Common Water Filter Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Around 71% of people feel concerned over the quality of the water they put in their bodies. And some have a good reason. It can be difficult to tell what exactly is in your drinking water and how it could be affecting your health.

However, for those concerned, there is a solution. A water filter system can provide clean and clear drinking water. This system filters out any toxic or harmful elements that are present in non-filtered water to make sure you're drinking something that is actually good for you.

To find out more about common water filter buying mistakes and how to avoid them when you're purchasing consult the list of tips below. 

Not Getting a Filter With the Right Certification

Whatever brand of water filter system you decide to go with, it should have particular certifications to prove it is made to a high standard.

These certifications usually include the National Sanitation Foundation or the  Water Quality Association. If you see these labels attached to your system, you can rest assured that it meets the highest standards for filtration.

A higher standard of filtration means your drinking water is as clean as it can be. You'll enjoy the peace of mind associated with buying a product that includes one of these certifications.

However, not all water filtration systems have these certs attached to them. This doesn't necessarily mean the water from these systems is of poor quality. The systems without these certs may simply not have been tested against the high standards of the NSF or the WQA. 

While you can go for a system without these certs, buying one with them will give you peace of mind. You can be certain that the water you get from these systems is very high quality and very safe to drink. 

Getting a System That Isn't the Right Size

The water filtration system you need depends on the size of your house. When you start looking for a water filter system you'll notice that many of them assert that they work for the whole home and can meet whatever demands you need.

However, this is often not the case. Some systems can't keep up with the demands of an entire house, especially a large one. That's why it's important to buy a water filter system that is made for the size of your home.

To make sure you get the right size, let the salesperson know the measurements of your house. They'll be able to point you in the right direction in terms of which system you buy. 

Different types of water filters work for different sized buildings. You also don't want to pay more for one that is too large. 

Not Knowing How Dangerous Normal Drinking Water Can Be

Many people don't see the necessity of buying a water filter system. If you've been drinking normal tap water all your life and have never had any problems, you might feel it's unnecessary to get a filter system installed.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. Regular tap water can carry many different kinds of contaminants. Amongst the most unhealthy there are pesticides and sometimes lead. 

The amount of these kinds of contaminants that are present in your tap water can depend on where you live, how water is treated in your location, and the climate you live in. 

Not all regular tap water is unhealthy for drinking. But, one way or another, filtered water is healthier and you'll notice this even in the taste. 

Going On Brand Name Alone

Brands get their reputations for a reason. They are often reliable, trusted, and will deliver the quality you need.

However, being a big brand doesn't always mean its product will be the best. Sometimes, brands can compromise on quality due to the guarantee that comes with their name.

That's why it's always best to shop around to find the best water filter system for your needs. Brand names can be great, but so can lesser-known systems that prioritize quality over quantity. 

Not Testing Your Water Before You Buy

Knowing what kind of water is running through your home can make a big difference to the water filter system you decide to buy. It is important to do this before purchasing.

After you know what you want to get rid of in your water, you can look for a filter system that eliminates these impurities. 

Testing your water is easy. There are DIY kits available to purchase online or in-store that are simple and effective to use. You can tell the water filter system salesperson you're dealing with about the specific contaminants you want to get rid of. 

Knowing what is in your water before buying a filtered system also allows you to make comparisons. You'll be able to see the health benefits of eliminating harmful elements in your water through a filter system. 

Knowing what these elements are, helps to make comparisons easier. After you purchase your filter system, you can re-test your water with a DIY kit to ensure you've got the desired result. 

Listening to Bizarre and Untested Claims

When you decide to invest in a water filter system, you're going to be dealing with salespeople. They can promise you the world in terms of what your water filter system can offer you, even if they have nothing to back this up. 

Going on these claims alone can cost you in the long run. While they sound great initially, they usually can't hold up to the claims and will let you down.

It's always best to go for a simple system that safely and thoroughly cleans your water without any of the gimmicks. While technology is helping water filter systems to become more advanced, they simply can't do it all.

Always go with a system that can reliably meet your needs at all times. Paying for anything else is unnecessary and won't have much more of an effect on the quality of your water. 

If you're comparing water filter prices and find two that have a similar price but one that offers extra features, go with the simpler model. They are likely a similar price because these extra features don't do too much to improve the quality of your water. 

Not Considering Repair and Maintenance 

A water filter system is an investment. You're going to spend money on it, so you want to make sure it works to the highest standard. 

To do this, sometimes your filter system is going to need maintenance. And this can get costly. Keeping your system up-to-date is important to ensure everything you want to be eliminated from your water is still being filtered out. 

Repair and maintenance aren't always what your system needs. But it's important to allow a budget for it just in case. 

Repair and maintenance come most commonly from a clogged filter. The filter itself is what keeps your water clean. When it becomes clogged, it can't work to its full capacity.

The result is that the clean water you paid for may not be as clean as you had hoped. Filters are not permanent and will need to be replaced with new filters over time. That's why considering the cost of a new filter is so important before you buy. 

Not Having the Right Space to Install Your System

Depending on the size you choose, water filter systems can take up more room than you want them to. So if you don't check you have the room, you could end up with an eyesore in the middle of your kitchen.

It's important to measure the space where you think you might install your water filter system. You can take these measurements with you when you go to buy your system. That way a salesperson can help you make the right decision for your needs. 

Water filter systems made for the whole house are usually placed near your water shut-off valve. Being in this space allows your water filter system to do its job most effectively. 

Fitting your water filter system in the right place also allows for it to function at its highest standard. This means you will always have the best quality drinking water available to you.

For the Cleanest and Safest Drinking Water, Don't Make These Water Filter Buying Mistakes!

A water filter system gives you healthy drinking water. More than that, it gives you peace of mind. You'll know that you're drinking the highest quality water, and you'll feel it too. 

The above water filter buying mistakes can be detrimental to your filter experience. So make sure you research exactly what water filter system will work for you. 

For more information on the best quality water filter systems available, have a look at this page. Get in touch with a dedicated member of our team if you have any queries or questions about your water filter buying needs.