Water Filtration

Let’s face it. There are an overwhelmingly large number of home water filters to choose from on the market. For that reason it’s important to shop wisely and carefully. You can get a shower filter, an under the sink filter, a counter top filter, or a whole house filter. You might be wondering why anyone would want whole house water filtration systems.

The dangers of drinking tap water are well known to the majority of people. It is contaminated with chemicals such as chlorine, lead, pesticides, and prescription drugs and drinking it can cause a number of health problems. What many people don’t realize is that bathing in it, cooking with it, and doing laundry with it is also dangerous and for that reason whole house water filtration is making waves.

When you bathe in tap water, chlorine and other chemicals are released in the shower steam. Breathing those chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. When you bathe, your pores also open up so your skin absorbs the chemicals which then enter your bloodstream. In sum, showering in tap water is actually more dangerous than drinking it because you both breathe the chemicals and absorb them through your skin. With whole house water filtration systems, you can have peace of mind when you shower.

In addition to being a health hazard, showering in tap water is very bad for your hair and skin. It can lead to severely dry skin, hair loss, and skin irritation. Just after days of using a whole house water filtration device, you will notice that your hair and skin feel much softer and look more beautiful than ever.

Whole house water filtration systems are also necessary in order to stay completely safe from ingesting the contaminants in tap water. Drinking water filters may prevent you from ingesting a lot of chemicals and they are better than nothing but when you think about, you actually consume a lot of contaminants just by cooking with tap water. Boiling water does not get rid of all the chemicals it contains.

Having a whole house filtration system also means that you can wash your clothes and dishes in filtered water. When you do laundry with tap water, the chemicals get embedded in your clothing and it is dangerous. When you wash your dishes with tap water the residue from the chemicals is left on your dishes and the chemicals are released in the steam. Having a whole house treatment system alleviates these problems.

Another huge perk of having whole house water filtration systems is the fact that contaminated tap water will never enter your home’s plumbing system. That means you will be 100% safe from the dangers of tap water and no other water filtration system can guarantee that. Lastly, your only line of defense against a breakdown in the municipal water treatment system is a whole house filter.

Your goal? Take this information and decide whether whole house water filtration systems are right for you. There are many obvious perks to having a whole house water filtration device. If you are concerned about your health and that of your family, getting a whole house water filter is one of the biggest steps you can take towards protecting yourself and your loved ones.

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You may think that the initial price of a whole house water filtration system is too costly, or that the replacement cartridges need to be replaced too often, but when you look at the benefits, you begin to realize how whole house water filtration can actually save you money.

One of the “hidden” advantages of having a whole house water filtration system is it helps prevent your pipes from getting clogged or corroded, by removing the crud that causes the clogging and the corrosive contaminants from your water.

Replacing pipes and fixtures in your home can be rather costly, and certainly a lot more than whole house water filter replacement cartridges, or the entire system. Since, the water running through your plumbing is clean, there is hardly any chance of sediments building up in them.

Whole house water filter replacement cartridges generally need to be changed every 4 months or so, depending upon the quality of your water. Often, remembering to buy whole house water filter replacement cartridges can be troublesome. To solve this issue, one company offers automatic shipment direct to your home and they offer a discount on the price when you sign up for the program.

The best whole house water filter replacement cartridges cost only about 50 cents a day. Which is a pittance to pay to have clean, safe and filtered water in every tap in your house. If you’re using bottled water for drinking, that cost alone, is more than the 50 cents per day!

On a side note, if you’re using bottled water and paying less than 50 cents per day, you may want to find out where that bottled water is coming from!

In addition, if you have whole house water filtration, you won’t have the hassle of having to buy individual filters for the kitchen tap or the shower. When you combine the dollars saved and the reduced hassle of keeping track of individual filters throughout your home, you can see how whole house water filter replacement cartridges are not really expensive at all.

Then, of course, there are the health benefits of having whole house water filtration. Whole house water filter replacement cartridges protect you and your family from the harmful effects of chlorine, which the FDA says is high in every home. Chlorine in the water releases chloroform gas every time you shower, flush the toilet or wash dishes.

Just having a drinking water filter does not reduce the risk. It’s becoming more and more apparent, that the whole house should be protected.

In the best systems, there are several stages that your water passes through. The pre-filter reduces the levels of contaminants so that the main filter does not get clogged. A clogged main filter would result in loss of a pressure and reduce the life of the filter.

The main filter usually lasts about 3 years, if the pre-filters are replaced regularly. It is the pre-filters of the whole house water filter replacement cartridges that you have to change about every 4 months, depending on the quality of the water coming in. Luckily, the pre-filters are relatively inexpensive.

The main filter of the whole house water filter replacement cartridges is a marvel of technology. In layman’s terms it changes the chlorine into a harmless form. The granules of carbon used within it are considered by the EPA as the “Best Technology” that has ever been used in water filtration.

