Plumbing The Basics on Water Filtration

Filtration products help to ensure that the water coming into your house from a well or municipal water sources are free of sediment, odor and bad taste.

In this blog, we take a look at different water filtration products, point-of-entry vs point-of-use filtration and the difference between pre and post filtration.

Let’s get started!

What are Water Filtration Products?

It is important to remember, if your water source contains unsafe bacteria, this type of filtration will not remove it. To filter out unsafe bacteria, you need to use a RO or UV system that is designed to kill bacteria.

For more information on the important differences between water filtration and water treatment, read our blog, Water Filtration vs Water Treatment & Why They are Not the Same.

Filter Housings

Water Filter housings come in a variety of sizes depending on the type of cartridge and flow rate needed. They also come in different sizes to accommodate certain installation restriction. When space is limited, you can utilize a Slim Filter Housing to reduce the footprint. 

There are different types of housings and cartridges to solve different types of problems. For example, if you are drawing water out of a well that contains a lot of sediment, a spin-out filter may be required, as this housing is specifically meant for sediment removal.

Want a closer look at the difference between traditional filter and a sediment filter? Check out our blog, What are the Differences Between a Traditional Sediment Filter & Spin Out Filter or Separator?

Where are Water Filtration Products mainly used?

Filtration products are used in a variety of locations. They are used not only for water well applications, but also in municipal water applications. Filtration can be used in residential, commercial and industrial sectors because of the common problems that they solve.

There are 4 main types of filtration uses:

POE – Point of entry

This type of filter is used when the water is entering the house before it gets to any taps or appliances. They typically use larger filters to achieve the desired flow rate.

Items such as sediment filters are an example of a POE filter, as this is better done right as the water enters the house. These filters are usually installed close to your pressure tank and would be more commonly seen if the water source is from a well.

POU – Point of Use

This type of filtration is generally used right before a tap or other water source that will be used. For example, many people install Carbon POU filters on their sink tap to remove poor taste and odor. The most common filter cartridges to use for POU applications are Activated Carbon. These filters are common for both well and municipal water sources.

Pre and Post Filtration

This type of filtration is generally used before other filtration systems such as reverse osmosis or UV. These types of systems need the water to be filtered to a certain level before they can remove bacteria from the water. If there is too much sediment going into a UV system, it will not properly filter the water as the bacteria can hide within sediment. This is where a Pre filter system would be used. If you are using an RO system, having a pre filter will ensure that your filters stay cleaner longer which will save money on filter purchases.

Specialty Applications

• High temp
• High Pressure
• Chemical Compatibility
• Commercial and industrial applications

Why is Water Filtration Important?

Filtration is very important, especially for water well applications. The type of well water that is coming into your house will determine the type of filtration system that you should use.

Some well water will have an obvious need for filtration if there are high levels of sediment. Other well water will look clean, but may have a bad odor or bacteria that is not able to be seen by the eye. Remember that your well water should always be tested and re-tested to determine if there is bacteria present. Only a RO and UV system will filter out harmful bacteria.

Generally speaking if you have well water coming into your house, you should have some kind of filtration. This will help to address taste and odor problems, as well as increase the life span of any RO or UV system filters.

Many people who have municipal water also use water filtration. Depending on where you are located, municipal water can have odd tastes and bad odors. Filtration can help get rid of these issues. Many people use POU filtration for municipal water as it generally won’t have any sediment or major issues coming into your house.

In Conclusion

Many people make choosing the proper Water Filtration solution difficult, but it is very simple. The first and most important thing that you need to do is Identify the Problem.

Once you have done this, your filter type will essentially be chosen for you and then the housing options will be selected based on your needed flow rate and available install space. Remember that even though there are many Water Filtration options out there, it is really a simple process. 

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