If you’re looking for a way to filter shower water in your apartment, it’s important to consider your options. A point-of-use water filter is an easy and convenient option that will help you improve the quality of your shower water.
If you live in an apartment or a rental property, you might be able to use a point-of-use shower filter without asking permission from your landlord. This will give you access to clean, filtered water at all times.
Installing a Shower Filter
Whether you’re an apartment renter who has never had access to clean water or a home owner who hasn’t had time to install a whole-house filtration system, filtering shower water can be an easy and effective solution. It will remove harmful contaminants like chlorine and toxins from your water that can cause health problems from itchy skin to dry, flaky hair.
The best filters are certified by the EPA and NSF/ANSI, which means they’ve met certain standards for water quality. In addition, some of them are also rated for the California Energy Commissions and Water Quality Association.
Many filters come with a trial period to ensure you’re satisfied with their performance. This can help you decide if it’s right for you.
When it comes to choosing a shower filter, you need to make sure the one you choose is effective at removing the contaminants in your water. Some filters are only designed to remove chlorine, others can tackle a variety of contaminants including heavy metals, bacteria and odors.
Carbon filters, for example, are heralded for their ability to reduce chlorine levels in your water. However, this effectiveness decreases as the temperature of your water increases.
KDF filters, on the other hand, are able to reduce a range of contaminants in your water without losing their efficacy. They’re made of copper and zinc, two elements that create a small electrical-chemical charge that dissolves heavy metals in your water.
This type of filter is a good choice for those with hard water since it can help prevent the buildup of calcium and magnesium in your water that can lead to problems such as dandruff, wrinkles, hair loss, skin irritation, and more.
Another option is an inline filter that attaches directly behind your existing showerhead and filters the water before it hits you. These filters are easy to install and typically don’t cost a lot.
Some people who have hard water issues in their apartment might also want to consider a water softener. These systems remove hard water from the water by ion exchange, which reduces the amount of magnesium and calcium that are in your water. While these systems aren’t cheap, they can save you a lot of money in the long run by reducing the amount of time it takes to rinse off your hair and skin after bathing and washing.
Choosing a Shower Filter
If you want to keep your apartment shower water clean and healthy, a filter is a great option. It works just like a drinking water filter and can remove a variety of contaminants, including chlorine and chloramines. It can also reduce scale buildup and sulfur odors.
The best way to choose a shower filter is to find one that has a good track record of removing the contaminants you’re most concerned with. These contaminants can include chlorine, fluoride, iron, lead, mercury, pesticides, and even chromium.
You should also consider your water type and hardness level before purchasing a filter. The amount of hardness in your water will determine how effective it is at removing minerals, as well as other impurities.
Some filters have a specialized mineralizing stage to help soften water. This may not be necessary for all homes, but it can make a big difference in your water if you have particularly hard or untreated water.
A water test kit is also a good way to discover your exact levels of hardness. You can get one from a local hardware store or online retailer.
Another thing to consider is your water pressure and flow rate. Those with low water pressure will want to opt for an inline filter or a handheld model, as these options won’t put a strain on your plumbing system.
Filtration media such as KDF, vitamin C, and activated carbon work to remove contaminants from your water. Some also have the ability to purify the pH of your water.
Activated carbon is one of the most effective filtration methods available. It uses a process called adsorption to trap and hold unwanted substances in the filter, similar to a sponge.
Some filters also use an electro-magnetic field to attract and trap pollutants. This helps prevent them from entering your body through the shower head and lingering in your hair, skin, and clothes.
If you’re looking for a high-end filter that will provide excellent protection from harmful chemicals, the Aquasana AQ-4100 is an excellent choice. Its ANSI-NSF certified filtration removes 90% of chlorine and a wide range of other contaminants.
Changing the Filter
If you live in an apartment and want to improve the quality of your shower water, a good solution is to install a shower filter. This will remove chlorine and other impurities that can be harmful to your hair and skin. It’s also a relatively inexpensive alternative to expensive hair treatments and skin care products.
Changing the filter is simple enough for anyone to do. Most shower filters are in-line and attach to your existing shower arm with no special tools required. Some models include a filter cartridge that you simply screw in and out to replace. Other models come with a built-in filter that’s installed behind the shower head.
Before installing any new filter, you should flush it to remove any clogged material that may be inside the unit. This will help ensure the shower filter performs as efficiently as possible. You can do this by running cold or hot water through it for several minutes to clear any loose filtration media. You may also see some carbon dust come out, which is a normal part of the process.
Once the filtered water has cleared, you’re ready to turn on the water. A new shower filter will need some time to soak and filter the water before it’s ready for use. Usually, it will run through the filter for about five minutes before you can turn on the shower again.
Regardless of which type of shower filter you choose, you should change it around six months to prevent clogging and make sure that the unit continues to work well. However, the lifespan of each filter will vary based on your usage and the contaminants in your water.
Maintenance
Investing in a shower filter to improve the water quality of your apartment is a smart decision. It may make your hair and skin look shiny and healthy, reduce the chances of you developing a dry and itchy scalp, and help prevent acne breakouts. It also helps keep your wallet happy by reducing your monthly water bill. However, a shower filter will only be effective as long as you maintain it properly.
Depending on the type of shower filter you have, it will need to be changed around six months or so. This means you might want to consider getting an in-line filter that rests between the arm and the head, or a handheld filter that attaches directly to the arm or the showerhead without any special tools.
The best shower filter will be easy to clean and change, and will provide great water quality at a reasonable cost. To ensure the right one for you, it’s important to learn about the different types and how they work. Then, you can decide which is the most practical for your apartment and which is the best value for your money. With a little maintenance and some effort, you can enjoy the benefits of filtered shower water for years to come.