Are you looking for a permanent solution to muddy water? Are you confused by the number of brands claiming to be the best water purifier for your home? I know it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to select one that meets all our needs.
A litre of good quality packaged water may cost up to 70 INR; thus, if someone drinks 3 litres of water per day, they will spend around 200 INR on water. Therefore, in a year, the total expenditure on consumable water will be approximate 75,000 INR. Is that an expense you can afford? If not, say hello to water purifiers!
If you are unaware of the various factors you should consider before investing in a purifier, we can help you solve your dilemma!
This article will walk you through ten essential points that one should consider before making the big decision.
I am sure that by the end of the article, you will know precisely how to find the ideal water purifier!
10 Points To Consider When Buying A Water Purifier
Water-borne diseases have spread widely, and people increasingly realize that it is essential to drink clean water. There are several factors that one should contemplate before buying a water purifier.
As a result, the demand for water purifiers has skyrocketed, and the market is overflowing with different brands. Here are ten specifications that you must examine before making the purchase.
1. Purification Process And Technology
The technology involved and its technique to purify water should be the first thing you think about before any other aspect.
Water Purifiers can be broadly classified into three types:
1. Reverse Osmosis Filter
A series of semipermeable membranes are used to cleanse water in a RO water purifier.
Osmosis makes use of the natural flow of water from a higher to a lower concentration. On the other hand, reverse osmosis is driven by external pressure since it pushes water against natural rules.
RO purifiers effectively reduce suspended solids and the total dissolved solids (TDS) from water. Additionally, it can also help to filter microbes, thus preventing water-borne diseases.
The biggest drawback of an RO filter is the wastewater produced during this process. As per Pureit average, RO water purifier wastes approximately 75% of its water supply!
2. Ultra Violet Filter
UV rays can damage the genetic material of microbes, thus rendering them sterile and incapable of multiplying. In this method, a UV bulb is used that can inactivate germs and pathogens from water.
Since UV filters are easy to maintain and can provide pure water instantly, there are getting very popular.
A UV filter has the disadvantage of not filtering solid wastes and thus not reducing the overall TDS of water. Furthermore, because there are no filters, the purified water will contain dead germs.
3. Ultra Filtration Filter
UF consists of a series of filters that can trap suspended solids, microorganisms, and other particulate matter present in water. The most significant advantage of this technique of purification is that it can work without electricity.
However, it cannot separate dissolved solids; hence it is incapable of purifying hard water.
2. Water Quality
Water quality is determined by several parameters, including taste, colour, odour, and turbidity. It is critical to assess your water source and the water quality you wish to purify before investing in a water purifier.
Let me tell you how to test that!
1. Smell
If your water has the peculiar odour of bleach, it is an indication that your water has been chlorinated during purification. If your water smells like soil, it is an indication that your sample has organic matter that is decaying.
2. Taste
We think water doesn’t have a flavour, yet it does! Depending on the content present in the water, it can impart the water sample a unique flavour. For instance, if your water has a metallic taste, it indicates contamination by minerals.
3. Turbidity
Turbidity can reveal a lot about the quality of water! Solid particles in your water sample could indicate a high TDS level.
4. Colour
Nobody wants to drink water that has a cloudy or muddy appearance. For instance, if the water is green in colour, it could be due to corroded piping.
3. Contamination
The water you intend to purify may be contaminated with physical, chemical, or biological contaminants. Thus, it is crucial to understand your main concern before investing in a purifier.
An RO purifier is excellent for physical and chemical contaminants like soil, salt, minerals, heavy metals like lead, arsenic, etc. The semipermeable membrane can eliminate the tiniest solid particle by limiting their passage through the RO membrane.
Thus, if the primary source of contamination is dissolved solids, you may want to invest in an RO Purifier.
A UV purifier will be sensible if the primary source of contamination is biological, like bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. Exposure to UV light can be fatal for microbes and hence disinfect the contaminated water.
Numerous studies have also connected fluoridated water to dental fluorosis. TDS in water cannot be reduced by UV light; however, RO filters are designed to remove solids from water. A RO filter should be considered if your TDS is high.
4. Water Usage
Every household uses various amounts of water for their daily activities; therefore, it’s essential to consider how much water the family uses before choosing a purifier. If you have a large family, a machine with low power output and limited water purification abilities will not be a beneficial choice.
Contrary to that, a small family with less water usage can work well with a small purifier.
5. Maintenance
Most people think of water purifiers as a one-time investment; however, if the machine needs to be fixed and cleaned frequently, the expense quickly becomes a liability.
Biofouling is the accumulation and proliferation of microorganisms and solid wastes on a solid membrane. Hence, the membranes in an RO water purification system need to be replaced every 12 months, which is expensive.
In UV filters, the UV light needs to be replaced every year to ensure that they still have disinfection capabilities. Hence, UV filters require less maintenance in contrast to filters with membranes.
UF filters need cleaning once every week due to the accumulation of contaminants on the filters. However, the cost is minimal, but severe damage can occur if the filters are not cleaned, necessitating a replacement.
6. Electricity
Some systems require electricity to operate. If your house lacks an adequate electricity supply, investing in such a purifier will be a bad idea. In such situations, you should consider purchasing non-electric gravity-based purifiers like UF filters and sediment filters.
Unlike UV purifiers, RO purifiers usually come with a storage tank capable of holding 5-10 litres of water. UV purifiers typically do not have storage tanks. As an RO filter doesn’t require frequent use, you can save electricity.
7. Location
When you know where the purifier will be placed, choosing the filter’s size will be easier. Since most of it requires electricity to operate, it is advisable to install it near a socket. Usually, wall-mounted purifiers are preferred to save space and give your kitchen a more aesthetic look.
If you are renting an apartment and want to move, installation may not be necessary. In such situations, you can save money by using gravity-based filters, which are less complicated and don’t require the assistance of an expert to set up.
8. Cost
It’s critical to establish a budget! It is imperative to consider the initial investment and also the recurring cost for routine maintenance. Once you have a budget in your mind, you can choose options that fit your bill.
RO purifiers are pricey and are not a cost-effective alternative, even when it comes to maintenance, unlike UV purifiers, which may be a costly purchase but are simple to maintain.
UF and carbon filter purifiers are relatively low on the price margin and can be considered if you hunt for a budget-friendly purchase.
9. Time
Because there are additional steps involved in cleaning water with an RO filter, the time required will be longer.
UV and UF purifiers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a cleaner that can provide you with pure water right away.
10. Warranty
Since there are unlimited options, every company claims to manufacture the most cost-efficient purifier. Before making a purchase, it is a great idea to seek a product warranty.
It would be best to discuss the cost of maintenance, repair, and replacement criteria before closing the agreement to ensure that you have all the necessary information.
Also Read:
How To Convert The Hard Water Into Soft Water?
Summary
Before making your ultimate decision, you should consider several variables. The water supply and quality contaminants, space, electricity usage, and other factors should all play a role in determining which purifier is ideal for you.
It is safe to invest in an RO membrane if the TDS level in your water is high. A UV filter can improve water quality if the quantity of microbiological pollutants is more elevated than TDS. If you’re on a tight budget and electricity is an issue, a UF filter should be considered.
Let us know if you found this article helpful. Don’t forget to tell us which purifier you bought in the comments below!
I am tech writer who is passionate about technology and spearheads the core writing team on tech news