Concerned about the quality of water being supplied to your home? Or do you feel that your water has an odd taste or smell? If that’s what you’ve been experiencing with your home’s tap water, then it’s a sign that you need to install a water filter.
While there are different kinds of water filter systems available out there, under sink water filters are now more efficient than over. Certain under sink water filter models can remove contaminants that are only possible via reverse osmosis.
An under sink water filter is also conveniently positioned to give you easy access to the water filter whenever you need clean water for drinking. The water line from the under sink water filters passes the water through the filter on its way to the faucet and they’re very effective at removing contaminants from water, making it safe for drinking.
However, the best under sink water filter is also great for other household activities like laundry and cleaning.
However, we understand that shopping for the best under sink water filter is not the easiest of tasks and can feel like a trip through the twilight zone. Nonetheless, improving the quality of your tap water is one of the best things you can do for your health, so we’re here to ease the confusion for you with a comprehensive buying guide and review of the best under sink water filters available on the market today.
Under Sink Water Filter Reviews : What Are Under Sink Water Filters?
As the name suggests, under-sink water filters are installed under the sink where it takes water from the cold water pipe and sends it through the water filters. Once the water is pure enough, the under sink water filter will then deliver water to the dedicated faucet for use. The entire under sink water filtration system operates on-demand, so no water goes to waste, unlike the reverse osmosis system.
However, you need to note that an under-sink water filter is a one-point system that only takes care of the water coming from the pipes under one sink exclusively. It does not filter the water supply for the entire house.
Nonetheless, an under-sink water filter dedicated faucet is independent of your standard hot and cold water, meaning you can still use it separately to get clean purified water for drinking and cooking purposes.
Should I get an Under counter Water Filter?
Everyone can certainly benefit from cleaner water, and investing in under-sink water filters is one excellent way to ensure you and your family enjoy fresh, clean tap water. Below are a few other reasons to get under-sink water filters:
- You only need a point-of-use water filtration system that filters only the water that comes from one sink and not the entire house.
- You have a small unit with limited space for water filter installation. The best under sink water filter will help you achieve the highest-quality water without taking up too much space in your house.
- You require a budget-friendly water filtration system with low-cost maintenance. The replacement filters for under sink water filters are relatively cheap enough for you to maintain the device in excellent condition for a long time.
- You prefer to handle DIY projects on your own and don’t want to spend money hiring plumbers and electricians for your house. Fortunately, under sink water filters can easily be installed with basic plumbing skills. Each under sink water filter system will come with a manual to guide you along the way.
- You don’t want to accumulate water bottles anymore just for drinking water. An under-sink water filter gives you instant access to fresh, clean water so you don’t have to go out and buy bottled drinking water anymore.
- You want better-tasting water. Tap water often has a weird odor and taste due to the contaminants present in it. An under sink water filter helps remove the particles that cause a bad odor to boost the flavor of fine healthy minerals in the water.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Under Sink Water Filtration System?
The most obvious goal an under-sink system needs to accomplish is to produce quality filtered water. However, there are also some other factors and aspects that you ought to keep in mind when shopping for a new sink filtering system. Below is a list of what to look out for:
Water Pressure
When it comes to under sink filters, water pressure is a very important factor to consider as you don’t want to be stuck with a faucet that barely has any water coming out of it after installing the filtering system. There’s simply nothing more annoying than having to wait a very long time just to fill up a glass of water.
This is why you need to ensure that the water filter you’re getting is capable of delivering good water pressure. This is an especially important point if your house already has a bad water flow rate to begin with.
Simple undersink filtration systems typically offer better water pressures than conventional ones. However, one downside to such filters is that the water spends less time in the system, so some contaminants may just slip through accidentally.
This could be a problem for those with highly contaminated water sources. However, if your water supply is already relatively clean, then the number of contaminants reaching the faucet is insignificant.
Filtering Capacity
Different filtering systems have different filtering capacities. Some filters have filter cartridges that are more efficient at removing certain categories of contaminants than others. Some models might have good overall filtering capacity but lack the materials needed to remove a specific type of contaminant you want gone.
