TOP 9 best water filters for washing

Methods for purifying water from a well or water supply

To purify water from harmful substances, it is necessary to pass it through a special medium - this is the principle of filtration technology. Depending on the type of medium used, the properties of the liquid also change. Different filters use their own work resources. To ensure the acceptable content of impurities in the liquid, they must be changed before the resource is completely exhausted.

Mechanical

Mechanical water purification is preliminary

Mechanical filtration is carried out to remove insoluble mineral and organic impurities from water. A positive quality of this process is the ability to use it at normal temperatures without adding chemicals. Typically, such purification is a preliminary method; in rare cases, it is a final method of water treatment.

Sorption

Overall dimensions are a significant disadvantage of sorption purification systems

Sorptive purification of liquids involves the use of porous materials that bind contaminants and retain them. Carbon filler is often used. It is effectively used in the presence of inorganic and organic substances, as well as chlorine compounds, in water.

The main disadvantage of sorption filters is the very large dimensions of these devices. Fillers are placed in them in several layers to ensure the most complete removal of hazardous substances.

Carbon filters require proper care. Only professional service guarantees high-quality and effective filtration. Since bacteria can live in the pores of the charcoal, use hot water to rinse it.

Ion exchange purification

Such systems are expensive

The ozone used in such filtration acts as an oxidizing agent, which, when passing through water, quickly and efficiently cleans it of bacteria, viruses and parasites.

However, ion exchange purification alone will not be enough, since such filtration:

• does not remove heavy metals, minerals and pesticides;
• Ozone, unlike chlorine, which has a similar effect, disintegrates very quickly and there is no residual cleaning effect.

Also, ozonating water is not cheap, so it is not a good idea to use ion exchange purification at home.

Membrane

The membrane system provides a high degree of water purification

With membrane filtration, high purification is ensured due to the precise division into elements of impurities present in the liquid. The main advantage of using membranes is that impurities will not remain there; they are removed due to the drainage system.

However, this method of water purification also has one caveat: during the treatment process, the accumulation of impurities occurs extremely close to the membrane itself. This phenomenon is called concentration polarization, which can affect the filtration results and reduce the properties of the membrane.

Electrochemical

When using this method, an electric current is passed through water.

In electrochemical water purification, an electric current is passed through it, as a result of which the impurities contained in the liquid usually break down into non-toxic substances.

The main advantages of this method are the small size of the complex, ease of operation, no need to use reagents, and effective bactericidal cleaning. However, there are certain disadvantages, namely, low productivity and high energy consumption.

UV disinfection

UF disinfection is an environmentally friendly cleaning method

UV disinfection is considered universal because it destroys all types of pollutants. The environmental friendliness of the cleaning method, its low cost and the absence of the need for expensive maintenance are also noted. After filtration, the structure of the water does not change, and all useful elements are retained.

Which cartridges to choose

The choice of cartridge will depend on the filter used and the exact result you want to achieve.

For jugs, there are cartridges with several types of cleaning; in flow-through and main-line types, each type of cartridge is designed for a specific type of cleaning; there are also those with complex cleaning.

Depending on the type, the cartridge can perform one of the functions listed above.

When choosing, consider a few simple rules:

• mechanical cleaning with a filtration fineness of 1 or 5 microns is required;
• on the riser, water must pass through mechanical deep cleaning of 10 or 100 microns;
• if you want to get rid of iron, choose a cartridge containing components designed for this;
• for softening, it is better to take cartridges with ion exchange resin;
• To improve the taste of water and clean it of chemical impurities, pay attention to carbon cartridges.

Selection of system depending on water contamination

The efficiency of using the cleaning system and the quality of liquid filtration depend on the specificity of the existing contamination. Before deciding on a water filter, you need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incoming running water for impurities. Only after this will it become clear where to choose.

The best manufacturers of filters for water purification for washing

TOP 5 best filter manufacturers

5. Barrier (Russia). It has been producing filters for over 15 years. There are 4 own enterprises and a research one. The product line includes flow-through and osmotic systems for household and industrial use. Among the disadvantages, users note a poorly developed customer service.

4. Geyser (Russia). The first domestic manufacturer of filters for water purification. The company was founded in 1986. They produce both flow filters and reverse osmosis systems. The manufactured goods are exported to 45 countries around the world. Components are interchangeable with .

3. Aquaphor (Russia). The company was founded in 1992 in St. Petersburg. Production facilities are located in 3 more cities. Products are exported to more than 20 countries. The range includes both flow-through and reverse osmosis water purification systems. Drinking water machines are also offered - the same reverse osmosis technology, but the models take up less space and require less pressure in the system - 2 bar.

