Water Treatment Systems Explained – Compare Water Treatment Systems

Types:

If you are looking to compare water treatment systems, each type’s positives and negatives need to be taken into account. I’ll outline the types of water treatment systems which are suitable for home use only.

Firstly, there is the stand alone filter that sits on a bench. These stone, steel or plastic vessels are filled by hand from water from the tap or tank. The water is filtered as it passes through ceramic and/or carbon filters via gravity. Just the thing for your daily drinking water. They can be quite attractive but you do need a ‘spot’ on your bench for them and the better ones aren’t very cheap.

Distillation filters:

For home use, distillation is limited to drinking water only. Water is heated and the resulting steam is collected in a vessel. Unfortunately, not all of the water’s chemicals are removed as those with a lower boiling point than water, pass into the collection chamber. Again, taste suffers because of the removal of those essential trace elements. Best left to industry, and for filling your car battery, where demineralized water is needed.

Next, are the types of filters that are attached to the mains water supply. These can be installed on the sink, under the sink, in the shower, or at the point of entry to the house.

Most people would only consider water treatment systems that purified drinking water only. Because of the nature of contaminants found in water, in particular chlorine, a shower filter and/or even a whole-house may be considered necessary for your needs. Chlorine gets into your skin through open pores while showering. The fumes from the shower and appliances such as the washing machine and dish washer, when using untreated water, can cause real problems, especially for asthmatics.

The pressure of the water mains forces water through the filtration system. These are the most commonly used because of their cost and convenience. To compare water treatment systems which use your mains water supply, we need to look at how they operate and the effectiveness of each.

Reverse Osmosis:

Water is forced through or a semi permeable membrane, removing many toxins in the process. They are quite expensive to operate (filter replacement) and slow the water flow down considerably, but their biggest negative is that, along with impurities, they also take out beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are very important to proper body functioning and for better tasting water.

First of all make sure the water (both hot and cold) is switched off to your tap.

Once you have switched off the water, carefully remove the handle (or handles), unscrew any covers until you clearly see the valves. Note that some handles may be held on by hidden screws so check carefully for these.

Ceramic cartridges are held in place by round brass rings so these must be unscrewed anti clockwise.

Composting toilets are not cheap; prices range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the size and type of system purchased. However, when you compare this to the cost of putting in a new septic system, which can run upwards of $10,000, the difference is stunning. The other benefit to a composting toilet is that it will realize residual savings long after its initial purchase. Obviously, money is saved when you don’t have to pay a monthly city sewer connection fee. But additionally, because these units use little or no water, the water savings alone can add up to several hundred dollars a year. All this means that a composting toilet system with average useful lifespan of about 20 years will more than pay for itself in its lifetime.

Once you have removed the old valve, make sure there is no dirt or debris in the tap, put some grease in the body and fit the replacements. Make sure they are firmly fitted but try not to overtighten them as this can harm the valves. Switch on the water and make sure nothing is leaking, if it’s ok then you can go ahead and put back the handles.

Just remember go slowly and don’t panic. If you really feel concerned use a plumber. It will still be quicker and cheaper than replacing the whole tap

Signature***********************
Whether you’re applying for your first home Mortgage Refinance
Mortgage Refinancing and Home Loan Information Articles.
All Types of Home foreclosures