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What is Ultrafiltration?

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In the past, the only places that used ultrafiltration were hospitals and larger municipalities. Now, ultrafiltration systems can be enjoyed by anyone - right in their own homes. Ultrafiltration removes solid particles from liquids using membrane filtration. This process filters out dirt, viruses, and bacteria while retaining beneficial minerals, which allows households to have a supply of with clean, safe drinking water.

What is Ultrafiltration?

An ultrafiltration system for the home works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane gets rid of impurities, leaving only clean drinking water. It’s a process that is similar to reverse osmosis as it uses a pressure-driven barrier to remove or greatly reduce solids and other impurities in the water.

Ultrafiltration uses a 0.02 micron membrane that removes the following impurities from water:

Silt
Silica
Smog
Viruses
Parasites
Plastics
Bacteria
Proteins
Endotoxins

Not only does ultrafiltration remove all the impurities and pathogens, but it does so without removing the salt and essential minerals from the water.

The water filtration process can be enhanced further when a carbon pre-filter is used to filter municipal water sources before it enters the home water supply and the ultrafiltration system. The carbon pre-filter will reduce unwanted odors and tastes that are common with aesthetic chlorine. Afterwards, when the water travels into the home, it’s processed through the ultrafiltration system to further purify it from all the impurities listed above.

Do I Need an Ultrafiltration or Reverse Osmosis Filter?

While ultrafiltration systems are similar to reverse osmosis systems and they are two of the most effective and powerful water filtration systems, there are some differences to be aware of. The biggest difference is that ultrafiltration is a filter system while reverse osmosis is a process where molecules are actually separated.

Ultrafiltration systems often use what’s called a hollow fiber membrane, which works by filtering water from the inside out. This allows for a large surface area that particles can adhere to. Many other membranes, including the spiral-wound reverse osmosis membrane, filters from the outside in. The hollow fiber membranes that ultrafiltration systems use have a high chemical resistance to chlorine and oxidants, while a reverse osmosis membrane with a thin-film composite doesn’t tolerate any chlorine.

A reverse osmosis system provides the most extensive filtration because the reverse osmosis membrane has the smallest pore size. However, that extensive level of filtration isn’t always needed or preferred. An ultrafiltration system retains beneficial minerals that reverse osmosis systems remove. Additionally, ultrafiltration systems are able to be run with low water pressure while systems using reverse osmosis have to have a booster pump to increase water flow.

Lastly, each of the two systems filter out different impurities. Ultrafiltration doesn’t eliminate dissolved salts or solids. It will only filter out solid particles, but it does so at a microscopic level. In fact, due to its fine micron reduction capacity, an ultrafiltration system filter is able to remove a majority of the impurities (like the ones listed above) from the water. Reverse osmosis is able to eliminate much of the dissolved minerals in water, including salts and beneficial minerals. Many people prefer this because they want drinking water that is as pure as possible and completely free of salts, minerals, and total dissolved solids.

Benefits of Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration systems provide many advantages to homeowners, making drinking water safe, clean, and great tasting. Some of the benefits include:

Removal of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens
Retention of key minerals that are beneficial to people drinking the water
More cost-effective than other types of filtration (particularly reverse osmosis systems)
Operates at low water pressure
Doesn’t waste as much water as other types of filtration, and can treat wasted water for reuse
Installs quickly and easily

Additionally, ultrafiltration systems are eco-friendly. They have a 90-95% recovery rate and because they can be used to treat waste-water for reuse, they don’t generate very much waste-water at all. Using an ultrafiltration system also benefits the environment because it reduces the number of plastic water bottles that are thrown away in landfills.

How to Install an Ultrafiltration System

Ultrafiltration systems can be easily installed out of sight and under the sink. It’s just a matter of turning off the main water supply, draining the system, cutting the existing pipe in the place where the filtration system will go, and then following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Most homeowners find it simple enough to do themselves, but installation can also be done by a professional. For more detailed information, read our post “How to Install a Whole House Water Filter.”

What is a Reverse Osmosis System and Why Do I Need It?

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems can seem complicated. The name alone sounds intimidating. However, once you understand its purpose, you will realize how this addition can greatly improve your water supply. A RO system has one goal: to create great drinking water. If you are wanting higher quality drinking water, continue reading below to find out how the addition of a RO system could change your water supply forever!

What is a Reverse Osmosis System?

Simply put, reverse osmosis systems remove debris and other contaminants from unfiltered water. RO systems (such as these) consist of five working parts that combine to create high quality drinking water: a sediment pre-filter, an activated carbon pre-filter, the reverse osmosis membrane, a storage tank, and a carbon post-filter. In some systems, an activated carbon post filter is not needed. Be sure to thoroughly read about and understand your specific system before installing!

