Water purification systems for apartments. Water purification systems for apartments

In some countries, such as India, drinking tap water is dangerous and can cause stomach upset or intestinal infections. In Russia, things are better with water supply, but many still use a filter. Why is it necessary and which device is more effective?

In large Russian cities, water supply stations guarantee safety tap water. But before it gets into our tap, the liquid goes through pipes. Many pipes are old, rusty and worn out. Through them, harmful substances enter the tap water.

Some people don’t drink tap water because they smell a suspicious taste in it. But even if the water tastes normal, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. To check whether it contains impurities and contaminants, contact the sanitary and epidemiological service and submit a sample of the liquid there for testing.

You can roughly determine the water quality yourself:

If scale appears in your kettle, white stains remain after washing the dishes, and after brewing tea a film appears in the mug - the water is hard, that is, it contains a lot of salts.
A putrid taste of water indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and a tart taste indicates an excess of iron.
If your clothes have a gray tint after washing, it means there is manganese and heavy metals in the water.

In addition, you can take a look at the Internet project of Rospotrebnadzor “Russian Water Map”. The website has a map of laboratory water tests in different regions. Most of the research is in the Moscow region.

Some people prefer tap water bottled from the store, but this also has its own nuances. According to experts, bottled water does not always meet safety requirements. A list of “unsafe” brands is available on the Roskontrol website. In addition, water from the store is usually more expensive than filtered water at home. That's why many people start buying filters.

The filter improves the quality of the liquid: it cleans it of heavy metals, impurities, viruses and bacteria. How water is worse, the more powerful and expensive the device is needed. We reviewed the types of water filters and at the end of the article we provided recommendations for their selection.

Rough or mechanical cleaning- from large solid particles of sand, rust, clay, etc. Coarse filters are meshes made of steel or polymer materials with small cells.

Filters fine cleaning use the following technologies:

Sorption purification– from chlorine, petroleum products and other harmful compounds. During cleaning, water passes through the sorbent - as a rule, this activated carbon.
Ion exchange– water passes through ion exchange resins. As a result, magnesium and calcium ions, which give water hardness, are replaced by harmless sodium atoms.
Reverse Osmosis– the most efficient technology cleaning. Under pressure, water passes through a membrane that allows almost nothing to pass through except the liquid itself.
Ultraviolet disinfection– eliminates most microorganisms. In urban water supply centers, water is already treated with ultraviolet light, so it is more likely to be used for water supply from a well or borehole.

Types of filters for water purification in an apartment

The most popular kitchen filter for drinking water. The device consists of three parts:

Jug made of glass or plastic. Capacity volume – 1.5–4 liters.
Receiving bowl, or the funnel takes up almost half of the jug. A cleaning cartridge is attached to its bottom.
Cartridge purifies water. It needs to be replaced periodically: depending on the model, it is designed for 100–450 liters. There are cartridges with and without threads. The latter can be installed incorrectly, then untreated water will leak into the tank.

The liquid flows through several cleaning layers inside the cartridge:

prefilter traps solid insoluble particles;
activated carbon removes most harmful organic compounds. Typically, this is the main filter component;
ion exchange resins soften water and remove heavy metal impurities;
silver iodide kills bacteria;
postfilter blocks particles of filter materials - for example, coal - from entering the water.

Sometimes consumables contain minerals and trace elements that make water more healthy.

Pros:

The filter jug is budget option. A jug costs from 300 rubles, a cartridge – from 150.
You don’t need to understand the installation, it’s simple to use: pour water, wait, drink.
The jug does not take up much space and is easy to lift and carry.

Cons:

Poor performance. Water flows slowly, so the jug is designed for a family of two or three people.
May not remove all contaminants. If the tap water is of extremely poor quality, it is worth purchasing a more powerful device.
Small tank volume.

When choosing a jug, pay attention to which cartridges are compatible with it and how long they last.

The principle of operation is the same as that of a jug: water passes through a cartridge into a reservoir. Only in terms of volume the tank is more spacious; There is a small tap on it through which water is poured. Typically, dispensers have a longer cartridge life than jugs. This type of water purifier is optimal for small offices and families of more than three people.

The nozzle is attached to the mixer and purifies the water from chlorine, rust and small suspended matter. Inside there is a cassette (cartridge), which must be changed every one to three months. The main filter component is activated carbon.

