I'm planning to install a basic under sink water filter system without the heating/cooling function (unlike Zip etc). Seems like there are plenty of options out there but not so in terms of reviews. Something like this:
https://purewatersystems.com.au/collections/under-sink-water…
Keen to know if anyone has recommendation which brand should I get. How much did you spend for the first time purchase? How long does it last? And how much is the replacement cartridge cost?
Cheers
what filter would you recommend?
Do a water test first.
No, it's all about the tap.
Most cheap filter systems have the press-down black lever, which suffers from dribbles, corrosion and scale build-up.
I got rid of mine about 6 years ago and replaced it with a ceramic quarter-turn tap, no more problems from the tap.
The one in the link: Not a bargain. You can find cheaper ~ $180
any link please?
cheers
@altomic: I have one similar and it does a good job of removing sediments and that foul chlorine smell
Remember to write the install date on the top cartridge so you know when to change them again
@altomic: Had a similar one overseas, but was labelled reverse osmosis and maybe 5 stages. Total dissolved solids went from 450 to about 25, which is massive.
Current total dissolved solids in my area of Melbourne is 55. Britta filters reduce that by 10 - 15 in my experience.
I've got the Stefani one from Bunnings, cost about $100 and looks exactly like the one you linked. Does the job fine.
Actually, just read the reviews on the Bunnings website and now I'm worried about it cracking and flooding the kitchen!
Mine is about 9 months old, I hope the designs been updated since those reviews.
If it helps, we've had ours for a couple of years now and it seems fine, no indications of any leaks! We have closed the first valve a fair way to reduce the pressure and try and mitigate some of these risks….
Partially closing the valve only reduces the flow. It won't help to reduce the static pressure.
Doesn't work. You need a pressure limiting valve. A bit over $50.
@iamherenow: yeah it's definitely a pressure-reducing valve, it's set at 350 kPA. I was sure it came with the water filter but looking at the Stefani box it doesn't look like it comes with it, apologies for the confusion!
Do you have the double or triple stage unit?
Double
I'm planning to install a basic under sink water filter system without the heating/cooling function
Are you a licenced plumber?
nope :(
Then you should find one to install it for you…
Stop being dramatic.
@jv: Actually you are right it's not legal under building code etc.
But, show me a PDS where insurance is voided for an unlicensed tradesperson doing work.
Use a plumber if you have no idea what you are doing. It doesn't take a genius to install a vampire tap (which are garbage to begin with) or a threaded tee for a water filter.
Of course you could cause a flood but that's a risk you take.
show me a PDS where insurance is voided for an unlicensed tradesperson doing work.
Most, if not all…
@jv: That's not an actual answer.
I didn't say stop being pragmatic I said stop being dramatic. Non-permitted work and "illegal" work occurs constantly, why else would bunnings exist.
In any case I would use a tradesperson because A) liability (aka you can sue them/ the company) B) not worth the time or the tools and not having the expertise.
Where I think the laws are a bit ludicrous is changing a tap hose (illegal), replacing a bathrooom tap (illegal). These are basic tasks that people should know how to do.
In addition the "Call an electrician" ads in Vic are laughable. If you have a loose powerpoint, in theory even tightening the screws is illegal.
Running your own Cat5 cable through your house is technically illegal — need a cablers license. Come on. You're not passing fireproof penetrations seen in a commercial building in a residence. A monkey could do this work.
Look at the recommended replacement period and cost of the filters.
My GF & I both have undersink filters and don't use them as the filters are ~$80 and the replacement interval is every 3-6 months.
I've worked in bulk water supply for the past 13 years and you really don't need filters in Sydney.
The filters become black after 3-6 months, so i would say they do something for sydney water.
Oh wow that's much earlier than what some of these products say. I thought 12 months is the common frequency?!
Depends on the filter, some filters are 3-6 months, some are 12 months, some filter 2-3 years.
@foxes28: I got a 5 stage reverse osmosis system. There are alot available on ebay. Also some filters are better quality than others.
What is the black? If it isn't harmful, what does it matter?
I had a 5 stage filter with that tap installed for $180 (now $200 recent price) in WA, so I would say if you look around, you can probably find one at the price. Minor change (2 or 3 cartridges $30 1st 6 months) and then change all 6 months after - $70, we get lazy and just do the annual change one lol
That's really cheap! All 5 stage unit that I came across cost $400++. Maybe I should look elsewhere lol
I use Water Systems Australia HiFlow (self install)
My wife was buying bottled water each week but I've managed to cut that expense out completely, so has paid itself off
you got rid of your wife?
How often do you replace the cartridge?
Prob every 4-6 months in reality
I have been using these guys for years, cheap replacements and seems to be working well. They have an ebay shop as well:
https://www.filtersystemsaustralia.com.au/water-filter/under…
Why do you even need a filter? Our water is some of the best in the world.
Apparently Sydney water has some taste which I understand some people may not be too fussed about it but my missus is
Have you put in a complaint to Sydney Water? They will investigate (eventually).
i don't know about NSW, but ACT water was great, SA water sucks
Nope. I'd say they won't bother since it's not like impacting significant number of people. I personally don't mind the taste at all
OP, $389 is a ridiculous price. And don't select 3 stage or reverse osmosis cleaning is a bit overkill.
Reallistically 2 stage filtering (sediment and carbon filters) is more than enough for metro water. Buy yourself a $75 set from eBay and be happy. Only filtter cartridges quality matters. Select a system with most price/quality efficient 10" x 2.5" cartridges and replace them every 6 months for about $20 a set.
That's really great! After some research, I'd say these companies put pretty names, gimmicks etc. on their product then mark up their price but essentially pretty close to what you share (if not the same). Then they will keep bugging you to buy replacement filter from them at an inflated price of course.
I'm leaning towards 2 stage system as you suggested. Do you have any suggestion for the cartridges btw? I read somewhere that Doulton is the best (and made in US or UK I think?) but wanted to know if it's actually worth the price compared to the China/Taiwan made products.
I would buy something like this double pack which will clean water for you for 12-24 months for $30.
However a set I mentioned above as an example comes with a set of filters so you don't have to worry about replacement cartridges for a while.
Thanks for sharing :)
How long does it last?
Really depends on the water quality. In the same city the water may be very different due to pipes. I lived in a house where I had to change filters every 3-4 months and I could see the dirt on the used cartridges. After the old rusty water pipes in our suburb were replaced with plastic ones my filters stayed pretty clean for a year. I replaced them annualy and they looked pretty clean.
They're all the same, it's all about the filter.