A research team from the College of Wisconsin Medical School has said that, in their opinion there is a link between household chlorine and cancer. Other chlorine related health problems include, skin irritations, asthma and headaches. The whole house water filter replacement cartridges, not only remove the risk of all those contaminants and more, but help provide your home with healthy, tasteful water.

Just in case you didn’t know, chlorine is bleach that is poured into most municipal water systems as a means of sanitizing the water. It’s used because it is the cheapest way to save our water from bacterial contamination. And, it kind of works. But what we have learned is, chlorine itself poses a threat to our health in many ways.

Other countries are using safer, more advanced technologies. Yet, here in the states, we continue to use chlorine, because, well, that’s what we have always done. The safest and possibly the most economical way to deal with chlorine may be a whole house water filtration system.

The best whole house water filter replacement cartridges are reasonably priced and easy to install. With automatic shipment, you will get fresh whole house water filter replacement cartridges when you need them, without even having to think about it. So, what are you waiting for?!

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Maytag water filters, like so many others, are somewhat behind the times. Hopefully, they’ll catch up eventually. In the meantime, let’s look at what they currently offer and how we can get better protection. If it’s time to replace your filter, it may be time to take a different approach.

Maytag offers Puri-Clean I and II. System I is advertised as removing chlorine, lead, cysts and sediment. First of all, no system completely “removes” these things. They may “reduce” them by 99% or better, but the brochures that accompany the Puri-clean systems do not indicate the percent of reduction.

System II reduces chlorine, lead, asbestos, cysts, lindane, Atrazine and sediment. That’s a little better, but the filter is not compatible with older refrigerator models. So, you either buy a new refrigerator or you stop using your dispenser and buy a filtration unit for your kitchen faucet, instead.

Even if you bought their latest model, there are some chemicals that Maytag water filters do not remove. One group is present whenever chlorine is used for disinfection. They are called trihalomethanes or THMs.

There have been numerous scientific studies concerning the risk of THM exposure, because they are known carcinogens. At one time, it was believed that the amount that was present in publicly treated supplies was “safe”. Even though, many scientists warned that there was no way to actually determine a safe level of consumption for any chemical, since they combine with other chemicals, which increases their toxicity.

But, regulating agencies needed some sort of guideline, so maximum contamination levels (MCLs) were established. Using those MCLs, researchers evaluated the cancer-risk from consumption, inhalation during a shower and dermal absorption. They also tested individuals in their homes, after drinking and showering in unfiltered water. It was found that the blood levels were higher after a 15 minute shower than they were after drinking a liter.

Since there are no Maytag water filters that reduce THMs, they cannot help reduce your cancer risk. The latest research indicates that the amounts we are normally exposed to increase our lifetime risk of bladder cancer by two-fold. To reduce the risk, you need a faucet filter with special resins that traps the chemicals. To further reduce your risk, you can install one in the shower, as well.

You might be wondering if all refrigerator systems are like the Maytag water filters. From the research that I have done, it looks like many of them are, with a few exceptions like Crystal Quest and Living waters, for instance. The studies concerning THMs continue to come in. The most commonly quoted report was only published in 2008. That means that it will probably be several years before Maytag water filters catch up. Until then, buy a high quality and effective refrigerator water filter. That’s the best choice you can make.

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While the initial cost of purchasing a water cooler can seem prohibitive when compared to a typical 3 year rental contract it becomes clear why outright purchase is so attractive to many businesses. In addition purchasing a water cooler outright gives the consumer freedom when it comes to maintaining and running their water cooler. The consumer can opt to maintain and sanitize the machine themselves or can select and switch between third party suppliers at will, in order to achieve the correct balance of cost over service levels, something that is impossible if the consumer is tied into an extended rental contract or lease.

Options for Bottle-less Water Cooler Customers -

Customers who opt for a bottle-less water cooler have only to sanitize the machine and replace the filter every 6 months; they can accomplish this in 3 ways:

Self Maintenance -

It’s perfectly possible for individuals to maintain the machine themselves by purchasing a sanitisation kit and filter when required. The filters cost around $50.00 and sanitization kits with enough liquid to last for a year start from only $75.00.

Use a Third Party Company -

Third party companies are available to maintain and service water coolers, rates vary by area, ask your supplier for details.

Opt for a Service Contract -

Some companies also offer consumers the option for a service contract at the time of purchase; this often includes access to a qualified engineer. Prices start from $335.00 for the year and are generally handled via a third party company.

 Needless to say, whichever option you choose, purchasing your own bottle-less water cooler is a far better way to go than any lease program available.

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It is often more practical to own an undersink water filter rather than have one cluttering your counter top. Choosing the right type of under sink water filter however can be a bit of a dilemma due to the clever advertising that you are usually faced with. To help you sort through the confusion and how to get the best for less please read on.

Under water sink filters need to be easy to install. An easy to follow set of instructions is also handy. If you do not need a plumber and can install it yourself all the better. The filter should fit neatly inside your cupboard out of view so as not to spoil your decor and cause clutter.

A money back guarantee gives you assurance that if the product does not meet your expectations you can return it and get your money back. A warranty also gives you assurance.