2. Aquafilter (Poland). This company has been producing water filters since 1994. Products are exported to 45 countries. The main production facilities are located in Poland and Germany. A wide range of models: from simple to industrial water purification systems. Advanced technologies are used, including micro- and nanofiltration.

1. Atoll (USA). The first filters were brought to Russia in 1994. Now production facilities are located not only in the USA, but also in Russia (since 2004). The product has an international NSF certificate. The range includes flow-through, reverse-inspection, and main-line filtration systems.

Also known in Russia are filters from the brands Praktik (Germany), Novaya Voda (Ukraine), Zepter (Germany) and others.

Additional options to keep in mind when choosing a filter

Now you should familiarize yourself with the additional parameters that you need to pay attention to when you move on to choosing a filter for water purification.

There are several other factors to consider when choosing a filtration system.

Filtration of cold and hot water

Most purification devices are designed to filter cold water. The maximum permissible temperature in this case should not exceed 400C. For this reason, if you want to purify hot water, then you need to look for filters with a high temperature limit.

Performance and resources of the filter module

Filter performance refers to its ability to pass and purify a certain volume of water per minute. This indicator is minimal for reverse osmosis systems, since it will take a long time for the liquid to pass through the filter membrane. So when choosing a filter, you need to decide how often it will be used and how much water will need to be purified per day.

Almost every one has a filter module designed to purify a specific volume of water. Once its resource is exhausted, it will no longer be able to provide adequate water quality and will have to be replaced.

Availability of consumables

You need to pay attention to the cost of filter modules - cartridges, since in most filters they quickly exhaust their working life, which means you will have to pay a lot.

Any cartridges have their own working life

Manufacturer's choice

It is no secret that both domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of filtration units. Some have been realizing themselves in this area for decades, while others are just setting out on this path, without placing the main emphasis in their activities on water treatment systems.

If you just can’t decide which is better, we recommend that you abandon the stereotypes that “everything foreign is better, higher quality, more reliable,” and choose products from experienced companies with a name and positive reviews. By the way, there are enough of these on the Russian market. It is enough to look at the rating of water filters to understand that “our” companies know how to make high-quality, durable units.

It is better to choose products whose manufacturers have been working in this market for a long time and have proven themselves well. Each of them has its own developments for different cleaning systems.

Price

If the price of the desired model is very different from the average market value, then you need to think about where this product comes from. If this product was purchased from an official supplier, but the price is very different from prices in other stores, then it is 100% fake.

Availability of certificate

If you doubt the quality of the product, you can ask the seller for a quality certificate. Moreover, this document must be original, and not an ordinary photocopy.

Rating of water purification filters for washing

TOP 5 flow filters

Barrier Expert Complex

Average price – 3500 rub. The filter is recommended for hard water with a high iron content. Cartridge types: polypropylene, ionized resin and carbon with silver ions. Working pressure – up to 7 atmospheres. Average productivity is 2 liters per minute. Water temperature – from +5 to +30 degrees. The system purifies water well from heavy metals. The filter itself is compact, the cartridges are easily and quickly replaced. Among the disadvantages, users note the high cost of replacement cartridges; it is not always possible to find components in the store.

• Productivity – 4
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 4
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 4.5

Novaya Voda Expert M420

Average price – 5400 rub. 5-stage cleaning, 4 filter elements. Types of filters: carbon with silver ions, ion exchange resin, carbon with coconut shell, membrane. Comes with an improved ceramic faucet. There is an ultraviolet membrane. Compact device, productivity 1-2 liters per minute. Recommended water temperature is +5 – +35 degrees. High resistance to water hammer. Cleans water of medium hardness well. The downside is that cartridges are expensive and not suitable for very hard water.

• Productivity – 4
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 4.75

Aquaphor Crystal Quadro

The average market price is 6,500 rubles. System of 4 filter units, throughput – 2.5 liters per minute. Designed for cleaning and softening very hard water. Water temperature – from +5 to +40 degrees. Pressure - from 0.6 to 6 atmospheres. There are 5 options for completing the modules, including very fine cleaning. The model has small dimensions, and the cartridges are replaced along with the flask. Users note weak fastenings and the high cost of replacement elements.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 4
• Overall rating: 4.75

Atoll A-313E Lux

Average price – 5000 rub. Suitable for purifying water of medium hardness. Three-stage system with mechanical, iron and carbon filters. Operating temperature from +2 to +42 degrees. Withstands water hammer, operating pressure up to 6 atmospheres. Throughput – 2 liters per minute. Cleans water well, good cartridge life. The components are not cheap, but are sold in most specialized stores.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 5

