The Ultimate Water Purifier Buying Guide: 8 Expert Tips for Making a Smart Purchase in India
Why we need water purifier in our home
Water – the elixir of life. It sustains us, nourishes us, and keeps us alive. But what happens when the water we consume is contaminated?I still remember the day when my little one fell severely ill due to drinking contaminated water. It was heartbreaking to see them suffer from viral infections due to drinking contaminated water. It was a nightmare. She was bedridden for half of the month. It was a wake-up call for me to take the safety of our drinking water seriously. That’s when I realized the importance of having a water purifier at home. However, I had no idea where to start. The market was filled with countless options, and I had no clue which one to choose. After months of research, I finally found the perfect water purifier for my family’s needs. In this water purifier buying guide, I want to share the knowledge and expertise I gained during my search. With 9 expert tips, I’ll help you find the perfect water purifier for your home in India, so that you never have to experience the nightmare we went through. Let’s ensure the safety and health of our loved ones with this ultimate water purifier buying guide.
1. Type of Water
Characteristics | Hard Water | Soft Water |
|---|---|---|
TDS | High | Low |
Soap behaviour | No lather | Forms lather |
Washing dishes | Not suitable | Suitable |
Taste | Chalk or chemical taste | Little salty |
Drinkability | Not safe | Safe for drinking |
Considering the source of your water is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind while buying a water purifier. The quality of water varies from one source to another, and it’s essential to be aware of the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your water source. TDS refers to the total amount of dissolved particles in the water, including minerals, salts, and other substances. You can use a TDS meter to measure the TDS level of your water source. Knowing the TDS level will help you select the right type of water purifier for your home. RO purifiers are ideal for high TDS water, while UV and UF purifiers work well for low TDS water. By considering the source of your water and measuring the TDS level, you can ensure that you select the right water purifier that meets your needs.
Parts per million
| Hardness Classification | Acceptance Level |
|---|---|---|
0 - 100 ppm | Soft | Lack of minerals |
101 - 200 ppm | Moderate | Excellent |
201 - 300 ppm | Hard | Good |
301 - 500 ppm | Very hard | Acceptable |
501 - 1000+ | Extremely Hard | Unacceptable |
2. Purification Methods Comparison
Water purification refers to the process of removing contaminants, impurities, and unwanted substances from water to make it safe for consumption. There are several methods for water purification, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common water purification methods are, UV, MF, UF, NF, RO. Since we don’t need to dig deeper into the technology in this article, lets dive into the different methods of purification and its differences.
Impurities handled by the various technologies
UV (Ultra violet) vs MF (Microfiltration) vs UF (Ultrafiltration) vs NF (Nanofiltration) vs RO (Reverse Osmosis)
Which purifier to choose for your home?
Technology | UV (Ultra Violet) | MF (Microfiltration) | UF (Ultrafiltration) | NF (Nanofiltration) | RO (Reverse Osmosis) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pore Size | - | 0.1 - 10 µm | 0.01 - 0.1 µm | 0.001 - .01 µm | 0.0001 - .001 µm |
Removal Capabilities | Bacteria, viruses, protozoa | Bacteria, viruses, some parasites, suspended solids | Bacteria, viruses, parasites, some dissolved solids | Bacteria, viruses, some dissolved solids | Bacteria, viruses, dissolved solids, salts, minerals, some organic molecules |
Membrane Material | Quartz sleeve | Polymeric | Polymeric | Polymeric | Polymeric |
Energy Requirement | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
Water Recovery | 100% | 90-99% | 90-99% | 70-90% | 10-80% |
Maintenance | Replace quartz sleeve annually | Replace membrane every 2-5 years | Replace membrane every 2-5 years | Replace membrane every 2-5 years | Replace membrane every 2-5 years |
Treated Water TDS | Same as feed water | Depends on initial TDS value | Depends on initial TDS value | 50-80% of initial TDS value | 90-99% of initial TDS value |
Cost | Low | Low - Moderate | Moderate | Moderate - High | High |
TDS Levels | Which purification methods is best | Description |
|---|---|---|
50 - 200 | UV ( or ) UV + MF | UV water purifier is available, but (UV+ MF) combination is not available. So either you can go for UV filters or boil the water or go for the next one |
201 - 300 | UV + UF | This combination retains the minerals presents in the water |
301 - 600 | UV + NF | This combination is best for this level, also no need of either TDS controller or mineraliser |
Above 600 | RO + Mineraliser | RO itself can remove all impurities and dissolved salts, but it removes essential salt as well, so buy with mineraliser or with tds controller combination |
3. Why Nanofiltration is better than Reverse Osmosis
- While RO is highly effective at removing contaminants from water, it also removes beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for human health. In contrast, nanofiltration membranes have larger pores than RO membranes, allowing for the retention of certain minerals in the water. This can result in better-tasting water that is also more beneficial for human health.