Check the companies performance data sheet to find out what contaminants the system will filter and what percentage. You want a system that filters out the most contaminates and the greatest amount possible.

Find out how long the company has been in business. The longer the company has been in business, the better. This gives you the assurance that the company is doing things right, has built up credibility and provides a good product. If the company has won awards this tells you that it has a good name.

The ongoing cost per gallon of running under sink water filters is an important consideration. Around 10 cents per gallon is very economical.

How often do you need to change the filter cartridge and is it an easy procedure? Every six months is ideal with simple instructions to follow so that you can quickly change the cartridge.

Does the company provide the right undersink water filter to suit your situation? For example, if you are on a city water supply you need a multi-media carbon block system. It has been stated by the U.S. EPA that carbon block is the best method available for filtering hazardous THMs and VOCS.  Multi-media block filers use carbon block and a specially patented process to filter out further contamination including cysts and sediment.

If you have an underground water supply such as a well you will need reverse osmosis to filter out dirt plus the multi-media carbon block to filter out other contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides that have washed into the ground.

I hoped this has helped you to know what to look for when searching for under sink water filters. But, remember the most expensive filter on the market is not necessarily the best filter available.

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Before launching a search for the best countertop water filter, a homeowner or business owner might want to learn more about the advantages delivered by countertop water filters. That home or business owner should know that the people of Milwaukee once questioned the value of countertop filters, but now they no longer doubt the value of such filters.

In 1993, the parasite Cryptosporidium found its way into the drinking water of Milwaukee. Thousands of Milwaukee residents got sick, just because they drank contaminated water. Their story underlines an important water-filtering feature, one found in a top quality countertop filter-the ability to remove “cysts” from the tap water.

The word “cysts” has nothing to do with the available styles among countertop water filters. The word “cysts” does not indicate that a countertop filter works best in a city, or that it is better suited for filtering well water. Why then should anyone who plans to purchase a countertop filter know the meaning of the word “cysts”?

The word “cysts” should be in the vocabulary of anyone who is searching for the best countertop water filter. The word “cysts” refers to the parasites that sometimes contaminate the water in both city and rural water systems. “Cysts” also makes reference to another microscopic organism that can contaminate bodies of fresh water. That microorganism is a protozoan.

The protozoan that should concern residents of the United States is the one that can cause giardiasis. Humans can get that intestinal infection by drinking water that has had contact with animal feces. The protozoa in the feces can get into the water.

Campers and hikers are at increased risk of developing giardiasis. Unless they arrange to carry a water filter with them, they could well drink water that has had contact with animal feces. That fact points to another one of the features sought by those in search of a countertop filter.

Such a filter can appeal to more consumers, if it is a mobile device, one that can be removed from the home and taken along on a camping or hiking trip. That does not mean that each of the countertop water filters should operate in the same way at all times. The best countertop water filter could convert to a “gravity” filter, if removed from the home and used on a camping or hiking trip.

Homeowners who choose to spend their free time at home should know that top quality countertop filters are easy to install. In addition, top quality water filters generally come with a long guarantee. A countertop water filter can add value to a home.

The homeowner who has invested in the best countertop water filter can enjoy a steady supply of great tasting water. That clean and cyst-free water has passed through activated carbon filters, where ion exchange has removed unwanted particles from the water. In addition that water has undergone micron filtration, a process carried out by all good quality countertop filters.

A countertop filter can also provide the homeowner with a chance to select the style that matches the style of the furniture and appliances in the kitchen. Some homeowners prefer to examine countertop water filters with a gooseneck spout. Other homeowners have requested a spout with a long reach.

The best countertop water filter has parts that can be replaced. When those filters malfunction, the homeowner does not need to replace the entire filter system. The simple replacement of a single part guarantees continuous delivery to the homeowner’s selected spout of safe, fresh-tasting water.

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When you get a bottle-less water cooler you’re not just getting a convenience, you’re performing a service for your family. Much of the water you bring into your home for drinking is probably filtered and in sterilized jugs which has its drawbacks, and if you just use the water coming out of your tap you have absolutely no control over what happens to it before you or your children drink it. Why would you leave yourself open to this risk?

First, think about what happens at the water treatment plant. They do the best they can to filter this water. But that still means they will dump large amounts of chlorine into the water to try and kill off any bacteria. This bacteria could come from any source, including bird droppings or any other animal feces that contaminates the water heading for the treatment plant.

Treatment plants are also unable to remove drugs that get into the water supply. Typically when people stop using a medication or it expires they will dump it down the toilet. That water (and anything else in it) will eventually end up in the waterways that feed our drinking water supply. Since it does not get removed before it reaches our homes, our kids will end up taking that into our bodies unless we intervene.

The main water lines that feed our homes are also notoriously leaky. That not only allows water to escape, but contaminants can enter the water supply between the water treatment plant and our homes. By using a bottle-less water cooler to give your family clean, purified water from trusted sources you can avoid the grief that could be entering your home.

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