Aquafilter Excito-B

Estimated cost – 7000 rubles. Seven-stage cleaning system (5 cartridges, 2 of them with double action). Working pressure 4 atmospheres. Recommended water temperature is from +2 to +42 degrees. It cleans even very hard water well and is equipped with a membrane filter for very fine cleaning. Average throughput is 3 liters per minute. Quite compact, the filters are enough for 4000-6000 liters of water. The membrane needs to be changed once a year. There are no particular complaints from users, except for the high cost of components.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 5

TOP 5 reverse osmosis systems

Geyser Prestige 2

Average price – 6000 rubles. A budget option for a reverse osmosis system for medium-hard water. Three-stage cleaning system (mechanical, iron removal, membrane filter). Includes faucet and fasteners. Capacity – 300 liters per day. Recommended water temperature is from +4 to +40 degrees. Working pressure 1.5-8 atmospheres. The pre-treatment unit replaces the three-stage pre-filtration typical for reverse osmosis systems. The disadvantages are weak fastenings and no water tank.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 4
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 4
• Overall rating: 4.5

Aquaphor DWM-101S Morion

Cost – from 11,000 rubles. Six-stage cleaning system. The filter is equipped with a 5-liter plastic tank and a tap. There is a pre-filter, a water treatment unit, a membrane filter, fine cleaning, and a mineralizer. Capacity – 190 liters per day. Recommended water temperature is from +2 to +40 degrees. Pressure from 2 to 6 bar. The disadvantages are lower productivity, plastic water tank.

• Productivity – 4
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 4.75

New water Expert Osmos MO530

Average cost – 11,000 rubles. A four-stage cleaning system is equipped with a tap and a storage tank with a volume of 15 liters. Capacity – 280 liters per day. It is equipped with a polypropylene, iron-removing, softening filter and membrane. There is a mineralizer. Working pressure 2-29 atmospheres. Recommended water temperature is from +5 to +35 degrees. Compact unit that gets the job done well. The downside is the plastic tank.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 5

Aquafilter RX-RO6-75

Average price – 10,000 rubles. Six-stage cleaning system, complete with faucet and water storage tank with a capacity of 12 liters. It is equipped with filters: coarse and fine, carbon, membrane, post-cleaner. There is a mineralizer. Withstands pressure up to 6 bar. Productivity – up to 300 liters per day. Recommended water temperature is +2-+40 degrees. The downside is the plastic tank.

• Productivity – 5
• Quality of water purification – 5
• Availability of components – 5
• Ease of installation and maintenance – 5
• Overall rating: 5

Which water purification filter to choose for an apartment or house

These units may differ in technical characteristics and design. Therefore, when deciding which filter to choose for your house, apartment or cottage, it is very important to clearly define your needs and objectively match them with real possibilities.

The effectiveness of the filter depends on which filter is chosen in each particular case. Modern manufacturers are ready to offer many models of different cleaning equipment and filters.

Pre-filters

Pre-filters purify water from solid impurities

Pre-filters are used to purify water from solid impurities that significantly worsen its taste and can harm household appliances. When choosing a specific model, consider the amount of water consumed.

Mud filters

Mud filters are used for mechanical water purification. When passing through a special mesh, it leaves solid impurities on it. Mud collectors can be used for preliminary cleaning of both cold and even hot water up to 150°C.

Jug

Jug filters are the most affordable water purification device

These are the most primitive devices; the resource of their cartridges is very small (usually up to three hundred liters). Their main purpose is to rid water of chlorine and unpleasant odors, and partly of hardness. The jugs are mobile and compact; They can be successfully used both at home and on the road. With them, clean water is always at hand. The frequency of cartridge replacement is once a month. The maximum degree of purification is 20 microns.

Advantages:

• does not require connection to a water supply system;
• extremely easy to use, does not require human control.

Flaws:

• in them the degree of purification is an order of magnitude lower than in those “integrated” into the water supply;
• small volumes of purified water.

The amount of liquid purified at one time cannot exceed the volume of the jug itself - usually one or two liters. That is, if cooking requires three liters of water, the jug will have to be filled twice one way or another. And this is not always convenient.

A pitcher filter is the best option for those who have a fairly limited budget or, due to the small size of the kitchen, cannot allocate space under the sink for a stationary system.

Water purifiers for faucets

The filter attachment has a compact size and an affordable price

These are small-sized devices that fit directly onto the tap. Their advantages are their low price and the ability to take them with you on trips.

