The ‘Why’ of Water Filter Shapes and Sizes
In this post suggested by our water quality team at Save Home Heat Company, we’ll take a closer look at the logic behind the size and shape of most of the water filters we install, including both whole-house and point-of-use varieties. We’ll focus on addressing the following question: Why are most of the water filter and water treatment products that our team installs tall and skinny?
In addition to discussing how the shape and size of a water filter affects its performance, we’ll once again revisit water testing – an important recurring theme! – and present an important maintenance message, too.
Why Does Filter Shape & Size Matter?
When it comes to choosing the right water filter, size and shape of the filter typically makes a big difference in its performance. As our WQA certified Master Water Specialist likes to say – with a nod to the real estate industry – “It’s all about Contact Time! Contact Time! Contact Time!” In the world of water filters, it comes down to how much time water spends in contact with the filter media. This can also be thought of as the greater the surface area that the water flows thru, without creating undue restriction, the more effective the filtration.
Looking at the geometry of both whole-house and point-of-use water filters, this is why relatively tall and thin, cylindrical shaped filters are often the most common and most effective. They provide optimal surface area for the water to interact with, without excessively reducing water flow thru the unit. Residential water filters typically range from 6″ to 8″ in diameter and can be anywhere from 12″ to 40″ tall, depending on the application.
Water Filters That Are Affected By These Design Parameters
Many inline water filters, such as whole-house sediment and particulate filters, filters that remove PFAS chemicals, lead, and other heavy metals, carbon filters, reverse-osmosis (RO) filters, and ultraviolet (UV) treatment filters, all generally fall within the design parameters discussed above. Regardless of the specific contaminant being targeted, or treatment strategy, the tall and thin filter design is very prevalent and a common design choice.
How About Water Softeners?
Water softeners, a very popular whole-house water treatment product in our area, and quite different in design and appearance than the examples mentioned above, also follow the above rule of thumb about filter shapes and sizes. While water softener designs frequently entail two main components, the softener plus a holding tank, and there are salts and cleanable filters involved in routine maintenance, the softener is designed to also take advantage of the tall, skinny shape and the ability it provides the unit to do its job most effectively.
Water Testing Revisited
Not surprisngly, we find it nearly impossible to exclude the topic of water testing from a conversation about water quality. In most cases, it’s very important. After all, without knowing what potential issues there are with your home’s water, it’s impossible to offer professional advice and recommendations. Looking out for our customers’ health, safety, and best interests is always our goal, and when it comes to your home’s water supply, testing almost always plays an esssential role.
Complimentary In-Home Water Test in the Denver Metro Area!
For homeowners in the Denver Metro/Boulder area – including Loveland and Ft. Collins up north, Parker and towns out east, too! – our water quality team offers free, complimentary, in-house water testing for some of the most common residential water contaminants and issues. Testing is performed in your home by our staff Master Water Specialist, at your convenience. Highly informative, and with zero sales hype. Our team can reliably test in-home for hardness/TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), pH, iron, copper, chlorine, fluoride, and nitrates in your water. For homeowner’s interested in learning more about their home’s water qualtiy, there is no charge for this complimentary water test.
If Laboratory Water Testing is Needed
In order to have your water tested for lead, PFAS chemicals, unhealthy bacteria, and other more complex water contaminants, the expertise of a state-accredited laboratory is needed. Testing costs can vary and some may exceed $100, so it makes sense to know that amount before proceeding. Our practice at Save Home Heat is to simply pass the testing costs along to our customers. Our entire water testing process is very open and fully transparent, whether in-home or using an outside laboratory.
The most common laboratory tests that our team have performed for our customers are for the presence of unhealthy bacteria and lead. Depending on what the lab is testing for, turnaround times can vary quite a bit. Test results for bacteria, for example – which may pose immediate health concerns – are often as quick as 2 to 3 days. Results for other contaminants can take up to 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific test.
Expert Water Filter Replacement, Maintenance & Repair Services for Denver-Boulder/North Metro Homeowners!
Our water quality team at Save Home Heat would like to remind homeowners in the Boulder-Denver and North Metro area that we offer comprehensive maintenance services for virtually all brands and designs of whole-house and point-of-use water filter and water treatment products.
Professional, thorough routine maintenance of your water filters or water treatment system is essential to ensure that they do their jobs effectively and stand the test of time.
Our team is highly qualified to service a wide range of water treatment products from manufacturers such as Pelican, Aquasauna, and many others. Unlike nearly all other residential plumbers in the Denver metro area, at Save Home Heat we have three licensed Master Plumbers on staff, along with our certified Master Water Specialist. This allows us to provide high levels of service and performance, and expert advice and recommendations to meet all your water quality needs.
Water Quality & Water Treatment Expertise in Denver-Boulder/North Metro!
Our team at Save Home Heat Company is dedicated to ensuring that your home in the Denver-Boulder and North Metro area is safe, comfortable, and convenient, and your home’s water quality also resides under our umbrella. Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-house water test or if you have any questions at all about your home’s water quality or potential solutions. As with all of our services, installation quotes from our friendly advisers are always highly informative, low-pressure, and free.
Please contact me to schedule a complimentary water test or install quote!
