Before you buy the perfect home water filtration solution, it’s worthwhile to consider all options available. This quick guide compares Undersink vs. Faucet filters, two efficient point-of-use water filtration products.
What are point-of-use filters? These filters are convenient, space-saving, and affordable for purifying water from any specific tap in your house.
Rather than installing an expensive whole-house filtration solution, point-of-use filters are typically installed in the kitchen.
Let’s understand the two filter types:
Quick Overview | |
Undersink Water Filters | Faucet Filters |
Installed under the sink and hidden in the bottom cabinet, these offer strong filtration, invisibility, and a longer filter span. | Installed directly onto any sink faucet, these offer a compact design, instant water purification, and ease of installation. |
Factors to Consider: Under-Sink or Faucet Filter
Filtration Needs
Most homes have access to a municipal water source which is generally treated with chlorine and other disinfectants to make it safer for all populations. Wondering about chlorine’s adverse effects? Read more about it here.
However, tap water may still contain harmful levels of contaminants either through the distribution network or your household plumbing.
Here’s a full list of contaminants that might be present in your tap water.
Both under-sink and faucet filters are effective in reducing contaminant levels in tap water.
Filtered water is much safer, tastes better, and is odor-free. Here’s why you should always use filtered water for cooking and baking.
Faucet-Mounted | Under-Sink |
PureFlowz tap filters can effectively reduce chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your drinking water. | Depending on the product and its filtration mechanism, under-sink filters may offer both purification and water softening. |
PureFlowz faucet-mounted filter products are NSF certified and uphold international water quality standards.
Installation and Space
Space can be a big concern for many households. While under-sink filters offer invisibility, they do take up space inside the sink cabinet. This may not be suitable for all users.
However, faucet-mounted filters could be a great choice as they are compactly designed to attach to your faucet without reducing your storage space.
Choose based on your comfort level with installation and availability of space.
Faucet-Mounted | Under-Sink |
Easy to install. No plumbing modifications needed.Ideal for renters and those seeking a quick solution. May not be compatible with all faucet types. | More complex installation. Often requires plumbing modifications.Suitable for homeowners comfortable with DIY or hiring a professional.Requires sufficient cabinet space. |
Budget
Affordability is also a big factor when deciding the optimal water filter for your home. Most people who are only renting an apartment or house may not be comfortable with long-term investments like under-sink filters or whole-house filtration products.
Faucet-mounted filters are super affordable and could be the best option when all you need is clean drinking water directly from your kitchen tap.
Faucet-Mounted | Under-Sink |
Less expensive upfront.Requires filter replacements. More prone to damage due to exposed position. | Higher initial cost. Less frequent filter changes are required. More durable due to protected location. |
PureFlowz’s stringent quality protocols and 12 durability and quality tests make for reliable faucet-mounted filtration products for your home.
What are Under-Sink Water Filters?
Under-sink filters are installed beneath your sink to deliver filtered water directly through your tap. They use reverse osmosis, filtering contaminants such as lead, mercury, and chlorine.
Many systems also offer advanced features like specialty cartridges for pH enhancement or high-efficiency filtration to minimize water waste.
Benefits of Under-Sink Filters | Drawbacks of Under-Sink Filters |
High Performance | Installation Complexity |
Faster Water Flow | Higher Initial Cost |
Adaptability |
How Under-Sink Water Filters Work
- A pre-filtration process removes sediment and chlorine. The water then flows to the reverse osmosis chamber, where it is forced through the membrane at high pressure.
- Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane traps contaminants while allowing clean water to pass through.
- Some systems offer an additional filtration stage to address specific contaminants or to adjust the pH of the water.
Types of Under-Sink Water Purifiers:
There are two main types of under-sink water purifiers:
Inline Water Purifier | Regular Water Purifier |
Uses a single cartridge installed with push fittings. It allows simultaneous water usage from the sink tap while filtering. The installation process can be complex. | These purifiers require a dedicated separate tap for filtered water. A T-connector can be used to install this additional tap. |
Installation
Before installing an under-sink water purifier, ensure a continuous water supply to the unit. Most purifiers come with a tap. But if one is not available, you’ll need to install it, connecting it to the main sink tap.
