Carbon Water Filter, A Good Choice To Clean Up Your Water

A carbon water filter is a comprehensive solution to pure water in most households today. They are efficient, simple to install, and easy on the pocket. Activated charcoal carbon water filtration systems produce contaminant free water and can be affordably installed right in your own home. The carbon that is used in these filters is made out of coconut husk, and has the capability to filter out harmful microscopic parasites. The carbon water filtration process provides safe water, while retaining essential minerals.

Standard charcoal filters remove fewer contaminants than the more commonly used “activated charcoal” style filters. Activated carbon filters are popular because of their ability to remove certain organic compounds, pesticides, gasoline, benzene, chlorine, methane, radon and some heavy metals. These substances are adsorbed efficiently due to the highly porous nature of the activated carbon.

Different levels of the activated charcoal filters are available and include various Micron rating levels and a style of filter infused with nano-silver. Micron ratings determine which contaminants are retained by the filtration process, such as micron ratings of 1 or less will grasp the deadly contaminants Cryptosporidium and Guardia, while a micron rating of less than 0.01 would suppress most viruses. Filters that have been impregnated with nano-silver have the ability to kill multiple bacterial organisms, in addition to the other features found in activated charcoal water filters.

Carbon filters are available in the form of cartridges filled with granules of carbon, or in a solid block form made up of powdered carbon. While carbon blocks slow down the process, they are considered to be most effective. The quantity of the carbon in a filter also determines its efficiency. The more the quantity of carbon the better the filtration results.

The effectiveness of a carbon filter can get reduced if it is not in use for long time. Molds can form on the carbon, resulting in foul odor and bad taste of water. When the carbon gets soaked with organic contaminants, it provides a suitable environment for bacteria to grow. Hence, it is essential to replace the filter regularly. These filters also do not change the pH balance of water. Activated carbon filters completely remove tastes and smells of water, which are not desirable.

Water analysis is an important step before purchasing a water treatment system. If the water is contaminated with radon and other organic compounds, it can be harmful for general use. In such cases it is advisable to install the system at the entry point of water to the house. If the water is safe for general use then the system can be installed in the kitchen, for cooking and drinking purposes. If the sediment content in the water is high, then a sediment pre-filter can benefit. This should be put in between the water entry point and the carbon filter.

It is also important to replace the sediment filters as (preferrably before) they get clogged. The longevity of a carbon cartridge depends on many factors. Only a rough estimate is obtained on purchase. An analysis of the water contamination level, data on the amount of water consumption, and the flow rate can be helpful in determining the longevity.

Though carbon filters are extremely popular, they will not serve the purpose unless proper maintenance is done. The lifetime of the cartridges is limited and like any other device, they can breakdown. It is best to change the filter at 75% of the recommended use supplied by the manufacturer.