Different Types Of Water Filtration Systems | Maryville, TN
Water filters are a great way to enjoy cleaner drinking water in your Maryville, TN, home, but choosing a water filter can be a tough task. There are several types of water filtration systems available for homes, with each type being better at certain types of filtration. If you want to know more about the different types of filtration systems and which type you should choose, here’s a breakdown of some of your options.
Sediment Filters
Sediment filters are the most basic water filtration systems, which is why they’re often used in the first stage of a filtration system. For example, many Maryville, TN, homeowners use sediment filters to remove dirt and debris from well water before running it through another water filter. This helps prevent damage that can be caused by excess sediment in water filters. Sediment water filters are also solid if you’re just looking for something that removes physical contaminants from water.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis water filters work by passing water through a membrane, which helps filter out some of the bad stuff. As water passes through this membrane, contaminants are trapped and you’re left with clean drinking water. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are very effective at removing contaminants from your water, and they’re also safe and environmentally friendly filter options.
The biggest downsides to reverse osmosis filters are the reduced water pressure and the water these filters waste. If you don’t mind sacrificing a little extra water waste for cleaner water, RO water filters are a great way to keep your drinking water clean.
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular activated carbon filters are one of the most common types of water filters. If you have a pitcher with a built-in water filter, chances are it’s a GAC filter. These filters use granular activated carbon in a cartridge to remove contaminants from water. Water passes through the activated carbon and contaminants stick to the carbon as the water passes. In the end, you’re left with clean water.
GAC water filtration systems are a good balance of effectiveness and affordability. Because these water filters are so popular, they’re fairly inexpensive and easy to maintain.
Activated Carbon Blocks
Activated carbon blocks are a lot like GAC filters, only they’re a little more effective. Activated carbon block water filtration systems use blocks of carbon rather than fine granules to remove contaminants from your water. In addition to getting rid of some of the basic types of water contaminants, activated carbon blocks can also remove chlorine from water. These blocks remove chlorine from water by altering the chemical makeup of the chlorine and turning it into salt.
If you’re looking for a more effective carbon filter or you want to get rid of the chlorine taste in the tap water in your home, activated carbon block filters are a great choice.
UV Filters
UV water filters work by exposing water to ultraviolet light, which helps get rid of potential contaminants in drinking water. UV filters are especially effective against living microorganisms, which means they do a great job of getting rid of things like bacteria and viruses. That being said, there are certain types of microorganisms that have thicker cell walls that aren’t affected by UV light, so don’t expect a UV filter to remove every potential contaminant.
UV water filtration systems are a solid option if you’re looking for thorough water filtration in your home.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange water filters work by exchanging ions for other ions, which changes the actual chemical makeup of the water. By replacing certain types of ions with another specific type of ion, you can alter the properties of water.
While ion exchange water filtration systems are a good option for some people, there are some potential problems. The biggest problem is that these water filters may react poorly with certain chemicals, which can lead to clogs and other issues. You should talk to your plumber before having an ion exchange water filter installed.
Activated Alumina
Activated alumina filters use a natural resin to remove contaminants from your water filter, and they do an excellent job of it. Activated alumina water filters are particularly interesting because they’re great at removing certain chemicals such as uranium, arsenate, fluoride, sulfate, and selenate from your water. Despite what the name may suggest, these water filters don’t actually contain any type of aluminum, either.
If you want premium water filtration that gets rid of the chemicals and ions we talked about previously, activated alumina is a good choice.
Ultrafiltration
As you might have guessed by the name, ultrafiltration water filtration systems are designed to filter out as many contaminants as possible. These filters work a lot like a simple RO filter, only the membrane is finer and pressure is used to push water through it. As water passes through this fine membrane, dirt and other sediment get trapped by the filter. Ultrafiltration is one of the most effective ways to remove contaminants from your water supply, but there are several types of contaminants it doesn’t remove.
As long as you don’t mind spending a little extra, ultrafiltration water filtration systems are a great upgrade over RO.
Find the Perfect Water Filter for Your Home
Nothing beats an ice-cold glass of clean drinking water, and a good water filter can absolutely transform the water in your Maryville, TN, home. My Professional Plumber knows water filters can be a little complicated, which is why we’re happy to help you find the perfect water filter for your home. Our plumbers can work with you to find the best filtration system for your water quality and budget. Call My Professional Plumber to find out more about upgrading to a water filtration system today.
