Modern water supply and heating systems cannot be imagined without filters. These devices purify water from dirt, corrosion products and sludge ( rice. 1), harmful substances and even microorganisms. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a cottage or an apartment in a high-rise building, centralized or autonomous heat and water supply, you can’t do without a filter. There is a wide variety of different filters on the market, but this article will discuss the most common and indispensable coarse water filters. Among plumbers, these devices are called mud traps or the abbreviation “FGO”.

Rice. 1. All this could get into the apartment system

According to the principle of operation, coarse filters are classified as mechanical, because they do not require chemical reagents to operate. In Soviet times, filters of this type were installed, as a rule, only on in-house inputs. In recent years, requirements for the quality of water and coolant have increased, because... buildings began to be filled with devices and fittings that were very sensitive to pollution of the working environment. In addition, the condition of external engineering networks is deteriorating every year. More than 50% of engineering networks in Russia require replacement, and about 15% are in disrepair. A significant “contribution” to the contamination of pipelines is made by the specific “technology” of emergency repairs, after which already contaminated pipelines are replenished with sand and debris. All these factors require the use of FGO on water supply systems in each individual apartment.

The absence of a filter at the entrance to the apartment can accelerate the failure of water meters and household appliances (washing machines and dishwashers), as well as reduce the efficiency of fine filters. The current building codes (SP 30.13330.2012 “Internal water supply and sewerage of buildings”) regulate the mandatory installation of mechanical or magnetic-mechanical filters in front of water meters.

The degree of purification of FGO depends on the design of the filter element. The smaller the cell size, the higher the degree of purification, but the greater the hydraulic resistance the filter will create. In this regard, it is best to entrust the selection of a filter to a specialist.

The largest manufacturer and supplier of engineering plumbing on the market in Russia and the entire post-Soviet space - the VALTEC company - offers a wide range of coarse filters for intra-house networks.

The most popular FGOs are oblique filters. They have a simple design and are the cheapest of the filters. VALTEC offers several options for oblique filters, differing in the design of threaded pipes and dimensions ( rice. 2):

• VT.192 – filter with internal thread from 1/2 to 2";
• VT.191 – filter with external thread at the inlet and internal thread at the outlet 1/2";
• VT.190 – filter with 1/2" external thread.

Rice. 2. Oblique coarse filters (from left to right): VT.192, VT.191, VT.190.

All models of VALTEC oblique filters can be used in pipeline systems with a maximum operating temperature of up to 150 °C. The filtering capacity for models with a diameter up to 1" is 500 microns. The filter consists of ( rice. 3) from the body 1 (hot pressed nickel plated brass CW617N), brass plug 2 , filter element 3 (stainless steel AISI 316) and Teflon gasket 4 . The filter plug has a sealing hole, which is necessary when installing this element in front of the water meter. Maintenance of oblique FGO consists of periodic cleaning of the filter element. To do this, you need to unscrew the plug and remove the filter element for cleaning and rinsing.

Rice. 3. VALTEC oblique filter design

An example of using the VT.190 oblique filter is shown in rice. 4.

Rice. 4. Oblique filter VT.190 on the residential water supply inlet

In addition to oblique filters, VALTEC’s “arsenal” includes several models of direct FGOs ( rice. 5):

• VT.385 – compact straight filter with a plug with a 1/2" thread;
• VT.387 – straight filter with external and internal thread;
• VT.388 – straight filter with internal thread.

Rice. 5. Direct coarse filters VALTEC (from left to right): VT.385, VT.387, VT.388

The design of direct filters is such that the flow of the working medium at the entrance to the filter element turns 90°, creating a turbulent vortex that washes the mesh ( rice. 6. This promotes more efficient cleaning by preventing the build-up of colloidal and fibrous particles on the mesh. The entire area of ​​the filter element is simultaneously involved in the cleaning process. VALTEC direct filters are equipped with filter elements with a mesh size of 300 microns, which is optimal for protecting apartment pressure reducers, water meters, thermostats, mixers and other water fittings from clogging.

