What is an Inline Water Filter?

If you’ve ever thought about installing a quick and easy water purification device, an  inline water filter is one of the most convenient methods to achieve clean, pure drinking water inside your home. Inline water filters work by becoming part of your water supply. They are usually fitted under a sink, attached directly to the cold main water tap, and filter the water as it passes through a filtration medium contained within the housing before reaching the tap. 

With an inline water filter, there’s no need for external attachments or devices. This type of water filter is in constant operation—you don’t need to worry about emptying containers or taking action to activate the filter. Inline filters are always on and continuously filtering on demand. 

Typically, inside the main body of an inline water filter is a replaceable cartridge that does all the purification work. Most inline filters require cartridge changes every 6-12 months to ensure that contaminants are properly removed. The frequency at which you need to change this cartridge varies dependent on your water usage and the quality of your source water. 

Neglecting to change the cartridge could result in contaminants entering your drinking supply. Clogged filters can also cause a decrease in water pressure and/or strange tasting and smelling drinking water. Avoiding this is as simple as a quick swap out for a new cartridge. 

Inline filters are popular because of their compact and discreet design, and efficiency in eliminating contaminants, foul tastes, and odors. They are readily available, long-lasting, and space-saving. But once you begin your search for an inline water filter, you’ll realize the market is flooded with choices. Which is the easiest to install? Which is the lowest maintenance? Which provides the cleanest, freshest results? 

All filtration devices are not the same. Some are easier than others to maintain and produce better results. The  Genesis SimpliClear, unlike other inline filters, doesn’t require filter changes. The SimpliClear system self-flushes automatically with a 110v power supply or 3-AA batteries, and can be used on water supplies containing sediment, or as a pre-filter for treatment systems requiring pre-filtration. The SimpliClear uses stainless steel mesh to remove 90% of all particles in your water. All that’s required after installation is programming for a 7,15, or 30 day rinse frequency. If you’re a busy homeowner, this is an ideal choice for zero-maintenance filtration.

Whole House Filtration 

Unlike an inline filter fitted to your cold water main under your sink, a  whole house water filter treats water where the mainline enters your home, ensuring water from every faucet and every showerhead is treated. Whole house water filters are POE, or point of entry, filters. 

Just like hard water, sediment is also damaging to pipes and appliances, including water softeners. Over 15 million homes in the U.S. rely on well water, which is significantly more likely to contain sand and sediment. A sediment filter can be installed to prevent the clogging and damage that is caused by sediment in your water. 

A whole house sediment filter is optimally placed near the point the water service line enters the house. This filter prevents particles suspended in the water from reaching downstream appliances and fixtures where sediment can ruin everything from shower heads and faucets to boilers and water heaters. 

Sediment filters are designed to capture and remove sand, dirt, salt, and rust from the water. By removing these particles, sediment filters protect other water treatment systems such as  water softeners, as well as water-using appliances. 

Well water often contains high levels of organic matter and suspended solids. A sediment water filter for well water is designed to catch and filter out these particulates. Even if you receive your water from a municipal treatment plant, there’s still a good chance that sediments can enter your supply. Every filtration method has limitations; many water filters or filtration systems use a combination of methods to achieve a specific level of water purity.

Benefits of an Inline Water Filter 

Inline water filters are inconspicuous and economical. They are also highly efficient and save on surface space in kitchens by being fitted under your counter. Inline filters provide a long-term solution for easy access to healthy drinking water, filtering out chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and water borne cysts like giardia or cryptosporidium. 

Inline filters make water taste and smell better, but can also keep you and your family feeling better by the removal of parasites that cause upset stomachs. Water-borne diseases aren’t unique to those living in developing countries without safe, accessible water. Even with water sanitation practices and guidelines, about 7.2 million Americans get sick each year from diseases spread through water. 

We all need clean, fresh, drinking water in our homes. The quality of your water, however, depends greatly on your filtration methods. When it comes to treating water, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your geographic location, water source, and the condition of your home’s pipes all play a role in the health of the water that enters your home. 

Having your  water tested by an expert is the only way to fully understand the current quality and the contaminants that should be eliminated. For homes with hard water or iron, an inline filter may need to be paired with other treatment options such as an iron filter, or a water softener to remove hardness. 

Inline water filters are small, but handy appliances that have become more efficient in recent years. They not only provide households with multiple benefits, but are also favored by those looking for instant filter solutions in motor homes and boats. The best inline water filter allows you to keep an existing kitchen faucet and replaces the need for large water storage tanks. 

Considering the daily filtration rate, filter replacement period, effectiveness of contaminant removal, type of filtration method, and your budget, will help you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision. There are many advantages to installing an inline water filter, and possibly one of the most important actions you take in your home. Access to healthy, safe drinking water is something no homeowner should take for granted. For peace of mind and ultra-clean drinking water, filter your home’s water before it fills your cup.