How RO Systems Work

First, the unfiltered municipal or well water moves through a sediment pre-filter which works to remove the larger debris such as sand and other particulates. Next, an activated carbon pre-filters the chemicals such as chlorine or pesticides which could damage the reverse osmosis membrane. The reverse osmosis membrane removes almost everything left in the water, from dissolved solids to heavy metals. The activated carbon post filter, also known as the polishing filter, helps correct the demineralized, slightly acidic RO water from the storage tank.

Why Do I Need One?

A reverse osmosis system provides benefits that you can see, as well as those you may not as easily notice. On a basic level, you need a reverse osmosis system to guarantee that you are drinking clean, high quality water. Not only does it taste great, but it also removes debris, particles, and chemicals that can cause you and your family harm.

A reverse osmosis system comes with great overall efficiency as well. RO systems use high grade filters to purify around 3,900 gallons of water. Other filtration systems are typically only able to filter around half the gallons of a RO system. The filters in other systems are often lower grade than the activated carbon filters used in the RO system. This means that your water will be less purified, and you will need to change your filters about twice as often with other filtration systems. RO systems not only create delicious water, they also save time and money.

It is up to each individual to choose the filtration system that will work best for their household. You should definitely consider a RO system when making this decision. If you have any questions about RO systems or how they work, feel free to contact us today!

How to Change a Whole House Water Filter

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Once you have installed a whole house water filter, it is important to be able to maintain it. This involves knowing how to change your whole house water filter, which is necessary to ensure that you have the highest quality filtered water. However, this task is not as complicated as you may think. While you may believe you need a professional’s help, that is not necessarily the case. Below, we have provided the steps to help you seamlessly change a whole house water filter.

Before you Begin

Much like the original installation, when you change a whole house water filter, you will need to do a couple of steps before you begin. Most importantly, you must remember to turn off the whole house water filter’s inlet valve. If you don’t, this will create many problems. By turning off the inlet valve, you prevent water from leaking. Note, it’s important to keep a bucket handy in case any excess water drips throughout the changing process.

Steps to Change a Whole House Water Filter

Once you have turned off the whole house water filter’s inlet, follow the steps below!

Take Off Filter. Use the whole house water filter’s wrench to take the filter off. Use a bucket to capture any dripping water.
Clean Filter. Use a clean, dry cloth to clean the inside of the whole house water filter.
Insert New Filter. Attach the new filter and use the filter wrench to tighten it.
Turn Inlet Valve On. To make sure everything is attached and working properly, turn the inlet valve back on. If there are any leaks, use the wrench to tighten the filter more.
Run Water. Let the water run through the new filter for ten minutes before tasting.

Once you have completed those five steps, you will have successfully changed your whole house water filter. The process is simple and can easily be completed on your own. Consult your manual or manufacturer to see how frequently you will need to change the filter. Changing your whole house water filter as suggested is the best way to guarantee that you have the highest quality water possible.

It is important to note that the specifics of changing whole house filters vary between models. Consult your manufacturer or whole house water filter manual to find out the particulars. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

How to Install a Whole House Water Filter

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to filtering the water that enters your household, you want to be sure that it is safe for you and your family to use. One way to guarantee this is to be sure that your whole house water filter is installed properly. It can seem daunting to take on this task alone and many people wonder if it is better to call a professional. However, installing a whole house water filter is much easier than you may think. Below, we have provided simple steps to installing a whole house water filter. Keep reading to find out more!

Before You Begin

Before you start installing your whole house water filter, it is important to do a few things to prepare. The first thing you should do in preparation for this task is to turn off the main water supply to your home, as well as drain the system. It is also important to mark the spot where you plan to put the filter. This location should be easily accessible as you will need to reach it from time to time to change the filters. These pre-steps will ensure that you install the whole house water filter in the correct area and also prevent any unnecessary water spillage or leaks.

Steps to Install Whole House Water Filter

Once you have turned off the main water supply, drained the system, and marked the spot that you will install the whole house water filter, you can begin the installation process. Follow the steps below to make sure that the installation of your whole house filter is a success!

Cut the pipe. Using a pipe cutter, make two cuts and remove the previously marked section where the whole house water filter will go. Be sure to have a bucket close by to catch any left-over water.
Install fittings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to correctly install the compression nut and plastic or brass fittings.
Position Whole House Water Filter. To make sure the whole house water filter functions properly, be sure to install it so that the water enters through the “in” port and exist through the “out” port.
Check for Leaks. Turn off the filter’s inlet valve and turn the main water supply back on to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, turn the inlet valve back on to complete the installation process.