Pros:

Relatively inexpensive - from 170 rubles.
Easy to use and install.
The cleaning speed is higher than that of jug filters.

Cons:

You need to constantly remove and put on the nozzle so as not to waste purified water for washing dishes and other needs.
If excessive water flow is passed through the device, the filtration quality may be reduced.

The apartment filter is placed near the sink and connected to the mixer using flexible hose. The device has its own tap from which purified water is supplied. The cartridge needs to be changed every 2–4 months.

Pros:

Easy to use.
The productivity is higher than that of jugs and nozzles - about two liters per minute.

Cons:

Need free space next to the sink.
The price is higher than previous types - from 1,000 rubles.

Other names: pre-filter, mechanical (pre-) cleaning filter. It is inserted into the cold or hot water supply line. It is needed primarily to protect plumbing fixtures, dishwashers and washing machines. It is also used as a filter to purify water from a well.

For cold water, a standard prefilter is used, and for hot water, it is made from heat-resistant materials. The service life of such devices is up to 30 years.

A prefilter is not a panacea. It removes only large insoluble impurities, thus extending the life of the main filter.

Main filters are divided into several types:

Strainers trap large particles of contaminants using a mesh. The smaller the mesh cells, the more particles of different sizes it will hold. There are flushing and non-flushing devices. In the first, dirt is automatically washed off with running water. To clean the no-rinse filter, you need to rinse the mesh yourself.
Disc main filters They also clean from mechanical contaminants, but their performance is higher than that of mesh ones. Filter elements are compressed polymer discs. When the discs compress, the grooves on them form a mesh. They need to be washed promptly under running water.
Cartridge filters are replaceable cartridges. They need to be changed much more often than the mesh or discs, but the quality of cleaning is higher. Cold water cartridge housings are made of transparent or opaque plastic. Transparent is more convenient, because through it you can see how dirty the cartridge is. For hot water housings are made of opaque heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel. There are cases different sizes: the larger they are, the higher the performance of the device and the longer its service life.

You can install the device into the water supply yourself, but this is a labor-intensive procedure. If you are not confident in your abilities, ask a specialist for help.

Prices for prefilters start at 1,500 rubles, there are models for 13,000.

Buying this type, you need to know the cross-section diameter water pipe and the water temperature for which the device is designed.

Pros:

Do not require frequent replacement.
Serves for many years.
Has high performance
Easy to use.

Cons:

Removes only large particles.
The pre-filter is difficult to install without the help of a specialist.
To replace a cartridge cartridge, you need to shut off the water supply.

These are the most effective household filters for purifying tap water. The water goes through several stages of purification, is disinfected and softened. The system contains 3–5 sections – flasks with cartridges. Cartridges are replaced after six months to a year.

You need free space under the sink and space for an additional tap. The liquid is supplied through a separate mixer with a filter for drinking water. The device is connected to water pipes.

There are two types of under-sink filters: flow-through And reverse osmosis.

A flow-through water filter consists of three to four modules (cartridges):

pre-cleaning– from sand, rust, silt;
carbonic– from chlorine, salts, organic compounds, heavy metals;
with ion exchange resins– for deferrization and water softening;
with small particles of silver– cleanses from bacteria.

You can experiment with a set of cartridges - this way you will adjust the degree of water purification.

Some models provide ultraviolet lamp– it destroys dangerous microorganisms.

Reverse osmosis system – special case"under the sink" type. A comparison of water filters shows that this is the most effective option. In such a system, water can be purified by 99%.

Cleaning goes through the following stages:

The pre-filter purifies water from large contaminants;
Water passes through the membrane - a material rolled into a roll, pore size 0.0001 microns. The membrane allows only water molecules to pass through; all other compounds are discharged into the sewer system by a forced flow of liquid.
The water is then stored in a 4-12 liter tank.

Membranes are not changed as often as cartridges - their service life is 1–5 years. Performance household systems reverse osmosis – 150–300 liters per day.

After such thorough purification, beneficial substances are removed from the water. minerals Therefore, a mineralizer is built into the reverse osmosis system. This is a cartridge with a mineral filling that gradually dissolves in water, saturating it with magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and other elements. Thanks to mineralization, the taste and quality of water improves. The cartridge resource is 3–4 thousand liters.

