Water filter

[Salty]

Anyone have suggestions on a water filter system?
I'd like to put in an under-sink type but plumb it to the basement directly below to make filter changing easier.
This sparked renewed interest when I went to get more of sam's water and they only had the 12 packs in stock. So, I got to thinking again.
If we both drank 2 bottles a day and the 12 pack cost $2.50, It works out to about $290 per year for bottled water. When it is hot out I probably drink more but that is close to the average over the year.
I see some 3-stage filters on the internet that go for $150-$250 so I could probably pay for it in the first year.
Also, I definately decided I do not want an RO system. The water is city water and is OK for all else except we have become spoiled and like the taste of bottled water for drinking.

[dbhost]

Until I saw you mentioned you didn't want it, I was going to suggest an RO system. I have really bad city water (bad smell, LOTS of calcium in my pipes jamming up my plumbing etc...), between having actually drinkable water, clean dishes, and a spot free car after a wash, I am VERY glad I got mine!

[atgcpaul]

It seems your main motivation is to only replace your water bottle
consumption and you're OK with city water for cooking, washing, etc.

In that case, why not get a Brita pitcher instead of a whole house system? We
bought one at Costco that came with 6 filters or something. I think it was less
than $50. It's only me and my wife and we use 2-3 filters a year. I change it
when I can taste a difference in the water and keep the pitcher in the fridge.
It holds 8-10 cups of water and filters relatively quickly.

Paul

[capncarl]

I am not offering any opinion on the quality of water a filter puts out but am offering first hand information on 4 different filter sets that I service. These are sediment /rust filters in front of "whole house filters" with various types of elements available. IMO they are the worst things in the world to put inside a house, anywhere. The engineers who designed them should be beat with a hose for making something so basic leak so bad. Being careful to get everything clean and placed properly, being extremely careful not to cross the plastic threads, I can seldom change an element without a water leak of some kind. It may take 3 attempts to get it right. Only with the use of Dow 107 as a sealant / "o" ring lubricant can they be made to be leak free. The larger filters canisters are heavy to remove and certainly should never be installed in a confined location such as a cabinet. Smaller point of use filters for one spiggot may prove to be less of a leak problem, but it is something to consider before placeing them in cabinets.

capncarl

[cabinetman]

We started out with the Brita pitcher. Thought it got to be a hassle having it in the refrigerator. Then moved "up" to the Pur faucet filter. Then we decided to move "up" to the RO 3 filter & tank assembly that goes under the sink. Filters were expensive and had small leak problems. We then decided that we liked having more room under the sink, and moved "up" (or whichever way it is) back to the Pur faucet filter.
.

[showerob]

I think the you will make the best choice by buying a water filter. It will definitely pay for itself in a short time.

One advise I do give is to be careful of the type you choose. Simply because a filter is cheaper does not make it good. Sometime a little pricey filter could perform best and you will still break even.

Look for a filter that is NSF-certified, or certified by Water Quality Association, or UL-certified. You will be pleased that the filter you buy is tested and certified, or at least receives kudos from these independent organizations.

So, bottled water is not the answer.

[Salty]

Thanks for all the great advise and information. Lots of good stuff here.
As for the RO system, I decided against that because they do not remove the bad stuff like bacteria. They are great for metals and some chemicals but I have to put some trust in the city water service. Those things should not be in there to begin with.
Many years ago I installed a few sediment filters and other water conditioning systems. I too know there can be troublesome leaks. That is one of the reasons I wanted to put it in the basement, right above the utility tub.
I saw the local department store had 2 models that were both single filters. Both were around $25-$30. Not what I would call high end models. Besides, I'd like to have at least a dual so that the first can catch the sediment that can clog the finer filter.
The pitcher filters and faucet filters are a PITA. Also, after a short while the filters become great places for bacteria to grow.
But ya know, to be honest, there is a more troublesome problem with the pitcher type. It seems I was ALWAYS being blamed for puting the thing back in the fridge 'not full'! Even if I just poured out 1 small glass full, it was a federal offense to put it back in the fridge without first putting more water in the top so it is full for the next person. Like the next person is going to need 2 quarts of cold water or something!