Many people in the UK don’t realise that the quality of tap water can vary greatly depending on where you live and the source of the water. That’s why it’s worth considering investing in a water purifier or drinking water filtration system to ensure your water is free from contaminants and tastes fresh.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of water purifiers, from simple purifier water machines to complex under-sink filter systems, explaining how each system works, and the key features to consider before making your purchase.

Assess Your Water Quality

Before investing in a filtration system, it’s essential to assess the quality of your current water. This will help you identify which contaminants are present and ensure you select the right purifier. Testing your water is easy and can be done through home testing kits or by contacting your local water supplier. Common contaminants to look for include:

●     Chlorine: This chemical is often used by water companies to disinfect supplies, but it can leave an unpleasant taste and odour in your drinking water.

●     Lead: Older homes, particularly those with plumbing systems containing lead pipes, may have elevated levels of lead in their tap water. Long-term exposure to lead can be harmful, especially to young children.

●     Sediment: Sediment like dirt, sand, or rust can enter your water supply from aging pipes or natural sources. These particles can make water appear cloudy and, in some cases, affect the taste.

●     Hardness: Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can cause limescale build-up in appliances, clog pipes, and reduce soap’s effectiveness.

●     Bacteria and Viruses: While UK mains water is generally safe, bacteria and viruses can still be present, particularly in private water supplies, such as wells or boreholes.

By identifying the contaminants that affect your water, you can narrow down your choices and select a drinking water filtration system that specifically targets those issues.

Choose Your Water Filters

Once you’ve assessed the quality of your water, the next step is to determine which filtration methods your water purifier should include. Many systems use a combination of the following technologies to provide comprehensive filtration:

●     Mechanical Filtration (i.e. Sediment): Mechanical filters use fine meshes or cartridges to physically remove larger particles such as sediment, rust, and sand from water. These filters can be added to other filtration systems for enhanced purification.

●     Absorption Filtration (i.e. Activated Carbon): This method is excellent for improving water taste and removing chlorine, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals. Activated carbon works by absorbing impurities onto its surface.

●     Reverse Osmosis (RO): A Reverse Osmosis system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants as small as ions. It’s effective at eliminating up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, nitrates, fluoride, chlorine, and bacteria. However, it requires higher water pressure (pumps are preinstalled in Hommix under-sink RO systems) and can waste water during filtration to discharge the contaminants.

●     Ion Exchange: This method is commonly used in water softeners. It replaces calcium and magnesium ions (which cause water hardness) with sodium or potassium ions, helping to reduce limescale build-up and prevent appliance damage.

Understand the Filtration Flow Rate

The flow rate of a filtration system refers to how quickly water passes through the filter, which is particularly important for large households or high water usage. Consider the system's daily processing capacity to ensure it meets your household's needs without being overburdened.

Systems with a higher flow rate can supply water at a faster rate, ensuring your daily needs are met without reducing water pressure. If a system cannot keep up with demand, low-flow filters can significantly affect water pressure, making tasks like showering or filling a pot more time-consuming and less convenient.

Compare the Costs of Various Systems

When selecting a water filtration system, it's crucial to compare the initial cost of the system with the ongoing maintenance expenses, such as filter replacements and installation costs. 

Some drinking water filtration systems may have a lower upfront cost but could require more frequent filter changes or higher maintenance fees over time. On the other hand, systems that require a larger initial investment may have longer-lasting filters, leading to lower long-term costs. 

Additionally, some systems may need professional installation, which can add to the initial expense, but this is usually a one-off payment worthy of doing by a professional. Make sure to factor in all costs, including energy consumption if applicable, to ensure you're getting the best value for your investment in the long run.

Understand Your System Options

Once you’ve decided on the type of filtration technology you need, the next step is to consider your system options. There are various different types of purifiers, each of which are suited to different lifestyles, household sizes, and installation preferences.

Countertop Filters

These systems sit on your countertop and typically use activated carbon or reverse osmosis. At Hommix we have two types, first of all; installation free (for example, the Hommix ziRO) which ideal for smaller homes or renters since they require no permanent installation. Secondly, the plumbed countertop RO systems which refill automatically, which means less manual work.

Under-sink Filter Systems

As the name suggests, these filters are installed beneath your kitchen sink and provide purified water through a separate tap or 3-way taps to avoid drilling another hole. We have a big variety of 3-way filter taps at Hommix. These systems are a great option for those who want a permanent solution for drinking and cooking water. Under-sink filters are available in a variety of designs, including those with multi-stage filtration, which combine carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and sediment removal.

Whole-house Filtration Systems

Installed at the point of entry to your home, whole-house filters treat all water entering your property. This includes water used for showers, laundry, and appliances, as well as drinking and cooking. Whole-house systems are ideal for households with high levels of sediment, chlorine, or hard water, as they can protect both your water supply and your appliances.

Hommix Ultra UF & Softening Drinking Water Filter with the Hommix Verona Chrome 3-Way Tap

The Hommix Verona and UF combination offers a compact, under-sink solution for cleaner, better-tasting water. Designed to reduce impurities, chlorine, and limescale, it improves both flavour and clarity while helping protect appliances. The included Verona chrome tap provides a sleek, modern finish that fits neatly into any kitchen. 

Easy to install and maintain, this system delivers reliable filtration without taking up valuable counter space, making it a practical upgrade for households seeking convenient, high-quality drinking water every day.

Hommix ziRO – Zero Installation Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier

For those who need high-performance filtration without the need for installation, the Hommix ziRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis water purifier is an excellent choice. This purifier water machine requires no plumbing and provides advanced reverse osmosis filtration to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals.

The compact design allows it to sit neatly on your countertop, providing clean, purified water on-demand. Whether you’re renting or simply need a flexible option, the ziRO system is easy to set up and use, making it a hassle-free solution for better water quality.

BMB-1000 Hydra Whole House Water Filtration System (Point-of-Entry)

If you want comprehensive filtration throughout your home, the BMB-1000 Hydra offers a powerful whole-house filtration system. Installed at the main water entry point, this system treats all incoming water, ensuring that every faucet and appliance is protected from sediment, chlorine, and hardness.

The BMB-1000 Hydra is designed for households with higher water demands or those dealing with significant water hardness. It’s a durable, high-capacity option that requires minimal maintenance and ensures clean water from every tap in your home.