Aquasana AQ-4500 Complete Under Counter Water Filter SystemTo buy an under sink water filter anywhere in the market these days is not really that hard.  You can get hold of various designs, sizes, and shapes that should hook up comfortably to the pipes just under your sink.  It’s a good idea to have a water filter system installed if you’re concerned about clean water.

An under sink water filter system may take time when installing and hooking into the pipes, but once they are properly attached you wouldn’t have to worry much anymore about maintenance. The system is much better when it comes to filtering out various contaminants than other filtering systems, as it is also much better than those water filter pitcher types because of its two-step water filter process.

Take Measurements Before Installing An Under Sink Water Filter

One thing you must remember before purchasing such water filter systems is that it can take up space under your kitchen sink. It would be prudent to plan things first carefully before shopping. You also need to consider the warranty coverage extended to certified personnel who will install the system, unless you decide to install it yourself.  It would be smart to shop around thoroughly since some systems have already included the installation in the total costs. While prices indeed vary, you should know that average prices are just around $150. You can also find replacement filters included when you purchase particular systems.

Most of these water filter systems come with faucets designed to dispense purified water separately so tap water can be better used on other functions, like the washing of dishes. Such faucets easily fit inside sprayer holes of sinks, which is why you wouldn’t have to worry about modifying anything within your sink just to accommodate the system. You can always choose to install the system and everything around it provided you have all the tools needed for the installation.

Types of Under Sink Water Filter Cartridges

Two of the most common system types that utilize water filter cartridges installed under kitchen sinks are the activated carbon and the reverse osmosis types. The activated carbon principle makes good use of replaceable cartridges full of activated carbon for the purposes of removing all the impurities present in the water. Depending mainly on the filter size and the density of the carbons packed inside the filter, most of the activated carbon systems in the market these days are designed to capture and filter unwanted chemicals residues, pesticides, radon, chlorine and other harmful particulates. Such filter systems needs to be replaced in every six months.

Reverse osmosis on the other hand is more complex in the sense that water passes through various stages before upon filtering. It starts with a carbon-based pre filter level; water will then pass on through pressurized fine membranes, storing it in small pressure tanks until used up, and the rest of the particulates and impurities discharged away.

When purchasing an under sink water filter system, you must understand that there are various systems out there with different filtering capabilities (the nature and amount of contaminants and impurities that can be removed from the water. It would be smart to make the necessary research of your existing water’s composition and use the information to influence your choice of the water filter system.