Hazardous pollutants in tap water may be removed with the use of water filters.
You risk giving harmful germs and chemicals to your family if you don’t properly filter your water.
The significance of a water filter and how to replace or clean your filter for maximum water purity are covered here.
A Water Filter Is What?
Different kinds of water filtering systems exist.
Especially if you have “city water” in your house, the majority of newer homes will have water filters installed in the plumbing.
If you have “well water,” the well reservoir itself may have undergone water filtering.
However, even the most advanced water filtering systems are capable of allowing pollutants and germs to pass.
In fact, a research discovered that the majority of germs identified in drinking water may be linked to the filter treatment process rather than the original water source.
A recent research also shown that microplastics, which have dangerous infections and health effects, are present in tap water all across the globe.
In fact, plastic fibers were found in 94.4% of the tap water samples tested in the United States.
Even bottled water doesn’t always contain no germs or are fully safe.
According to studies, bottled water may potentially include bacteria (unless carbonated or distilled water).
Therefore, it is advised to filter each individual batch of water in a pitcher.
This makes water as clean and healthy as possible by removing pollutants.
The Brita pitcher is the most popular kind of water filter.
The Seven Best Water Filters to Buy in 2018 are also listed by The Spruce.
A filter mesh is often used in water filtration systems, together with activated carbon granules.
When bigger particles are present in the water, the carbon serves as a magnet to draw and extract them.
Be aware that the majority of standalone filters, such the Brita pitcher filters, just purify water.
They lessen the amount of metals and pollutants, but they leave certain microbial components behind.
This improves the taste and healthfulness of tap water, but it still lacks complete purity.
Is Using A Water Filter Necessary?
Life is dependent on water.
70% of an adult human being is water.
Every cell and organ in your body receives the water you consume.
Your water should be as nutritious and clean as possible.
However, common tap water might include dangerous impurities that are bad for your health.
Impure water may have long-term health repercussions due to germs like E. coli and minerals like lead and mercury.
The majority of water filters will get rid of lead, mercury, copper, cadmium, zinc, and chlorine.
The finest filters can totally remove these impurities while retaining a healthy quantity of fluoride, which supports healthy teeth and keeps the pH of water stable.
Additionally, you probably utilize tap water for additional purposes in your house.
Water pervades every area of your house and health, from cooking to cleaning.
You even use it to water your indoor plants since they need clean water to emit oxygen into your home that is both healthful and purifying.
healthier water is produced using water filters.
A healthier family also benefits from nutritious water.
Why Should I Replace My Water Filter?
A water filter functions similarly to your washing machine’s lint trap.
These filters gather all of the additional dirt and debris that shouldn’t be there.
To guarantee that your clothing are thoroughly cleaned, the laundry lint collector removes excess lint and dirt.
In a similar manner, a water filter removes impurities from water, leaving only clean, wholesome water left.
But since it may get clogged with lint and filth, you need to clear or replace your lint tray often.
The water filter experiences the same thing.
With each usage, the contaminants removed from the water begin to clog the filter, decreasing its efficiency.
To maintain your water filter clean, clear, and working properly, you should replace it or clean it often.
How Often Should My Water Filter Be Cleaned?
Every 40 gallons or every two months is the general rule of thumb for cleaning or replacing a water filter.
The frequency of filter changes also relies on other elements, such as:
- Usage of household water
- Brand or model of filtering device
- The number of items that need to be filtered
- Water hardness
If you have a big household, often utilize the filtered water, have hard water, or have medium to high sediments, you should replace your filter every 2 to 6 weeks.
When it’s time to replace or clean your filter, the majority of home water filters will include a cling calendar or electronic indication.
The cling calendar may be used to track when you last updated your filter and will indicate when you need to do it again.
But you have to remember to check the calendar.
The efficiency of the filter may be determined by the electronic indicator.
The indicator will flash or turn on when it’s time to replace the filter.
By doing this, you may easily change your filter.
However, it’s simple to pour water carelessly and disregard any signals that your filter needs to be changed.
As a result, you may also wish to create a calendar or phone reminder.
Plan to adjust your filter again in a month or two after the first modification.
For more precise cleaning and replacement time frames, refer to the user handbook for your filter.
How Should My Water Filter Be Cleaned?
- Remove the pitcher’s previous filter. Don’t run water through before replacing your filter since this is often simpler if the reservoir is empty. To disengage the filter from its reservoir, you may need to give it a little twist.
- Recycle the old filter if necessary. The majority of water filtration systems work with independent recyclers. In order to establish a free recycling program for Brita pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, filters, and filter packaging, for instance, Brita collaborates with TerraCycle.
- Before touching the new filter, wash your hands.
- Take the new filter out of its packaging. Pre-soak for two to four minutes in a dish of cold water. (Not every filter has to be pre-soaked. Consult the user guide.)
- Run the filter under cold water for 15 seconds to clear it out.
- Wash the pitcher and reservoir with warm, soapy water while you soak and flush the filter. To prevent the development of bacteria, dry completely. Make careful to clean the pitcher with a non-abrasive product that won’t scratch the glass or plastic. One teaspoon of vinegar mixed with one cup of water is a natural bacteria-killing concoction that we advise utilizing.
- By aligning the grooves, place the flushed filter within the reservoir. To establish a secure seal, press firmly. The majority of filters will “click” into place.
- Fill the pitcher with cold tap water. The first two to three pitchers of filter water may be discarded or used to water your plants. By doing this, you may get rid of any carbon dust that a filter may have picked up during its first usage.
Instead of cleaning your water filter, we advise replacing it.
For the optimum contamination removal, use freshly prepared activated carbon.
Be aware that most pitchers and filters cannot be washed in the dishwasher.
Want another non-expensive method to clean your water?
Attempt teabags!
Both online and offline pharmacies sell activated charcoal.
Charcoal should be placed into a fresh, bare tea bag using a spoon.
To reduce the possibility that the charcoal may leak out, tighten the bags.
For a standard-sized water dispenser, use two tea bags.
Similar to the filters above, they should be pre-soaked and flushed before used to filter water.
Additionally, you should change them every 40 gallons or every two months.
Even while this approach is less costly and more environmentally friendly, it often performs less well than store-bought filters.
Tips & Techniques For Water Filters
- Your water pitcher should be kept in a cool, shaded area. Algae and bacteria may thrive when exposed to sunlight.
- To get dependably cold water, store your water dispenser in the refrigerator. Change the water every two days if you don’t store it in the refrigerator.
- Never use water that is hotter than 80 degrees F to fill the water pitcher.
- Only buy water pitchers without BPA.
- Limit the amount of water you filter to 2 gallons each day.
Conclusion
The greatest method to have access to clean water for your family, home, and health is with a water filter.
An efficient water filtration system requires regular filter replacement.
What are your best practices for household water filtration?
Tell us in the comments section below.
We are eager to learn how you maintain the quality of your water.