In centralized water supply systems, purification is performed by chlorinating the liquid. As a result, disinfection is carried out - the removal of pathogenic microflora. But chlorinated water is dangerous to drink; it also damages hair and causes dry skin. Individual filters ensure safe cleaning for health. Their choice depends on the purpose and operating conditions.

Types of filters for water purification

Jugs are inexpensive, compact, easy-to-use models. Used at home and in offices. Cartridges must be replaced every 2–4 months. The equipment eliminates rust, chlorine and other impurities.

Drinking water filters that are installed under sinks are massive, bulky systems. They are characterized by rather complex installation and high cost, but they remove not only chlorine and rust, but also dangerous bacteria, and prevent the appearance of scale. The equipment is only suitable for buildings with a centralized water supply system.

Tabletop - filters for water treatment in small apartments Oh. They have a capacity of about two liters per minute. Membrane-type products remove the greatest number of impurities.

Faucet attachments are small flow-through water filters for apartments that do not cause difficulties in operation. They remove chlorine, rust, and hardness salts. They have a low cost, but require frequent replacement of cartridges.

How to choose a water filter?

The quality of cleaning largely depends on chemical composition liquid that is supplied to a specific object.

You should also consider design features devices:

efficiency;
operating principle;
purpose - for industrial or residential facilities;
frequency of cartridge replacement.

In almost all water supply systems, there is an increased content of chlorine; excesses of the permissible concentrations of iron salts, manganese, petroleum products, industrial pollutants and others are also recorded. harmful substances. The indicators of impurities in the liquid depend on the quality of the pipes, the operating characteristics of the nearest treatment station and other factors.

The simplest solution is to buy a universal water filter, but this only removes basic contaminants. Fine cleaning requires specialized solutions. The Evols group of companies selects, installs and maintains cleaning systems in apartments, taking into account the individual characteristics of water.

We perform:

analysis of impurities contained in the liquid;
selection of filters for water purification;
installation;
service.

At the preliminary stage, specialists collect liquid and carry out analysis in the laboratory. Depending on the obtained indicators, optimal filtration layers are selected. As a result, the equipment effectively eliminates existing contaminants.

Some types of water purifiers are built into the pipeline - installation is carried out only by specialists. Tabletop models and jugs do not require installation work, in this case only delivery is made.

Water filters need to regularly replace cartridges. Its frequency is affected design features models, intensity of use and other individual parameters. In most household water purification devices, replacing cartridges is not difficult and is performed by the user. If necessary, employees go to the site and carry out preventive maintenance of filtration equipment.

Our company practices a comprehensive professional approach and offers customized solutions for water purification, which are based on modern technologies. To place an order or receive additional information about the service, please contact us by phone, email or use the online contact form.

IN apartment buildings There is a centralized water supply system drinking water. Of course, before entering residential apartments Water treatment is carried out, but it cannot be said with certainty that even after this the water is completely ready for use. To obtain water that is truly purified from mechanical impurities and dissolved salts, it is necessary to use additional systems cleaning products, which are presented in a wide range.

Peculiarities

Current cleaning The flow of water in water pipelines follows the same type of scheme; it consists of several stages.

First you need to install a filter mechanical cleaning – here it is optimal to use mainline options, which are equipped with replaceable polypropylene cartridges. Such purifiers effectively retain iron, sand, and other suspended matter, which not only improves water quality, but also prevents the occurrence of rust. The main devices are cut directly into the water supply, this allows you to clean running water completely 100%.

Please note that to purify hot water it is necessary to use special designs that are resistant to high temperatures. The use of coarse filters allows not only to purify water from mechanical impurities, but also to significantly increase the service life of the entire plumbing system in the apartment.

At the next stage, hot and cold water cleaned from chlorine and metal impurities, for this they also use main water filters with carbon cartridges, and the result of using the cleaning system is immediately noticeable to the naked eye - after passing through it, the water acquires a bluish tint and also disappears bad smell chlorine

When taking a shower with water purified in this way, apartment residents do not complain about the unpleasant feeling of skin tightness that occurs after hygiene procedures using unfiltered water.

At the third stage, hardness salts (calcium and magnesium) are removed, which contribute to the formation of scale and plaque. inside pipelines and other plumbing elements in the apartment. The filters used for this contain special softeners.

Well, at the final stage, a filter is used, which is installed directly on the sink - it is used to obtain high-quality drinking water.

