While tap water today may be safe to drink, it doesn't always taste great. Reverse osmosis systems can save you money and improve your health and make your water taste great
Chloramines added to water supplies provide longer disinfection in the distribution piping than chlorine. However, chloramines may cause undesirable taste and odor in water. Learn how to remove chloramine from your water here.
Your body needs clean water for lots of reasons, and most of us don’t actually consume water in a way that benefits the body as it should. Here’s the best way to consume water.
NSF is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1944 to promote good sanitation. Its main business is to bring together experts in public health, manufacturing, and sanitation from government, industry, academia and the public to develop and administer performance standards for products which have some impact on sanitation and public health. NSF maintains state-of-the-art laboratories where products can be tested according to the set standards.
Manufacturers voluntarily submit products for evaluation; if they pass the tests, they are “Listed” and certain tested claims are “Certified” and the products are authorized to display the NSF seal on labels and literature. Although non-governmental, NSF does have some official status as the lead agency for the testing and approval of both the chemicals used in water treatment and the materials of construction used in drinking water systems, under contract to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
NSF Standards are recognized by the American National Standards Institute and the equivalent organization in the European Community, the Dutch Council for Certification (RvC). Public Health Officials worldwide can take confidence from the knowledge that people like themselves have written and approved these standards, and NSF’s reputation for thoroughness, independence and credibility has made it one of the most trusted public agencies in the world. NSF has also received the distinction of being appointed a Registrar for the International Standards Organization (ISO).
There are two NSF Standards for “Drinking Water Treatment Units”: Standard 42 for Aesthetic Effects and Standard 53 for Health Effects. A water filter which is “NSF-Listed”, or which has claims which are “NSF Certified” is one which:
Is thoughtfully designed and carefully constructed
Using established water treatment media and methods
Using materials of construction which are tested and documented to be appropriate for potable water use
Is tested and verified to conform to minimum standards of mechanical and hydraulic strength
Is tested and verified to conform to minimum standards of hydraulic functioning (minimum flow rate, maximum initial pressure drop, reasonable freedom from channeling and dumping)
Is adequately and truthfully labeled and advertised
Is routinely re-tested, and its manufacturing procedures, documentation and facilities inspected/audited annually
Read the fine print
Please note that it is important to read the small print when evaluating a products certification. There are various classes to consider, and various contaminant removals to consider.
Just because a filter is certified to Std. 53 doesn’t mean it is for every one of the reductions listed below; it may only be for one or two. Make sure the reduction you require is specifically listed, i.e. Std. 53 for Cyst, turbidity, lead and asbestos reduction.
Standard 53 - Health Effects
(Pass / Fail criteria - no gradations or class distinction)
Cyst Reduction: 99.95% reduction of particles in the 3-4 micron range
Turbidity Reduction: Over 90% reduction of 10 - 12 units of turbidity in water
Lead Reduction: Minimum 90% reduction of 150 ppb lead to 15 ppb or less, at both high and low pH levels
Asbestos Reduction: 99% reduction of fibres exceeding 10 micrometers
Chemical Reduction: Usually 95% reduction of severe pollution levels to the MCL or lower, for the unit’s entire rated capacity
Standard 42 - Aesthetic Effects
Taste & Odor and Chlorine Reduction
Class I - At least 75% reduction (highly effective)
Class II - 50 to 75% reduction (somewhat effective)
Class III - 25 to 50% reduction (least effective)
Particulate Reduction (at least 85% of particles are removed)
Class I - 0.5 to 1 micron (SUB-MICRON)
Class II - 1 to 5 microns (most bacteria &one-celled algae
Class III - 5 to 15 microns (most protozoa, pollen, silt)
Class IV - 15 to 30 microns (FINE...mold spores, rust particles)
Class V - 30 to 50 microns (barely visible root hairs)
Class VI - over 50 microns (sand, leaf fragments, insect parts)
Note: Products may also be manufactured with NSF approved materials, or components, but not actually have NSF ratings for performance. The devil is in the details so be sure to read the fine print.
