Tag Archive 'water filters'

Oct 07 2009

How Do Water Filters Work And What Are The Best Water Filtration Systems To Buy?

Published by under Kitchen Remodeling

Many people ask the question, how do water filters work? This question is made even more complex by the fact that there are many different types of filters, and some are more effective than others.

Because Americans have practically unlimited access to water that has been treated, the question of how water filters work on already drinkable water is an important one. The truth is, the “safe” water that comes out of our taps has many health problems associated with it.

Chlorine, an effective sanitizer, is the most prevalent chemical found in water. It affects both the safety and the taste. However, chlorine is not enough to kill all bacteria and other infectious organisms, and tap water is not as sterile as you might think. In some areas of the country, the water has a very high lead content. Chemicals from agriculture and industry waste find their way into our glasses as well. Natural sediments can seep into water, particularly if it is conducted through non-plastic piping. As clear and clean-looking as tap water is, it still harbors many contaminants, therefore making it necessary that you treat it further before drinking it.

How do water filters work? All filtration systems, to some degree, strain out harmful chemicals and compounds, but some filters are more effective than others. There are several types of products that make tap water better. Carbon filters work by adsorption (bonding the unwanted compounds to the carbon) and filtration of larger particles. Distillation heats water to a vapor, which burns off all other chemicals and germs, then returns the purified water vapor to a liquid. Reverse osmosis is a complicated procedure that forces water through a membrane that strains out non-water substances.

When you are asking how water filters work and searching for the best product, bear in mind these several points. The best filtration system is not a “one shot deal” where only one filter or one process is used. Reverse osmosis and distillation do not remove all chemicals and compounds from water. A top-of-the-line system will have several components or steps to it so that every bit of impurity is removed from the water.

However, the system should not remove vital minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium from it. Distillation does this, as well as reverse osmosis. Drinking de-mineralized water is certainly not dangerous, but our bodies need these minerals and they should not be removed. The answer to how do water filters work should not include “by removing vital minerals along with the unwanted components.”

People who enjoy traveling sometimes want to know how water filters work on untreated water. The answer is usually, “not safely.” Most systems are intended to work on pretreated water, not on natural water or water that is not up to American safety standards. Make sure to follow the instructions of your filter and know how do water filters work correctly and safely.

How do water filters work is an excellent question. While Americans are blessed with an abundance of water that is not loaded with typhoid germs or manure particles, it still has many unwanted components that should be removed before it can be deemed truly safe and pure. A water filtration system is a valuable addition to your home and lifestyle.

Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Water Filtration Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Learn how water filters work on our site.

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Aug 01 2009

Shower Water Filters – What You Should Know

Published by under Uncategorized

Shower water filters are an essential component to any complete home water filtration system. A shower water filter allows you to enjoy a warm and relaxing shower, without the potential risk of exposure to harmful elements found in standard tap water. Chlorine is one of the biggest problems found in normal tap water. If your body is continually exposed to chlorine during a shower, it can lead to problems such as dry skin, irritated eyes or color distortion of the hair. This is due to the fact that chlorine strips the natural protective oils from the skin and hair, which leads to the excess dryness. If the chlorine is filtered out of the water, the skin and hair will greatly benefit. Removing chlorine can also be beneficial for individuals suffering from asthma and allergy sufferers, as inhalation of chlorine vapors can complicate those conditions. Showering with unfiltered tap water can be compared to spending ten to twenty minutes in an extremely chlorinated pool everyday. The most well-known shower water filter is the Aquasana Shower Filter, which retails for sixty to eighty dollars, depending on where it is purchased.

Shower waters filters can be easily installed in a few minutes. Once the water filter is properly installed, it provides healthy, chemical free water for showering. The best feature of the shower filter is its efficiency in removing chlorine from the water. It also greatly reduces harmful VOCs, which are the same harmful substances found in paints and pesticides. The filter also enhances the pH balance, which creates an overall healthier showering environment.

Most shower filters have an average life span of six months or ten thousand gallons. The filter can handle operating temperatures of 115 degrees, which is more than ample, as most average shower temperatures are 100 degrees. The filter fits well on the head of the shower. Most filters use two stages to purify the tap water. The first stage of the filter system removes all chlorine and improves the pH balance. The shower filter system brings the pH of the water to 7.5. This is accomplished by using a natural copper and zinc mineral media, which is called KDF-55D. KDF-55D removes any acidic components in the water, while retaining helpful trace minerals. The second stage of the filtering process employs a carbonized coconut shell media, which is responsible for the task of removing any synthetic chemicals and VOCs.

Most shower filters come with an adjustable pressure shower head which prevents any loss of water pressure. The filter systems are also compatible with most standard shower heads and hand held shower heads. In addition to providing health benefits, shower water filters also remove limestone, marble and other hard metals from the tap water. This helps to prevent scaling and hard water deposits in the shower or bathtub.

Mike Tracy writes guides and reviews for Water Filters at Blueble.com. For more information about house water filters please visit http://WaterFilters.Blueble.com and Buy Water Filters Online.

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