There are many different types of filters available. Most do not require major renovations or a large investment in time and money. Shower Head Filters are easy for beginners to install. Professionals may be needed for more complex systems. Home Depot offers an installation service for whole-house water filter systems.
This guide and comparison table will help you select the best water filter for your home by helping you understand what contaminants they remove and how they operate.
How to choose a water filter
There are many options available for water filters that can be used to filter drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing. However, you can simplify the process by doing some research and planning. Ask yourself these basic questions to narrow down your search for the right water filter system.
You can treat the drinking water or all water that enters your home.
What contaminants do you find most concerning?
How many people are in your household?
It is important to know your water source when selecting a water filter. Water for your home is either sourced from the city or by a private well.
City water: Although public water supplies are generally safe, they can contain hundreds of contaminants that the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate. You may be subjected to more boil notices than you would like due to ruptured pipes and other contaminants.
Private wells. Homeowners who have private wells face unique concerns. Many treatment options are available that can reduce harmful bacteria and contaminants while improving sediment filtering, softening, and more.
Water Filter Contaminants
Water contaminants can range from heavy metals to pathogenic bacteria and arsenic. They can be affected by factors such as plumbing, runoff water, and the age of the home. Your neighbor’s water may contain a different type. Here are the six most common contaminants that home filters target.
Bacteria: While not all bacteria are harmful, pathogenic bacteria may make you sick. Runoff, fractured casings, or broken water lines can introduce harmful bacteria into your water supply.
Chlorine is used to disinfect municipal water supplies. The chlorine left in your water may cause an unpleasant smell or taste and itchy skin.
Copper: Copper can be found in soil, rock, and water. Corroded copper pipes in your home will increase the amount of copper in your water, which can cause digestive problems.
Fluoride: To prevent tooth decay, fluoride can be added to the water supply of most communities. Too much exposure to this natural mineral in childhood can increase the risk of developing a cosmetic condition, causing dark spots or streaks on teeth.
Iron: Water with high levels of iron naturally present will have a metallic smell and taste. It can stain the toilet, sink, tub, and even the dishes and clothes that you wash with it.
Lead: Lead is usually absorbed into the water by lead service pipes or plumbing components such as lead solder used to join copper pipes. Brass- or chrome-plated taps can also leach lead.
Use a water testing kit to find the right water filter for your home. Purchase a water filter system designed to remove the contaminants that you are dealing with.
How Water Filters Work
It’s important to understand how each filter works before deciding which is the best one for you and your family. Water filters are designed to eliminate or destroy contaminants in different ways.
UV light: Water exposed to ultraviolet radiation by UV filters destroys bacteria that may be harmful to your health. UV filters do not require additional heat or chemicals.
Carbon block and activated charcoal: A carbon block filter removes larger particles by attracting and absorbing sediment or silt. Carbon water filters are used in many different types of filters, including tap water filters.
Mesh filter for sand or sediment: These filters are designed to remove dirt particles, rust, clay, and sand before they can reach your entire plumbing system, including your expensive appliances and faucet.
Reverse Osmosis: Reverse-osmosis water filters force water through a semipermeable membrane, removing contaminants from the water.
Infrared Technology: The infrared filter uses heat and lights to negatively charge hard water. It feels similar to alkaline filters.
Alkaline and Water Ionizers: The water passes over plates that are electrically charged, which separates the alkaline from the acidic. This results in softer water, which is better for bathing and drinking.
Please read the water filter label carefully before installing or using it. This will help you determine which contaminants the system removes. It is not possible to remove all impurities from water using every filtration method.
There are many home water filters available. The good news is that they don’t usually require major renovations or huge investments and won’t impact your flow rate. Most homeowners can install shower head filters in a few minutes. Professionals may be needed to install more complex systems like whole-home filters.
Water filtration systems are designed to meet specific needs. You can improve the water quality in your home by choosing from a wide range of water filter systems.
Home Depot has a wide selection of water filters, filtration systems, and all the materials you need to install them. You can shop online or find items at the store using the Home Depot Mobile App.