Rice. 6. Design and principle of operation of direct filters

On the VT.385 filter, instead of a plug, a drain tap (1/2") can be installed, which simplifies the process of washing it.

For ease of maintenance, plugs with internal threads are used on models VT.387 and 388. Thanks to this and the presence of an EPDM sealing ring, the threads of the plug do not come into contact with water and do not stick to the filter body.

Direct filters can be used on pipelines with a working fluid pressure of up to 16 bar and a temperature of up to 110 °C. Filters are produced with nominal diameters of 1/2 and 3/4". The existing wiring of plumbing systems does not always allow the use of standard products. When it is necessary to install FGO on a vertical pipeline with water supply from bottom to top, conventional oblique and straight filters are not applicable, because this leads to clogging of the lower branch of the pipeline ( rice. 7).

Rice. 7. Straight and oblique filters on a vertical section with water movement from bottom to top (error)

In such cases, it is necessary to make a horizontal section of the pipeline and install FGO on it. However, the workspace does not always allow this. The VALTEC VT.386 universal filter (patent No. 2464479) comes to the rescue. In this filter, the axis of the filter chamber is rotated 75° relative to the axis of the pipeline. Thanks to this, insoluble particles, scale and other contaminants do not have the opportunity to fall back into the pipe or fall down when the flow stops, but remain in the filter chamber ( rice. 8).

Rice. 8. Appearance, design and operation of the VT.386 filter in a vertical section with water moving from bottom to top

Everyone is familiar with the situation when, after repair work or a short-term shutdown of the pipeline, a cloudy brown liquid flows from the mixer ( rice. 9). If you pour this liquid into a bottle, after a short period of time you will notice that the upper part of the liquid in the bottle will become transparent, and a dark sediment will accumulate at the bottom. The reaction of the sediment to the approach of a magnet proves that it represents iron hydroxides, commonly called “rust.” Rust particles are so small that they can easily pass even through filters with mesh sizes of 100 and 50 microns.

Rice. 9. The smallest particles of rust are not retained by a conventional filter

Tachometer water meters suffer the most from rust. Getting into the impeller of the water meter, rust particles are attracted to the magnet built into the impeller axis ( rice. 10), which transmits rotation to the counting mechanism. The growth of particles leads to a slowdown in the rotation of the impeller, and then to a complete stop of the device. For manufacturers, this phenomenon is not a warranty case, and the consumer is forced to pay for the purchase of a new meter.

Rice. 10. Rust damages vane water meters.

VALTEC specialists, understanding the urgent need to solve this problem, proposed a simple but effective solution. A filter with a magnetic catcher VT.384 is installed in front of the water meter ( rice. eleven). It is a direct filter with the inherent advantages of FGO of this type, and a permanent magnet pressed into the plug allows you to capture magnetic substances (metal particles, scale, etc.) much smaller in size than the filter mesh mesh (300 microns).

Rice. 11. Design of a filter with a magnetic catcher VT.384

To service the filter, you need to unscrew the plug with an internal thread, clean the mesh filter element, the flask, and remove the resulting metal “coat” from the bar magnet.

Wash filters are becoming increasingly popular in residential water supply systems. They allow you to clean the filter without disconnecting or disassembling it. Wash cascade filter VALTEC VT.389 ( rice. 12) is equipped with two stainless steel filter elements (one inside the other) with mesh sizes of 1000 and 250 microns, a pressure gauge for pressure control and a drain tap for washing.

Rice. 12. Appearance and design of cascade filter VT.389

The filter body and flask are made of nickel-plated brass, grade CW617N. The presence of two filter elements of different capacities and the formation of vortex turbulence provides stepwise cleaning and increases the frequency of filter maintenance. Currently, the VT.389 wash filter is available in three sizes: 1/2, 3/4 and 1". The uniqueness of the filter, in comparison with analogues, lies in its minimal dimensions with high cleaning characteristics (patent RU 111451 U1). The wash filter should be installed flask down. Shut-off valves must be installed before and after the filter to allow removal of the filter elements. The best way to wash the filter is backwashing, but its implementation will require the installation of an additional section of the bypass pipeline.

