How do I install and maintain a tap water filter at home?
Water is a vital resource for our health and well-being, but its quality can vary considerably from region to region. Although tap water is generally safe, it may contain harmful substances. impurities and contaminants that affect its tastehis smell and, potentially, its health. This is where the importance of a tap water filter.
By effectively eliminating unwanted particles and contaminants, a water filter not only improves the quality of the water, but also reduces the risk of contamination. water qualitybut also the health and comfort of your home.
Installation, filtration and maintenance
Installing a tap water filter is a simple and affordable approach, offering immediate access to purer water. Although tap filters are easier to install and maintain than complex filtration systems, there is also the solution of water purifiers without physical filters which represent an even more significant development.
In this article, we explore the different options for tap water filtration available, from choosing the right filter to advice on how to installationon first use, maintenance and solving common problems.
We will also highlight why LAVIE UV-A purifiers offer a superior solution, both in terms of efficiency and ease of use.
Choosing the right water filter
The market offers a variety of drinking water filters, each designed to meet specific needs. specific needs. Understanding the different types available is essential if you are to choose the filter best suited to your situation.
Types of water filter
Filters on tap These filters attach directly to your existing kitchen tap. They are easy to install and ideal for filtering large quantities of water without major plumbing modifications. + photo
Under-sink filters Under-sink systems: These systems are installed under the sink and require more complex installation. They generally offer greater filtration capacity and are less visible than tap-mounted models.
Other options There are also filtering jugs (like the Brita carafe) whose filter cartridge contains activated carbon, filtration systems for the whole house, and filters for refrigerators, each with its own specific advantages.Â
Read also: Filter carafes: a good idea?
Tap water purifiers without filters
However, a major innovation in water filtration is filterless technology. We're thinking here of tap water purification systems that use UV, UV-A or UV-C radiation (UV-C only sterilises). These systems remove various contaminants simply by exposing your tap water to UV light. These devices revolutionise water filtration by offering effective purification without the need to regularly replace cartridges or filter elements.
As a reminder, UVA and UVC rays are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun, but they differ in their properties and effects on the Earth. UVA rays reach the Earth's surface and are responsible for a slight tanning of our skin (our sun capital remains a limited quantity...), whereas UVC rays, which are more dangerous, are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth.
Tips for choosing the right filter
When selecting your water filter, consider the following points:
- Local water quality : Test your water to identify the specific contaminants you want to filter. This step is essential to determine the type of filtration you need. [Link to article on water quality]
- Frequency of use : Consider the amount of water you use on a daily basis. More frequent use may require a system with greater filtration capacity.
- Space and design : Take into account the space available under your sink or around your tap, as well as the aesthetics of the kitchen. A compact, elegant system can be an asset, especially in modern kitchens.
- Budget and maintenance costs : Estimate the initial cost of the filter and the cost of replacing cartridges or filter elements.
With this in mind, it is interesting to note that filterless technologies, although they may represent a slightly higher initial investment, offer substantial savings in the medium term in terms of maintenance costs, eliminating the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
Materials required for installation
Installing a traditional water purification system can require a variety of tools and materials. Here's a list of what you might need:
Tools and materials
- Spanners for adjusting plumbing fittings.
- Teflon tape to seal connections.
- Drill, if under-sink installation is required.
Screwdriver for minor adjustments.
Preparation before installation
- Make sure you turn off the water supply.
- Clean the work area to avoid contamination.
Under-sink tap water filter installation
For those who prefer a visual demonstration to a lengthy explanation, here's a video that provides a concise and clear illustration of the process of installing an under-sink water filter.
Initial use and settings
After installation, it's important to know how to use and adjust your filtration system.
Instructions for first-time use
- Let the water run through the filter for a few minutes to remove any initial impurities.
Adjusting water flow and pressure
- Adjust the settings according to the manufacturer's instructions to obtain the best balance between flow and filtration.
Regular filter maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to the efficiency and longevity of your filtration system.
Frequency of maintenance
- We recommend checking and cleaning your filtration system every month.
- Cleaning and replacing cartridges
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacing filter cartridges.
Signs of necessary change
- Reduced water flow,
- Change in taste or smell.
For DIY enthusiasts, here's a video showing how to clean the coiled polypropylene filter for spring water.
Solving common problems
Even with regular maintenance, problems can still occur with traditional water filtration systems.
Frequent problems
- Leaks around fittings.
- Reduced water flow due to clogged filters.
Troubleshooting tips
- Check and retighten connections if necessary.
- Replace the filters in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Installing a water filter: from simple to complicated!
Installing a water purifier at home therefore varies in complexity depending on the type of system chosen.
For tap-mounted filters, installation is generally straightforward and can be carried out without any particular DIY skills. These filters are fitted directly onto the existing tap and require little or no specialist tools.
On the other hand, under-sink systems such as osmosis units require more complex installation. They require special tools such as adjustable spanners, Teflon tape, a drill and a screwdriver, as well as some plumbing expertise to ensure that the connections are watertight and secure.
It is important to turn off the water supply and prepare the work area before starting. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and cartridge replacement, is essential to maintain the efficiency of the system.
For those who are not comfortable with DIY or who choose more complex systems, it is advisable to call in a professional. This guarantees correct installation, avoids costly mistakes and ensures the safety and efficiency of the system.
LaVie UV-A water purifier: installation and maintenance-free
The LaVie UV-A tap water purifier stands out for its ease of installation and innovative approach to water purification.
Innovation and simplicity: The LaVie UV-A Purifier
Unlike traditional water filters, which as we've seen are often bulky and require complex under-sink installation, the LaVie purifier offers a compact, easy-to-use solution.
Its operation is based on UV-A technology, effectively eliminating chlorine, contaminants and impurities without the use of physical filters. This feature eliminates the need for regular maintenance and cartridge replacement, making LaVie an economical and environmentally-friendly choice.
Its elegant design and compact size make it ideal for convenient placement on the kitchen worktop. In short, LaVie offers superior quality purified water with minimal installation and maintenance, setting it apart from traditional under-sink filtration solutions.
Ecological and Economic Benefits of Filterless Purifiers
The big advantage of LaVie water purifiers over under-sink filters is that there are no filters to change! That means substantial savings in the long term. What's more, it's an environmentally-friendly system for your home, because you'll produce less waste!
In conclusion, although installing a traditional tap water filter offers some advantages, filterless water purifiers such as LAVIE's UV-A models offer superior benefits. These innovative systems eliminate the need for frequent cartridge replacement and offer a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution for obtaining pure, healthy water.
The simplified maintenance of filterless water purifiers, combined with their purification efficiency, makes them a superior option for those looking to optimise the quality of their water while reducing maintenance hassles and costs. By following a few simple steps to maintain your purifier, you can enjoy better quality water with minimal effort.
So, while recognising the advantages of traditional water filters, it's clear that filterless water purifiers represent a major evolution in water purification. They are an ideal solution for those looking for economy, efficiency, convenience and respect for the environment.
Article written on 22/12/2023 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.
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