Having access to clean drinking water is important for every household. If your tap water has a foul taste or odor, you might already be buying bottled water to avoid having to drink from the tap. The cost of bottled water can quickly add up and it doesn’t address issues like cooking with your tap water. If you want to have clean water on demand, you need to find the best drinking water filter for your home. At efilters we specialize in home water filter systems that provide crisp filtered water from a dedicated tap or your existing faucet.
Many homeowners are already relying on pitcher filters to supply their drinking water. These chunky pitchers may seem like an acceptable solution at first, but they have many issues that make them both inconvenient and expensive in the long run. The most obvious problem with these water filter pitchers is the constant need for maintenance. They take up valuable real estate in your fridge and they need to be filled multiple times per day. The filters they use also are only rated for about 40 gallons of water, but they will continue to allow water through after that window. This means pitcher users typically end up using filters well beyond their lifespan and gaining none of their benefits or they are replacing the filters often, adding to their costs and producing waste.
The best drinking water filters are permanent fixtures attached to your existing sink. These systems are the perfect solution because they provide amazing clean water without the need to be constantly maintained. At efilters, we carry home filter systems from Everpure. We believe these systems offer the best quality water while being simple to install and maintain.
The installation of your filter will vary depending on which model you decide to use. Most Everpure filters will require a dedicated faucet mount. If you don’t want to deal with adding an additional faucet to your countertop, you should consider the PBS400 model which uses you existing faucet’s cold water line. No matter which system you choose to use, you will need to to mount the filterhead beneath your sink. You simply screw the filterhead in place while being sure to leave ample room for installing the cartridges.
The amazing cartridge design is the key to Everpure’s effectiveness. These metal cartridges feature layers of filtration to achieve the best results possible results. The carbon filter media has an incredible surface area for removing contaminants including those responsible for foul tastes and odors. The bacteriostatic component of the filters also prevents bacteria from multiplying within the filtration system. The pleated design of the filter’s membrane allows it to filter water effectively for months at a time, and the water pressure will begin to slow as the filter reaches the end of its lifespan.
When your filter cartridge needs to be replaced, the process is about as simple as changing a lightbulb. You simply flip the shutoff valves on your filterhead and then unscrew the cartridge and wiggle it loose. Once this is complete you screw in the filter replacement,reopen the valves, and run the system for a few minutes to flush out any air. Once all the air is purged from the lines you’re done for another few months.
If you’re ready to find the best drinking water filter for your home, visit efilters today. Our team is dedicated to helping homeowners find the perfect filter system to provide clean water on demand. If you are curious about which of our Everpure systems best suits your needs, contact our team at 1-866-283-9919.
Lalita Prasida Sripada Srisai is a young woman from the developing state of Odisha, India, who at 13 years old, developed a low-cost water purifier that operates on corn cobs.
The standard advice from water filter experts is to change your refrigerator water filter every six months. It’s generally a good idea to follow that advice. After six months, your fridge’s water filter may not be working at maximum efficiency. Keep a close eye on your replacement indicator light to help tell you when it’s time for a replacement.
Does a Filter Work?
As the name implies, a refrigerator water filter’s job is to filter your water and remove any contaminants that could affect the taste and quality. The list includes germs that could cause infection if drunk, as well as sediments left in your water supply (e.g. chlorine and sediments). This gives you cleaner, healthier water that’s much safer to drink and use for cooking.
There are several ways water filters can keep your water clean, including by reverse osmosis. Most water filters rely on carbon and sediment filtration to remove contaminants in the water. After installing, you may notice the smell and taste of chemicals disappear. That’s thanks to the carbon filter. The carbon acts as an adhesive, trapping contaminants in a process called adsorption. Think of a sponge full of dirty water. When you squeeze the sponge, the water is released outside. In this case, the carbon causes the sediments to adhere to the surface of the filter, keeping them out of your drinking water.
What Happens When My Filter Becomes Unusable?
Water filters, in general, can last for some time and provide plenty of protection. However, filters can wear out over time. How quickly that happens depends on the quality of water coming into your fridge.
After a certain point, your filter will become too clogged with debris and sediments that have bonded to the carbon surface. At this point, bad tastes and odours won’t be absorbed and can pass through. The old filter can also start contributing to germ growth, making your water more unhealthy.