Despite the fact that all FGOs are quite simple in design, this does not eliminate the requirements for their proper installation and operation. The most common mistakes made by installers are the following:

• the direction of flow of the working medium does not coincide with the direction indicated by the arrow on the filter housing. Such an error leads to the fact that sludge accumulates not in the filter chamber, but outside it;
• The filter is installed with the plug or plug facing up. With this installation, the sludge does not settle in the filter chamber ( rice. 14), but remains in the pipeline up to the filter, which can damage the water shut-off valve located in front of the filter;
• an oblique or straight filter is installed on a vertical section of the pipeline with an upward flow without installing a horizontal section. In this case, sludge settling in the lower branch of the pipeline can, over time, completely block the pipeline ( rice. 15).

Rice. 14. Installation error: the filter is installed with the bulb facing up

Rice. 15. Installation error: oblique filters on a vertical section with an upward flow

Whatever filter the consumer chooses, the main thing is that this device meets the requirements and features of a particular system, and that during installation and operation the building codes, rules and recommendations of the manufacturer are observed. Only in this case will the CSF serve faithfully for decades.

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Coarse filters for apartments and private houses

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If a city apartment is connected to a general water supply system, then drinking liquid is supplied to a country house or country house from a well or borehole. The purity of life-giving moisture is in question for both rural residents and city dwellers. From our article we will learn how to choose coarse water filters for an apartment and a country house. Let's get acquainted in detail with the types of cleaning devices and the rules for their operation.

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How to choose a coarse water filter for your garden or home

The liquid in an individual water supply is not always of high quality. The main reason for this statement is considered to be high pollution in areas far from megacities, especially considering that a huge amount of wastewater is collected in groundwater.

Drinking liquid from a well is pure only at first glance; in fact, it may contain a huge amount of harmful substances. This can be checked by settling for 3-6 days. If during this time flakes form at the bottom of the vessel, then the water is dirty. Other qualities of life-giving moisture can be tested in the laboratory.

Analyzes and screenings can identify the following harmful substances:

• heavy metals;
• pathogens;
• hard impurities;
• iron salts;
• nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide.

Based on these analyzes and tests, a certain type of water pre-treatment filter is selected. Here you need to take into account the following characteristics of the liquid:

1. For water with normal mineralization, a sorption block or a regular filter element is required.
2. For water with increased mineralization, an ion exchange and mesh filter element are selected.
3. If the drinking liquid contains other impurities, absorption, mesh, and ion exchange elements are installed sequentially.

In a standard situation, after installing a coarse water filter, a multi-stage block with a set of flasks is installed. To destroy all pathogenic microorganisms, a special installation with ultraviolet irradiation is used. If you need to clean a small amount of liquid, you can purchase a filter jug ​​with replaceable cartridges.

A multi-stage unit purifies water well, but if small children live in an apartment or private house, then finally an element for forced mineralization is installed on all filter elements, during which the user can receive liquid beneficial to the body.

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Some consumers use reverse osmosis for purification, but this is not necessary. Laboratory studies have shown that this element produces a dead, chemically inactive distillate. To obtain normal high-quality liquid, reverse osmosis is connected to a forced mineralization device. In front of this block, a filter for fine and coarse cleaning, as well as a device for destroying pathogens, is additionally installed.

Another disadvantage of reverse osmosis is low performance, so purchase models with a storage tank. Such a container will provide a small family with life-giving moisture.

The cost of a specific system includes:

• price of a single cartridge;
• the number of filter components until the end of the device’s service life;
• motor resource

Let's give a specific example for the Barrier and Aquaphor models. These devices cost about the same, but the cartridge of the last element passes a third less water before replacement. In this regard, the Barrier wins in terms of basic functions and performance. Other filters are selected using this analogy.

