It is worth bearing in mind that a water softener is for the outside of you and the inside of your home, whereas a water filtration system is for the inside of you and your family.

The two actually go hand in hand. In fact, a water filter makes a great addition to any water softener installation.

So what should you be looking for in terms of a filtration because there are so many types of filter out. It can get very confusing, rather like selecting the right water softener.

Don’t worry, we are here to help you make the correct choice.

Firstly, it’s important to ascertain what you would use filtered water for?

We’d recommend that the water filter is used for drinking water, washing fruit and veg, cooking, boiling rice and pasta. Basically, anything that you and your family will consume. You may also wish to use soft water in your kettle and coffee machine. This will ensure they don’t get furred up or leave an unsightly looking film on the top of your favourite brew. 
Which filters would you recommend?  

Let’s start at the bottom and work up. When it comes to filters, here’s what we DON’T install… e low budget carbon filters that are on a par with what can only be compared to a popular household filter jug. We don’t mess around with second best! 

These jugs will remove 70 – 80% of chlorine and other odours and funny tastes that crop up in the water supply. The problem is that they deteriorate rapidly in quality from day one; they are cumbersome; and they take up valuable fridge and or worktop space. And if anyone forgets to refill the jug after use, then they are for the high jump!

For all these reasons, it’s important to choose a good quality water filter, which can be tailored to your requirements and which will exceed your expectations.

Even our entry-level filter will remove 99% of chlorine, as well as small debris and particles that can’t be seen with the naked eye. It comes equipped with a separate faucet, or your existing tap can be replaced with a three-way tap. 

Here’s an article on three-way taps.

And here’s a link to a separate blog on faucet taps which provides further useful information. 

What do I use Reverse osmosis water for?

As an alternative, you may wish to invest in a reverse osmosis system, which is another form of water filtration. It’s a proven system and which we install on a frequent basis. This is where the water passes through a series of filters. Each filter has a different job and removes different contaminants from the water, resulting in either pure, remineralised and/or virus free water.

Reverse osmosis systems perform best with a soft water feed. This is because the filters won’t have to work as hard once the chalkiness has been removed from the water, which is one of the primary functions of the water softener. This means the filters last longer and it also provides an opportunity to extend the product’s warranty. 

How often should I change my filters?

To a degree, this will depend to a degree on which water filter you select, but the vast majority of our filters should be changed annually. If you don’t think they need changing annually, then it means you aren’t using the system to its full potential!

Irrespective of the amount of use you give them, the contaminants collected by the filter from day one will remain present, so for hygiene and freshness, it is always advisable to change the filter every year. There’s no point in having a top-quality water filter if you aren’t going to maintain it properly. It would be like removing the oil filter in your car engine and using a second-hand replacement! 

How much do filters cost?

Most filters cost between £1 and £2.30 a week to use.

Can I have a filtration system without a water softener?

Yes, of course. They can work completely independently of one another but they also work well together. We can help you select the right option for your requirements.

So, there are plenty of possibilities when it comes to water filters. They can make a wonderful addition to any home. To be able to fill your family’s water bottles every day with beautiful, fresh clear water, that is both free from plastic contaminants and environmentally friendly, is a great lifestyle choice.

If you are interested in having a water filter tap installed in your home, get in touch with Scott Jenkins Water Softeners today on 01243 607494 or email us via email scott@sjbs.info .