These days, water filtering systems have become essential instruments in keeping your home’s water supply clean and safe. However, to ensure that the system is working well and doing its important job properly, it’s crucial that you know how to maintain it and even have it replaced when it becomes necessary.
The importance of maintaining and replacing your home water filtration line should not be underestimated. If it gets damaged or malfunctions in some ways, you and your family may have to go back to drinking ordinary water. This is usually sourced from groundwater flowing through streams and lakes, which has seen an increase in saltwater content due to the rise of sea levels. The result, said the NEEF (National Environmental Education Foundation) is a saltier groundwater which can be problematic when viewed from a health perspective.
Why Maintaining Your Water Filter Is Important
A neglected water filtration system can result in water that has unpleasant tastes and odors. It can also lead to the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms that can pose a health risk to you and your family.
Regular maintenance of the system can help prevent these problems from occurring. This means cleaning the various parts of the filters to ensure that these continue to function correctly. A well-maintained water filtration line can also lead to a longer life span for the system, saving you money in the long run.
Components of a Home Water Filtration Line
Before diving into the maintenance steps for a home water filtering system, it’s important that you have a basic understanding of its different components. A standard water filter consists of the following:
1. Pre-Filters
These are typically the first line of defense in a filtering system. They are designed to remove large particles and sediments from your water, such as dirt and sand.
2. Activated Carbon Filter
These filters are designed to remove organic compounds, such as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides. They are also effective at removing unpleasant tastes and odors that are sometimes found in water.
3. Reverse Osmosis Membrane
This is highly effective when it comes to the removal of dissolved solids, notably salt. It works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing its molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles.
4. Ultraviolet Disinfection System
As its name suggests, this uses ultraviolet radiation to kill bacteria and other microorganisms found in your tap water. Specifically, this can work on eliminating Cryptosporidium and Giardia, two microorganisms that are known to resist chlorine and which can cause diarrhea in children based on numerous documented cases.
5. Post-Filters
These represent the final stage in the filtration process. They are designed to remove any remaining impurities and improve the taste and odor of your drinking water.
How To Maintain Your Water Filtration Line
The maintenance requirements of different water filters can vary depending on the type and the parts that compose them. However, the following usually apply to most systems:
1. Replace the filters regularly.
Filter cartridges are critical components of any water filtering system. Since their main function is to capture contaminants and remove them afterwards, they can become dirty in the process. Thus, they should regularly be replaced to ensure that the system will continue functioning effectively.
The frequency of replacement can vary depending on the type and the amount of water that the system filters. A general rule of thumb though is to replace the cartridge every six months to a year.
2. Check the system for any leaks.
These can develop in any of the system parts, and they can be challenging to detect. Checking for leaks, however, is important to prevent disasters like water damage and help keep the system functioning efficiently. To find a possible leak, look for noticeable moisture around the system, or inspect the pipes and their connections.
3. Clean the system regularly.
Over time, sediments and impurities can accumulate in your filtration system, reducing its effectiveness. Cleaning this regularly should help remove these impurities and allow the system to continue working as expected. To clean your filtration system, follow the instructions listed in the manufacturer’s manual.
4. Test the filtered water that the system produces.
This can help ensure that your filtering system has removed all impurities effectively. Water testing kits are available online or in various home improvement stores. Testing should ideally be done before and after the filtration process to ensure complete effectiveness.
What is the best water filtration system?
Water filtering systems are presently available in varying types, sizes, and shapes. Many of these are capable of treating your entire water supply at home. Some can even be placed on countertops and even under the sink.
Given this, the process of choosing which filtration system is the best can somewhat be challenging. Ultimately, however, your choice will depend on the water requirements of your household.
Key Takeaway
While proper maintenance of your home water filtration line essential to ensure that you have water that is clean and safe to drink, it’s also important that you are aware when a replacement is necessary. Like all things, a filtering system can become worn-out over time and repairs may no longer be practical.
When it’s time to replace the system, there will be several factors that can influence your purchasing decision. In this case, it’s best to choose a home water filter that meets your water quality needs, fits your budget, and is easy to maintain. It’s also a good idea to transact only with reputable water filtration manufacturers so you can be assured of getting quality systems.
Enjoy clean, safe, and fully-filtered water from A Better Plumber.
Drink plenty of water to stay healthy, and to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your home’s water supply, ask about the details of a unique filtering system from A Better Plumber.
We have a dedicated water filtration system Denver team that can explain to you the system that we have put in place. They can help you realize the importance of having safe and potable water for your home. Call us today, and let’s toast to a healthier life for you and your family.