This is why it is recommended for you to conduct a home water quality testing kit to find out what is present in your water before going out to buy a brand new filtering system. The kit shows you which contaminants are in your water source so you can quickly identify the right filtering system to help you get rid of them.
Installation and Filter Change Process
Another important factor to take into consideration is the installation & maintenance process of the water filter. Although you only need to install the system once, a complicated installation could put you at risk of damaging the entire unit. This can lead to a long and tiresome discussion with the customer support team. You might even have to pay more to get it fixed or hire a plumber just to install it for you.
Under sink filtration systems are often designed for DIY projects so that you can save your money from hiring a professional. However, if you do encounter any difficulty during installation, chances are you’ll be able to find an instructional video online from others who might help.
If you still have questions, it is recommended for you to contact their customer service team to get more valuable information regarding the installation process.
Aside from installation, maintaining the filter needs to be easy as well. Most water filter models need to have replacement filters regularly. While the process is usually easy, some models make it really difficult for you to change the filters. This can be a problem, especially if you need to change the filters once every 6 months.
Filter Cartridge Longevity
If you’re looking for under sink water filter systems, you should already know that they need new replacement filters every 6 months or so. However, several advanced models have filters that can last longer and only need to be changed once every 3 or 5 years.
The better the cartridge’s filtering capability is, the better it’s built. This means that filter cartridges that last longer are usually made with high-quality components that are very efficient at filtering the water.
However, you should also be aware that there are other factors that could play a role in how long your filters last. If your water quality is very contaminated, you will need to change the filters more frequently as they can get clogged faster.
It is worth noting that most cartridge longevity advertised is tested with municipal quality water. When in fact, municipal quality water needs to travel through old pipes that could be contaminated themselves before arriving at your home.
This means that there’s a high chance of the water being contaminated before it reaches you. So the cartridge longevity might actually be less than advertised.
Best Rated Under Sink Water Filter Reviews in 2022
1. iSpring CU-A4 4-Stage
Looking for the best bang for your buck? The iSpring CU-A4 under-sink water filter system surpasses expectations with multiple filtration stages to get rid of 99% of all contaminants within your water supply. The CU-A4 under-sink water filter unit comes with an activated carbon filter, KDF+GAC, 0.1-micron ultrafilter, and PP filters to eliminate all sediment, dirt, most heavy metals, pesticides, chloramine, and even arsenic.
This effective under-sink water filter is designed to ensure you and your family get to enjoy odorless and better-tasting water for cooking and drinking. One thing to take note of is that the under-sink water filter system does not remove Fluoride, however, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as there are studies that show fluoride in water can help protect all ages against cavities and tooth decay. So, we wouldn’t call this a deal-breaker.
As for installation, this under-sink water filter can be quickly set up with little effort. All the fittings it comes with are snap-on type and do not require any tools. A bonus with this under-sink water filter is that it lets you connect your fridge to it for you to enjoy clean water from more than one faucet.
The water filter system comes completed with 4 cartridges and a stainless-steel faucet. Owners are not required to detach any water lines to get the under sink water filtration system in place.
Considering that this under sink water filter system has 4 different filter cartridges, you need to check that you have enough space under your sink to fit them all. The water filtration system needs all 4 cartridges in place in order to function. After installation, you’re going to need to replace the water filters once every 6 – 12 months for an effective filtration system.
Pros
- Good filtration effectiveness to help get rid of 99% of contaminants.
- A great choice for houses that use well water as the under sink water filter can help remove sediment and heavy metals.
- Option to connect the water filter to a fridge.
- NSF certified / ANSI certified system for quality assurance.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Does not filter out fluoride present in water.
- Only 1 year of manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Pelican 3-Stage
If you find that you don’t need a 4-stage filtration process, then you can consider the Pelican 3-stage under-counter water filter that has a 25-micron pre-filter to remove larger particles such as debris and sand. The remaining 2 filters are GAC filters that work to ensure thorough filtration of your water to significantly reduce levels of contaminants such as chlorine and chloramine.
This is a reliable under-counter water filter that’s suitable for those who use well water. The under sink water filter system can be expected to last anywhere between 6 to 12 months. One improvement that we would like to see in this filtration system is to have an indicator to let you know when the filters require replacement.