What Are The Warning Signs?
Some clues can tell you when your fridge’s water filter is due for replacement. Use these warning signs to help ensure your refrigerator gives you good drinking water quality. Keep an especially close eye out when you find more than one symptom. Some indicators may not always mean the filter’s time is up, but several are a more obvious tell.
It’s been six months - After around six months, consider replacing your filters to keep your water clean and safe. Six months is the usually-recommended service life for most refrigerator filters and is a safe bet for ensuring a healthy water supply.
Keep the date you installed the filter in mind to help you remember when the time comes for a replacement. Give yourself reminders for early warning before the six month period passes. Some filters come with a sticker where you can mark the date of installation.
The indicator light is on - Many newer models of fridge come with indicator lights that can tell you when the filter needs replacement. This is an easy way of knowing when to get around to the chore, especially if you forget the exact date of installation. Some indicators are controlled by a timer, which turns on after six months have passed.
Alternatively, your fridge can detect the filter’s actual status. This setting can be more convenient for you if you use less water. Some people use different amounts of water, and your filter may not need replacement after exactly six months.
Slowed-down water dispenser - As the filter goes through its lifespan, sediments tend to build up on its surface. The contaminants it filters out of your water can clog the filter over time. This can block water flow when you use the fridge’s dispenser for water.
Areas with hard water (water full of hard minerals like calcium) are particularly prone to sediment buildup. Take note of how long it takes to fill your glasses. If it’s taking too long, it might be time to invest in a new filter.
Low-quality ice - When the water filter gets old, it can also affect the quality of the fridge’s other systems, like the ice maker. Having an old filter have effects on the quality and quantity of your ice. Pay attention if your ice maker always seems to be out of ice.
Other clues to keep an eye out for are strange tastes and odours, and cloudy ice. Changing the filter may clear up your problems with the ice maker. A new one can keep sediments out and keep the water flowing when you need ice for drinks.
Strange tastes - Taste is a good measuring stick for whether your water filter is still working. Installing a new filter can remove the flavour of sediments from the water and leave it feeling fresher. Over time, the tastes may come back. This is normal, so it isn’t a sign on its own. However, odd flavours are a sign that the filter may need replacement soon. Compare the time since installation with the taste to make your replacement more accurate.
Inspect Your Filter Frequently
Take the time to check your water and filter regularly to make sure it’s still working correctly. One rule of thumb is checking every time you clean your fridge. It’s a convenient time to check, as you’re performing maintenance and replacing the fridge’s contents. Check the connective tubing and filter for leaks or buildup that could compromise the water quality. Sample the water as well to check the water flow and to see if there are any particles in the water.
Like other appliances, it’s necessary to change your fridge’s water filter cartridges after some time. Think of replacing your water filter like doing maintenance for a car. Every few months, parts have to be replaced to keep it working at peak efficiency. The trick is staying ahead of replacement and keeping the dates in mind.
The simplest thing you can do is watch the indicator light to tell you when the filter starts to get clogged. Make some notes to help remind yourself about filter replacement ahead of time as well. Keep reminders of important dates to help gauge when it’s been six months since your last replacement. Watch out for when the water starts to taste strange, or when your ice isn’t as clear as before. Take the time to prepare everything before your six-month deadline.
Getting everything ready before replacing your fridge’s filters part of your routine can make the process a smoother one. Use the time wisely, and you can get your refrigerator in working order without too much fuss.
When you’re on the lookout for replacement filters for your fridges, ice machines, and coffee makers, contact efilters. We provide a range of filtration system solutions for Canadian clients to help improve your water quality. Let us help you make your water taste great and stay safe.
Finding a replacement filter for your refrigerator can be challenging, especially when name brand filters can be pricey. Considering that manufacturers recommend replacing the water filters every six months (depending on the manufacturer), costs can accumulate substantially over time.
For instance, if you own a GE refrigerator that uses an RPWFE filter, it costs as much as $44.50. Supposing that the expected lifespan of your refrigerator is 12 years, you’re looking at a total of about $1,068 for the cost of replacement.
It is understandable that many consumers will turn to cheaper alternatives. Although there are a variety of affordable options, few may be able to reach the standards you require. In addition to price, there are other factors you need to consider.