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Better removal of specific contaminants: Nanofiltration membranes have larger pores than RO membranes, allowing for the removal of certain contaminants that are not efficiently removed by RO. For example, NF is better at removing organic matter, pesticides, and some dissolved salts, which are common contaminants in Indian water sources.
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Lower energy consumption: NF requires less energy compared to RO, as it operates at a lower pressure. This can result in lower operational costs and may be more sustainable in areas with limited energy resources.
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Less waste water production: RO produces a significant amount of waste water during the purification process, which can be a concern in water-scarce areas. NF, on the other hand, produces less waste water, making it a more sustainable option.
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Cost-effective: In certain situations, such as when the water source is not highly contaminated, NF can be a cost-effective option compared to RO, as it requires less maintenance and lower energy consumption.
Best Nano filter water purifiers in India
4. Capacity
Choosing the right water purifier capacity is an important factor to consider when selecting a water purifier. The capacity of the storage tank determines how much purified water the system can store and dispense at a time. It’s important to select a tank capacity that meets the needs of the household or workplace, while also ensuring that the water remains fresh and free from impurities.
The ideal capacity of the water purifier tank will depend on the number of people using the water, their daily water consumption, and the frequency of water supply in the area. If the water supply is infrequent or unreliable, a larger storage tank may be necessary to ensure a continuous supply of clean water. On the other hand, if the water supply is more consistent, a smaller storage tank may be sufficient, and may be preferred as it can ensure that the water is always fresh.
It’s important to consider the size and space available for the water purifier, as larger tanks may take up more space and be more difficult to install. Additionally, a larger tank may also require more maintenance and may be more expensive to replace in the future. Ultimately, the capacity of the water purifier tank should be chosen based on the specific needs of the household or workplace, and should balance the need for a continuous supply of clean water with the need for fresh, safe, and convenient water.
No. of Person | Daily consumption | Storage capacity needed |
|---|---|---|
1 - 2 | 6L - 8L | 4L - 5L |
3 - 4 | 12L - 16L | 6L - 8L |
5 and above | Above 20L | 10L and above |
5. Extra features to consider
Water Quality Monitoring: Some advanced water purifiers come with a water quality monitoring system that continuously monitors the quality of the water and alerts the user when the filter needs to be changed or the water quality drops below a certain level.
Auto Shut-Off: A water purifier with an auto shut-off feature can automatically turn off the purification process once the storage tank is full, preventing water wastage and reducing the risk of overflows.
Filter Life Indicator: A filter life indicator alerts the user when the filter needs to be replaced, ensuring that the water purifier continues to provide clean and safe water.
Hot and Cold Water Dispenser: A water purifier with a hot and cold water dispenser can provide instant access to both hot and cold water, making it convenient for making hot beverages or cold drinks.
Storage Tank Material: The material of the storage tank can also be an important consideration, as some materials can affect the taste and quality of the water. Stainless steel or food-grade plastic tanks are recommended.
Water Pressure Booster: If the water pressure in your area is low, a water purifier with a built-in water pressure booster can ensure that the purification process is not affected.