Nonetheless, this is an easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain water filter model since it barely requires any maintenance and cleaning. All you need to do is remember to replace the filters when it’s time.
This water filter system keeps healthy components such as magnesium and calcium in your drinking water – which is an advantage to many people. Other than that, the under-counter water filter is made in the USA for quality assurance and is backed by a 1-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Pros
- Comes included with everything you need for installation – faucet, fittings, installation guide.
- Has a filtering capacity of about 1500 gallons or 1-year of service.
- 3-stage filtration process to provide clean and odorless drinking water.
Cons
- Only 1 year of manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter
Shopping with a tight budget but don’t want to risk drinking unfiltered water? Then the Aquasana AQ-5300.55 Under Sink Water Filtration System is worth a closer look. Despite its low price point, this under-sink water filter system works just like other expensive models and is capable of producing clean and crisp water.
The 3-stage filtration process is highly effective at helping you remove most of the unwanted contaminants in your drinking water, including chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and VOCs. All you’re left with is clean, odorless, and better-tasting water for drinking, cleaning, and cooking purposes.
One major advantage of using this under sink water filter system is that it features a twist-off design. The filters need to be replaced once every 6 months and all you need to do is to twist the filter off and twist in a new one. The entire filter replacement process is very easy and will only take you about 5 minutes.
Another thing that you’d love with this under sink water filter is that it comes with a good faucet. The company even allows you to change the faucet’s finish when you buy the filter in order to match the rest of your fixtures.
Pros
- Filter Change Notification to notify you when it is time to change the old filters.
- Ability to change the faucet’s finish to match your fixtures.
- Good budget sink filter choice.
Cons
- Comes with poor O-rings that might need replacement after 2 to 3 years of use.
4. Waterdrop 15UA
The Waterdrop 15UA is another affordable under sink filter that may just exceed your expectations despite its simple operation. The under sink water filtration system only has one cartridge but there are actually 5 stages of filtration processes in it. This design helps you save on plenty of space without losing effectiveness.
The WD-15UA helps you get rid of heavy metals in your water including lead and mercury. It even features activated alumina as a medium to remove fluoride, ensuring your water is 99% chloramine-free. The under-sink filter also has an activated carbon block to help improve the taste and odor of the drinking water.
Another plus point for this under-sink filter is that you do not need to get a separate faucet to work with this filtration system. It is designed to be connected directly to your existing faucet at home. However, you’re also free to install a separate faucet if you choose to.
One improvement that we’d like to see in this product to make it even better is to include a filter replacement indicator to notify users when it’s time for the filters to be replaced. Nonetheless, you can still monitor it yourself and you should replace the filters on the WD-15UA after two years or 16,000 gallons of use.
Pros
- Works with existing faucets and does not require a separate faucet to connect.
- Works perfectly with well water to remove heavy metals and chloramines.
- Suitable for an off-grid living since it does not require electricity to work.
Cons
- Can only be used with ambient or cold water.
- No filter change indicator.
5. Clearly Filtered Kitchen Faucet Filtration System
We understand if you’re renting a place where complicated or permanent fixtures may not be convenient. So, here’s a top-notch under-sink filtration system that is so easy to install that even a child can handle it. All you really need to do for this under-sink filter is to connect the water lines and you’re all set.
The Clearly Filtered filtration system is able to help you get rid of more than 220 known contaminants including chlorine and fluoride to produce tasteless and odorless water that’s excellent for cooking. The under sink filter system is also EPA, NSF certified and is 100% made in the USA for better quality assurance.
One drawback to the Clearly Filtered water filter is that it does not have a bypass valve. This means that all the water will go through the cartridge, even when you turn on the cold water. Other than that, the filter also has a decent 1-year filter life but no indicator to notify you when a filter replacement is due. You’re also limited to installing this filtration system horizontally and not vertically.
Aside from that, the Clearly Filtered Kitchen Faucet filtration system is a great choice for those who want a water filter that’s easy to install. The manufacturer even gives you a lifetime warranty for greater peace of mind.
Pros
- Long filter life of about 12 months.
- Compact design for easy mounting and dismounting.
- A thorough filtration system that helps you get rid of more than 220 contaminants in your water.
