What You Need to Know About Countertop Filters
Below are some facts to consider when purchasing a countertop filter to purify your water.
They're simple to install. As its name suggests, a countertop filter is located on the kitchen counter. Each filter comes with a two-way diverter valve that easily attaches to a faucet's aerator.
They're portable. If moving from one residence to the next, you can take your countertop water filter with you. These filters are quickly detached from one faucet and attached to a new one.
They might not be the best choice if your water is heavily contaminated. Since we absorb toxins that might be present in water not just through drinking, but also through our skin as we bathe or take showers, you’ll want a filter that can handle all contaminates. A countertop filter offers point-of-use filtration, and it works to filter only the water being produced by a specific faucet.
If the water in your home has a high level of contaminants, showering and bathing in this water can be a concern. In a case like this, you might be best served by a point-of-entry water filtration system. These systems treat all the water that enters your home, and generally need to be set up by a plumber or a certified water treatment professional.
It's possible to determine how contaminated your water is, and what contaminants are present. Water companies are required by law to produce a consumer confidence report each year. This report shines a spotlight on water quality in your region, and it's available online via your local Department of Public Works. You can also test the water yourself by purchasing a kit from a state-certified testing laboratory.
They reduce a wide range of contaminants. Countertop filters work to reduce a broad assortment of contaminants from your drinking water. Filters are available that reduce chlorine, chemicals, bacteria, sediment, and particulates. Heavy metals such as copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury are also removed.
Many of these contaminants have been linked with life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, so removing them from your drinking water can work to support health. To make sure you're getting a filter that delivers, choose a water filter that has gotten the seal of approval from a body certified by the American National Standards Institute. If you've tested your water and know which contaminants are present, select a countertop filter that is specifically designed to remove the toxins present in your water.
They're relatively inexpensive. A point-of-entry water filtration system that treats all the water in your home can cost $400-$10,000 depending on the complexity of the system. Countertop filters are much less costly, and you can find models that are sold for $100 or less.
Keep in mind that maintenance is required, and countertop water filtration systems come with filters that must be regularly replaced. A typical filter can clean roughly 450 gallons of water, and, in most households, this translates to a life of about six months. Replacement filters for countertop water filtration systems typically start at around $8.
Installing a Countertop Filter
Countertop filters are typically easy to install, and most people will find that these filters can be set up without professional help. A plumber can also assist with this task, and these professionals typically charge $45-$65 an hour. The installation process usually takes an hour or less.