TO modern systems water purification is subject to the most stringent requirements– it must be efficient, environmentally friendly, ergonomic and reliable. It usually includes filters, as well as hoses and supply containers clean water, but at the same time it has minimal dimensions - the most popular options are compact models that can be easily placed under the sink.

Undoubtedly, private house or a cottage has a great advantage over apartments when it comes to creating a water purification system, since a separate room or isolated space can be allocated for it; in an apartment, space is limited by size and layout. Therefore, all elements of the cleaning system are constantly in contact with residents.

But it should also be kept in mind that apartment buildings fed from a common central water supply, therefore, there is no need for pre-treatment, since water enters homes already purified from mechanical impurities, pathogens and dangerous compounds. The main purpose of filters in apartments is to remove calcium and magnesium salts, as well as excess chlorine.

In small apartments, filter jugs and other systems equipped with storage tanks for storing filtrate are optimal.

Often water purification systems in apartments contain non-standard methods water preparation: magnetic field, ultrasound and the like. However, most urban residents prefer the standard approach to water treatment, which over many years of use has proven itself to be reliable and fully compliant with current norms and standards.

Varieties

Mechanical filtration is used to remove solid impurities; filters are divided into options with and without automatic washing.

The first ones have compact dimensions, their diameters correspond to the parameters of the pipe into which they are mounted.

Typically, the body of such products is made of brass or stainless steel, and threaded connections can be very diverse in materials and sizes; they are selected individually in each case. Such filters have quite low price– as a rule, their cost does not exceed hundreds of rubles, although there are more expensive branded models.

Since the grids periodically become clogged, they have to be cleaned regularly, so the lower part of the flask is usually removable, it can be easily unscrewed and removed, and after cleaning the grid, it returns to its place.

The self-washing filter is equipped with a pipe and a tap, which are installed in the lower part of the flask. Using a hose, the pipe has an outlet into the sewer, so if you need to clean such a filter, you just need to open the tap, and the water flowing under pressure will wash all the contents into the sewer. After this, the tap is closed and the device can be operated further.

As a rule, such filters are equipped with a pressure gauge, which is used to determine the degree of clogging of the mesh: if the pressure drops, it means it’s time to clean the filter. However, if the filter is equipped with a transparent flask, then a pressure gauge is not needed - the degree of contamination can be determined by its appearance.

Depending on the type of connection, all mechanical filters can be flanged or coupling. Flanged filters are usually used for the production of main filters, which are installed in high-pressure water pipes.

Disc filters are less popular. They are a set of rings, the surface of which has scratches of varying depths. At the same time, the disks are pressed very tightly together; when water passes through them, it comes into contact with all the hollows so that increasingly large particles settle on their walls. Since the movement occurs in a spiral, the removal of suspended matter is quite high-quality.

Water purified from mechanical impurities can be used for laundry, dishwashing, cleaning and other household needs. However, it is not suitable for drinking or cooking. Relatively speaking, it can be used for ingestion only after boiling, and in order to be able to drink water without heat treatment, you need to use fine filters that can effectively remove most of the dissolved substances and disinfect it.

Most often, one of several popular options is used for this.

Filter jug

This is the most affordable and affordable option, which effectively reduces the content of chlorine, copper and iron in liquids, softens water and retains mechanical impurities.

Purification occurs when water passes through a replaceable cartridge, which contains:

activated carbon – necessary for removing chlorine-containing compounds and microorganisms;
polypropylene fibers - which are used to deposit residual solid impurities;
ion exchange resin - allows you to remove calcium and manganese salts, as well as heavy metal compounds and radionuclides.

The advantages of filter jugs include their ease of use and low price.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the short service life of the cartridge and the lack of possibility for their restoration.

When purchasing jugs, you should give preference to brands from well-known manufacturers, since cheaper options often only perform rough cleaning.

Faucet attachment

Another popular type of filters, which are similar in principle to jugs. As water passes through such a nozzle, all chlorine compounds and mechanical impurities are removed from the inlet. Certain varieties can also remove hardness salts, heavy metals, iron ions and aluminum, and in addition, nozzles containing activated carbon are cleaned of most types of bacteria, phenol and organics.

The popularity of the nozzles is explained by their ease of installation and small dimensions. The disadvantages are the same as those of jugs, and in terms of the cost of cleaning per incoming liter of water, it turns out that these filters are more expensive than multi-stage cleaning systems.

