First, What is a Water Purifier?
It is a machine that removes chemicals and biological contaminants from water. These include arsenic, chlorine, dioxin, DDT, PCBs, lead, mercury.
Different Types of Water Purification Methods:
1. RO or Reverse Osmosis Purification
This is the most common in commercial water filters. This technology works through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane separates impurities and dissolved solids and keeps the TDS level below 500ppm.
This membrane is effective enough to eliminate any heavy metal and salts, minerals and nitrates with ease. But sometimes it removes some essential minerals from water, so water tastes flat with RO purifiers.
2. Activated Carbon Filters
This method works on the adsorption method. Its activated carbon can adsorb all harmful molecules that are present in your water. This is highly efficient in removing trihalomethane (THM) compounds, volatile organic chemicals (VOC), pesticides, and many more.
A question may arise—why are we using carbon? That is because carbon is highly porous and works great in removing dissolved impurities. Activated charcoal also works more quickly than other options. Some people use this type of filter as a complementary one with UV or RO purification.
3. Ultraviolet Filters
Ultraviolet filters use an ultraviolet ray to purify water. UV rays can kill all potential pathogens in water without removing essential minerals in it. These microbes are the first germline threat of all water-borne diseases.
This method is eco-friendly as there is no addition of chemicals to the water. You can find heavy use of this method in industrial purifiers. Also, you can purify water for home up to 2000 liters per day.
There are many other methods, including biosand filters, ceramic filters, ion-exchange, distillation. Before you pick a water purifier for you, you should check out purewaterguide.net.
TDS
TDS or total dissolved solids are contaminants that are larger than 2 microns. TDS under 500ppm is safe for drinking. Most tap water has TDS ranging from 1000 to 3000ppm and is unsafe to drink. Higher TDS in water is hazardous for health.
The RO purifier works to reduce TDS in water, and allows you to check the TDS level of your drinking water.
How to Choose the Best Water Purifier for your Home?
1. Select your type
As discussed earlier, there are three major types of water purifiers. You can select any of them, or you can choose another modern variant. The RO+UV water purifiers is the duo of both RO and UV types. Though they are a bit costly, they work more effectively with the TDS regulator.
2. Capacity
Capacity should be considered for cost. Most families choose filters from 5 to 7 liters capacity. Nowadays, you will find filters with automated filtering options. It starts filtering as the water level declines in the storage tank. All you need is the power supply and continuous water flow to the system.
3. Warranty
Look for brands with long term warranty. Some of them offer five years or more. Also, look for filters with easy installation. If the system is difficult to set, then you can surely face hassle with the unit.
4. Customer Review
Reviews can be helpful. You should also read some negative reviews along with positive ones.
5. Maintenance
This is the most important criteria for all water purifiers. If you are selecting UV and RO purifiers, then it is not unusual to change the filter or UV bulb alarms. So, after-sale service is important.
6. Electric vs. Non-Electric
Electric water filters are more efficient than non-electric ones. All modern water purifiers like RO, UV, and RO+UV work with electric. If you are less likely to move, electic hookup is a good option. On the other hand, non-electric filters mainly use sand and gravity to purify water.