Child Lock: A child lock feature can prevent accidental spills or injuries caused by children playing with the water purifier.
6. Cost
When it comes to purchasing a water purifier, cost is an important consideration. The cost of a water purifier can vary widely depending on the type of purifier, the features it offers, and the brand. Here are some key points to keep in mind when considering the cost of a water purifier:
Type of water purifier: The cost of a water purifier can vary depending on the type of technology used. UV water purifiers tend to be the least expensive, followed by MF and UF purifiers. NF and RO purifiers tend to be the most expensive due to their advanced filtration technology.
Features: The cost of a water purifier can also depend on the features it offers. For example, purifiers with a larger storage capacity, advanced filtration technology, or smart features may cost more than basic models.
Brand: The brand of the water purifier can also affect the cost. Well-known and established brands tend to be more expensive, but they may also offer higher quality products and better customer support.
Maintenance: It’s important to consider the ongoing maintenance costs of the water purifier. This includes the cost of replacement filters and other components, as well as the frequency of maintenance required.
When considering the cost of a water purifier, it’s important to balance your budget with the features and technology needed to meet your water purification needs. It’s also important to factor in ongoing maintenance costs to ensure the long-term affordability of the water purifier. With these considerations in mind, you can select a water purifier that provides clean and safe drinking water at a cost that fits your budget.
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty and support are important considerations when purchasing a water purifier. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Warranty: Most water purifiers come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The duration of the warranty can vary depending on the manufacturer and the model of the purifier. It’s important to read the warranty carefully and understand what is covered and what is not.
Support: In addition to the warranty, it’s important to consider the availability of customer support. Look for a manufacturer that provides timely and reliable customer support, including technical assistance and replacement of parts.
Service centers: Check whether the manufacturer has service centers in your area. This can be important in case you need to repair or replace parts of your water purifier. A manufacturer with a strong service network can ensure that your purifier is repaired quickly and efficiently.
User-friendly documentation: The user manual and other documentation should be clear and easy to understand. It should provide clear instructions on how to use and maintain the water purifier, and troubleshoot common issues.
Online resources: Look for a manufacturer that provides online resources, such as instructional videos and frequently asked questions (FAQs). These can be useful for troubleshooting common issues and learning more about the water purifier.
8. Maintenance
Regular maintenance of a water purifier is essential to ensure that it continues to provide clean and safe water. Here are some maintenance tips for a typical water purifier:
- Replace the filters regularly: The filters are the most important component of a water purifier, as they trap and remove impurities from the water. Depending on the usage and water quality, the filters may need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement.
Clean the storage tank: The storage tank of a water purifier can accumulate sediment and impurities over time, which can affect the quality of the water. Clean the tank regularly using a mild detergent and a soft brush.
Check the water pressure: Low water pressure can affect the performance of a water purifier. Make sure that the water pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Clean the inlet and outlet valves: The inlet and outlet valves of a water purifier can become clogged with debris over time, affecting the flow of water. Clean the valves regularly using a soft brush and a mild detergent.
Check the water quality: Periodically test the water quality to ensure that the water purifier is working effectively. If the water quality deteriorates, it may be time to replace the filters or contact a water treatment expert for assistance.
Regularly clean the exterior of the purifier: The exterior of the water purifier can accumulate dust and grime over time, which can affect the appearance of the purifier. Clean the exterior of the purifier regularly using a soft cloth and mild detergent.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and operation of the water purifier. This will ensure that the purifier continues to work effectively and that the warranty remains valid.
Regular maintenance of a water purifier can ensure that it provides clean and safe drinking water for many years to come.
Conclusion
I hope that the information we have provided has helped you make an informed decision when choosing a water purifier. By considering the factors we have discussed for each type of water purifier – UV, MF, UF, NF, and RO – and understanding the additional features to consider, you should now have the knowledge to select the right water purifier for your needs. Remember to also consider the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer, as well as the maintenance requirements to ensure the long-term functionality of your water purifier.