Multi-stage cleaning

The effectiveness of cartridge filters largely depends on the number of degrees of purification - that is, individual filter elements that can trap certain types of contaminants.

Such systems can be one-, two-, three- and even four-stage.

Single-stage ones contain universal inserts with a multilayer structure; they are quite cheap. However, their effectiveness raises many doubts, since the composition of water varies greatly in each region, and if universal systems are used, one cannot count on the fact that impurities specific to a particular area will be removed from the water.

Multistage filters consist of a body of several flasks, each of which contains a special filter component that removes strictly defined types of contaminants. These flasks are connected to each other using overflows, flowing through which the water is gradually purified. The advantage of such a system is the ability to install a specific filter for your analysis of tap water - this significantly improves the quality of cleaning. However, such filters require free space, are difficult to install and are expensive. Reverse osmosis of such filters requires a significant volume of water - in order to purify 1 liter of water, up to 5 liters of “waste” are needed.

There is an opinion that deep cleaning water washes out of it all microelements useful for humans, this theory has found neither confirmation nor refutation, however, for those who fear the loss of their water beneficial properties, water mineralizers are always on sale.

Let us separately dwell on filter options that are used in multi-stage systems for cleaning various types dissolved substances.

If the water acquires a brown tint and a characteristic taste, this may indicate a high iron content in it; this phenomenon often occurs when water from wells and wells is used. Such water causes the formation of deposits on the walls of sanitary fixtures and clogs shut-off equipment; if the concentration of ferrocompounds exceeds 2 mg/liter, then they must be removed.

The best solution in this situation would be to use a catalytic filter.– it is a fairly large cylinder in which catalysts are placed; such equipment requires connection to an electrical network.

When introducing special components into the backfill, manganese, chlorine and other substances can be removed.

As a rule, deposits are removed by specific schedule, most often at night. The backfill is effectively washed under the influence of water pressure, all pollutants are discharged into the sewer, usually at night time.

Catalytic filters are very complex and by no means cheap equipment, but they are the most reliable and durable of all those on the market.

There is another way to remove iron salts from water - aeration. To do this, water is supplied to a reservoir with air, which is pumped through nozzles in the form of a suspension, the iron contained in it reacts with oxygen, oxidizes, and the resulting oxides remain in the filter at the outlet.

There are two types of filters for purifying water of this type - pressure and non-pressure. For more active oxidation, an oxidizing agent - hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite - can be supplied to these installations. In this case, it is also carried out biological treatment water - from microbes and bacteria.

Well-known manufacturers and reviews

When purchasing a water filter, it is very important to truly choose quality product, which will effectively purify water from all types of contaminants. Unfortunately, today's market is literally flooded with a wide variety of fakes that claim to perform comprehensive cleaning, but in fact only remove solid particles and chlorinate.

Based on consumer reviews, a rating was compiled of manufacturers whose products have proven themselves to be high-quality and reliable.

The absolute leaders are the products of the Aquaphor brand. This company sells a wide range of different cartridge filters - for drinking water, for showers, as well as for washing machines and dishwashers. Among the products of this brand, you can always choose installations aimed at purifying both cold and hot water, which completely neutralize all types of chemical compounds. However, among the products you can also find filters whose tasks include only rough cleaning - all information about the functional purpose is placed on the packaging.

Filters from the German manufacturer Honeywell are no less popular., which offers devices that can withstand significant excess operating pressure in the water supply system, which can reach 10 times. Among the products offered by this brand, you can find both coarse and fine filters, and the main filter element is a special metal mesh, which is closed in a reliable high-strength flask.

Among domestic companies, Novaya Voda purification systems are very popular. Products of this brand are distinguished by their affordability and exceptionally high quality. The assortment of manufactured products includes main filters with a separate tap, the degree and level of water purification in which can be adjusted by changing cartridges.

A large number of users prefer the Geyser brand, the company tirelessly introduces the latest technological developments into production, thanks to which treatment systems based on ion-exchange polymer were created.

It should be noted that a lot of different filters are produced under the Geyser brand; the products are presented in all regions of our country. You can also find the simplest ones in stores household models, and complex industrial installations that can simultaneously purify quite large volumes of liquid.

