Kitchen faucets are such important appliances in a home. Most of them are designed in such a way that they are effective and efficient in meeting most of the immediate demands of a home, whether those of cleaning, drinking, or cooking.
Recent faucets are now packaged with innovative features that make running and operating them at home easy. One of the most recent updates is that it is now possible to install water filters in most of these faucets for the sole purpose of removing contamination and ensuring high-quality water for use in a modern home.
With the increased rate of contamination and water pollution, it’s no longer a surprise that the water quality available for human consumption is so poor. This is definitely one of the most significant contributors to major health issues and related diseases being experienced today.
Most of the water has now been contaminated with bacteria, sediments, metals, chlorine and other pollutants. This makes it necessary for every home to be fitted with water filtration systems.
If priority has to be given to the installation of water filters for quality drinking water, then it's worth noting that kitchen faucets ought to be given priority. These are the primary sources and supplies of water for both drinking and cooking purposes.
Drinking water, in particular, should be free from all contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, odours, tastes, or metals, for it to be considered pure, safe, and healthy for consumption.
Water filters are, therefore, a basic need for every home. Beyond that, there’s a need to also have the correct type of water filter, especially those that have to do with the kitchen faucets.
This article will be looking in detail at some of the different types of kitchen faucet water filters.
Under the Sink Water Filter
As the name suggests, these are installed directly under the kitchen sink and are often linked to the water pipes using some special connectors.
These are the most popular water filters, and they purify tap water and all its output to the kitchen faucet.
Although these filters are ideally designed to be fitted under the sink, they can also be mounted on the wall using some placement, but such needs to be done with the guidance of specialists and faucet experts.
Under the sink, water filters have modules that are linked in series and form their overall structure. These filters consist of three different stages that water has to pass through, from the primary stage of purification to the very final stage of water filtration. This is called the multistage purification process.
Under sink water filters use different purification methods, i.e., mechanical purification, sorbent, and finally, silver particles, thus ensuring that the water is completely free of particles, microorganisms, and even lousy odour.
Under-sink kitchen faucet filters come packaged in different types, mainly dependent on their functionality. The three major types are:
The Conventional Under Sink Water Filter
This type is attached to a cold-water line and allows filtered water to pass through and get out from a different or separate faucet.
They often require an additional hole for their installation since they require a different faucet to transmit the water.
One of its unique aspects is that this water filter separates filtered water from unfiltered ones.
The Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filter
This is a water filter that employs the process of reverse osmosis to remove and flush out all the contaminants present in the water. The pure water, after purification, is dispensed through a different faucet, and the contaminated water, with all the waste and impurities, is drained into another one.
The process is efficient because it first removes large sediments and pollutants. The rest of the water is purified through a reverse osmosis membrane that filters everything else, including the fine particles.
The reverse osmosis system under sink water is one of the most effective in water purification, even though it is also very complex and expensive for use and installation.
The Simple Under Sink Water Filter
As the name suggests, this is a straightforward machine that filters water through a regular process in the cold-water line.
They are easy to operate and install since they require only a simple connection to the main water line. Because of their ease of installation, they are the most popular water filters, especially for homes and other residential purposes.
Pros and Cons of Under the Sink Water Filter.
Pros |
Cons |
| Large in size and treat large volumes of water at a go | Difficult to install and might require the professional services of a plumber |
| Filter many and different kinds of contaminants and thus produces the best drinking water | They are bulky and heavy and therefore not easily portable from one location to another. |
| Fitted under the sink and therefore saves on time and the worry of presentability. | Expensive to acquire and install. |
| Their complicated systems and large size are built to make the filters more potent and more durable than the rest. These can last for about five or so years. | |
| Filters are not regularly replaced, maybe only once a year. |
Best examples of under the sink kitchen faucet water filters.
- Home Master TMHP Ro filter system
- Home Master TMAFC-ERP Under Sink Water Filter
- APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 6-Stage
- CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter
Counter Top Water Filter
Countertop water filters are small devices fitted to a faucet, and they purify water as it runs out of the tap as needed.
In most cases, these filters might come with their own faucet, and they, therefore, might take up your working space. However, some may have a generally small footprint.
They also come in varying shapes, mainly dependent on their use and technology. However, most of them use carbon-based filters and are quite effective at infiltrating many contaminants.
Most of these filters often come installed with a switch that gives you the ability to choose when to make use of the filtered water and not.
They are cheap in terms of their initial cost of installation but may require the services of a plumber to fit them perfectly into a place.
