Access to clean water in your home at the ready is vital, especially during warmer weather. There are several methods of achieving this, with one of the most effective being an inline filter. If you’ve ever wondered what and how this water filter can benefit your life, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s go over what you need to know about this nifty device.
What is an Inline Filter?
An inline filter is a type of filter that directly connects to your water line. Water passes through the filter before continuing its cycle throughout your home. You’ll want to consider the variations: point of entry and point of use. Depending on your needs, either one can be effective.
What does an inline filter do?
Inline filters purify water as it flows through the filter, creating filtered water. These filters use advanced filtration media to extract contamination from your water.
How do I choose the best inline filter for my home?
If an inline filter is your path to excellent water filtration, the next step is to choose the right one. First, you’ll want to know the quality of your water source.
Where you get your water will determine what contaminants your inline filter needs to remove.
Typically, water comes from one of two sources, depending on the location of your home. If you live in a city or a suburban area, your water probably comes from a municipal water supplier. A well is likely your source if you live in a rural area.
Tap water from a public water supply may contain chlorine, lead, and nitrates. Water treatment facilities usually add chlorine to the water supply to make it safe. This can affect the taste and odor of the water and dry out hair and skin. It is also possible that it may contain traces of bacteria like E. coli, Giardia, and noroviruses.
Well water can contain bacteria and, if left untreated, can be more harmful. Heavy metals and chemicals from fertilizers can also run into well water, contaminating it.
Are you unsure what’s in your water? Test it! You can do this with a professional or a water test kit.
Safe Tap Check 9-Way Water Test Kit
The next thing to consider is how you will use the filtered water. A point-of-use system is best if you only require it for one type of application, such as clean cooking and drinking water. However, if you also want to use filtered water for bathrooms and appliances, then a point-of-entry system would be your choice.
Once you’re familiar with what’s in your water and how you will use it, you can more easily choose the correct filter by looking for one certified to remove your specific contaminants.
In addition to whether you need a point of entry or point of use filter, you must also consider the price and how much you’re willing to invest.
Filters Fast® Universal Inline Filter for Refrigerators
What are the benefits of an inline water filter?
The beauty of having an inline water filter in your home is its worry-free convenience. This device makes it easy to access clean water at will. Your health and wellness will be improved with a boosted immune system, nutrient absorption, and digestive system.
An inline filter will also reduce your dependence on bottled water, benefiting the ecosystem and your wallet. Not only will you avoid buying them during grocery shopping, but you’ll also reduce your trips to the store, saving on gas!
Inline water filters may feature different filter media. You can choose between two types of filters. Depending on your needs, an inline filter with granular activated carbon (GAC) or a carbon block filter can provide better filtration.
How to Install an Inline Water Filter at Home
Installing an inline water filter in your home can significantly improve water quality. Here’s a step-by-step guide for easy installation:
- Identify Installation Point: Find your cold water supply line where you will want to connect the filter.
Gather Tools and Materials: You may need a few tools to install the new filter. We recommend grabbing an adjustable wrench, a drill, or pliers. The filter package should come with connectors and a filter. - Turn Off the Water Supply: Shutting off your water supply will prevent leaks or spills. Remember to drain any remaining water from the line before you begin.
- Remove the Existing Filter: If you are replacing your inline filter, remove the existing one by unscrewing the connectors or pulling the tubing from the filter. You should not have to force the filter, so use caution as you perform this task.
- Make the Connection: If you are installing an inline filter for the first time, attach the filter housing directly to the cold water line. This might involve cutting the pipe and securing the filter with connectors provided in the kit.
- Secure It: Ensure the filter housing is secured to the wall or cabinet to prevent movement and potential disconnections.
- Check for Leaks: After installing, turn the water back on to check for leaks. Gradually doing this can prevent major water loss. Tighten the connections as needed.
- Flush the Filter: Clear out any initial carbon particles or debris by flushing the filter. This will help ensure you have clean water from the start.
Enjoying clean filtered water is easy when you follow these simple steps.
Why should you replace your inline water filter?
Introducing filtered water into your lifestyle is a brilliant way to improve your health. However, continuing to walk that path is usually the most challenging part.
Over time and frequent use, your inline water filter will eventually become bogged down by all the contaminants it has collected. Neglecting to replace the filter will make it a breeding ground for bacteria. Your appliances will also run at sub-optimal levels and can eventually require repair.
How often should you change an inline water filter?
Now that you know why you should change the filter, you’re probably wondering when. The frequency of replacing your filter is connected to several factors: the quality of your water, the water system, and the amount you use it.
Most inline filter cartridges require changes every 6-12 months to remove contaminants properly. The exact timing depends on your water usage and the quality of your source water. In general, you’ll need to replace it annually at a minimum.
If you notice a significant pressure drop, this could be a sign that your filter is nearing its lifespan. The amount of pressure drop will depend on multiple factors, including filter type, size, and condition.
Remembering when to change your filter can be difficult, especially with life’s hallmarks and challenges. Living an optimal life sometimes means asking for help. Our Home Filter Club subscription program may be precisely what you need. By choosing to subscribe at checkout, you’ll get your filters delivered directly to your doorstep at your convenience.
Using Inline Filters with Other Systems
Inline filters are a universal and affordable way to address water quality issues in your home. However, they may not be able to resolve all of them. Issues like hard water or high iron levels will involve more than an inline filter.
Can You Combine Filters? Yes!
Why you should consider combining filtration systems:
- More Comprehensive Contaminant Removal:
- Inline Filters: Filter out larger particles and reduce chlorine levels, which helps enhance taste and odor.
- Iron Filters: Target and eliminate iron; help prevent staining on fixtures and laundry.
- Water Softeners: Effectively remove minerals causing hardness, such as calcium and magnesium. Water softening systems help protect plumbing and appliances from scale buildup.
- Enhanced Performance and Longevity:
- Pairing systems allows each system to work less hard, helping each other out.
- Having systems that work together can help extend the system’s lifespan and improve efficiency.
Combining an inline filter with more specialized treatments for other water issues can address a broader range of contaminants. Doing so can also help improve your home’s water, ensuring it is cleaner, safer, and more pleasant.
An excellent filter for quality, clean water
When choosing a filter for your unique needs, inline water filters can significantly benefit your life. They’re connected directly to your water line, allowing water to flow through the filter before continuing its journey through your home. They provide clean, clear water to your home, enhancing your health and wellness, freeing you of worries, and providing convenience.
For more information about water filtration, please check out these articles:
- How to Save Money on Your Home’s Water Filters
- Water Your Wellbeing: The Benefits of Whole Utilization of Water Filtration
- How To Find the Best Water Filtration System for Your Home
- A New Perspective On Filtration: Water Filtration 101
Brandon says
Peter, thanks for your comment. Glad your water filtration system is working for you!