Atoll – the company operates in the cleaning systems market for decades and has been tirelessly investing in improving its products. As a result, each newly created model released at this production has more and more advanced and reliable fastening and more long term use. The cost of production is low, making filters of this brand available to Russian users.

Coolmart is Russian company, located in Vladivostok. The company began its activities more than 20 years ago, starting with the production of one of the first remineralizing water purifiers in our country. Today, the main volume of products is sold in the Primorsky Territory, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

And also users note high quality Fibos products.

You can learn more about the filters of the Novaya Voda brand by watching the following video.

How to choose?

To pick up optimal system water treatment for installation in an apartment, it is not enough to find out the reviews of family and friends, you need to take into account your own operating parameters.

If financial possibilities allow, then the best option There will be a nanofilter that will serve faithfully for many years and will not require replacing the cartridge, and the water after it will be ideal.

About 100 years ago, centralized water supply was available only in the largest and richest cities. Now it is in every apartment, and is an irreplaceable benefit of civilization.

However, the quality of water in the central water supply system is usually poor: it is at least unpleasant to drink, unless you boil it. But in many homes this should not be done due to harmful impurities that can lead to problems with the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

In order for potable water to flow from the tap, it is necessary to use filtering devices. Filters for cleaning in the apartment come in several types. We'll look at which ones below.

The effect of using filters to purify water in an apartment

The use of filter units gives the following effect:

Removes harmful impurities from water (harmful both to the human body and to household appliances: washing machines, dishwashers, kettles).
Improves taste. Even if the concentration of harmful substances is not dangerous, small amounts of them can spoil the taste.
Softens water. As a result, it does not harm the skin and hair.

Types of products

Based on the elements removed from water, filters are divided into 3 categories:

Filtration from mechanical impurities.
Filtration from dissolved substances.
Complex filtration - to clean drinking water.

Briefly about the manufacturers

On Russian market Products from the following manufacturers are sold:

Filters for purifying water from mechanical impurities

Necessary for water purification from:

grains of sand
metal impurities;
rust;
winding from pipes.

Such small impurities are harmful household appliances(washing, dishwasher, electric kettle) and pipeline fittings.

There are 2 types that differ in the design of the filter element: mesh and disk.

Mesh

They have a T-shaped (without flushing) or cross-shaped (with flushing) body with a long lower part. It contains a filter element - a fine-mesh mesh flask through which the flow passes. All impurities remain on the mesh, which is cleaned as it becomes clogged.

According to the cleaning method, there are such models:

No rinsing. In this case, the area with the filters is closed with taps, the lower part of the housing is unscrewed, the mesh is removed and cleaned.
With flushing. The lower part (with the filter) has a pipe with a tap. A hose or pipe is connected to the nozzle, which is discharged into the sewer. There is usually a pressure gauge at the top of the housing, which indicates that the filter is dirty (if the pressure drops, the filter is clogged). To flush, open the tap from below, and the water pressure washes the accumulated impurities into the sewer.

Disc (ring)

Installed in a pipe break. For apartments this is not a very common option.
For filtration, a set of polymer rings tightly assembled into a cylinder is used. The surface of each ring has indentations.
Water passes through the depressions in a spiral, and large particles settle in the depressions of the rings.
To clean the filter element, the cylinder of rings can be removed from the housing, disassembled into individual rings and washed.

Filters for purifying water from dissolved substances

In addition to mechanical impurities, water may contain various chemical elements, which change its rigidity. They spoil the taste of water, in high concentrations they can harm the body, and are harmful to household appliances and pipeline fittings. With constant consumption of hard water, a person may develop a mineral imbalance. One of the consequences is the appearance of urolithiasis or kidney stones.

We are talking about hardness salts - potassium, magnesium, mercury, calcium. There is also an increased concentration of iron in water.

Filters are differentiated by the element they remove. This can be either iron or hardness salts.

From iron

An increase in iron concentration is usually observed in water from wells and boreholes. This happens less frequently in tap water.

Iron gives water a noticeable red color and a metallic taste. The maximum permissible concentration of this element (determined by laboratory analysis) is 2 mg/l. If the concentration is exceeded, a filter must be installed.

The filter looks like a large cylinder that is connected to the water supply and power supply. The catalyst and small crushed stone are filled inside the housing. Water passes through the catalyst layer from top to bottom, and impurities precipitate. In the lower part of the housing there is a pipe for drainage into the sewer - through this line, fallen impurities are removed by a stream of water.