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Types of coarse filters

Depending on the design solution, several options for coarse water filters are used. Let's take a closer look at them.

Reticulate

The mesh filter is considered the cheapest and simplest. It is mounted on pipes with hot and cold water in an apartment or individual water supply in a private house. There are mesh filters that are mounted directly on the tap. This option is acceptable for use in the country. These devices are easy to install; if necessary, they can be reinstalled on the tap in the apartment.

The products have different diameters of cleaning holes. In addition, there are devices on the market with mud traps that can be cleaned manually. Similar improved models have a self-cleaning function. Mud can be oblique or straight. The last element is installed on horizontally directed pipes. At the same time, a hard water filter can be installed on a pipe with an oblique mud trap in any direction.

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Modern models contain pressure regulators to maintain constant water pressure parameters. A useful filter mechanism is two pressure gauges, which are mounted before and after the cleaning device. It is recommended to clean the system even if there is a slight difference in instrument readings.

The main advantage of such models is considered to be durability and reliability, resistance to temperature changes in the pipeline, as well as the low cost of the device. The disadvantage of the system is the retention of large particles and the need for constant cleaning of the mud trap if the system does not have a self-cleaning function.

Disk

Such filter elements are equipped with special disks made of plastic. Each element has grooves that, when compressed, pick up dust particles and push liquid through. Such models allow you to retain particles from 5 to 250 microns. Manufacturers paint products in different colors depending on the cell diameter. The advantages of the models are considered to be high strength, good performance, and the ability to use in a wide temperature range.

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Cartridge

Such filters for rough water purification in an apartment are considered part of a complex system that is installed autonomously under the sink. The degree of liquid purification in these models is from 0.5 to 30 microns. They retain small debris well if the water is supplied under low pressure. If there is a strong supply of liquid flows, powerful devices will be needed.

The work of the filter is to retain contaminants with special granules, which are located in the container under a certain gap. Dust particles settle on their surface during the passage of a water flow. The device consists of a plastic or metal body, which is highly durable and resistant to temperature fluctuations. A filter element is installed in the middle of the device.

Many modern models are equipped with transparent plastic housings, which makes it possible to control the level of cleaning and, if necessary, install a new polyester filter element or mesh insert. The last material can be removed from the device and washed. Polyester filter elements need to be replaced.

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Pressure

In such models there are pressure regulators due to the fact that water is supplied to them under pressure. These are bulky devices with a high degree of purification. Depending on the diameter of the water supply, pressure filters can be domestic or industrial. The degree of liquid purification depends on the cell diameter.

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How to install a coarse water filter

Any of the listed filters are installed on the water supply after entering an apartment or private house. The device is located after the locking parts in front of the meter. Installation of the element is quite simple; tow or other sealant is wound around its threads, then the threaded connections on the pipe are clamped to avoid leaks.

During installation, it is important to position the device correctly. The filter element can be oblique or perpendicular. Regardless of its position, the part is positioned so that the lid on the sump is located at the bottom. If these requirements are not met, dirt particles will be located on top, which will lead to improper operation or breakdown of the device.

Unlike a conventional coarse filter for hot water, cartridge devices allow you to remove not only large particles, but also other substances dissolved in the liquid. The device consists of a housing and a filter element; the filler here is carbon or an adsorbent substance.

The procedure for installing the device is as follows:

1. We choose a place convenient for installation.
2. The filter must be installed so that the user can easily replace the cartridge.
3. Turn off the valve on the riser and drain the water from the taps.
4. We cut a pipe of the required length to connect the cleaning device.
5. We install a tap under the filter to shut off the liquid supply. This valve is used when replacing a cartridge.
6. We fasten the cover with the couplings using special couplings and use seals.
7. Install the cartridge into the device body.

At the final stage of work, turn on the water and check the device for leaks. If necessary, tighten the connecting elements.