Compatibility
Like all machines, refrigerators are manufactured by putting together specific parts. The size, shape, and materials used for these parts vary depending on the model of the fridge. Successfully replacing a part of a refrigerator means looking for one that is compatible with the filter. Incompatible filters can lead to problems with fitting and leaks. Do your research and ask the supplier whether the filter model matches your unit. It is easier to choose a model that matches the brand of the refrigerator unit. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a filter from the same brand, so long as it matches the refrigerator.
Make certain it has the right certification
Quality, performance, and safety are as important as price when looking into a new filtration system. There are a wide range of contaminants that may be present in the tap water. Make sure that the filter is certified so you can rest assured that your refrigerator’s filtration system dispenses clean and safe drinking water.
The certifying body responsible for determining the health and safety standards for various products is NSF International. This organization sets the rules for development and provides product certifications across multiple supply chains including restaurants and food service supplies. An NSF certified product has undergone stringent inspections to ensure that manufacturers comply with the highest requirements for safety.
For refrigerator water filters, two NSF standards apply:
Standard 42 - Standard 42 is awarded to products that minimize contaminants that affect aesthetic values and do not pose any threat to health. Filters possessing the Standard 42 certification are designed to eliminate chlorine and other substances that affect the taste and odour of water.
While Standard 42 does not remove any health risks, it makes it more palatable. However, this standard should not stand alone. There are a variety of harmful substances that are tasteless and odourless, which is why the next standard is necessary.
Standard 53 - Clean tasting water does not necessarily mean it is safe for consumption. A number of these substances cannot be detected by smell or taste and can cause severe health problems when ingested beyond certain levels.
Standard 53 establishes that a product is void of any substance that can be hazardous to health. Filters with the Standard 53 certification are capable of freeing drinking water of contaminants including:
Parasites (e.g. Cryptosporidium and Giardia)
Lead
Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether)
Standard 53 filters, though they do not improve taste, ensure its safety. A refrigerator water filter that is certified to both Standard 42 and 53 provides drinking water that is both clean and delicious. Fortunately, many options have both certifications.
Be cautious when purchasing filters online
In the search for a quality filter that does not break the bank, many consumers may be tempted by the myriad of cheaper alternatives online. However, a great deal of caution is necessary when doing purchasing from online sources. For one, there is little to no guarantee that the products you acquire through the web may work. Many companies sell counterfeit water filters online.
Determining whether a water filter is real or not can be difficult even for experts. Imitation filters are made to resemble legitimate brand-name products with the fraudulent use of logos, brand graphics, and certifications. They are disguised to the point that they become indistinguishable from their certified counterparts.
The low prices of these counterfeit models may seem like an amazing deal, but many do not meet the minimum structural and safety requirements. Consumers need to be wary. Fake water filters pose a health risk to the public. Sure, the water may taste good, but that doesn’t mean that these filters are properly removing hazardous contaminants. In addition to health concerns, fake water filters may not match the exact specifications of the original and could leak or damage your refrigerator.
Before making a purchase online, make sure to review your source. Only purchase from suppliers that have been verified. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) warns consumers about the dangers of counterfeit water filters and recommends that consumers buy water filters from the refrigerator manufacturers themselves or their trusted retail partners.
Finding an affordable water filter
The prevalence of counterfeit water filters makes finding a suitable one a herculean task. Since the brand design and certification labels can easily be duplicated, it is no longer enough to base your decisions solely on what you can see plastered on the product. Run a search on the product through these databases:
NSF International
Water Quality Association (WQA)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
Whether you select a branded water filter or an aftermarket model, the most important thing is to make sure that it is safe. Ensure that it is compatible with your refrigerator model to avoid leaks and future damage, and be sure that they conform to the safety standards NSF 42 and NSF 53.
If you’re looking for high-quality and equally affordable water filters for your home or food service establishment, Efilters is your Everpure seller in Canada. We are a leading supplier of all types of filters and have been in the business for over 20 years. Our products possess the necessary certification and are a model of performance and safety. For a reliable supply of water filters from a trusted source, contact us at 1-866-283-9919.