Disadvantages - small volume of sorbent and low productivity - up to half a liter per minute (if manufacturers' advertising slogans say that it can be done faster, do not believe it). And here, containers for storing purified liquid are also needed.

Dispensers

Dispenser filters are designed for water purification

Dispensers are used to carry out post-purification of drinking water at home. They are easy to use since there is no need to connect this filter to the water supply.

The filter removes unpleasant taste and odor from water. Replaceable cartridges can remove solid suspensions, many organic and inorganic impurities and soften water.

Flow-through for washing

The cartridge is located next to the tap and is connected using a flexible hose

Such water purifiers are not placed on the faucet itself, but placed nearby. Such installations are attached to the tap using a flexible hose.

Their main advantages are sufficient productivity (higher than that of a faucet attachment) - up to one and a half liters per minute. Plus, there is no need for separate containers for purified water.

But such a filter takes up precious space on the sink. True, if he is beautiful, this item can be excluded from the list of shortcomings. Well, you should remember that it requires connection and disconnection after water purification.

Flow-through water filters for sinks

This filter has many advantages, but unfortunately, the price is high.

A stationary filter under the sink is built into the water supply. The unit itself is located under the sink, and a separate tap is connected to it - exclusively for purified water. The frequency of changing cartridges is once every six months. The maximum degree of purification is 0.05-1 microns.

Advantages:

• high degree of water purification;
• sufficient performance;
• great resource;
• the presence of a separate tap for purified liquid;
• Ease of use;
• the required volume of purified water is always available;
• location under the sink - no clutter in the work space.

There is only one drawback - the high price.

Stationary filters are chosen by those users who understand the value and importance of highly purified water and are ready to invest in their health.

Softeners

The disadvantage of the system is that it does not remove bacteria and metals.

Water is softened by reducing the amount of salts, usually chlorides and sulfates. To do this, replaceable filters with a cation exchange resin that adsorb salts are used, instead saturating the water with hydrogen and sodium ions. The downside is that softeners do not remove bacteria and metals.

Home reverse osmosis systems

Thanks to reverse osmosis systems, it has become possible to obtain water at home that is not inferior in quality to bottled water.

These are perhaps the best water purifiers available today. They allow you to remove not only excess water hardness, excess iron and chlorine, but also all kinds of bacteria and viruses.

The key filter component of such systems is the reverse osmosis membrane. Its pores are significantly smaller than the size of most known viruses, therefore your body will be protected as reliably as possible.

The main advantages of reverse osmosis systems over other purification plants:

• highest degree of purification;
• low cost of purified water;
• constant supply of liquid (ten liters).

The configuration of such installations looks like this:

• pre-cleaning cartridge system;
• reverse osmosis membrane;
• special post-cleaning filter.

Reverse osmosis systems top the ranking - and this is not surprising; their effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous studies and the impressions of ordinary users.

These units, if desired, can be equipped with a structurer and a mineralizer - this will make the water rich in useful minerals, capable of improving digestion and blood circulation.

The maximum degree of purification of such systems is 0.0001 microns. The frequency of replacing the reverse osmosis membrane is once every three years. The frequency of replacing post-cleaning cartridges is once a year.

Reverse osmosis systems are chosen by people who want to constantly consume highly purified water without overpaying for it (bottled products).

Trunk

Main filters are installed in the water supply

Filters of this type are mounted directly into the water supply. They are designed to purify water from mechanical formations and chemical compounds. By type they are divided into coarse and fine cleaning systems, as well as for water softening.

The most suitable apartments or houses of medium size are units capable of flowing from 20 to 50 liters per minute. But in some cases, the calculation of the required power is individual and depends on the maximum amount of water consumption. In addition, it must be taken into account that the pressure in the water supply system must correspond to 0.1 - 0.5 bar.

The service life depends on the intensity of use and can even be unlimited with proper operation, with the only condition that the cleaning cells need to be washed.

Advantages:

• Thanks to comprehensive purification from bacteria and technical impurities, the taste of water improves;
• the service life of water pipes and household appliances will significantly increase;
• it is small in size, easy to use, and you can replace the filter components yourself;
• Another advantage of these units is the low price of replacement cartridges.

There may be one drawback - the installation process. If you have not installed and connected the water supply, then most likely you will need the help of a specialist. But this is not such a serious minus.

Fibos type main filters with flushing system

Unlike mud filters and mesh filters, Fibos filters provide fine water purification. Their filter element is made in the form of a cylinder with ultra-fine microwire wound turn to turn. The distance between adjacent turns in the winding does not exceed 1 micron. This allows you to retain not only dirt particles, but also 99% of bacteria that form a biofilm on these particles. To prevent the Fibos filter element from becoming dirty, the microwire is covered with a thin layer of glass insulation, which prevents particles in the water from sticking to the microwire.

