Both urban and rural areas may have contaminants in the drinking water. Pollutants like arsenic, fluoride, and mercury, among many others, can cause health problems. Water filters are available to provide cleaner water to you and your family. A water filter for your home will protect you from harmful contaminants.

4 Popular Water Filters for Your Home

Activated Carbon Filters

Carbon filters remove contaminants using activated carbon. This is the most common and least expensive type of water filter on the market. Carbon filters do not effectively remove a wide range of contaminants on their own. They are most effective in removing chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

This type of filter works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane permits water particles to pass through but anything larger is left behind. Many of the contaminants that carbon filters can’t catch will be stopped by reverse osmosis, but, unfortunately, they do not remove chlorine. Reverse osmosis filters use a lot more water than they produce, so are not the best option for filtering water for the whole house.

Ultraviolet Filters

Ultraviolet (UV) water filters kill bacteria and living micro-organisms by using a high-powered UV light. However, they are not able to filter out non-living organisms, meaning that chemicals, pesticides, and metals remain in the water after the process. When used in conjunction with another filter that catches toxic particles, UV filters are very effective for purifying water.

Look at Distillation Systems When Choosing a Water Filter for Your Home

Distillation is the process of removing contaminants by evaporating water into a gas and then cooling it back into a liquid. This is a very thorough filtration system; however, drinking only distilled water may lead to health problems since all good minerals are also removed from the water. Some of these minerals replenish your body’s electrolytes.

Which Home Water Filter is Right for You?

Get familiar with the contaminants in your water before you choose a system. This can be determined with a household water test. Hire a professional to test your water to make the right decision for your house.

Premier Home Inspection Services offers home inspection services, including water testing, in Northern New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment for our services.