Tap water is almost always full of various impurities, so it is not recommended to use it without purification. You can solve this problem by installing main filter 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.
- Water softening. Hard water is detrimental to the skin and hair. Also, various objects, things, etc. are washed and stretched worse.
- Extending the life of household appliances and plumbing. Dirt and contained large particles often settle on the walls of household appliances, pipes, etc., which leads to early failure of equipment.
It is recommended to install filters for hot and cold water at the same time, on both lines.
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 what hot water filters are.
Cleaning method:
- coarse cleaning device;
- fine filter.
Devices of the first type are supplied with a grid with small cells. Such devices well detain large mechanical particles. Devices in which a system of such grids with different cell diameters is installed are considered more efficient. Periodically, these grids need to be cleaned. 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 dirt and will last longer.
Fine cleaners give the best results. This water can even be drunk. The device is arranged in such a way: a fine-meshed mesh is installed at the inlet part, which traps larger particles. The next stage of purification is a flask filled with a sorbent. Hot water cartridges are capable of capturing contaminants as small as 5 microns. The filter or cleaning cassette should be replaced periodically.
Enclosure types
There are 2 types of cases: BB (Big Blue) and SL (Slim Line). The first type is large. His 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 trap particles of chlorine, iron, organic substances. They are also equipped with water softeners.
Slim Line has more compact dimensions. The diameter of such filters is 13-14 cm. Yes, and their height is less. 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 designed for cold water. The hot flask will be colored red, orange or brown.
cartridge type
What contaminants the water filter will catch depends on cartridge typeThe that is being used. Letter marking will help you navigate:
- BA - the cartridge actively captures iron.
- BS - softens water.
- Activated carbon - collects chlorine.
- Polyphosphates prevent the formation of scale 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 can not put a filter for cold water on a pipe with hot water. But on the contrary - easily.
What else to look for when buying 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 be up to 0.5 bar. If the pressure is weak, then it is advisable to install an additional pump in the apartment.
- Performance is one of the most important characteristics. It indicates how much liquid the device can filter per unit of time.
- The 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, apartments use standard Slim Line and Big Blue cases. You need to choose them based on your personal needs, as well as the amount of space for the filter.
- Ease of replacing cartridges, their availability for sale.
Advantages and disadvantages of main filters
Any device has its advantages and disadvantages. And filters are no exception. So, for what you can give them "pluses":
- Cleaning of all water entering the apartment.
- Ability to perform all cleaning steps in one device.
- Elimination of unpleasant odors and tastes.
- Protection of household appliances from scale.
- Water after the filter becomes clean, transparent, turbidity is removed.
- Rust cleaning.
- Prevents the formation of rust, limescale, drips on plumbing and household appliances.
The disadvantages include the following features:
- Regular flushing of mesh cartridges is required.
- 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, bulky, because not always the standard layout of apartments allows you to install a cleaning device with convenience and without problems.
Device installation
Hot water filters are installed directly on the 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 the neighbors from below. Usually, taps are installed next to the meters or at the entrance of the pipes to the apartment.
Important! The diameter of the inlet and outlet of the filter must match 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.
When installing a cleaning device, it must be remembered that the flask and filter cartridge must be in a place where they can be easily removed and replaced or cleaned if necessary.
The water supply and filter connections must be sealed with fum-tape and secured with sealant. Water should not leak anywhere. You can turn on the water only after the sealant has set. Be sure to evaluate the tightness of the structure. If water is oozing somewhere, the connections will have to be redone.
If everything is done correctly, the filter will stand for a long time and delight the owners of the apartment, thoroughly purifying the water and making it suitable for all household needs.
