The Most Common Water Filter SCAMS To AVOID

How To Avoid Common Water Filter Scams

Unfortunately there are many water filter scams that I’ve seen on the market today. Here are some things to look out for in order to avoid them.

Most people don’t have a water test kit at home so retailers can make all sorts of claims about what their products can filter knowing that you can’t check. So make sure you have a water test kit and challenge results that don’t match up.

Always look for awards and certificates from professional bodies like the WQA (Water Quality Association).

Be suspicious when a filter works too quickly (if it’s a manual filter not electronic). For instance, Brita filter jugs work extremely fast when compared to Zero filter jugs. So it’s not surprising that Zero removes up to 98% more contaminants. Also note that Zero are so confident with their results that they give you a free water test kit when you buy. This is also why most cheap shower filters are scams. A shower filter has to work very quickly so doesn’t have enough time to really do a good job. If you want to buy a shower filter make sure you buy a premium one that has a large compartment that gives it more time to treat your water.

The Different Types of Water You Can Drink.

Before looking at why water filters are not overrated despite all the possible scams, let’s see the different types of water that are available to the average person.

Specifically problems with the most common types of water that you drink.

The following list looks at most of the common sources of drinking water.

I will discuss some of the facts, issues and concerns that you need to consider for each of them.

Five Most Common Sources of Water 

1. Tap Water

This is perhaps the easiest, fastest, most convenient and not to mention 100% free.

Even though it is technically clean to drink there are still many unanswered questions about what actually lurks in the water.

Tap water is the cause of limescale in your kettle / coffee maker, especially in areas that suffer from high amounts of hard water.

If you’re interested in knowing more about tap water and how safe it is read this article.

The bottom line is that although it is technically clean, you are likely to consume a number of things added by government agencies. You will also deal with issues caused by water hardness

Read: Is Tap Water Safe To Drink?

2. Alkaline Water

There is some controversy surrounding alkaline water. Some experts recommend using it only for short-term detoxification, typically for 1-2 weeks and not for prolonged periods.

As if this wasn’t enough, the alkalinization process does NOT actually filter water.

Therefore, exercise caution when choosing what type of water to alkalize. You should ideally be opting for pre-filtered water.

Read: Good or Bad? The Truth behind Alkaline Water Benefits

3. Distilled Water

This is a method that removes pretty much everything from water making it technically the cleanest form of water you can get.

But the problem is that it also removes healthy minerals and nutrients that naturally occur in water.

This leads some to argue that the water doesn’t properly hydrate your body with the minerals your it needs.

If this is true, long term use of this as your sole source of hydration could lead to health problems.

4. Vitamin Water

Don’t believe the sales pitch. “Vitamin water” essentially means water with added fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or sugar as well as preservatives, additives and sometimes caffeine.

My advice is to just stick with water if you want to be properly hydrated without the extra calories.

5. Bottled Water

Did you know some bottles of water are made up of 40% tap water? OK, so it has been slightly filtered but what you’re drinking and paying through the nose for is essentially tap water.

Water bottled in plastic is also at risk of being contaminated by potentially hazardous chemicals like BPA and EA.

The other issue is the devastating impact on the environment because most plastics are unrecyclable.

Read: 8 Best Bottled Water And Why They’re ALL BAD For You

Water Filter Cartridges

What Is A Water Filter Cartridge?

A water filter cartridge is the small filtration device you can place in water to remove impurities and contaminants.

It is the cartridge that actually filters the water in a water filter jug or water filter bottle to make it safe and clean for drinking.

Water Filter Cartridge Replacement.

Most water filter systems use a cartridge filter design that has been trademarked.

This means that it is likely that no 2 cartridges work the same so you can not use them interchangeably.

They need to be replaced on a regular basis.

You should always read and follow all the instructions that come with the cartridge.

This will ensure you get the most effective use out of it.

How to Choose a Water Filter Cartridge.

The effectiveness of individual water filter cartridges depends on how it has been designed.

For instance, some cartridges only remove particles that are bigger than a certain size. While others might be able to remove heavy metals and certain chemicals.

If you want to know what each cartridge can and can not filter then check the fact sheet that it came with. Each fact sheet will explain what they are able to filter.

This is important because some people might just want to filter water to improve the taste. While others might need a more aggressive form of filtration.

This may be because they want to remove water hardness, contaminants and maybe even parasites.

How do Water Filter Cartridges Work?

In essence, a water filter cartridge will normally have multiple layers of materials that are responsible for filtering the water.

The membranes might also trap particles that pass through. However, this means that the filter might become clogged with particles. Or clogged with other things it has trapped.

You should keep an eye out for clogged cartridges. Clean it if necessary so that you can make sure it always works effectively.

If you don’t remove trapped particles then the cartridge could become completely ineffective.

This could also apply to the holes in filtering materials like carbon activated coal like charcoal filters.

How to Install Replacement Cartridge Filters

Each replacement cartridge will usually come with detailed usage recommendations. Manufacturers will also provide installation instructions and a general guide.

The guide will include things like how long you can safely leave each filter in the water. It will also include any expiration date.

Although most filters will come with some sort of reminding device.

What Is An Inline Filter?

This is a water filtration device that goes under the sink.

It reduces limescale, chlorine and impurities in order to give you fresh, clear, great tasting water.

They usually last for 3 months.

But all this depends on how soft or how hard the water is and how often you use it.

Water Filter Jugs

If you want to get better tasting tap water and stop limescale in your kettle then you should filter your water. One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy a water filter jug.

Read: Best Water Filter Jugs: Some PROBLEMS You MUST Know

Mains Water Filter / Water Filter Taps.

If you find water jugs and water filter bottles annoying, hard work and inconvenient then you should consider getting a whole house water filter.

One of the best water filtration systems that I have both experienced and reviewed is the reverse osmosis or RO system.

You can easily buy the RO filter system and get a local plumber to install it for you.

If you have some DIY skills then information on this page tells you how you can install it yourself.

This is useful if you live in an area that suffers hard water.

Installing a point-of-entry system filter water could also mean you don’t experience any  limescale issues.

Finally it will give you better tasting water that doesn’t have any odor yet is still free from impurities.

Are Water Filters Overrated?

No.

This article is here to reassure you that most water filters are not scams.

Consider getting a water filtration system, especially if you’re worried about your drinking water quality.

No matter what kind of filter you go for, you’ll need a reliable device.

Different filters work in different ways but should work as intended if you just stick to the instructions provided.

This way you’ll make sure you get the most out of your device and each water filter cartridge you use.

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