Under sink filter systems

[Red Squirrel]

I've been thinking of installing an under sink water filter system for better drinking water, the ones that have a separate faucet. What are good brands to look for, and something that will have good life, ex: that in 20 years from now I can still get filters for it. Is there a standard for filters like this?

 

[Elixer]

I've been thinking of installing an under sink water filter system for better drinking water, the ones that have a separate faucet. What are good brands to look for, and something that will have good life, ex: that in 20 years from now I can still get filters for it. Is there a standard for filters like this?

Dunno about 20 years for now, but, it seems that most of them are using the universal filter that looks like

Which are the simple 1 stage filters.
If you are going for 2+ stages, then, I don't think there is a universal version, since they all have different connectors.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Dunno about 20 years for now, but, it seems that most of them are using the universal filter that looks like

Which are the simple 1 stage filters.
If you are going for 2+ stages, then, I don't think there is a universal version, since they all have different connectors.

Good to know that there is a universal type. What are they called, is that something that would be specified on the box of a system? Single stage is probably fine for me, I just mostly want to remove the chlorine taste. Basically I don't want to invest the time and money in a system only to realize they stop selling the filters so want to make sure I go with something fairly standard.

 

[microAmp]

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/iSpring-RCC7...266243&sr=1-4&keywords=reverse+osmosis+system

3 year supply of filters is a bit over $100 last I saw.

 

[NutBucket]

RO is the most effective but I hate all the waste water. 3rd party filters aren't bad price wise but $100 for 3 years sounds too cheap. Last I looked should be about $100 per year as the membrane should be replaced annually.

 

[microAmp]

My girlfriend has the same RO at her old house in Houston. Using a particle counter, tap water was 450 ppm. Using the RO was either 5 or 15 ppm. My house was 50 ppm, IIRC, using RO made it 5 or 15 ppm.

I have an inline filter to my cold tap, the inline filter made no change to the ppm comparing it to the hot water tap.

You're right about waste water but clean water is clean.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I have an inline filter to my cold tap, the inline filter made no change to the ppm comparing it to the hot water tap.

I think these are mostly only effective at removing chlorine and large particulates. At least they should improve taste.

OP: https://www.ohiopurewater.com/categories/?categories_id=29

 

[nisryus]

I had an older version of this one.

https://www.amazon.com/GE-GXK285JBL-Counter-Filtration-System/dp/B019GZ9BK4

It worked great for 4 to 5 years. The problem is the twist and lock system the filters use. There is a small button to detect the present of a filter. However, that little rubber button would worn out. When that happened, the mechanisum inside would not detects the present of the two filters. I had to pushed two tiny plastic pieces against each of the button, while twisting the filters in, each time when I have to change them...... However, the system worked great and the water tasted clean. Also the filters are not that expensive.

 

[NutBucket]

Living in SoCal we can't afford to wasteall that water with an RO. At my parents' house we installed a large barrel to capture the wastewater. They use it to water the garden. If I remember right, it was something like 4 gallons of waste water for each gallon of clean water. That's crazy.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I don't think I really need to go RO, I just really want to get the chlorine/mineral tastes out, so simple filtration will work. I just want to ensure that whatever system I uses has a standard type of cartridge that won't just go obsolete, if such system exists.

 

[Elixer]

Good to know that there is a universal type. What are they called, is that something that would be specified on the box of a system? Single stage is probably fine for me, I just mostly want to remove the chlorine taste. Basically I don't want to invest the time and money in a system only to realize they stop selling the filters so want to make sure I go with something fairly standard.

This is the one I got... well, a different brand, but, they are all basically the same.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Basic-Drinking-Water-Filter-System-HDGUSS4/205459563

Then I use a filter like this... http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Prem...-Filter-Fits-HDGUSS4-System-HDXVOF4/205459546 but, not that price. Local place has same filter for $15.

 

[NutBucket]

IMHO the carbon/charcoal filters are somewhat standard sizes so you should be fine for years to come.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Good to know, I will have to see what I can find at Home Depot and go with that, found this one online:

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p....rinking-water-filter---chrome.1000851680.html

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.2-stage-drinking-water-filter-replacement.1000851684.html

And they sell the filters. Suppose that is a good indicator to go by, if they did not sell them then I know it would be harder to get replacements down the line and would have to rely on ebay etc. But they sell them at the store.

Think I'll pick one up next time I'm at HD. Will be nice to have proper fresh water "on tap". Talk about a first world problem though, "the water taste like chlorine". At least it's potable...

 

[NutBucket]

The latest water quality reports from our local utility show the quality is better than bottled water. Unfortunately the chlorine taste will always be there since it's required by law.

 

[highland145]

Been using everpure since the kitchen re do. $100/yr.

 

[TXHokie]

Been using everpure since the kitchen re do. $100/yr.