Area Preparation:
The area beneath the sink should be clean.
- A power socket should be accessible for the purifier.
- A proper drainage system is required to handle wastewater generated during purification.
Drilling
Depending on your setup, the technician may need to drill a hole during installation for the tap or other components.
What are Faucet-Mounted Filters?
Faucet-mounted filters attach directly to your faucet, providing filtered water on demand without requiring major installation work. These systems are typically simpler and more affordable, but they might not match the filtration depth of under-sink models.
Advantages of Faucet Filters
- Easily switch between unfiltered and filtered water
- Installs directly to most home taps and kitchen faucets.
- Budget-friendly option for drinking clean, filtered water.
- Aesthetic and compact design
Disadvantages of Faucet Filters
- Not compatible with spray-style or pull-out faucets.
- Needs filter replacements after every 3-6 months.
Drink Pure, Safe, and Refreshing Water with PureFlowz Faucet-Mounted Water Filter
PureFlowz faucet filters are built with advanced water purification technology with a seven-stage filtration process, including activated carbon, ultrafiltration (UF), and ceramic filters.
- Effectively filters 99% of chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities
- Ensures high-quality water for drinking, cooking, and other daily needs.
- Improves taste with added minerals and removes odor with active charcoal
Material Specifications:
- Intelligent Display: Shows filter cartridge’s lifespan.
- Filter Element: Diatomaceous ceramic + coconut shell activated carbon composite filter element.
- Food-grade Plastic Shell: Safe and non-toxic.
- Shell Material: Food-grade ABS + PC.
Product Specifications:
- Filter Life: 3-6 months
- Flow Rate: 1.5-2L/Min
- Water Pressure: 0.1-0.4 Mpa
- Filtration Precision: 2-5 microns (ceramic)
- Temperature Range: 5°-38°C
Choose a 2-in-1 Tap Filter + Foam Rinse For Your Kitchen Sink
The PureFlowz 2-in-1 Foam Clean Faucet Filter is a practical choice that combines filtration and cleaning.
Functions:
1. Purifies tap water with a 7-stage filtration process
2. Adds an extendable spray nozzle for foam or clean water rinse
Features:
- 4 Water Modes: Pure, Raw, Foam Rinse, Shower
- Automatic 0.2% detergent mixing in Foam mode
- Compatible with most faucets in the market
Specifications:
- Flow rate:1L/min
- Water pressure: 0.1-0.5 Mpa
- Applied water: Municipal tap water
- Detergent Mixing ratio: 1.5%- 2%
- Water temperature (Purification Filter): 5°C-38°C
- Water temperature (Foam Wash):15°C-50°C
- Installation requirement: Hot and cold faucet
Choosing the Right Water Filter
With all the different filters on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. If you prioritize performance and integration, under-sink systems may be best.
For convenience and cost-effectiveness, faucet-mounted options might be more suitable.
The best way to choose a system is to start by having a professional water test conducted. This will help you identify specific contaminants present and the hardness level of your water.
Once you have the results of your water test, you can choose a system that will effectively address your specific water quality concerns.
If you have hard water, you’ll need a system that includes a water softener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Do Under Sink Water Filters Cost?
The overall cost depends on how extensive the filtration is, the number and type of additional filtration stages or cartridges included, the system’s efficiency, and whether smart functionality is included.
How Long Do Under-Sink Water Filters Last?
The lifespan of an under-sink water filter system is typically 1-2 years depending on how much water is used, your local water quality, and the specific system you choose.
How Often Should I Replace Under Sink Water Filters?
Generally, filters should be changed annually. However, some systems have filters that can last two years. The RO membrane should be checked annually and replaced every three to five years.