Do under the sink filters really work?

Under the sink water filters are an increasingly popular choice for many homeowners who want to improve their drinking water quality. These filters are installed directly under the kitchen sink and connect directly to the main water line, filtering all the water that comes out of the dedicated faucet. But do under sink water filters really work to remove contaminants and improve water taste and quality? Let’s take a closer look.

How do under sink water filters work?

Under sink water filters work by forcing water through a specialized filtration media like activated carbon, which absorbs and traps contaminants present in the water. Here is a quick overview of how under sink filters work:

• Water enters the filter system from the main water line under high pressure.
• The water passes through one or more filtration media like activated carbon blocks, which remove contaminants.
• Filtered water exits the system through a separate dispensing faucet installed on your sink.

Most under sink systems contain multiple stages of filtration to remove different types of contaminants:

• Stage 1 – Sediment pre-filter removes dirt, rust, silt.
• Stage 2 – Activated carbon filter absorbs chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals.
• Stage 3 – Polishing filter removes any residual tastes or odors.

The specific contaminants removed depend on the filter design and media used, but most systems are effective at reducing a wide range of common water contaminants.

What can under sink water filters remove?

Under sink water filters are highly effective at removing many harmful or unpleasant contaminants from your home’s water supply. Here are some of the main substances they can eliminate:

Heavy metals

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are removed through adsorption to the activated carbon filter media. Under sink filters reduce these toxic metals to EPA-approved low levels.

Pesticides and herbicides

Chlorinated pesticides, insecticides, and weed killers are common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas. Multi-stage under sink systems with activated carbon filtration can reduce these chemicals by up to 99%.

Chlorine

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in most municipal water supplies. Activated carbon filters in under sink systems remove both free chlorine for taste and odor improvements and chloramines for health.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs like paint thinners, solvents, and cleaning solutions are effectively removed by the chemical adsorption process of activated carbon filters.

Pharmaceuticals

Drugs and medications in trace amounts that enter water supplies are absorbed by activated carbon media in under sink filtration units.

Turbidity and particulates

Physical particulate filtration using porous membranes or specialized media reduces turbidity and suspended solids that affect taste, odor and appearance.

Microorganisms and bacteria

While under sink filters do not sterilize water, they can filter out protozoan parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium with mechanical filtration membranes.

Foul tastes and odors

Unpleasant sulfurous smells, harsh chlorine taste, and earthy/musty odors are substantially reduced by under sink filtration, especially multi-stage filters with activated carbon.

What types of under sink water filters are best?

There are a few main types of filtration systems used in under counter water filters:

Carbon block filters

Carbon block filters use compressed activated carbon in a solid block form to remove contaminants. These are the most common filters used in under sink systems because carbon absorption effectively removes a wide range of chemicals.

Reverse osmosis systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, along with a carbon filter to absorb chemicals. RO provides thorough contaminant removal but also strips beneficial minerals.

Ceramic filters

Ceramic filters use microporous ceramic elements to trap particles and microbes. Effective for particulate filtration but allows some chemicals through.

Ion exchange resins

Ion exchange filters use resin beads to attract and trap mineral ions like lead and copper. Helpful for reducing metals but does not remove other contaminants.

Most experts recommend multi-stage carbon block filter systems as the best overall choice for under counter installation. Carbon filtration combined with sediment pre-filters and membrane polishers provides optimal home water filtration.

What are the pros and cons of under sink water filters?

Under sink water filters have several important advantages but also come with a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros	Cons
Remove wide range of contaminants	Higher upfront cost than faucet or pitcher filters
Convenient filtered water access at sink	Professional installation often required
Provide filtered water for cooking	May slow water flow/pressure
Long filter life up to 1 year	Regular filter replacements required
Improve water taste, smell, clarity	Bulky filters under sink require space

For most homeowners, the thorough contaminant removal and convenient access outweigh the higher cost and installation factors. Under sink systems are an effective filtering solution, especially for older homes or in areas with known water quality issues.

How much do under sink water filters cost?

The cost for an under sink water filter system ranges from around $150 on the low end up to $400 or more for premium multi-stage reverse osmosis systems. The main factors affecting overall cost include:

• Type of filtration – Carbon block is the most affordable option. Reverse osmosis costs more due to the membrane.
• Number of filters – Multi-stage systems with 3, 4, or 5 filters cost more but provide superior filtration.
• Filter capacity – Larger systems that filter more water between replacements cost more upfront.
• Additional features – Upgrades like digital filters monitors, air injection, and leak detectors add cost.
• Brand and reputation – Premium brand name under sink filter systems tend to cost more.

