Contamination-free water with better tasting and is also safe to drink is everyone’s basic need. Polluted water causes many harmful diseases in humans; thus, using water filters is one of the best options to access purified water. Under-sink water filters are an excellent option to opt for. These filters provide on-demand filtered water without waiting for the entire filtration process. You can use this water for drinking, cooking, and other kitchen activities.
This guide emphasizes on:
- What are Under Sink Water Filters?
- How Does an Under Sink Water Filter Work?
- How to Power Under Sink Water Filter and Garbage Disposal?
What are Under Sink Water Filters?
An under-sink water filter is also called a drinking water system. This is because it filters the tap at the spot, so you can always expect a clearer, tastier drink. Unlike faucet-mounted filters, these systems are installed just below the sink. This means it doesn’t take up refrigerator space like a pitcher filter.
Whole-home water filters and under-sink filters are quite different than each other. The former is a point-of-entry system, where water is filtered where it enters the home, while the latter is called a “point-of-use” because it is located directly at the water access point, such as the kitchen sink. Overall whole house filters are usually designed to address water issues such as chlorine, sulfur, iron, and sediment. In contrast, under-counter filters can handle a wide range of potential water issues.
How Does an Under Sink Water Filter Work?
Under-sink water filters work on the process of reverse osmosis. The process starts automatically, and here is a summary of the entire process.
Pre-filtration
The under-sink system takes water and uses a pump to pass through the first filter. This process reduces the presence of sediment particles such as rust and dirt while combating chlorine odors and off-flavors.
Reverse Osmosis
Once the pre-filtration step is complete, the water flows into the reverse osmosis chamber of the system. This chamber houses the semi-permeable RO membrane. Water is forced out at high pressure, and the membrane acts like a mesh, capturing and filtering certain contaminants from the feed water. Different systems have different levels of accuracy at this stage.
Re-filtration
Not all systems offer this step, but a good under-sink filter will allow you to add specialized filters to the overall process. For example, some systems are available with mineral boost cartridges. This raises the pH of the water, providing an almost infinite supply of alkaline water.
Waste Draining
After the water has passed the final stages of filtration, the washing system is discharged with wastewater. This waste product is created during the reverse osmosis process. Some systems are designed not to waste water, so look for highly efficient filtration solutions that won’t increase your water bill.
Filtered Water Storage
Some tankless reverse osmosis systems skip this step, but most stores filtered water in an attached tank. This way, your clean, pure-tasting water will be ready for use in seconds.
Turn on the Faucet
It’s finally time to drink. The system can even use extra filter time to intensify flavors before the water hits the glass.
How to Power Under Sink Water Filter and Garbage Disposal?
If you’re looking to install an under-sink water filter that requires electricity and you already have a garbage disposal with its outlet, it’s not clear how to power both. Many new under-sink reverse osmosis water filters require power to power electric pumps, smart faucets, and UV filters. This means you need an outlet under your kitchen sink for your filter system.
A wall switch near the sink usually controls this outlet. This switch turns both outlets on or off. However, water purifiers are designed to be powered on all the time, and if you have a landfill, you only want them to run when you need them.
So if you have a wall switch that controls both, how can you keep your water purification system on and dispose of it on demand? The best solution to this problem is to get a remote-controlled outlet switch. This simple device sits between a standard wall outlet and the connected device’s power cord. Then press the button on the remote control to turn the device on and off. You can connect your water purifier and garbage disposal to the same outlet under your sink without wiring changes.
Setting Up the Under Sink Water Filter and Garbage Disposal
Below is the easiest way to set up the garbage disposal and under-sink water filter.
- Buy a remote control outlet as described earlier.
- Unplug the trash can from the outlet under the sink.
- Plug the external outlet into the top wall outlet below the sink.
- Now, plug the garbage disposal’s power cord into the remote control outlet.
- Plug the filter system cord into the wall outlet under the sink.
- Turn on the outlet under the sink with a wall switch.
- Now leave the wall switch on all the time.
- When you need to take out the trash, use the “on” and “off” buttons on the remote control instead of the wall switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the life span of under-sink water filters?
The lifespan of a counter sewage filtration system depends on many factors, including
- Water usage
- Water quality in your area
- The specific system you choose
- Filter manufacturers credibility
2. How do you choose the best under-sink water filter for your home?
There are a few things to consider while choosing the under-sink filter systems.
- Contaminants that may be present in water
- The hardness of your water
- Water quality issues that can cause limescale, dish stains, rust stains, and other household problems
3. How to clean the sediment filter under the sink?
There can still be water in the housing, so first, please remove it carefully. Remove the sediment filter and pour the rest of the water. Rinse the housing if debris is still on the bottom. If the dirt still presents, wash it off.
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