- Works with existing faucets and does not require a separate faucet to connect.
Cons
- No bypass valve meaning the filter will always be in use.
- No sound or light indicator to remind you when it’s time to replace the filter.
6. CuZn UC-200
The CuZn UC-200 Under Counter is one of the highest-rated under sink filters on our list here today and it’s not hard to see why considering its price and features. This under-sink filtration system has a super easy installation process that does not require an additional faucet.
You can directly connect the filtration system to your sink’s cold water supply instead to get clean, filtered water every time. The sink filter also comes with all the necessary tools and components you need for its installation. This means that you won’t need to go out and buy other fittings just to install the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter water filter.
Another plus point if you go with the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter water filtration system is that it features long-lasting filters that are capable of producing up to 50,000 gallons of filtered water. This means that you’ll need to only change the filters after about 5 years or more. This low-maintenance water filter is definitely one of those that you can install and forget about for a long time.
Pros
- Simple installation that only requires an adjustable wrench.
- All components required are included in the water filter package.
- Long filter life of about 5 years or more.
Cons
- The water filter is a little larger than other models and may be difficult to install if you have a disposal system under your sink.
7. APEC WFS-1000 3 Stage
The APEC WFC-1000 3-stage under sink water filter is a popular sink filter that uses a 3-stage filtration process to remove most contaminants in the water for you and your family to enjoy high-quality drinking water.
One advantage the APEC WFS sink filters offer is the ease of installation. While other water filters require several additional parts on top of a complicated installation process, this filter model comes included with all the components and even pre-drilled holes to make it easier for you to mount the sink filter on the wall.
Many customers have also raved about the good water pressure their APEC WFS water filters offer. Many other sink filters have advanced filtration processes but it comes at a cost: low water pressure. There’s simply no point in getting a water filter that will only give you a trickle of water at best whenever you open the tap.
Fortunately, that is not the case with APEC WFS-1000 under sink water filters. Despite passing the water through 3 separate filters, the filtered water coming out of the faucet still has good water pressure.
Pros
- Comes included with a high-quality stainless steel faucet.
- Easy installation with pre-drilled holes for easy mounting.
- Good water pressure.
Cons
- The faucet only comes in stainless steel finish that may not match other fixtures.
8. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter
Frizzlife water filters are designed to help homeowners get rid of 99.99% of water contaminants including lead, fluoride, arsenic, copper, VOCs, cyst, and chlorine. In fact, the Frizzlife undersink water filter is so precise that it can remove particles that are as small as 0.5 microns.
Despite the impressive filtering capability, this undersink water filter system only filters harmful contaminants from the water and ensures healthy minerals stay in it. This means that you get to enjoy odorless and better-tasting water that’s healthy and clean.
The Frizzlife undersink water filter system is also very easy to install. You only need to attach the filter system directly to your cold water line under your sink. You won’t need more than 3 minutes to mount this system and best of all, you don’t have to pay extra to hire a plumber just to do it.
The sink filter also has a very easy filter replacement process where you’re not required to shut off the water supply. It also doesn’t hinder water flow just to remove contaminants to give you good water pressure at the tap.
Pros
- Eco-friendly undersink water filter that allows you to replace the filter without throwing the plastic cartridge.
- Super easy and quick installation process.
- The filter unit is compatible with ½ inch and ⅜ inch water valves.
- Leaves healthy minerals in the filtered water.
- Maintains good water pressure at the faucet.
Cons
- None.
9. Doulton SuperCarb
Need an efficient under sink filter that is capable of producing clean and crisp water for you and your loved ones? Then the Doulton W9330958 SuperCarb might just be the one for you. This filtration unit relies on an efficient filter cartridge to remove harmful contaminants in the water.
While there’s only one filter cartridge, there are four different stages of filtration within it to remove most of the contaminants from your drinking water. The first stage of filtration is an activated carbon block filter to get rid of floating particles like bacteria, parasitic cysts, bad odor, and taste.
The next stage of the water filtration system is an antibacterial filter that’s self-sterilizing to prevent itself from getting contaminated over time. The third one is another carbon filter designed to remove chlorine, organic compounds, and any lingering tastes and odors. The last filter is designed to remove heavy metals present in the drinking water.