Microwire is a unique technology developed back in the USSR for defense and space purposes; the only mass production of it in the world is in Russia.

Fibos filters have direct flushing through the outlet tap into any suitable container or into the sewage system. An additional device allows you to automate the washing process.

The performance of the Fibos filter line has wide limits. Practically without reducing the pressure in the water supply system, the filters purify 5 liters of water per minute when used in the kitchen under the sink, 16 l/min when cleaning in an apartment or country house, 50 l/min in cottages, 83 l/min in cottages and swimming pools , up to 1000 l/min in production.

Since Fibos does fine water purification, if necessary, inexpensive cartridge filters can be installed after it to soften water, reduce iron content, and remove chlorine. In this case, the service life of the cartridges is significantly increased.

Fibos filters cost from 7,990 rubles with a service life of more than 10 years. The filters operate in both cold and hot water supply systems up to +95°C.

Fibos fine filter – the leader among mainline filters

Postfilters

Such filters improve the taste of water

Post-filters are used in reverse osmosis systems to eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the taste of water. The active element here is activated carbon. These systems also use mineralizer filters. They are necessary to restore the natural mineralogical composition of water, which is disrupted after the liquid passes through the membrane.

Video: review of cleaning filters

What types of water filters are there for sinks?

Flow filters

The design consists of 2-4 modules connected in series. Water goes through several stages of purification, each filter has its own purpose:

• Mechanical cleaning filter. Removes solid particles from water. It is a cellular fabric or mesh material. Cell size – up to 30 microns.
• Fine filter. A carbon filter that traps particles up to 5 microns in size effectively fights odors.
• Ion exchange filter. Its main purpose is water softening. Calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium, chlorine ions and other soluble compounds. The cartridges contain both artificially synthesized resins and sulfonated carbons.
• Iron removal elements. The filter contains chemicals that help bind the iron and oxygen atoms. Metal oxides form a deposit, which remains inside the filter.
• Antibacterial filter. Purifies water from bacteria and viruses; manufacturers claim that silver ions are used in the manufacture of such filters. Ultraviolet lamps are used less frequently.
• Combined. They are almost never used in multi-stage systems, only in single-flask filters. One cartridge combines several types of filter elements.

Important! The composition of tap water must be taken into account! The harder it is and the more impurities it contains, the more often the cartridges will have to be changed.

Reverse osmosis systems

The design of a reverse osmosis system is similar to a flow-through one, the difference is in additional modules and improved filters. Most often, membrane filters with micropores are used in such installations. Almost all organic and inorganic substances remain on the filter; contaminants are removed by a stream of water into the sewer. According to performance, filters are:

• 50G - this marking indicates a water purification rate of up to 200 liters per day.
• 100 G – productivity about 400 liters per day.

Important! Reverse osmosis filters purify water longer than flow filters, so they are often equipped with tanks for storing filtered liquid (up to 10 liters).

Reverse osmosis systems must have a polypropylene filter (coarse cleaning), a carbon or iron-removing element, and less often an ultraviolet lamp. Only after this does the water pass to the membrane filter. It is very important that the water supply system has normal pressure (1.5-3 bar). If the pressure is low, you will have to purchase an additional injection pump.

Since the water that has passed through the reverse osmosis system is close in composition to distilled water, it will not benefit the body. The necessary salts and compounds have simply been removed from it. The mineralizer filter restores its structure and saturates it with minerals. The liquid is enriched with magnesium, calcium, sodium, silver ions, sulfites, chlorides, fluorides. A high-quality filter allows you to obtain water with a composition close to mineral water.

General requirements for water purification systems for a house or apartment

Since the filter is constantly in contact with drinking water, it must be made of environmentally friendly, safe materials that do not emit any chemicals or a characteristic odor. Just smell the plastic parts and you will understand whether the product is in front of you or not.

For high-quality operation of the water purification system, all cartridges must be replaced in a timely manner.

For a stationary system connected to a water supply system, strong, durable housing materials are very important. Modern high-quality water purifiers are made of glass-filled plastic - it is much better than conventional one.

The choice of a water filter should be entirely based on the principles of common sense - you should not naively assume that a jug-type unit will serve you for ten years. But if you are single and accustomed to an active lifestyle, this (or a faucet attachment) will suit you best. For a large family, it is almost impossible to overestimate the convenience and importance of a stationary device.