Whole house water filters for kids – how to choose the best one?
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
Considering the rising trend of water pollution, a large majority of homeowners are righteously concerned about the quality of their household water. Therefore, many of them decide to install a whole house filtration system that isn’t connected to a particular dispenser, but the main supply.
This type of system provides filtered water throughout the entire household, removing all contaminants in the form of chemicals, and sediments. Choosing the right whole-home water filter means adapting it to the flow rate of your appliances as well as to the number of members of your household.
In case you are interested in making a purchase, the following tips will help you make the right choice for a filtration system.
Choose the type of filter
The initial thing to consider before purchasing such a filter is determining its type, which largely depends on the pollutants and toxins in your water. Consequently, you need to have your water tested in order to determine the type and amount of contaminants.
Moreover, these polluting substances vary in accordance with the water supply you use, the municipal one, or a private supply, such as a well. In the former case, the most commonly detected contaminants are chlorine, sediments, and a wide range of chemicals. Conversely, the latter supply is most likely to be contaminated by iron and sediments, like rust, dirt, and dust.
Anyhow, a water analysis is crucial for detecting the exact amount of contaminants, as otherwise, you might purchase the wrong type of filter. In case you use a private supply, you can either perform the test on your own by employing special tools or you could hire a specialist who is proficient in testing water quality. However, when using a municipal supply, all you need to do is ask for a report that states the findings of the analysis, being available in the water supply department.
Bear in mind that you need such an analysis done before contacting any vendor of whole-house sediment filters. Otherwise, vendors won’t be able to recommend you the right filter type, as some types are suitable for mild contamination, while others are more convenient for an abnormal presence of toxins. Click here to check out three useful methods of testing water quality.
Determine the flow of your appliances
Another essential, but often neglected factor affecting your decision is the flow rate of your household appliances. It refers to the number of water gallons that flow through the pipes and come out of your taps, dishwasher, shower, and toilet per minute.
Furthermore, purchasing a filter that has a significantly higher flow rate than your appliances is likely to result in a leakage. Conversely, buying one with an extremely low flow rate will reduce the water pressure in your household, thus preventing more people to use the supply at the same time.
Therefore, your job is to check the exact flow rate of each appliance in your house, determined by the manufacturer. This information, along with the total number of household appliances, as well as the number of family members, will help the vendor determine the right flow rate for your filtration system.
Select the right size
Considering the wide range of whole house filter sizes, it’s paramount to select the right one for your household. The best way to determine the right size is by calculating the amount of water your family uses on a daily basis. The greater the consumption, the larger the filter. Visit the following link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_footprint, to learn more about the water footprint.
In addition, purchasing a large filter is much more convenient than buying a small-sized one, even if your consumption is low. For instance, you’ll be able to use it for a longer period while improving your flow rate and pressure.
Consider its lifespan
The lifespan of this product mainly depends on the water quantity that is supposed to get filtered as well as the amount of sediment. The more sediment there is the shorter its lifespan. Make sure you are punctual regarding its replacement, otherwise, it won’t have any beneficial effect.
Additionally, the product’s quality plays a major role in its durability, which is why you need to purchase one that is NSF certified. Those filters that are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation are believed to be top-notch and more durable. Purchasing such a product is amazingly beneficial for your family’s health, particularly when having kids.
Consider its cost
Since installing this type of filtration system is an important investment, you are expected to purchase a product whose price is affordable. Fortunately, the price range of these systems is rather extensive, thus enabling you to find a product that suits your budget.
Nevertheless, remember that the investment in a filtration system includes the expenses for its installation plus the monthly maintenance. Therefore, make sure you choose a manufacturer that provides its customers with free installation as well as maintenance services for a certain period.
Although some homeowners are skeptical about online shopping, you can find numerous affordable offers and filtration systems on discounts, which you rarely find in a brick-and-mortar store. Some online vendors even include free delivery of the product to your doorstep.
Moreover, it is paramount to choose a vendor who is considered to be reliable and highly reputable on the market. Its products are supposed to come with a warranty period during which the filtration system will be replaced free of charge, in case of malfunction.
Follow the instructions
After choosing the right filtration system, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation. Although the installation process is fairly simple, it’s better to hire a professional if you don’t trust your skills. Correct installation is vital for the system to work efficiently, without getting damaged soon after being installed.
Wrap up
Choosing the right filtration system is important for the health of your family, particularly for your kids.
It’s undoubtedly a worthwhile investment!