All in all, this is a superb filtering system that can help ensure clean drinking water without taking up too much space under the sink.
Pros
- Durable water filter with solid housing and thick tubing to last longer than most on the market.
- Four different stages of filtration to get rid of harmful contaminants in the water.
- Simple under sink filtering solution.
Cons
- Some parts need to be purchased separately for installation.
10. Woder 10K-Genll
Those on a tight shopping budget will love the Woder 10K-Genll ultra-high capacity water filter that delivers effective filtration. Despite the cheap price tag, the system along with all its components and filter materials is NSF certified for good performance.
One of the advantages of using Woder water filtration systems is that they come with all the pieces and accessories you need for installation and maintenance. So, this means that all you really need to get this simple under sink water filter up and running is an adjustable wrench.
Another advantage to getting this under sink system is the longevity of its filters. The Woder filters are popular for their long filtering capability. The wilder is able to filter up to 10,000 gallons of water, meaning you can install and forget about them for about 3 years before they need to be replaced.
Pros
- Filter change takes only about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Long-lasting filters that only need replacement after 3 years or 10,000 gallons of water.
- NSF certified components and filter materials.
- Cheap price tag.
Cons
- Owners might experience up to 20% water pressure reduction at the faucet. This might not be the best under sink filters for those with low water pressure to begin with.
Why Choose an Under-Sink Water Filters for Well Water?
Under sink water filters do not only bring you clean filtered water for drinking that’s free from harmful elements, but they can also introduce other benefits for you and your family to enjoy. Nonetheless, below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of getting an under sink filtration system.
Advantages
Better Water taste
An undersink water filter will improve the taste of your drinking water by eliminating chemicals that lead to unpleasant odor and taste.
Improved Water Quality
Obviously, this is the main benefit of water filters since this is also their main purpose. Every house requires a water filter to purify water in the most important location of the house – the kitchen.
Environmentally Friendly
Having your own water treatment system means that you don’t need to keep buying plastic water bottles for drinking. In fact, the device can help you filter tap water and fill a reusable insulated water bottle before you leave your house. This reduces the total amount of bottled water purchases and the consumption of other plastic products.
Space Saving
An undersink filter does not take up too much space in a kitchen sink as they always stay in a closed cabinet. Not only will it not take up a lot of space but it also won’t cause an eyesore like a whole house filtering system would do.
Easy Installation
Installing an undersink water filter requires minimum capabilities. You can easily learn and obtain those skills through a simple DIY video on the internet or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Either way, this means you can save some extra bucks from not needing to hire a plumber.
Affordable
Like any filter, this water filter may require some additional expenses for maintenance. However, its purchase price is not very high and the replacement filters themselves are also pretty affordable.
Variety
There are a number of different sink filtration systems depending on which type of contaminants you need to remove from your water. You can choose from standard or more advanced sink systems to serve your needs.
Disadvantages
Single Outlet
Under sink systems are one-point devices that only filter clean water for one faucet in your house. Unlike other systems, this is designed to provide purified water from one single sink only. If you want to have filtered, clean water everywhere in your home, you can consider getting a whole house water filter system instead.
Separate Tap
This type of filtering device may require its own dedicated faucet to deliver clean water. For this, you can choose to install either a standard filter tap or opt for a three-way tap connected to your hot and cold water supply.
Different Types of Water Filtration Systems Under Sink
There are three main types of undersink filters: conventional filter, simple filter, and RO system.
Conventional Under-Sink Water Filter
A conventional filter is attached to your cold water supply to deliver purified water from a separate, dedicated faucet. This means you can still use both hot and cold unfiltered water from your original faucet without any problems.
Since this type of sink system requires an additional new faucet for purified water and fittings to attach to the cold water line, installing these filters can be a little tricky for some. You may even need to drill extra holes on your sink/ countertop for the faucet. On the other hand, since the purified water is separated from unfiltered water, the filter life is prolonged.
Simple Under-Sink Water Filter
Unlike the conventional system, the simple under-sink system will filter the whole cold water line that will then be dispensed through a regular faucet instead of a dedicated one. However, since this type of filter purifies more water, they do have shorter life spans and will need to be changed more often than conventional filters.