Unlike all other water filters, countertops are compatible with both a single-handed and pull-down faucet, making them useful for those with these modern appliances.
| Pros | Cons |
| Removes a more significant percentage of contaminants | Only filter waters that flow through the taps |
| Easy to install and maintain | They might take up lots of sink space and might not look as aesthetic |
| Attached directly to the tap and therefore an easy and quick solution to water quality | Only filters low volumes of water compared to other types of filters. |
| Highly affordable | Because of how simplified it is, it only deals with and removes a limited number of contaminants in comparison to other types of filters. |
| Perfect choice for people who move and change houses often | It is pretty expensive in the long run due to the constant need for filter changes and replacements. |
| There's no need for an extra tap, and therefore there's little or no damage to the existing faucets. | Since some have an electronic interface, they might not be reliable at all times, especially with power failure. |
| Highly compatible with old school taps as well as modern kitchen faucets. |
What are some of the best kitchen faucet water filters in this category? Here are just a few
- Aquasana Countertop water filter
- Brondell Countertop water filtration system
- iSpring CKC1 Countertop water filter
- RKIN Alcapure Zero
Faucet Mount Water Filters
The faucet mount water filter is a tiny, cylindrical, elongated device that removes metal particles, chlorine, and other contaminants. They are fitted directly to the kitchen faucet and filter the water flowing from the tap on demand.
They make use of carbon-based filter technology.
Faucet-mount water filters are more resourceful for kitchen spaces that are smaller in size.
These filters remove and eliminate more contaminants than the other two types of filters discussed above.
These faucet mount water filters are classified into two groups
Removable Kitchen Faucet Water Filter
As the name suggests, they can be removed and installed at will and on a need-to-need basis.
They are only used when one requires pure water from a tap and can be removed with ease when filtered water is unnecessary.
Permanent Mounted Kitchen Faucet Water Filters
These are water filters that are fitted in a kitchen faucet just once and are permanently installed for use at all times. However, this might, from time to time, require a change in cartridges as they are more likely to wear out faster than the rest of the parts.
The mounted kitchen faucet is likely to have a high concentration and buildup of bacteria and other impurities. When the cartridges are not often replaced, they might eventually stop working. With a faulty faucet, it’s obvious you’ll not have the benefit of enjoying quality water.
Even though not entirely faulty, some cartridges might be inefficient in the filtration process, and bacteria leakage might threaten a person's health.
Pros |
Cons |
| Easy to install and maintain. | They might clutter the kitchen space and may not be attractive aesthetically. |
| Highly affordable for domestic use. Some might be sold as a package with some cartridges for replacement. | Expensive in the long run due to the constant need for filter replacements. |
| Effective in the removal of contaminants such as chlorine and fluoride, thus providing high-quality water at all times. | Not compatible with a few faucets and especially the modern ones |
| Environmentally friendly and requires no use of plastic bottles or harmful packaging. | |
| It's easy to remove and transport from one place to another, especially for people who might have vacations or trips now and then. | |
| Requires minimal counter space for installation and operation. | |
| Highly compatible with different kinds of kitchen faucets. | |
| Quick filtration time and thus readily available water for drinking. |
What are some of the examples of faucet mount water filters? Here are just a few
- Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System
- PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water filtration system
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Filter
Are you fully convinced that having a water filter on your kitchen faucet is essential? Are you considering making an investment in some of the water filters discussed above? Here are some of the things we think you should consider making the best choice.
Total cost implication
Consider the total cost of initial purchase, maintenance, repairs and installation. Determine how much you are willing to spend, then look for the best choice that fits in well with your budget.
Installation process
Sometimes, the greatest hindrance to a great water filter could be the installation process. Make sure you choose a filter that is easy and quick to install.
If the filter is good but has a complicated installation process, be sure to hire the services of a qualified plumber.
The lifespan of a filter
No one wants to spend time and money replacing filters every now and then. Find a reputable water filter that lasts a little longer and saves you money, especially in the long run.
Kind of contaminants to be removed
Different filters will remove a varying number of contaminants. Choose a water filter that will help you eliminate most of the common impurities in your region and achieve the desired purity level for your drinking water.
Bottom Line
The truth is that having access to quality drinking water is reasonably necessary. You, therefore, cannot ignore the importance of having a quality kitchen faucet that is well fitted with water filters.
These are available in different sizes, and many of them are easy to install and maintain, making them a perfect choice for many homeowners.
Unfortunately, every type of water filter comes as a package with both its good and downside. Therefore, it is important that before one makes a significant choice, one might want to examine each type of filter carefully and diligently choose the most suitable one to fit both immediate and long-term needs. Such should also consider the cost implication and overall effectiveness.
Well, that is all that we had for you today. While we know that this must have been quite a lengthy read for you, we trust that you were able to pick some vital details and information that will make your journey with different types of kitchen faucet water filters worthwhile.
Be sure to check out other excellent materials lined up just for you!
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