A good under bench water filter can remove a variety of nasties from your water supply, from chlorine and taste and odour to heavy metals and Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The filter is not suitable for rainwater, as the building and electrical work can vary from installation to installation. Depending on the type of filter you choose, you may need to get a plumber to install the filter and to do any plumbing and waste management.
NSF-certified under-sink water filter
If you are looking for an under-sink water filter, consider buying one that meets the NSF certification standards. This filter can remove some of the most common contaminants from water, but it cannot remove volatile chemicals like chlorine. An NSF-certified filter can remove over 97% of chlorine and other contaminants. These filters have a 0.5-gallon flow rate and are easy to install. They are also made of eco-friendly materials and reverse osmosis membranes, making them the best option for most households.
The NSF certification system evaluates a water filter’s ability to remove 15 contaminants. These contaminants are found in a wide range of water supplies, and an NSF-certified filter is certified to remove them. Its effectiveness depends on the filter’s size and its design. In some cases, a small under-sink water filter may be all that is needed. But if you’re looking for a more powerful filter, you can get a larger system for a higher price.
Easy to install
If you don’t have a plumbing background, you can install an easy to install under bench water filter yourself in under an hour. The systems typically come with a filter housing that you mount on the inside of your sink cabinet. One end of the filter connects to your cold water line, while the other ends attach to the dispenser, which sits on your sink deck. A hole must be drilled into your countertop for installation. If necessary, a plumber may be needed to make adjustments to your water line.
The filter should have two valves. One valve will be labeled “tap water in,” and the other will be labelled “clean water out.” Connect the clean and tap water valves and install the mounting bracket. Once the filter is mounted, drive the screws halfway into the bracket. Don’t forget to turn off the water before you begin the process. Having a clean and safe water source is a must in your home, and an easy to install under bench water filter is a great investment.
Cost
The cost of an under bench water filter is relatively low, ranging between $200 and $1,300. You can always get a cheaper system, but if you’re installing the system yourself, you’ll be paying a little more over time. Another thing to consider is the price of replacing the filters. Most filters cost about $80 a set and about $160 a year. If you’re concerned about the costs, you can also hire a professional to install the filter for you, but this will increase the cost of the system.
If you’re not comfortable installing plumbing yourself, you can call a plumber to install the filter. Most plumbers will charge between $50 and $100 for an hour’s work. The cost of labor depends on the plumbing company’s expertise, but it’s usually less than $100. The plumber’s hourly rate varies depending on your location and the type of filter you’d like. Some plumbers even offer disposal of old water treatment systems.
Chlorine reduction
Chlorine in municipal water played a crucial role in improving the health of American citizens in the 20th century. The CDC considers municipal water chlorination one of the greatest public health advances in U.S. history. This disinfectant also reduces unpleasant odors and tastes. In general, chlorine levels up to four parts per million (ppm) are safe in drinking water. But there is a trade-off between the health benefits of chlorinated water and the production of disinfection byproducts.
Carbon filters remove organic substances such as chlorine and chloramine from water. They work by adsorption, allowing chemicals to stick to the filter’s surface. Carbon filters are effective for chlorine reduction, but they do not remove dissolved substances. However, if you want water without chlorine or other harmful contaminants, carbon filters are the best choice. They’re also affordable and eco-friendly. The carbon filter media found in refrigerator water filters is a great choice for people who want clean, chlorine-free water.
Heavy metal reduction
A simple under bench water filter can remove many types of contaminants, but it’s more effective for heavy metal reduction if it has multiple filter media, such as activated carbon. Heavy metals are absorbed into the body at a rapid rate, unless the body has the ability to metabolize them. Iron and calcium in drinking water can inhibit the absorption of heavy metals, as do chelating compounds. The best defense against heavy metal contamination is to limit your exposure to it, and installing a water filter is the easiest and most effective way to do so.
The AR-100F (2) Fluoride and Heavy Metal Reduction Cartridge is rated at 1 micron. This filter is packaged for a year’s supply. The AR-900C Microbial Ceramic Cartridge is rated at 0.2 microns and is easily cleaned. The AR-902NC Microbial NanoCeram (9 3/4″) Cartridge is not backed by a warranty, but the material lasts for one year.
Giardia & Cryptosporidium reduction
When choosing an under-bench water filter, look for a certification label. Filters must meet NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 58, or be certified by an ANSI-accredited organization. In addition, labels should state “cyst reduction” or “removal.”
Protozoan cysts can survive in water for months or even years. They do not die off naturally and can be more difficult to remove in colder water. These protozoans can be carried by a variety of animals, including humans. For this reason, it is important to drink only treated spring water. Besides cysts and oocysts, untreated spring water may also contain bacteria and cysts.