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Understanding your Kitchens Water Filter System

Kitchens Water Filter SystemA water filter is designed to reduce or rid water of all water contaminants. A device with tiny holes catches most minerals dissolved or suspended in water. The most common contaminants it gets rid of are chlorine, nitrates, radium, lead, arsenic, sulphides, copper, and nickel. Most of these minerals affect your health and your kitchen equipment.  Hence, increasing the operation cost in your kitchen.

Water filters are not limited to just removing minerals. They are also useful in removing microorganisms such as fungi. Advanced water filters also double up as water purifiers. These hybrid water filters are an excellent way to get rid of disease-causing pathogens. They are quite useful for people who use groundwater in remote areas. They are fitted with a UV system that kills bacteria before it gets to the kitchen. As a result, you can keep your customers at the hotel and you family members safe.

Water Filter Technologies

There are hundreds of brands of water filters. However, most of them rely on a few types of technologies. Some may use one of the technologies or a combination of these technologies. It is important for you to have an idea of each type of technology. It will assist you to choose your next water filter.

Activated Carbon
The technology relies on the chemical bonding of the contaminants to get rid of them. Some of the activated carbon filters are basic; they only get rid of chlorine and odor. Some of the activated carbon filters are quite effective. They get rid of a wide range of contaminants such as mercury, lead, asbestos, and organic compounds. The activated carbon filters have one drawback; they are unable to remove most inorganic compounds. For instance, they are ineffective against fluorides, nitrates, perchlorates, and arsenic. The activated carbon filters are in two categories. The first one is an activated carbon block. The block is formed under high pressure. The block is better than the granulated filter. How effective it is, depends on how fast water flows through the block. The second one is the granulated carbon filter. It is made up of small grains of activated carbon.

Ceramic Filters
The ceramic filters are made up of fossilized substances with tiny pores. They are effective against cysts and sediments. However, they have no effect on chemical contaminants.

De-ionization
The technology is used to get rid of minerals and other charged particles in the water. The technology is effective against contaminants such as chlorine. However, it has no effect on organic compounds.

Distillation
The technology is quite energy intensive. It works by heating water and then condensing it. The system effectively gets rid of all minerals that have a higher boiling point than water. However, it cannot get rid of chlorine and most organic compounds.

Ion Exchange
The technology is commonly used in water softeners. It replaces certain ions with others. For instance, it is effective in getting rid of calcium from the water. However, it does not work well for pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Ozone
The technology is highly effective in removing microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. However, it does not work for any chemical contaminants. The technology is suited for businesses that get ground water from a clean source.

Reverse Osmosis
The technology works by passing water through a fine membrane. As the water passes through, it is filtered to turn it into safe water. The system is quite effective in removing contaminants. The impurities are left on one side while the clean water passes to the other side. The technology requires a lot of pressure and patience. It takes a long time to produce a small amount of water. The disadvantage of this system is that it uses up a lot of water for each litre of water produced. For each seven litres flushed down the drain, one litre of clean water is produced. Additionally, this type of filter produces water devoid of nutrients. As a result, it is usually a bit acidic.

UV
They rely on ultraviolet light to destroy pathogens in the water. The water is irradiated via a glass element. The technology is best used in areas where there is a possibility of contracting dangerous diseases such as typhoid. The systems are suited for third world countries where there is a high chance of the water being contaminated from waste and bust pipes. Additionally, this type of technology has no effect on chemical contaminants such as chlorine.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

You should evaluate some key factors when installing a water filter. You need to estimate the water use, water consumption, and the type of contaminants.

Sink-Mounted
It is a great system for those looking for ease installation. It is mostly effective for serving customers with safer drinking and cooking water. It allows you to choose between filtered and unfiltered water. As a result, you can extend its lifetime by using it only when needed. However, this type of system only works with certain types of sinks. In addition, water flow can be a bit slow.

Countertop
It is a great system for filtering large qualities of water at once. In addition, no plumbing modification is needed. However, this system makes the countertop appear cluttered.

Under-Sink System
The system is effective for filtering huge amounts of water. Additionally, it does not clutter the countertop. At times, one may need to modify their countertop. As a result, a plumber may be called in to install the system.

Factors to Consider When Replacing Water Filters

A water filter will need to be replaced after six months in most cases. However, a number of factors could influence how often it needs to be replaced. At times, it may already be useless by the time it is replaced. Geographical location is a major consideration when replacing a water filter. For those within inner city areas, a water filter needs replacement at least thrice a year. Most of the water that goes through the filter contains chemicals used during treatment. In addition, people who live in areas with hard water must replace their water filter often.

Other factors to consider include the type of restaurant and the equipment in use. If one uses equipment that needs a lot of water such as combi ovens, dishwashers, coffee machines, they have to take it into consideration. Water filter replacement should occur as often as possible to protect the expensive equipment. In addition, a restaurant that mostly deals in breakfast has to check its water filters as often as possible.

If you install a water filter, ensure that it is properly maintained. You should also try to learn how to operate it yourself. You can cut down the cost of having to call in a technician every time it develops a problem.

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