subject: Using Hard Water Filters In The Home [print this page] Using hard water filters is simple in theory, but there are actually many different types of systems that are used, and each one is good for removing certain materials and others are better with other contaminant removal. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of hard water filter, so you need at least a general background on some of the most common types that are used.
Filters are not only good for softening the water, but they remove contaminants and chemicals of all kinds, making sure that drinking water is clean of any suspended particles. These days, water quality from treatment works is usually very high and most homes really do not need additional filtration. However, if you are insistant on using a system, there are several to choose from. Granulated, activated carbon hard water filters are the simplest type, and they are portable filters that are found in jugs. These can remove parasites, large particles and chlorine and are easily purchased from department stores. These are also cheap, so they are great for those with low budgets. However, they have a short filter life and can not filter out some types of bacteria and chemicals.
A carbon block and activated carbon hard water filters are built in to the water supply in the home. The main disadvantage to these water filters is that they are much more expensive. However, they also do not need to be replaced nearly as often, and they generally give better filtration. Reverse osmosis water filters are some of the best types. Water is passed through a semi permeable membrane that filters out just about every type of contaminant. These types are much more expensive than nearly all other types of hard water filters, but they also have pretty low running costs. Once these are installed they can be used to filter out water to the whole house.
Combination systems have only become available in recent years and are thought of as alternatives to reverse osmosis systems. There are several different filters installed, and each of them removes different contaminants. Have you heard of ceramic carbon hard water filters? These filter out a broad range of nasties from water, and these are as effective because the filter is made of a ceramic part and a carbon part. Some of them are even infused with silver. This is a good antibiotic that reduces the number of micro organisms that are present. The filters are built into the water supply and typically they only need to be replaced once every 12 months.
There are still several other types of hard water filters out on the market, as these are just a few of the most common and widely used types.