The catalytic bed can be replaced. If necessary, it can purify water not only from iron, but also from manganese and chlorine.

Such equipment costs about 22-25 thousand rubles. It is usually installed in private homes.

From hardness salts

In appearance and principle of operation, such filters are similar to those described above (cylinder with backfill). The difference is in the backfill - it contains ion exchange resins inside. Hardness salts “stick” to them.

The backfill in such filters can operate without replacement for up to 5-7 years.

Filters for purifying water before drinking

If the water does not have a critical concentration of iron, hardness salts or small impurities, it can be used for technical and household purposes (washing clothes, washing dishes, swimming). But for cooking and drinking it is only suitable after boiling.

To make tap water drinkable, use the following types of filters.

Filter jugs

This type of filter does not fit into the water supply system: you need to pour water into it from the tap. A cartridge with filter elements is installed inside. The set of elements may include:

ion exchange resin (for removing hardness salts);
activated carbon (to remove organics, microorganisms, chlorine);
polypropylene fibers (for filtering residual mechanical impurities).

Externally, the devices look like a transparent electric kettle. The volume of most models is 2.5-4 liters. Approximate cost - from $5 to $12.

Faucet attachments

Approximate cost: $10-15.

There are 2 types of fastening:

According to the principle of operation there are:

Adsorption. Inside the housing there is a porous material that absorbs impurities (mechanical and chemical).
With ion exchange membrane and fine mesh. They purify water from mechanical impurities (retained on the mesh) and “extra” compounds.

Average productivity - 1 l/m, approximate resource - 1000-3000 l.

Reverse osmosis filters

Approximate cost: $100-150.

The device consists of 3 flasks, each of which has a separate filter installed. The flasks are removable and mounted on one body.

Filter elements in flasks are different (depending on the model). Most often the composition is as follows:

Stage 1: filtration of mechanical impurities up to 0.5 microns in size. A porous element is used.
Stage 2: filtration of chemical and organic compounds (including hardness salts, petroleum products, metals) and remaining mechanical impurities up to 0.1 microns in size. A carbon element is used.
Stage 3: fine-mesh membrane with pores about 0.0001 microns in size. Nothing passes through the membrane except water molecules.

At stage 3, the flow is divided into 2 parts: clean water (enters storage tank, if there is one, and from there - into the tap) and filtered sediment (removed into the sewer).

Rating of water purification filters for washing

Since the most effective are multi-stage filters installed under the sink, here is a rating of popular models:

Model

Every person wants to drink clean water. For example, you probably want to forget about the smell of chlorine, the brownish tint, rust... Our rating includes the best (according to customer and expert reviews) popular water filters. You will be able to choose exactly the product that you need, whether you live in a densely populated metropolis or in country house. Read and become the owners of truly clean water!

Types of household water filters

Cumulative

Filter jugs. One of the most popular varieties due to its mobility, accessibility and ease of maintenance. The design consists, in fact, of a jug and an upper funnel with a lid and a cleaning cartridge installed inside. Water flows through several filter layers, is purified and ends up in a storage tank. Cartridges can be of several types - universal or with specific properties (for example, reducing water hardness, removing iron, etc.);
Dispensers-cleaners. The principle of operation is also simple and unpretentious - water is poured from above and, under its own weight, passes through the filter system into the lower tank. The main difference from jugs is the noticeably larger volume and the presence of a drain tap.

Flow-through

Faucet attachments. Inexpensive and easy-to-install filters with a one- or two-stage cleaning system, which usually boils down to neutralizing chlorine and rust. Cassettes don't last long, but they are available and inexpensive;
Tabletop systems “next to the sink”. Representatives of this category have average performance, differ in the method and degree of water filtration, and, accordingly, in price. Disadvantage - they take up a lot of space in the kitchen;
Under-sink systems. The most effective devices with multi-stage filtration, including disinfection and water softening. The most advanced varieties are models with reverse osmosis, the key component of which is a semi-permeable membrane that allows only water molecules to pass through. But bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other harmful impurities are not given a chance to “leak through”. The degree of purification is so high that additional mineralization is used to give the water drinking qualities.
Main or prefilters. They are installed directly into the water supply system and can be used both for individual taps and for the entire apartment or house. The filter element is a special cartridge, and in the simplest examples, a regular metal mesh.