While these steps are straightforward, some people may find it easier to call a professional to install their whole house water filter. If you are uncomfortable with DIY projects, don’t hesitate to consult a plumber to help you with this installation. If you have any questions about how to install a whole house water filter, please feel free to contact us!

Whole House Water Filters for City Water vs Well Water

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Whole house water filters ensure that your household water supply is properly filtered for you and your family. However, this seemingly simple filter system has variety and nuance you might not expect. City water supplies vary greatly from well water supplies, and where you get your water from plays a large part in the whole house water filter that you need. Below, you can find an explanation of the differences between city water and well water, and the ways that your water supply can impact the success of your whole house water filter.

City Water and Whole House Water Filters

If your water supply comes from the city or a municipal source, you will want to look for a whole house water filter that protects against harmful chemicals. Chlorine and chloramines are a major concern with city water and can lead to many problems such as powerful odor or sickness.

Another concern with city water is hardness minerals. These minerals are potentially a severe health concern so it is important to find whole house water filters that can filter them out properly. It is also possible to combine whole house water filters with water softeners to guarantee the hardness minerals are removed.

It is important that people who get their water from the city find a whole house filter with the capabilities of not only filtering sediment but chemicals and hardness minerals as well, as in our under-sink UF filtration system.

Well Water and Whole House Water Filters

Well water supplies have some overlap with city water supplies, but their main concerns differ slightly. Hardness materials and sediment are the issues you will need to look for when it comes to getting pure, filtered water from your well. If not removed, these issues can harm your family in the same way that they can with city water.

Something you will definitely need to watch out for with well water is iron. This can be very damaging and so it is important to choose a whole house water filter that can remove iron. There are two types of iron that comes from well water, ferrous (clear) and ferric (red). The ferric will need a sediment filter and the ferrous will need to be removed via oxidation. Be sure to know the type of iron you have before you commit to a specific whole house water filter.

Water Analysis for Optimal Water Filtration

If you are not sure about the chemicals, sediment, and hardness minerals in your water, it is possible to take a water analysis. Getting your water tested or analyzed can help you better understand the water you are working with and the type of whole house water filter that will best help you. If you have any questions about well water vs. city water in relation to whole house water filters, please feel free to contact us!

What is a Whole House Water Filter and How Does it Work?

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to your household water supply, it is important that your water is properly filtered. From bath water to drinking water, you want to be confident that you and your family have safe water. This is where a whole house water filter comes into play. Like its name describes, a whole house water filter attaches to the water line that enters your home to guarantee that only treated water is dispensed throughout your house.

While this is the main idea of a whole house water system, it is still important to understand the details of this filter and how it can work for you. Keep reading below to find out about this important household water appliance.

What is a Whole House Water Filter?

As stated above, a whole house water filter treats the water supply of your whole house before it enters your household through your sinks and faucets. This process usually takes place even before the water enters into the hot water heater. This ensures that the water throughout your home comes out properly purified before entering any part of your house.

However, this does not apply to your outdoor water supply. There are two different water lines that supply water to your property: an indoor, or “home,” water line and an outdoor, or “yard,” water line. It is possible to purify your outdoor water, but that will require a bit more work and a good understanding of your city water utility.

How Does it Work?

The first step in understanding how a whole house water filter will work for your household is figuring out the type of whole house water filter you will need. The main purpose of whole house water filters is to remove contaminants. These contaminants vary depending on where your water comes from. If your household water supply comes from the city, you will need a whole house filter capable of removing chlorine, chemicals, sediment and hardness minerals. If you have well water, you will need to get your water tested to determine the specific contaminants and then proceed from there.

Four Factors that Affect How a House Water Filter Works

There are four categories to focus on when choosing a whole house water filter that will work best for you. Those categories are flow rate, filter size, filter life, and port size. The flow rate is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. To guarantee that your whole house water filter can handle your household water supply, look for a system with a flow rate of greater than 10 GPM. Filter size will impact the service interval of your whole house water filter. Ideal filter size for a household is around 4.5” x 20”, though many times larger homes require a second unit entirely. Filter life will vary depending on the amount and quality of sediment found in your city or well water. Finally, there is port size. As a rule, ideal port size for whole house water filters is 1”, which allows enough water to eliminate pressure drops.

Because whole house water filters vary largely based on the original water supply coming into your home, it is important to know the details of your city or well water before purchasing one of these filter systems. If you have any questions about buying a whole house water filter, please contact us today for more information!