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How to install a filter under the sink

Many users encounter certain difficulties when installing a complex water purification system under the sink. The filter is supplied already assembled, but it still needs to be connected to the water supply. The work consists of several simple operations:

1. We tightly connect the tap to the tee; the threaded connections are sealed with tow or fumig tape. The filter inlet is connected to the cold water supply, the other is attached to the mixer pipe. The equipment is connected through a tee to the water supply.
2. We fix the filter using a bracket on the wall, leaving 10 centimeters between the device and the enclosing structure.
3. We attach the faucet to the countertop and connect the filter element to it, connect the hoses.

Next, you need to open the water supply and check the tightness of all connections. Do not wait for the liquid to appear quickly from the tap; the filtration process must first go through. Wait until clean water appears and only then close the valve.

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Reverse osmosis

The installation process of such a system is almost no different from the previous version. First, turn off the water, install the tap and install the tee. The difference between reverse osmosis and other types of filters is the need for a drainage device for contaminated liquid. After the molecules pass through the filter element, the other side produces a dirty solution that must be disposed of down the drain. A special pipe is used for this.

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Operating rules

Over time, various dust particles accumulate in the filter element. To clean the device from dirt, you need to unscrew the dirt trap and rinse the mesh under high water pressure. If this element is worn out, it is replaced with a new one. Some filters have a self-cleaning system. Here you just need to unscrew the special tap and flush the dirty water down the drain.

In the absence of the specified mechanism, debris is removed manually. To do this, shut off the liquid in the main line, unscrew the dirt trap and clean the mesh of contaminants. Such events should be held at least once every three months.

A coarse water filter is an effective filtration system; it can be used when installed on a system with a drainage pipe. Everything works automatically, you do not need to configure them regularly. Sometimes they are called main filters or mud filters; they are easy to use and durable.

There are several types of coarse water filters. Each of them has its own design features. Today, the most popular filters are cartridge filters and high-speed pressure filters. Cartridge filters are equipped with a replaceable cartridge that performs filtration. Such a cartridge delays inclusions with a volume of up to 30 microns. The cartridge is replaced as necessary. The use of this model is advisable in relatively small water supply systems with low flows, where very small inclusions are present in the water.

The high-speed pressure version is a one-piece container with anti-corrosion material and contains filter material. Liquids pass through it and are purified; the material effectively traps particles larger than 30 microns in size. They are installed in the upper part of the block, and the work of rough cleaning and regeneration is automatically monitored.

You can buy a high-quality filter in our store in Moscow at affordable prices. Applications from other regions of Russia are also possible. Check out the offers from our catalog and sort the products using the filter.

There is a wide range of products from different manufacturers, differing in design, technical and operational characteristics.

If you have any questions regarding the purchase process, payment and delivery, please call our consultants or contact us online in electronic form.

Water delivered to a home through a water supply system contains a certain percentage of impurities in the form of sand, scale fragments, corrosion, lime particles, etc. In order to protect people and household appliances, it is imperative to install a filter on the water pipe for coarse and sometimes fine purification (the second option is used to eliminate odors, organic and chemical contaminants, and individual microorganisms).

How do coarse filters work and what are they?

All devices that perform mechanical filtration of water are characterized by structural similarity. The housing is equipped with an internal metal mesh or other filtering device. These can be special discs for cutting off coarse sand, corrosion, etc. An important part of the design of such a filter is the outlet that collects retained debris.

When the sump tank is completely filled, the water must be turned off and the outlet cleaned and rinsed. The frequency of such cleanings is directly affected by the degree of water contamination. For prevention purposes, this procedure should be carried out at least 4 times a year.

Regardless of the specific model, all mechanical cleaning filters operate on a similar principle. In this case, a number of design features may differ: we are talking, first of all, about the type of filter, its configuration, installation method and method of removing dirt that has accumulated in the pipe.

