Tap water often fails to meet safety and quality requirements. For various reasons, impurities harmful to the body are found in it, because of which it acquires an unpleasant taste, cloudy color and a disgusting smell. It is possible to find in tap water and particles from lime sediment accumulating on the walls of pipes. They can harm human he alth, as well as damage household appliances. Experts recommend drinking such water only after pre-treatment.
Filtration is one of the main and effective cleaning methods, which is actively used in various industries. Filters are also available for home use in city apartments and private houses. For coarse cleaning, coarse mesh filters are used. Such devices are installed between the main pipe and the faucet connection. For more efficient liquid filtration, cheap filter jugs are used, which eliminate many chemical elements that can harm human he alth. After such a double purification, tap water is suitable for drinking in its raw form, as well asfor washing dishes, cooking, washing food such as fruits and vegetables.
Coarse filter
A device called a coarse filter (abbreviated FGO) is designed to purify tap water from some solid fractions, such as lime, rust, clay, chlorine, sand and other things. As a rule, such a cleaning product is installed in the water supply system in front of the mixer. If meters are installed in an apartment or house, it is necessary to install CSF directly in front of it.
How CSF works
The principle of operation of a household filter for purifying tap water is quite simple. Inside the body of the product is a mesh or cartridge. The flow of water passing through the filter element improves its composition. The purified liquid is supplied to the consumer through the mixer. If the water is of poor quality, then it is additionally passed through a household tap water fine filter.
Device for coarse tap water treatment differ from each other in the following parameters:
- Sizes.
- Types of blocks for filtering.
- Lifetime.
- Throughput over time.
- External dimensions of the device.
- The material from which the device is made.
Varieties of CSF
Despite the fact that the principle of operation of different models of coarse water filters is very similar, the products still differ significantly from each other.friend in form, design, method of cleaning from large stones and dirt.
The strainer is the most popular in Russia. It has a long service life without repair. The working element is not removable, so if necessary, you will have to change the entire body of the product at once. A metal mesh is installed inside the filter housing. The mesh size of the filter element, depending on the model, is different (from 50 to 400 microns). The body is made of stainless steel. Manufacturers make water pipe filters of different shapes, differing from each other in the way they are inserted, as well as in the methods of cleaning and maintenance.
Depending on the type of mesh, filter devices can be divided into two types:
- Self-cleaning. The mesh is automatically cleared of sand and other small particles in the water. In this case, you do not need to disassemble and clean the CSF yourself.
- Without auto flush function. It is possible to remove accumulated dirt from such a coarse water filter only if you disassemble its body and remove the mesh.
Industrial and domestic CSF for cold water are most often made with a transparent case. This technological solution makes it possible to see how clogged the filter element is. Devices for rough cleaning of hot water are made only from metal, since only this material can withstand high temperatures.
Most water pipe filters perform more than just their primary function of improving fluid quality. They alsoregulate the pressure in the pipe thanks to a special valve. This feature opens the possibility of connecting a pressure gauge to the water filter. This solution will help protect pipes and household appliances from pressure drops and water hammer.
It is possible to install a device with automatic washing of the mesh if a drainage tube is installed in the water supply system, through which dirty water and impurities are drained after cleaning. Such filters have become incredibly popular due to the fact that they do not require maintenance, and also because of their small dimensions.
Benefits of mesh filters
Based on the foregoing, we can highlight the main advantages of water filters, where a mesh is used to purify water:
- Low cost.
- Compact.
- Maintenance free.
- Easy to install.
- Can purify both cold and hot water.
- Reliability.
- Easy manual cleaning in case of heavy soiling.
Disadvantages of mesh filters
Water filters, where the main element for water purification is a metal mesh, also have significant drawbacks. Firstly, they are able to purify water only from large contaminants. Drinking liquid that has passed through such filtration is still not recommended. Secondly, to flush CSFs that do not have a self-cleaning function, you will have to turn off the water, dismantle the device, and then remove the mesh. If such operations are performed too often, thenthis can lead to damage to household appliances and faucets.
Flanged and sleeve filters
Water filters are further divided into two types, depending on the type of attachment - flanged and threaded. The flanged device is installed on pipes with a diameter of two inches or more. Usually they are installed in the basements of apartment buildings and in enterprises. Flange connections are fastened with studs and nuts, which makes it possible to dismantle the filter from the line without removing other parts from the structure.
Devices for cleaning water from large particles, which are equipped with a threaded connection, crash into pipes of small diameter. Typically, such filters are installed in domestic conditions for supplying water to apartments and small private houses. Such devices are either screwed onto a pipe or connected to the water supply using union nuts.
Regardless of the model, the CSF is set according to a number of general rules, which are listed below:
- Before installation, it is necessary to shut off the water supply, and then thoroughly clean the pipes at the installation site - from corrosion, rags and dirt.
- Make sure that the rubber seals are present in the device.
