Are Under Sink Water Filters Worth it?
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If you already know the advantages of drinking and using filtered water, then having your own water filtering system would be the best option.
And, one of the most convenient and easy to use water filters that you can directly attach to your sink is the under-the-sink water filter.
This can help eliminate additional water delivery or bottled water costs since it will constantly provide you with clean water. The demand for clean water is always on a steady rise especially today, with pandemic terrorizing countries all around the globe.
Clean and safe drinking water is needed to prevent the spread of the virus thus, people are now looking to invest in water filters to lower their expenditure on groceries as well as bills. But choosing the right under-the-sink water filter is a lengthy process.
Knowing its features and benefits can help speed up the process of choosing. However, with hundreds of brands and models, it can be quite overwhelming.
It’s also important to know how much gallons of water they are capable of filtering, the frequency of filter changes, as well as if they are NSF certified.
If you’ve found which model can give you the best results considering the factors mentioned above as well as your needs at home, then you’re all set and ready to purchase an under-the-sink water filter that suits you and your home best.
This article will give you all the facts and insights on everything you need to know about under-the-sink water filters.
What is an Under-The-Sink Water Filter?
Under-the-sink water filters are very straight-forward in terms of its definition. Its name literally describes what it is which is basically a water filter located under the sink. But how it works is an entirely different matter.
Under-the-sink water filters have plastic tubes that are attached to the pipes that bring in the tap water. Tap water flows into those plastic pipes and is run through the water filter to eliminate any contaminants.
The great thing about this type of water filter is that the filtration method is on an on-demand basis. This means that no water is wasted during the filtration process since it only produces enough filtered water based on your needs.
Under-the-sink water filters are exclusive to only one sink of your house. It does not filter out the water that runs in the rest of your house. These filters also have a separate faucet where the filtered water flows out.
The sink’s regular cold and hot water can still flow freely and are independent of the under-the-sink water filter’s process.
Why Should You Buy One?
You don’t really need to have a reason to want clean water. It is an important necessity that all humans can benefit from. But there are plenty of reasons why you should get your own water filtering system for your home.
As buyers, most of the time, we want products that can not only appear appealing but actually give us a lot of benefits in its use. Since it has a compact shape that can easily fit under your sink, you won’t have to worry about needing any extra space.
Unlike its countertop version, you won’t have to worry about its placement or the aesthetics of your sink. There won’t be any clutter and you’ll have a more spacious countertop since it can just be installed somewhere that is convenient.
Benefits of Having an Under Sink Filter
Having an under-the-sink water filtration system has a lot of advantages. The most common one is that it lessens monthly expenditure on bottled water purchases or water deliveries. An under-the-sink water filter does wonder by just providing you clean water for everyday usage.
Here are some of the other benefits you can get when you invest in an under-the-sink water filter for your home.
Convenient
Unlike pitcher filters, you won’t need to refill it with water since it is already connected to the main pipe. You just simply open the designated faucet and then filtered water will come out.
An under sink water filter will also not cause the infamous water pressure issues of that faucet mounted filters introduce.
Free Space on the Counter tops
The main problem with countertop water filters is that they take up too much space on the counter tops which makes it stuffy and messy at times. Space becomes limited so you will need to go back and force from a table especially when preparing meals.
An under-the-sink water filter can be placed in the cabinet under the sink. This frees the countertop from any clutter. Thus, enabling you to have more space.
Filters Tap Water Better
Since this type of water filter uses water pressure to filter out water, it can eliminate more contaminants as compared to regular water filters. Their denser filter helps clear out smaller particles by pushing the water using force from the water pressure into the filters.
Filter Cartridge Doesn’t Have to be Replaced Often
The usual schedule for cartridge filter replacement for under-the-sink water filters is after 6 months of continuous use. That’s a longer filter life than older versions that need to have their cartridges replaced every 2 months.
Under Sink Water Filters Disadvantages
Despite all the advantages this water filter can give you, there will always be unavoidable disadvantages. But bear in mind that these advantages do not diminish the value that this water filter can give you.
It still does its job very well and you still get to enjoy clean and safe-to-use filtered drinking water every day. Here are some of the downsides of using an under-the-sink water filter.