Mesh and cartridge filters

The mesh dirt filter has a cleaning element in the form of a metal mesh, the manufacture of which is made of stainless steel. This mesh has cell sizes ranging from 50-400 microns. When mounting the filter on a water pipe, you need to make sure that the inspection cap is facing down. Installation into the pipeline system is carried out using conventional tools included in a standard plumbing kit. When making threaded connections, it is important to achieve complete tightness to avoid water leaks.

The popularity of the mesh filter is explained by its good service life, without the need to replace the filter element. This is precisely why they compare favorably with another model of coarse filter - cartridge (cartridge). These devices are mainly wall-mounted due to the large bulb included in their design. The flask itself can be transparent or opaque: inside it is equipped with a replaceable cartridge, for the manufacture of which polyester, twisted polypropylene thread, or pressed fibers are used. When installing the filter, a plumbing sealant is used, which will help prevent leaks in the future.

The cleaning abilities of such cartridges may vary: coarse mechanical filtration of water is carried out by products of 20-30 microns. A dirty filter element must be replaced with a new one: it is prohibited to rinse and reuse the used cartridge. When installing water filters on pipes in an apartment, cartridge models are most often combined with mesh ones, which significantly increases the effect of mechanical water filtration. In this case, it is better if the mesh filter is in front of the bulb filter, because this extends the service life of the latter.

Straight and oblique mesh water filters

Any type of mechanical filter is characterized by the presence of two pipes - inlet and outlet, as well as a special sump where water is cleaned. Based on exactly how this sump is located, mesh filters are divided into straight and oblique. In the first case, the settling tanks are located at a slight inclination to the water flow, which is very convenient in situations where the pipeline runs above the floor. In addition, such models are equipped with vertical pipeline sections.

In the second case, the sump is perpendicular to the water supply. The direct filter for the pipeline is of considerable size, which requires a lot of space for its installation under the water communication. The large size of the settling tank allows vertical filters to achieve a good level of purification. To close it there is a convenient threaded plug or flange cover.

Strainers with flanges and couplings

Depending on the type of insert with which filters are installed on pipes for water purification in the water supply system, they can be flanged or coupling. It is customary to equip pipes with a cross-section of over two inches with flanged products. First of all, we are talking about main water pipelines and junctions located in the basements of high-rise residential buildings.

Bolts or studs make it possible, if necessary, to quickly dismantle such a filter: while all other parts of the water supply remain in place. Sections of highways that are equipped with flanged filters are identified at the stage of drawing up project documentation. As for pipes with a diameter of up to two inches, they are equipped with threaded filters. In such a situation, quick-release union nuts (so-called “American” nuts) are used as connecting elements.

Mud collectors and mesh filters with a washing system

Another type of classification of strainers is based on the method of removing accumulated debris from the sump. Mud traps are models that do not provide for flushing. This mainly applies to all oblique mesh filters, as well as some models of the direct type of pipe arrangement. To clean the accumulated dirt, the device must be disassembled and washed. On direct filters with a perpendicular arrangement of the settling tank, where there is a flushing system, an outlet tap is also installed: through it, the settled area is drained into the sewer system and the outlet is cleaned with a water flow.

The principle of fine water purification in pipes

Using rough mechanical cleaning, most of the debris is removed from the water, but some chemical elements and their compounds still remain.

In this case, fine cleaning equipment is used, the main ones of which can be the following filter elements:

• Sorptive substances (activated carbon and aluminosilicate).
• Reverse osmosis membrane.
• Ion exchange resins.

You should know that this filter for water pipes is mainly equipped with replaceable working elements. Each manufacturer indicates the frequency of replacements in the attached instructions: this is influenced by the period of operation of the device and the amount of water volume processed.

Ultrafine multi-stage cleaning

In systems with several stages, after mechanical filtration, the water flow is passed through ultrafine filters, which are located in several groups, one after another. As a result, the output is high-quality drinking water. At the first stage, mechanical debris is removed from it: the water becomes almost transparent, but this is only the beginning of the cleaning process.