Under sink systems do have higher upfront purchase and installation costs than simpler water pitchers or faucet filters. However, the expense is worthwhile when you consider the convenient access to filtered water, long filter life, and comprehensive contaminant removal these systems provide.

Do under sink water filters require special installation?

In most cases, it is recommended to have a professional plumber install your under sink water filtration system. There are several aspects that make DIY installation challenging:

• Connecting to the main household water supply line requires cutting into pipes and adding new fittings.
• Installing the separate filtered water faucet requires drilling holes in the sink or countertop surface.
• Any leaks that develop can cause water damage under cabinets if not properly sealed.
• Most local codes require certified plumbers for any work on the household potable water system.

That said, handy homeowners with plumbing experience can install simpler under sink systems on their own, provided they get the necessary permits and follow instructions closely. Using an existing hole in the sink rather than drilling a new one also simplifies DIY filter installation.

How long do under sink water filters last?

Under sink water filter cartridges and media need to be replaced periodically, usually every 6-12 months depending on usage:

• Carbon block filters: Last 6-12 months
• Reverse osmosis membranes: Replace every 2-3 years
• Sediment pre-filters: Replace annually
• Polishing filters: Replace annually

Replacement frequency also depends on how much water the system filters. For example, carbon block cartridges rated for 500 gallons will need replacement about once a year for the average family.

Under sink systems include a digital filter life indicator or usage meter to show you when it’s time to change the filter cartridges. Routine replacement is essential to maintain proper contaminant removal and water flow rate.

Do under sink water filters require maintenance?

Under sink water filters are relatively low maintenance, but some periodic maintenance is recommended to keep them working properly:

• Change filters and media on schedule based on usage or timer
• Sanitize system 1-2 times per year to prevent bacterial growth
• Wipe down visible parts to keep dust and dirt from accumulating
• Check for leaks, cracked hoses, damaged parts
• Flush lines annually to purge out sediment
• Test filtered water annually to verify contaminant reduction

Under sink systems do not require intensive daily or weekly maintenance. But like any appliance, they work best when properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Do under sink water filters improve water taste?

Yes, under sink water filters consistently improve water taste by removing contaminants that impart unpleasant flavors and odors:

• Chlorine – Removes harsh chemical taste and smell
• Sediment – Filters out dirt that causes earthy/muddy tastes
• Rust – Reduces metallic taste from corroded pipes
• Organics – Adsorbs volatile compounds that taste unpleasant

Users report tap water filtered by under sink systems tastes fresher, crisper, and cleaner. The water is more refreshing for drinking and cooking. Reverse osmosis filters in particular can produce almost spring-like purified water from the tap.

Do under sink water filters also filter ice and water from the refrigerator?

Under sink water filters only filter the water that comes out of the dedicated faucet they are connected to. They do not filter water supplying other parts of the plumbing system like the refrigerator ice maker or additional sinks.

To also filter refrigerator water and ice, you would need to install a whole house water filter system or use a refrigerator with a built-in ice and water filter cartridge.

Some options to consider for filtering all water sources are:

• Whole house filter system installed at main water inlet
• Refrigerator with internal water filter cartridge
• Additional under sink systems for other sinks as needed
• Faucet-mount or pitcher filters for unfiltered sinks

What are the best under sink water filter brands?

The top brands for under sink water filtration systems include:

Brand	Type
Culligan	Carbon block and reverse osmosis
Pelican	Carbon block
Aquasana	Carbon block and reverse osmosis
AquaPure	Carbon block and reverse osmosis
Watts Premier	Reverse osmosis
DuPont	Reverse osmosis
Express Water	Reverse osmosis

These major brands engineer high-quality under sink systems using proven filtration media. Focus on reputable brands and read reviews to find the right model for your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Under sink water filters provide an effective method to remove a wide array of common water contaminants right at the point of use. The comprehensive filtration and convenient installation under the main kitchen sink makes them a popular choice for homes seeking cleaner, tastier water from the tap.

While requiring some upfront investment and professional installation, under sink filtration systems can save you money compared to bottled water in the long run. Models from reputable brands coupled with proper maintenance provide a reliable filtration solution for years to come.

Consider an under sink water filter if your home has known water quality issues, or you simply want to improve taste and remove chemicals from your family’s drinking and cooking water. Paired with occasional testing to confirm performance, these systems can give you peace of mind that your tap water is healthy and tastes great straight from the faucet.