Water is Not Chilled
Since it is connected to the main water pipe, you can’t expect it to be chilled. For those people who prefer drinking their water cold, they can opt for ice cubes or simply putting water in a pitcher and placing it inside the fridge.
This can be a hassle at times since refilling the pitcher and placing it in the fridge can become tiresome. But it’s a small price to pay if you want to have clean water.
Expensive
Compared to pitchers with built-in water filters, this type of filter can be quite expensive. Given that it has a lot of features that a pitcher cannot offer.
Most filters can go from $200 to $600 depending on its capacity to filter water and also the type of contaminant it can remove.
Water Flows Slowly
Since its designated faucet is a bit small as compared to the regular tap water faucet, you can expect that the flow rate of water would be slower than the regular ones.
Although people from the older generation might not mind this, those who are younger might find it troublesome.
Types of Under Sink Filters
Conventional
 This type of under sink filtration system is the type that you attach to the cold water line and allows the filtered water to flow through a designated faucet. It does not affect the hot and cold water feature of the original faucet.
But since a different faucet is needed for the filtered water, it can be quite difficult to install. Unless you’ve prepared your countertop to have an extra hole for the designated faucet for filtered water, you might have to drill one if you don’t.
Simple
This under sink water filter type is connected to the whole cold water line. This means that the filtered water will be dispensed using the original faucet and that no designated faucet is needed at all.
Since it tends to filter more water, the water filters end up having shorter lifespans as compared to the conventional type of under-the-sink water filters. But it is easier to install than a conventional under-the-sink water filter.
You only need to attach it to the cold water line and voila! Filtered water can then be available in just a matter of minutes.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
This is the most difficult-to-install water filter. As effective as it is, the setup procedures take a lot of time especially if you do not have any knowledge in plumbing. But, it offers a more effective method in removing a wide array of contaminants.
Pure and safe water would run through the reverse osmosis water filters and will then be dispensed from a designated faucet. The wastewater will just be drained out along with the other contaminants.
With RO systems, the sediment filter and carbon filters do need to be replaced every size months; the reverse osmosis membrane should be replaced every 2 years.
Factors to Consider Before Buying One
There are a lot of factors you will need to consider before buying an under-the-sink water filter. Depending on your needs and how you want to use your water filter, you will need to research the different models and their respective features.
Having a checklist on the features it needs to have can be helpful when choosing an under-the-sink water filter.
Here are just some of the factors that can help you in choosing the right water filter for your home.
Flow Rate/ Water PressureÂ
Water pressure is very important when it comes to choosing the right water filter. If it takes too long for your glass to be filled with water, then it can become annoying after some time.
Making sure that your water filter not only filters your water properly but also has good water pressure is a must.
Contaminant Reduction
This is the most important factor you will need to consider. The main reason why you’re getting a water filter in the first place is that you want to make sure that the contaminants are reduced or completely removed from your water.
For some people, removing bad odor and taste might be enough. But for some who are wary of their health, they would prefer something that takes out microorganisms and harmful chemicals.
It would be best to choose an under-the-sink water filter that can filter out at least 90% of contaminants from the tap water. This can assure you that it has an effective and high-quality filter.
Cartridge Longevity
If a cartridge can last a long time before it needs to be replaced, it means that the cartridge is well-built and is of high-quality. Some models and brands use cartridges that can last for years depending on the use.
But remember that despite their advertisements of a longer-lasting cartridge, this can still vary on a case-to-case basis. Water quality can also play a big role in a cartridge’s longevity.
Although tap water from the treatment facility is considered clean and safe, the old pipes it passes through are not.
During its journey to your home, it can pick up a lot of contaminants that can affect the longevity of your water filter cartridge.
Warranty and Support
Product warranties are a very important aspect when it comes to buying products. These can help reduce costs for repairs and replacements.
This is why it is important to choose a model or brand that offers a warranty for your under-the-sink water filter.
The longer the warranty of your water filter, the better. Also, having 24/7 customer support can also be helpful. This assures you that if any problems with your water filter arise, the company can easily provide you solutions for the problems you are facing.
Their customer support can also help you with issues related to the installation and maintenance of their product.
 
 