- Plumbing Teflon thread or other sealant should be wound on the thread.
- Install the appliance so that water flows through it from top to bottom. If this is not possible, then a special inclined filter must be purchased.
- To reduce the load on the CSF, its body must be fixed to the wall with a clamp.
Installation Methods
In all types of CSF there are two pipes - inlet and outlet, as well as a tank where the water that flows through the device is purified. Depending on the location of the tank, filters are:
- Straight, where the sump is vertical to the flow. Such devices usually have a large body, but the quality of the water improves. The flow of water, passing through the large-volume sump, slows down. Large particles settle to the bottom of a special tank. After sifting out large stones and other debris, the liquid is filtered with a metal mesh, where small particles are retained.
- Slanting. In this case, the sump in the device is at an angle relative to the water flow. Such CSFs are used in places where direct filters cannot be installed due to limited space. The sump of such devices is closed with flange covers or a threaded plug.
Fluid cleaning options
Filters, depending on the mechanism of water purification, are divided into the following subspecies. One of these cleaning devices is called non-flushing or "mud". They come with both oblique and straight body. When the device becomes clogged, the sump cover is unscrewed from it, and then all the accumulated debris is removed from the case.
Most straight cleaners usually have a built-in drain cock that is needed to periodically drain the dirt. The filter also has a reservoir that serves to clean the forward or reverse flow of liquid.
Cartridge (cartridge) filtersare more expensive and of higher quality. Their body consists of a transparent flask, which is attached to the wall. It contains cartridges that are replaced from time to time, which are the main component for coarse cleaning of the liquid.
Replaceable CSF components are made from one of these materials - compressed fiber, twisted thread or polyester. These components have different filtering abilities, but they all do their job perfectly, since the water passes through the pores in the cartridge of about 25 microns.
The disadvantage of this method of improving water quality is the frequent replacement of the filter element. Typically, such a device must be installed in water systems where a large number of small particles of debris are found.
Small cartridge devices can only work under low pressure, if the flow is too large, then it is necessary to install a large device, which costs much more.
Replaceable cartridges are able to remove small particles and impurities in tap water. Thanks to the fibrous structure and coal powder, the liquid is purified from chlorine.
If a stocking-type device is installed in the water supply, the water will be cleaned of fibrous formations, whether it be algae, clay or mud. Too much of these substances can cause frequent pipe blockages, as well as breakdowns of expensive equipment.
One of the features of cartridge-type CSF is the fact that the filter element in them cannot be cleaned, it must be changed completely.
Bin cases where a large amount of insoluble impurities are found in the water, it is necessary to install a high-speed pressure CSF. It consists of a metal container, which is slightly susceptible to corrosion. Inside it is a filter, as well as a unit that automatically regulates the hydro-cleaning process. Such a device is capable of retaining particles larger than 30 microns.
Such products have a number of significant drawbacks:
- Large size.
- Work only in heated rooms.
- Auxiliary drain piping must be installed for regeneration.
How to install and maintain the appliance
Before installing the CSF, you need to learn the basic rules for handling it. For the device to work correctly, you must:
- It is best to install a cleaning device in front of the water meter. Often plumbers are faced with a situation where there is not enough space to install a coarse filter in the right place. In this case, it would be advisable to install an oblique model. It is able to capture small particles of dirt, as well as protect the counter from damage.
- The oblique design filter must be installed on a horizontal pipe. In this case, after installation, the flask, which acts as a sump, should be located below. It is also important to find out in which direction the water flow is directed. Based on this information, you should set the filter.
- Installation of an oblique filter is also possible on a vertical pipe, but you should knowthat the flow of water in this case should be directed from top to bottom. If the cleaning mechanism is installed the other way around, with the sump up, the dirt will still not seep through the mesh, but the CSF will quickly fail.
- Straight filter can only be installed on horizontal pipes. At the same time, it is necessary to leave space so that, if necessary, it is possible to remove the flask to clean the device.
- Filters that have a self-cleaning function must be equipped with a backwash design. This can be done by installing a bypass loop, in which several cranes must be installed. The latter serve to switch the fluid in the system to the oncoming flow.
- During operation, the device must be periodically cleaned of accumulated dirt, the mesh and cartridge (if any) must be replaced. Most often, such maintenance is required for non-flushing filters.
- Before any work related to the dismantling of the filter installed in the water supply, it is required to relieve pressure from the system. To do this, stop the water supply by shutting off the tap.
- A plug with a hexagon head for a wrench is installed on the body of the oblique filters. Experts recommend unscrewing it in order to replace the paronite gasket with tow winding. Such a refinement will increase the tightness in the system.
- For straight filters installed vertically, the flask is also removed with a wrench. In some models, the screw can be unscrewed with a curly wrench, which is sold with the device. After cleaning the filter from contamination, it is necessary toreplace all rubber gaskets with new ones to avoid leaks.