The second stage is equipped with an ion exchange cartridge, which allows you to change the chemical composition of water, removing from it all elements and substances harmful to health. As a result, traditional scale formation is not observed during boiling. At the third stage, the water is purified with compressed activated carbon: thus, conditioning of the water flow is achieved.

After this, the water becomes tasty and begins to smell pleasant. It is also given crystal transparency: now it can be safely used for drinking and cooking. Typically, the place to install three-flask systems is under the kitchen sink. This approach allows you not to disturb the overall appearance of the interior. To remove purified water outside, the sink is equipped with an additional tap.

Molecular purification with reverse osmosis filters

It is not for nothing that reverse osmosis systems are called the highest quality water filters: in the process of such purification, the molecular level is affected. For filtration in this case, a thin-film membrane of a semi-permeable type is used, where the pores have a size of no more than 0.0001 microns.

This makes it possible to eliminate almost all impurities (99%). Microscopic membrane pores allow only water molecules to leak through. Before reverse osmosis, water is passed through several purification stages to prevent rapid clogging of reverse osmosis filters with large debris.

Most often, these systems contain the following degrees of purification:

• The first stage is equipped with a cartridge for mechanical pre-treatment: it is capable of ridding water of impurities measuring 15-30 microns.
• The second stage consists of activated carbon to remove gas, chlorine and organochlorines.
• The third stage carries out fine cleaning of debris 1 - 5 microns in size. For additional cleaning, there is also activated carbon.
• The fourth stage is reverse osmosis itself. At this stage, water is passed through a thin film membrane.
• The fifth stage is another carbon cleaning.

Reverse osmosis filtration removes harmful chemicals and metals from water. In addition, in this way water can be purified from many harmful microorganisms, as a result of which it becomes crystal clear and safe.

The disadvantage of this method is that it removes both harmful impurities and beneficial minerals and salts from the water. To solve this problem, some manufacturers of reverse osmosis systems began to include mineralizers and ionizers in the design. If the pressure in the water supply is less than 3 atmospheres, reverse osmosis filters are equipped with special pumps: they help create optimal functional pressure in the system.

How to choose the right cleaning option for your plumbing

When choosing the optimal method for water purification, it is important to determine exactly what goal should be achieved. It is hardly reasonable to purify the entire volume of water entering a home to drinking level. To extract large particles from it, mesh filters or filter flasks are sufficient. Usually a hard water filter is installed on the cold water and hot water pipes. The resulting water can be used for water procedures, laundry, and floor cleaning. The kitchen can additionally be equipped with a multi-stage fine cleaning system, containing or not containing reverse osmosis.

Most often, such a filter is mounted under the kitchen sink, on the surface of which there is an additional tap (if you need to cook food, water is taken from it, if not, from regular taps located nearby). In addition, fine filters can protect plumbing fixtures and household appliances from excessively hard water.

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 4 minutes

Tap water is almost always full of various impurities, so using it without purification is highly not recommended. This problem can be solved by installing it for hot water.

Purpose

If everything is more or less clear with cold water, since it is used for cooking, then it is not always clear why a main filter is needed to purify hot water. In fact, it performs a number of important functions:

• Water purification. This is the main purpose of any filter. It often contains large particles, heavy metals, bacteria, rust, sand, etc.
• . Hard water has a detrimental effect on skin and hair. Also, various objects, things, etc. are washed and washed worse.
• Extending the service life of household appliances and plumbing fixtures. Dirt and large particles contained often settle on the walls of household appliances, pipes, etc., which leads to early failure of equipment.

Types of filters by cleaning method

There is a wide variety of hot water filters. Each type is designed for certain loads, removes certain contaminants, etc. To choose the right device, you need to understand a little about what types of hot water filters there are.

By cleaning method:

• rough cleaning device;
• fine filter.

Devices of the first type are equipped with a mesh with small cells. Such devices retain large mechanical particles well. Devices in which a system of such meshes with different cell diameters are installed are considered more effective. These grids need to be cleaned periodically. Water that has passed through a coarse filter is considered clean enough for technical use.