On the other hand, since the filter only requires a simple connection to the cold water line, these filters are easiest and quicker to install. In fact, installation only takes a few minutes and does not require the services of a plumber. These are a few reasons why many homeowners prefer simple filters, especially for individuals living in rented apartments and houses.
Reverse Osmosis System
A reverse osmosis (RO) system adopts the reverse osmosis process to remove contaminants from the water. The reverse osmosis systems have a filter with very small pores that only allow water to pass through. RO systems dispense pure water through a separate faucet and dispense “wastewater” that’s full of contaminants for non-drinking purposes.
Since the membrane in reverse osmosis systems is very fine, RO systems are often accompanied by several layers of pre-filters to remove larger sediments and pollutants from the water before it reaches the RO membrane. This step will promise efficiency, making the RO system one of the most effective non-electronic systems for purifying water.
However, reverse osmosis systems are also much more difficult to install. The mileage of the RO systems may also vary depending on the design of the system itself, the space available under the sink, as well as your plumbing skill.
Installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system would typically take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you’re unfamiliar with plumbing, it is recommended for you to call a handyman or professional plumber instead. This will then contribute to the higher total price of the reverse osmosis (RO) system compared to conventional and simple filters.
Under Counter vs. Countertop Water Filter System: Which is Better?
Conventional under sink and countertop water filters are easy to compare since they both use an activated carbon filter as their main component. Nonetheless, they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that you can consider when deciding.
Conventional Under Counter Systems
Pros
- They’re kept under closed cabinets and kept out of sight. This means they won’t interfere with your kitchen’s design.
- They do not take up countertop space as they’re installed in the cabinet.
- Good filtration rate compared to countertop water filters.
Cons
- Although they’re hidden under your sink, some of these filters can be larger and bulkier than countertop water filters.
- The water filters may also be more complicated to install.
Countertop Sink Filter Systems
Pros
- These water filters are smaller and won’t take up too much storage space.
- The water filtration systems are easier to install compared to under-sink filters.
Cons
- Countertop filters take longer to filter the same amount of water as their under-sink counterparts.
- They’re kept over counters and may ruin your design if they don’t look good.
How to Install Undercounter Water Filter
Different water filters have their own installation steps. But here are the general steps you’ll need to do to install a water filter.
- Remove the tubing under your sink.
- Mark the location you plan to install your new filter.
- Make all the necessary plumbing connections.
- Connect the filter to the sink.
- Screw the filter in if you decide to mount it.
- Test the new filter.
How to Maintain Under Sink Water Filters
The maintenance process will vary according to the model, but here are some common steps that you should take when replacing the filters.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Drain the system by opening the faucet.
- Open the casing with a screwdriver or tool provided by the manufacturer.
- Remove the filters.
- Clean the casing with a damp cloth.
- Replace the filter/filters.
- Close the casing.
- Turn the water back on and check for any leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where’s the best place to install my under sink water filter?
As the name suggests, the best place to install the filters is under the sink. The space under your sink usually has a clear area for you to store a few kitchen items. You can move some of the items to create some space for the filter. They are packages with a kitchen-design faucet that’s suitable for installation in the kitchen.
Do I need a plumber to install and replace the filters?
No, you don’t necessarily need to call a plumber to install and replace the filters. Many filter systems are easy to install and can be done by yourself at home. The manufacturers are even ready with a team of customer support to guide you through the installation and maintenance process.
However, there’s still no harm in calling a plumber should you still feel worried about doing it yourself. You should also ask for help if you notice leaks after installing the filtration system. The goal here is to successfully install a stable filtration system that gives you clean and safe water.
Can I test the water to know what contaminants are present?
Yes, you can test the water with a testing kit to determine the contaminants present. If your water comes from a municipal or another supplier, you can also contact them for more information on the water they’re supplying you.
They will be more than happy to provide you with all the necessary information you need on the water source as well as the contaminants in the water, the health effects of each contaminant, and even the purification process they’ve used to purify the water.
All the above information is crucial to help you decide on which is the best water filter to buy for your home. A water testing kit can also give you all the information on the contaminants present in the water.
Is a water softener the same as a water filter?
