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Writer's pictureWater Tank Solutions

Is an Under-bench Filter right for you?

Updated: Sep 8, 2023



Under bench filters are compact & reliable, they are a popular option for town-supply homes or offices where consumers wish to remove any chemical taste or odour from their drinking water. They may also be used to remove micro-organisms or other contaminants, depending on requirements.


There are different types of under-bench filter system, and it's worth looking at all the options to ensure that you install the unit which will suit your needs best.


KDF / GAC under-bench water filtration- Popular & high-performing

This under-bench water filter is the best performing filter on the market for all-round chemical and heavy metal removal combining the twin technologies of KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) with GAC (Granular Activated Carbon).

Benefits:

  • Tastes like bottled water

  • Removes most impurities (not fluoride)

  • Removes heavy metals

  • Extremely popular under-bench filter

  • Filters usually last 2 years

KDF is a media of high purity copper-zinc formulations. These substances exchange electrons or bond with chlorine and other metals contained in the water to create harmless substances.

KDF reduces levels of most heavy metals including:

  • Lead

  • Copper

  • Aluminium

  • Arsenic

  • Mercury

  • Iron

Note: KDF is not usually required for tank water as the water should not be contaminated with heavy metals


Carbon is very good at removing the following:

  • Chlorine

  • Chemicals

  • Pesticides

  • TTHM’s

  • Sediment

  • Giardia & Cryptosporidium

  • Cysts 99.9%

  • Taste & Odour


Solid Carbon Block under-bench system - A traditional style under-bench filter.

Solid carbon block filters are very popular. They have been the standard under-bench filter for many years and are an efficient way of removing chlorine and chemicals from your water.

Benefits:

  • Tastes like bottled water

  • Removes chlorine and its carcinogens (not fluoride)

  • A traditional style under bench filter

  • Filters usually last 12 months

Solid carbon block removes:

  • Chlorine

  • Chemicals

  • Pesticides

  • TTHM’s

  • Sediment

  • Giardia & Cryptosporidium

  • Cysts 99.9%

  • Taste & Odour

The carbon filters we usually use on town water supply are of the solid block variety. This is because they can remove huge amounts of chemicals and chlorine as their surface area is so big. 


Inline or Separate Tap?


Any of the types of system listed above can be used with an inline system. Instead of having a separate tap, the inline under-bench water filter is plumbed into the existing tap or a new unit with an additional filter tap. Inline systems can be fitted to existing taps, though there may be a pressure reduction in the cold water supply. Taps with hot, cold and filtered outlets are available. We also install as standard Pressure Reducing Valves on all our underbench filters

Benefits are:

  • No need to drill through bench top to install so it is suitable for granite and stone bench tops

  • A single tap unit looks less cluttered

If we are plumbing into a standard hot and cold tap unit, there may be a reduction in flow rate on the cold water as the pressure of water in the filter unit has to be reduced. This can be overcome by using a new 3 way tap which has a filtered water lever on it.


 

Under-bench filters may be installed by plumber, a filter technician or a home handy man or woman with access to basic tools.

Replacement cartridges are widely available, although it's best to buy these through a specialist as quality of the filtration materials can vary. Poor quality filter media lasts for a shorter time and removes less impurities.


 

Under-bench filtration is prefect for a home or office on town supply (or in certain circumstances on own-supply), where ONLY the drinking water requires filtering. If more than one outlet requires filtration, whole-house filter systems are more efficient, cost effective and practical. The type of under-bench system needed depends on the contaminants present in the water supply and also whether you require a separate tap for filtered water.


Water Tank Solutions supply a full range of under-bench options, parts and accessories and we are happy to discuss your individual requirements.




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