Same here in my kitchen under the sink and I split a tube to the refrigerator as well so I don't have to replace those expensive fridge water filter. My water already go thru a water softener. so it's good enough to filter out the weird taste which is plenty good for me. My plumber hates RO systems because of the water wastes. He calls it "100% wet" as that's all you get after since it filter out all the good minerals as well.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I went to Filtersfast.com and picked up a few Pentek filter housings years ago for around $11 each....they're a little more expensive now at $28.

https://www.filtersfast.com/Pentek-150071-clear-filter-housing.asp

Just get one of these, they have a 3/4" female threading on them. You can get brass compression fittings from Lowes or HD to put them in-line under your sink on the cold water side and filters can be had for $3-10 each depending on what you want to filter for. You can get away with changing them every 3-6 months or longer. I have another one of these on my hot water side before water makes it to my tankless water heater to keep sediment out (cheap insurance).

 

[colonel]

I love the Pentex US -1000 is very good. I got it for years in my house in CT until I moved to North Carolina. I missed it a lot, I used to change the filters (2) every 6 months. The system is simple the only thing is keep the rubber washer clean and tight for leaks. My wife promised me to get a new filter once she renews the counter in the kitchen, I will pick this one... https://www.amazon.com/Pentek-US-1000-Under-Filter-System/dp/B007KDYIXA

 

[paperfist]

Good to know, I will have to see what I can find at Home Depot and go with that, found this one online:

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p....rinking-water-filter---chrome.1000851680.html

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.2-stage-drinking-water-filter-replacement.1000851684.html

And they sell the filters. Suppose that is a good indicator to go by, if they did not sell them then I know it would be harder to get replacements down the line and would have to rely on ebay etc. But they sell them at the store.

Think I'll pick one up next time I'm at HD. Will be nice to have proper fresh water "on tap". Talk about a first world problem though, "the water taste like chlorine". At least it's potable...

Filters are pretty pricey. You're in the RO world with costs like that. The other problem with those systems that use activated carbon is if you buy 2 you'll probably end up throwing the spare out since it won't be sealed anymore.

 

[Red Squirrel]

What do you mean about not sealed? Do they have a shelf life where they go bad?

 

[NutBucket]

Technically the carbon absorbs "stuff" when exposed to air. The ones I've bought are typically individually wrapped.

 

[paperfist]

Technically the carbon absorbs "stuff" when exposed to air. The ones I've bought are typically individually wrapped.

I've only come across the twin packs at HD. I usually toss the primary one when the water starts to smell, looks cloudy or tastes funny. Unfortunately by that time the 2nd one in the pack is useless. I suppose if I put some effort into a better quality product to seal the 2nd one other than a zip lock bag it would be alright.

I wonder why there's no grey water system where the discarded RO could be used to flush toilets?

 

[Red Squirrel]

You guys are talking strictly about a filter that's in storage right, once it's installed it should last for as long as it is not used up? Or does it actually have a limited life time even after installation? I'm single, I presume one filter is going to last me a year, maybe even longer. Or do they go bad even with not a lot of usage?

I think the twin packs are for changing both at same time as they have different levels of filtration. Though that may be overkill for me, I can maybe look for a system that has just one filter. I mostly just want to get rid of chlorine taste, our water is not really that bad, it's just better once you filter it. Will probably also be better for making coffee.

If I do end up buying multi packs, would it be enough to simply store them in a sealed container? Given their shape it would be optimal to use an ABS pipe with a screw end, could just use that to store it, and that will make a pretty nice seal. Could throw in some of those "do not eat" packets for good measure.

 

[paperfist]

You guys are talking strictly about a filter that's in storage right, once it's installed it should last for as long as it is not used up? Or does it actually have a limited life time even after installation? I'm single, I presume one filter is going to last me a year, maybe even longer. Or do they go bad even with not a lot of usage?

I think the twin packs are for changing both at same time as they have different levels of filtration. Though that may be overkill for me, I can maybe look for a system that has just one filter. I mostly just want to get rid of chlorine taste, our water is not really that bad, it's just better once you filter it. Will probably also be better for making coffee.

If I do end up buying multi packs, would it be enough to simply store them in a sealed container? Given their shape it would be optimal to use an ABS pipe with a screw end, could just use that to store it, and that will make a pretty nice seal. Could throw in some of those "do not eat" packets for good measure.

Yes, if you buy a single and install it it will last until it's overrun by chemicals and debris and needs to be replaced. So yes it does have a limited life span once installed, it's not going to clean your water forever. There's also different levels of filtration, some filter down to some very small particle levels, some are gear more toward chlorine removal, etc. Mine last about a year before I have to toss it and it's only plumbed to a single water faucet and the ice cube maker.

I wouldn't buy a multipack if I could help it. Once they get exposed to air they start 'breaking' down. You aren't saving any money. I'd just buy the best filter you can afford.

 

[NutBucket]

I wonder why there's no grey water system where the discarded RO could be used to flush toilets?

Do it yourself. I devised something like that for my parents. We buried two 35 gallon barrels and dropped in a sump pump. All the discarded RO water is used for landscaping. Truthfully, that discarded RO water is perfectly safe to drink anyway.