No, a water softener is not the same as a filter as a water softener only removes components that cause hardness in water: magnesium and calcium. A filter system, on the other hand, removes other contaminants like bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals, chloramines, and sediments.
However, there are filtering models out there that come with water-softening features that can clean and soften your water at the same time. If you already have a softener, then you can forgo this additional feature and just get a simple system with a carbon filter.
The choice of which filter model to buy will depend on the quality of water you want to achieve. Both calcium and magnesium are important healthy minerals for the body, so that’s why some people might want to have a filter that retains these healthy minerals in the water.
Is a reverse osmosis system better than an under-counter purifying system?
No, RO systems are not necessarily better than under-counter systems. Both filtering systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. A reverse osmosis filter removes more contaminants but they’re also very expensive and produce a lot of wastewater. Whereas under-counter water purifying systems do not waste water and are more affordable.
Do I need electricity to power the filter system?
No, you do not need to connect the filters to an electricity source for them to work.
Is purified water the same as bottled water?
No, purified water is not the same as bottled water. There are different types of bottled water ranging from spring water to mineral water. Depending on the type of bottled water you get off the shelf from the store, they may contain different properties from the water you filter.
Bottled minerals and spring water have additional minerals such as calcium and magnesium whereas the home distilled water is completely mineral-free (unless you use a remineralization filter). Bottled water is filtered but usually through a less thorough filtration process and is likely to contain traces of contaminants and impurities.
Is it safe for babies to drink filtered water?
Yes, it is safe for babies to drink filtered water. In fact, it is a lot safer for babies to drink purified water than regular tap water since tap water can contain all sorts of contaminants and microorganisms that are harmful to their immune systems. The reason why parents are encouraged to boil their water before using it to make milk formula is to effectively kill or remove dangerous contaminants and pathogens in water.
Can I filter water just by boiling it?
No, you cannot filter water just by boiling it. Boiling water is a sterilization step. Since the contaminants have nowhere to go, they’re trapped in the water as it boils. While boiling water has benefits such as removing dissolved carbon dioxide gases and killing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, this process does not remove chemicals like chlorine and metal in your water.
How can I keep purified water?
You can keep purified water in BPA-free containers. Purified water is entirely pure and is more susceptible to leaching by absorbing chemicals and contaminants from containers. This is why it is important for you to store purified water in BPA-free plastic or glass holding tanks that do not contain anything that will make its way into your clean distilled water.
If you’re using metal, you may risk certain metal components entering into your distilled water. So, if you plan on taking your distilled water with you on the go, make sure you use BPA and BPS-free plastic or glass carafe to store the distilled water.
How long can I keep my purified water?
Just like tap water, purified water can last very long provided that you store it properly. Store-bought purified water for home appliances can last several years in an airtight container, or a year or two once opened. For purified water produced by yourself at home, you might notice your water go stale after a week or two. While the purified water is still safe to drink, it might not taste as nice.
You can tell when your purified water goes stale if you experience an unpleasant smell. It might also taste a little unusual. However, you should keep note that bad-tasting water is more likely related to its storage container than the age of the purified water.
Do I need electricity for an under sink water filter?
Some sink water filters require electricity to operate hence, you’d near plug point under your sink. Otherwise, you could simply hire a trustable electrician to build a new plug point for you.
Contrastingly, other sink water filters only require batteries which it is very easy to use and extremely portable. For instance, if you’re a tenant then it is best to opt for sink water filters using batteries so you’d easily bring it everywhere when your term of tenancy ends.
Conclusion: Is it worth it for you to buy an under sink water filter?
They say that you are what you eat. Hence, the quality of water you drink will play a very important role in the quality of your life. If you’re looking to get a quality water filter that will meet your needs and give you purified water, then an undersink system is something worth considering.
It doesn’t matter which is your water source: well water or municipal water, a good sink filter will help you remove most of the contaminants in your water supply. We hope today’s under sink water filter reviews and comprehensive buying guide has given you enough information and insight to choose the right model for your house.
Understanding how filters work will make it easier for you to make the right decision about which model to buy. If you’re still confused on which model to get, you can choose any one from our list, and be rest assured to have a filtering system that’s reliable and efficient.
