read the labels, conduct your own research, check out online forums and consumer magazines, and look especially closely at the costs of replacement filters. After weighing the plusses and minuses of each system, you will be able to make an informed decision about which system best serves your needs.