- During maintenance of the fluid cleaner, the accumulated dirt in the tank must be removed. The mesh must also be removed and thoroughly rinsed under running water. If a part is found to be structurally defective, it must be replaced with a new one. Spare parts for CSF can be found at any plumbing store. In cartridge-type devices, the cartridge will need to be replaced.
- Household tap water filter with automatic flushing device is much easier to maintain. To remove dirt from its body, it is enough to open the faucet in the lower part of the CSF body. The mesh and the inside of the case are washed independently under a strong stream of water. All debris will flow out through the drain pipe. Don't forget to place a basin to prevent liquid from spilling onto the floor.
- The most perfect filter with a backwash device. If it is clogged, then it is cleaned with water directed by the opposite flow. The grid in this case is cleared much better.
Rough cleaning with a filter element does not solve all problems aimed at improving the quality of drinking water. They are mainly used to protect household appliances and water meters. Drinking liquid from the tap after such filtration (without additional processing) is still not recommended.
Main filter
Main filters are used for more thorough cleaning of the liquid in the water supply. They are usually installeddirectly in front of the faucet between the inlet and the main water supply pipe.
Throughput
Main filters for fine water purification (FTO) pass water through membranes that differ in design. Basically, they are made from numerous meshes or a plastic block filled with granular material. Often, such filters reduce the water pressure, which not only causes a decrease in comfort for a person while using the water supply, but also leads to a failure in the operation of household appliances that are connected to the water supply system. To avoid such unpleasant situations, before buying a device for purifying the liquid, familiarize yourself with the pressure drop indicators. Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate such information in the passport for the product.
The optimal value of this characteristic is a number from 0.1 to 0.5 bar. The throughput of the PTF should vary from 20 to 50 liters per minute.
Types of filters for thorough cleaning
Classification of filters for purification of tap water is made, first of all, depending on the temperature of the water. So, during the manufacture of main filters for cold water, heat-resistant materials are not used. Hot water purifiers are made of heat-resistant plastic or metal. Cartridges installed inside the filter must also be made of a material that is not afraid of strong heat.
Main filters for tap water purification are both forhot as well as cold water. In this case, the first one can be installed on cold water, but the cleaning device designed for cold water cannot be connected to the hot water supply pipe.
Filters for softening tap water can be either coarse or fine. The first option is designed to purify water, which will subsequently be used for technical purposes. After fine purification, water can be drunk and cooked on it. All of these types of devices are rarely used without additional equipment.
The main filter for tap water in the apartment is most often connected with a water softener. Such additional equipment is necessary to clean the liquid from harmful chemical compounds that adversely affect the human body and the operation of household appliances (if it is connected to the water supply system after the filter).
Main water filters for water purification in an apartment are best installed after a device for coarse water purification. This will protect the expensive cartridge and other equipment from large particles sometimes found in liquids.
Main devices for fine water purification are often equipped with additional equipment with granular loading. Such filters for softening tap water can also purify the liquid from various harmful impurities, biological and chemical compounds. The main disadvantage is the rather large body of the device, it will require a certain amount of space to install it.
How main filters work
The main coarse filter traps large stones and sand with a fine mesh. To prevent the pressure in the pipe from dropping, it is necessary to service the device by disassembling its housing and washing the filter element from contamination. There are devices in which several grids are installed in the case. Their cell size is gradually decreasing.
Plumbing fine water filters have a mesh that can stop large particles, such as grains of sand, clay, stones. Then a cartridge is installed in the body of the product, in which the sorbent material is tightly packed.
Cartridges differ from each other in their ability to capture small particles. This characteristic is called the filtering threshold. For a quality filter, this indicator should be at least 20 microns. The most common cartridges are capable of capturing particles as small as 5 microns.
Some household tap water filters have additional equipment to improve the quality of the liquid, such as ultraviolet treatment modules that can disinfect water, as well as various types of membranes.
Types of cartridges
On large filters for purifying tap water, cartridges are installed that can remove any impurities in the liquid. Such a filter element is called highly specialized. Usually they are used in industries to protect expensive equipment from harmful chemical elements found in untreated water. For home use, it is enough to use a regular universal cartridge.
Which filter is better
Many housewives want to know what is the best tap water filter available. It is rather difficult to answer this question, since each manufacturer of such devices tries to outperform competitors and constantly improves its technologies. So, the Aquaphor water filter uses cartridges filled with coal powder. Such a component copes well with chlorine in the liquid. In addition, it perfectly cleans even the most polluted tap water from various mineral s alts and small dirt particles. Thanks to the operation of the device of this company, you can safely drink tap water without fear for your he alth.
The Barrier filter for tap water is also one of the leaders in sales in Russia. The manufacturer is trusted by thousands of Russians, cleaning the liquid with devices of this particular brand. This suggests that the quality of the water obtained after cleaning with the Barrier filter is in no way inferior to the device sold in stores under the Aquaphor trademark.
