Clean drinking water is not just a requirement that a majority of homes should have. It’s a necessity in every residential and commercial living space to ensure proper health and hygiene of all the occupants.
Water filtration systems for this particular purpose, come in all shapes and sizes. They need to be installed, cleaned, maintained, and even changed on a regular basis to ascertain proper functionality though.
The Different Types of Water Filtration Systems
There are five basic types of water filtration systems that you can choose from. They include:
- Activated Carbon Filters
- Alkaline/Water Ionizers
- Infrared Filters
- Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
- UV Filters
Activated Carbon Filters – These filters have large carbon blocks or granules which are charged or supplemented with silver molecules. These molecules aid in trapping the bacteria, debris and other impurities as they pass through the pores of the filter.
The carbon filters are generally used as pre-filters. They are particularly helpful in removing the unpleasant odor and taste of chlorine from the line or tap water.
Alkaline/Water Ionizers – This is a unique water filtration system as it utilizes two electrically charged plates to separate water into two different streams through a process known as electrolysis. This process lowers the water’s overall acidic content to help convert the naturally hard line water to softer water which is far more beneficial for your skin, hair and overall health.
Infrared Water Filtration Systems – Quite similar to the water ionizer filtration systems, the infrared water filtration systems also help to convert hard water to soft water. Unlike the alkaline filters though, the infrared filtration system does not use electronically charged plates to separate the water streams. Rather, it depends on infra-red rays to heat and charge the water negatively, such as to convert and soften it.
Reverse Osmosis Water Systems – One of the most popular water purification systems available in the market, the reverse osmosis water system is also one of the most effective as well.
This water system filtration has the ability to clean the water completely of all and any sort of bacteria, debris or contaminants which may cause the water to become harmful for consumption.
The reverse osmosis water system works by having water forced though a number of different semi permeable membranes rolled together which have very small pores of a particular size at significantly high pressures. The high pressure causes the smaller, clearer water molecules to pass through while the larger molecules of chemicals, sediments, bacteria and other debris all remain trapped within the membranes.
The reverse osmosis water filtration system, though very effective, cannot work properly if the water pressure is low. However, it can and does function perfectly well without any heat or electrical resource, making it an effective as well as an economical water filtration system.
UV Filters – The UV filtration water system is the best choice for biologically pure, disinfected water. This should be the water filtration system of choice for areas which receive hard, impure water. By using the Ultraviolet rays emitted through a UV lamp, all the microorganisms and small pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi are completely killed, leaving behind perfectly safe, clean, and healthy drinking water.
Why Do Filtration Systems Need to Be Changed?
As mentioned previously, the filtration systems available in the market use a range of filter media to help remove the various contaminations and impurities from the water. Some of the filter media, such as carbon or charcoal filters, often face a time when the bacteria and other debris adheres to the surface of the filter itself.
The filter media is only so big, and can accept the adherence of only a certain amount of bacteria and debris. Once the pores of the filter have become clogged to capacity, no more impurities are being filtered out – hence rendering the water filtration system useless.
To avoid that from happening, and to prevent clean drinking water from being contaminated, it’s essential to regularly change the filters of the filtration plant as necessary or as indicated.
The Drawbacks of Unchanged Water Filtration Systems
Leaving filtration media clogged and overburdened with contaminants and unchanged for a significant period of time can cause a number of issues. Some of the most common problems associated with unchanged water filters are mentioned below:
- Foul odors emanating from the drinking water
- Unseemly tastes of rising levels of chlorine
- Mold infestations which can be ingested through moldy water leading to diarrhea, possible nausea and vomiting, headaches, and even skin rashes
- Hard water material sediments collection
- Buildup of microbial cysts
- Upsurge of agricultural pollutants
How Often Do Water Filtration Systems need to be Changed/Maintained?
Water filter systems are of various types with varying requirements. Depending on the type of water filtration system used, as well as the company or brand of the filtration plant, the recommended filter change can vary considerably.
Usually however, there are indications for water filter changes. They can either be based on a specific amount of water such as in gallons, or it can be indicated according to the time duration the water filtration plant has been used. A commonly used water filtration system, would generally recommend the filtration cartridge to be cleaned, or replaced after a couple of months or more.
To ascertain that your home’s water filtration system continues to operate at an optimal level, and that you continue to receive clean drinking water, as is essential for healthy living, it is recommended that you keep track of and change the water filtration cartridges as specified by the filtration systems manufacturer.
What’s more, it is also recommended that you opt for regular cleaning and maintenance checks performed by an industry professional to prevent any problems from arising.
If you think that the water filtration system in your home, is due for a cleaning and general maintenance, feel free to contact the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Company in Fort Worth. Pioneer plumbers with years of training, knowledge and expertise, the team at Ben Franklin ensures that your water filtration system is operating as it should be.
For more information, please visit www.benjaminfranklinplumbingfortworth.com, or call 817-983-7876 today to set up an appointment for a home visit and thorough consult.