Important! A strainer that uses a backwash system is more efficient. It captures more contaminants and will last longer.

Fine cleaning devices give better results. You can even drink this water. The device is designed in this way: a fine-mesh mesh is installed on the inlet part, trapping larger particles. The next stage of cleaning is a flask filled with a sorbent substance. Hot water cartridges are capable of trapping contaminants as small as 5 microns. The filter or cleaning cassette must be replaced periodically.

Case types

There are 2 types of cases: BB (Big Blue) and SL (Slim Line). The first type is large. Its body is usually blue. The height of such a filter is 10 inches (about 25 cm), and the diameter is 18.5 cm. This type of device is used to capture particles of chlorine, iron, and organic substances. They are also equipped with water softeners.

Slim Line has more compact dimensions. The diameter of such filters is 13–14 cm. And their height is smaller. Such devices can be used in cases where space does not allow the use of a larger filter. They use color gradation: if the filter housing is transparent or blue, then this device is intended for cold water. The hot flask will be colored red, orange or brown.

Cartridge type

The type of contaminants a water filter will capture depends on the type of filter used. Letter markings will help you navigate:

• BA - the cartridge actively captures iron.
• BS – softens water.
• Activated carbon – collects chlorine.
• Polyphosphates prevent scale formation on household appliances.

Selection rules

There are a number of points that you should pay attention to when choosing a main filter for hot water in an apartment.

The first and most important thing is the resistance of the device materials to certain temperatures. You cannot put a filter for cold water on a pipe with hot water. But on the contrary - easily.

What else do they look for when purchasing cleaning equipment:

• Hydraulic losses. Residents of apartments on the upper floors should pay attention to this parameter. The smaller this parameter, the better. In general, due to the filter, hydraulic losses can amount to up to 0.5 bar. If the pressure is weak, then it is advisable to install an additional pump in the apartment.
• Productivity is one of the most important characteristics. It indicates how much liquid the device can filter per unit of time.
• Volume of consumption. Here it is advisable to take a device designed for larger volumes than it is at the time of purchase, since consumption may increase.
• Case size, shape. Most often, standard housings Slim Line and Big Blue are used in apartments. You need to choose them based on your personal needs, as well as the amount of space for the filter.
• Ease of replacing cartridges and their availability for sale.

Advantages and disadvantages of main filters

Any devices have their advantages and disadvantages. And filters are no exception. So, what can you give them pluses for:

• Cleaning all water entering the apartment.
• Possibility of performing all cleaning steps in one device.
• Elimination of unpleasant odors and tastes.
• Protecting household appliances from scale.
• The water after the filter becomes clean, transparent, and turbidity is removed.
• Cleaning from rust.
• Preventing the formation of rust, limescale, and drips on plumbing fixtures and household appliances.

The following features can be noted as disadvantages:

• Regular washing of the mesh cartridges is necessary.
• Fine cleaning cartridges also need to be changed periodically, which leads to additional costs. The dirtier the inlet water, the more often you will have to spend money on it.
• The flask also needs periodic washing, as sediment accumulates on it.
• Large size, cumbersome, because the standard layout of apartments does not always allow for the installation of a cleaning device conveniently and without problems.

Device installation

Filters for purifying hot water are installed directly on the main line itself. You can invite a plumber who will carry out all the work for a fee. You can try to install the device yourself if you have certain skills and tools (for example, you may need to cut threads on pipes).

The first thing to do is turn off the water in the apartment. Otherwise, you can get burned from hot water or steam and flood your neighbors below. Typically, taps are installed next to meters or at the entrance of pipes to the apartment.

Important! The diameter of the filter inlet and outlet must correspond to the size of the pipes or be 1 mm larger so that it can be screwed on without problems.

Now you can start inserting the device. It is easier to install the device in place of the fitting, then you can do without threading.

HELPFUL INFORMATION: Titanium water filter: durable and easy to maintain