Water filter cartridges are increasingly used in the household – but what are they? Simply put, it’s the replaceable inner part of a water filter system. It is used to remove specific impurities and contaminants in the water to improve the taste and purity.
It does this by cleaning the water as it flows through, removing dirt and contaminants. You’ll find them used in: whole house filtration, in under-sink systems or a home drinking water filter.
Having a Cartridge filter for water in your home will bring a host of benefits to those drinking and using the water. Primarily, this will be an improved taste, removal of unpleasant odour and protecting your pipes and appliances. As a result, in the long-term you can look forward to longer lasting appliances as limescale build up is decreased.
Types of Filter Cartridges
There are a lot of filter cartridges to choose from, so it’s important you decide what you want from your water. Then you can pick the right one
These include:
- Sediment
- Carbon
- Ceramic
- Reverse Osmosis
- Specific contaminant (Arsenic or a Water Softening cartridge for example)
- Deionization for laboratories/processes requiring high purity water
For your household, the GAC Carbon (supported with KDF 55) filter cartridge is perfect.
The GAC absorbs chemicals whilst the KDF-55 is brilliant for removing heavy metals and chlorine.
The first will absorb pesticides, herbicides and volatile organic compound whilst the latter will help inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae within the filter.
Benefits of Water Filter Cartridges
Well, you now receive water that is both cleaner and better tasting whilst reducing unpleasant odour.
Meanwhile, at a more basic level you can still reap the rewards of water filtration filters by using a sediment filter. Incorporating this as the first stage will remove physical properties such as sand, rust and silt from the water.
Primarily, you will see improvement in the clarity as visible particles get removed whilst you get more better tasting water. A water sediment filter is great for trapping the large particles but it’s best to pair with a GAC carbon filter if you wish to remove chemicals and heavy metals too.
How long the water sediment filter will last will of course vary on the usage but as a general rule, for high usage 3-6 months. In water that is more clean, then you could get up to 12 months. Remember, look out for the following signs for when to change this filter cartridge:
- Cloudy or discoloured water as this suggests the filter is now struggling to capture the sediment (look for visible particles)
- Water that produces an off taste or smell
- Reduction in water pressure
If you wish to soften water, particularly if you live in areas with hard water, then you should consider a water softening cartridge. These will remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium for a multitude of benefits.
They’re ideal for domestic use where you can look forward to easier cleaning and better results. Say goodbye to streaks on your glassware and easier cleaning as products can lather properly, therefore you use less. Where appliances would usually need replacing due to limescale build up, this is significantly reduced so your washing machines, coffee makers, dishwashers and more can last longer.
When it comes to washing, you can expect laundry that is softer and maintains your colours.
Not only this, your skin and hair can benefit too as there is less irritation from the hard minerals. Less mineral interference will also mean better application of skincare products too.
We have a perfect filter cartridge on our site for this. It’s drinking water certified and is ideal if you have the issues listed above.
For specific contaminants like PFAS, you may consider the PFAS reduction filter cartridge. Also known as forever chemicals, they have a tendency to accumulate in the bloodstream and have been linked to cancers, fertility issues, thyroid issues and decreased levels of immunity. These chemicals are in our water supply so opting for this cartridge is a smart way to limit your exposure to them.
Which Water Filter Cartridge Do I Need?
The mechanical method of the sediment option is a great water filter cartridge option for preventing appliances for clogging and of course, gives you a more clear, cleaner water. If you use this with the GAC Carbon filter (supported with KDF 55) cartridge in two stages, it’s a great way to get the most from your water filtration game.
There is a wide range of replacement water filters cartridges available on the site. They range from the GAC Filters (ideal for chlorine removal and improved water taste), to the remineralising cartridge (ideal for using after an RO system). These and more can be found in the Filter Cartridges section.