Anyone know about under counter water filter systems?

[HardDrive]

We want to install an under counter water filtration system under our kitchen sink. The water here in Columbus tastes like mule dung. God knows what's in the stuff.

A big decision point seems to be reverse osmosis vs. pure filter systems. It seems all of them have replaceable filters of some kind, so there is always going to be some on going costs there.

Any input on companies or products would be appreciated. Thank you!

[mjohnson]

I put one of these "under-sink" systems in my basement last year and plumbed it to my ice maker and a tap at the kitchen sink. We have lots of silicates in our water so I use it in the coffee makers and for brewing beer.

http://www.amazon.com/iSpring-5-Stage-Reverse-Osmosis-RCC7P/dp/B003ZZUBHE

The RO systems all waste water but the ones with built in pumps waste less than the cheaper ones without pumps. I've never actually measured the ratio - should do that one of these days. I haven't noticed an increase in my water bill...

I monitor the output with a TDS meter and my tastebuds. While they recommend 6 month filter changes I did mine a year. The "1-year" filter kits are $35.

[BigInJapan]

I have a nice unit under my kitchen sink that I put in year before last when doing the kitchen remodel. Can't remember the name or model off the top of my head, but it's supposed to be one of the best units on the market.

I'll look and take pics tonight for you and give you the specifics tomorrow.

Ian

[Joe Bob]

Reverse Osmosis works well. Clear ice cubes.....can't get a better recommendation than that. Takes a couple of gallons or more to make one...so that is a down side.

[OffCamber00]

I have this: Products:*Advanced Under Sink Water Filtration System

Very basic but made a difference to the taste of the water.

[klm2500hd]

I have a saltwater reef tank, so I have a RO system. go with a booster pump and highest GPD you can for efficiency. Special carbon is needed if your municipal water system uses chloramines instead of chlorine (chlorine or chloramines will wreck the membrane so keep the carbon changed). Use a bigger pressure tank and the system will run less often, which will keep tds creep down on the membrane. You need to remember to flush the membrane out every once in awhile, they also sell automatic flush kits too. Wether you go with filters or RO, you should invest in a TDS meter.

[masraum]

i have one of the systems below on the cold water side of our kitchen sink. It seems to worrk well, and we use it for cooking,coffee, etc...

PBS-400 - Water Filtration Products | Everpure Home Water Filtration

it doesn't filter quite as much as the drinking water filters, but it works well for us.

[HardDrive]

Thank you for the input all.

[NY65912]

I'd get an RO system. My company installs RO systems in hospitals for dialysis suites. You can't get better filtration.

[intakexhaust]

We have an R-O system from Culligan. Excellent.

The only gripe is Culligan continuous game strategy in changing filter part numbers. Reason being, they want to charge and have a service repair to do the change-out. They'll obsolete filters numbers often so once you have the proper type for your water, suggest to stock up. Otherwise you have to some deep research and find the correct ones online. They don't even provide the cross ref. and act like dummies when asked.

(BTW: From the company we purchased the system from ----who has our water system info and service records --- twice we had a service rep come out and change the filters. THEY SCREWED UP and once didn't even have filter in his service van!) Its a simple DIY and I now source the OEM matched filters from others online.)

[Les Paul]

I've had this one for a month for our greenhouse. You would need to run it in to a pressure tank of your choice to fit under your sink. Makes about 3 gallons of waste water for every gallon of good. We have also had a culligan under our sink but it can't make near the amount this one does.

As an example a big rubber trash can holds about 30 gallons it makes almost twice that per day.

[look 171]

Everpure with their H300 cartridge or filter. Around here, many hospitals and restaurants use Everpure. It is the only company I normally install in people's homes.

[red-beard]

Go to Home Depot and buy a $25 inline filter designed for refrigerators. Install it inline with a new water tap for filtered water. They are good for 20,000 gallons and turn horrible Houston water in very drinkable water.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-20-000-gal-In-Line-Water-Filter-Kit-5-YR/100678548

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-1-Handle-Non-Air-Gap-Standard-Faucet-in-Chrome-for-Reverse-Osmosis-System-0958230/203208940

I am concerned about RO water. It takes the minerals out. You need calcium from the water. I would love to see a study on the long term consumption of RO water vs. Osteoporosis.

[carreraken]

We put one of these GE Dual Stage system under our sink last year. Works well for us - removes the 'city water' taste.

Previously, we were using the faucet mount PUR filter.

Didn't go with RO system due to wasted water.

[Cajundaddy]

I used to have RO but I feel it is overkill unless you are drinking surface water from a lake or stream. I trust city water to be safe to drink so I just want sediment, organics and chlorine removed at the tap for good fresh taste while keeping the minerals intact. Active carbon does this very well. Change the inexpensive filter every 3 months. Wife loves it too. A generic filter housing that takes standard, inexpensive carbon filter elements is around $20.

Carbon filtering - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/s-430-carbon-filters.aspx

[aigel]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Go to Home Depot and buy a $25 inline filter designed for refrigerators. Install it inline with a new water tap for filtered water. ...

+1

RO is overkill and wastes water as JB told us above. A good carbon filter will do the job inexpensively and 1:1.

I have a full blown DI water plant under my sink, courtesy of my esoteric landlord. As a last step, it re-mineralizes the DI water with a 2million year old piece of reef that pre-dates human existence. You know, tap water contains medication in 0.001 PPB, so it is horrible. It was much better 200 years ago, before all those bad things found our way into the drinking water. People were 200 years old back then - much better for them!

G

[Z-man]

We have an insinkerator system - instant piping hot / cold filtered water. $500 bucks.