The water you drink is one of the most important aspects of your daily life. You can spend money to buy bottled water, or you can choose to buy a filter that will bring fresh and clean water directly into your home. Since filters are something, we rely on for so many aspects of our lives, we need to know how they work, which filters are available, and when a filter might need replacing.

1. Types of Water Filter Cartridges

There are various types of water filter cartridges.

Reverse Osmosis Membrane Cartridges

Reverse osmosis is something that is a great option for those who have high-quality water. Reverse osmosis water filtration is designed to remove impurities from your drinking water, with a microporous membrane that prevents particles as small as one atom from passing through. To further refine the process, multiple stages of purification are added like sediment filters, carbon filters and more specialized treatments.

Sediment Filter Cartridges

Sediment filter cartridges are great for removing large particles from water, including rust and sediment. Sediment filter cartridges remove dirt, rust, and other particles from the water stream. The dirt from the water can collect at the bottom of the filter and cause it to stop working properly, but this type of filter is long-lasting compared to other options. Some sediment filter cartridges can remove up to 99% of all metals in a water stream.

Carbon Block Filters Cartridges

Carbon Block Filters are designed to reduce organic materials and chlorine in a water stream. They also can remove heavy metals and other contaminants. These filters are long-lasting and can be used in medium-sized and large spaces.

Ceramic Filters Cartridges

A ceramic filter cartridge can be used as a standalone filter to remove debris from your water. Ceramic Water Filters provide a cost-effective solution to water filtration, effectively trapping dirt, debris and bacteria with the aid of its ceramic material’s small pore size.

Alkaline Ionizer Filter Cartridges

Alkaline Ionizer filters are designed to remove potential contaminants from your water, including chlorine and other metals. These pH pitchers and filters infuse the water with alkaline minerals or other components that reduce oxidation and acidification, while at the same time enhancing alkalinity and bolstering antioxidants.

Ultraviolet Cartridges

Ultraviolet filters are great for removing germs and other contaminants from your water. The water that passes through an ultraviolet filter will be free of bacteria and viruses, making it safe to drink. This filter is a good option for those who want to remove harmful microorganisms from their water.

When to Replace Your Water Filter Cartridge

Many factors will determine when to replace your water filter cartridge. This can include the number of contaminants found in your water, as well as the quality of the water. All filters have an expected lifespan, and it’s important to follow the instructions that come with your filter to know when it’s time to replace certain pieces. The best rule of thumb is that if the expected lifespan of the filter is up, then it is time to replace it. If you want to be sure that your water is free of any contaminants, it’s important to ensure that you’re always using the right filter for your needs. A local company such as San Antonio Water Solutions can help you identify the most prevalent contaminants in your water and which filters will offer you the highest protection against them.