The ultimate leak prevention guide for home water filtration systems...

Safety on the water quality report doesn't guarantee safety in your glass: The ultimate leak prevention guide for home water filtration systems...

Behind the clear flow from your faucet, water purifiers are becoming the “water quality gatekeepers” for more and more households. Yet proper selection and maintenance are key to ensuring they keep doing their job.

Turn on the tap, and a stream of clear water flows out—a common scene in many homes after installing a water purifier.

As demands for drinking water quality rise, sales of water purifiers continue to climb. Currently, household water treatment devices on the market primarily fall into two categories: ultrafiltration machines using ultrafiltration membrane technology and reverse osmosis membrane water purifiers.

Reverse osmosis membrane technology, with its filtration precision as high as 0.001μm, effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals from water, gaining increasing favor among consumers.

01 Technological Divide

The household water purification market is primarily dominated by two technologies: ultrafiltration membrane technology and reverse osmosis membrane technology.

Ultrafiltration systems utilize membranes with filtration precision typically ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 microns. They effectively filter out sediment, rust, colloidal particles, and most bacteria from water, but cannot remove heavy metal ions or dissolved salts.

Reverse osmosis water purifiers rely on reverse osmosis membranes with a filtration precision as high as 0.001 microns—equivalent to one-hundred-thousandth the width of a human hair. This technology removes the vast majority of impurities, including heavy metals, viruses, and dissolved solids, producing water that approaches pure water quality.

When faced with choices, consumers increasingly favor reverse osmosis technology for its superior filtration precision and comprehensive purification effects, making it the market mainstream. However, for regions with inherently good water quality, ultrafiltration systems may offer a more economical and practical solution.

02 The Path to Selection

Purchasing a water purifier isn't simply about “buying the most expensive” or “following trends.” It requires weighing multiple factors to make an informed decision.

First, understand your local water quality, as it varies significantly by region. Areas with hard water (high calcium and magnesium ion content) should consider devices capable of water softening. In industrialized cities, focus on the purifier's ability to remove heavy metals.

Second, consider household needs. Families with elderly members or children demand higher drinking water safety standards, making reverse osmosis systems—which provide more thorough filtration—a better fit. Households prioritizing taste may opt to add post-activated carbon filters to enhance water flavor.

When selecting specific products, prioritize well-known brands. Renowned brands typically maintain stricter quality control systems, with products certified by national health and technical supervision authorities to meet relevant water quality standards for purifiers.

As a durable appliance, installation and after-sales service are equally crucial. Consumers should verify transparent service commitments, readily accessible support hotlines, and professional service teams.

03 Maintenance Tips

Proper post-installation care directly impacts a water purifier's lifespan and filtration performance. Many malfunctions stem from inadequate maintenance.

Avoid frequent relocation after installation. Internal components are connected via pipe fittings, and repeated movement may cause joint loosening or internal damage, disrupting normal operation.

Before initial use, thoroughly flush the system by running water for approximately ten minutes until TDS pen readings indicate compliant water quality. Regular cleaning is equally vital—promptly replace filters when output water appears cloudy.

The multi-stage filter cartridges and reverse osmosis membrane within the purifier have distinct service lives. Filter cartridges typically require replacement every 3-12 months, while the reverse osmosis membrane lasts approximately 1-2 years. Users should replace components promptly according to the product manual. Failure to do so not only compromises purification effectiveness but may also cause secondary contamination.

The water output of a purifier is directly linked to its pressure tank configuration. Avoid arbitrarily adjusting settings due to perceived low flow rates. Household purifiers are typically designed to meet drinking water and basic kitchen needs only.

04 Smart Usage

Certain overlooked details in daily operation significantly impact a purifier's lifespan.

When the purifier remains unused for extended periods, disconnect the power supply and close the inlet ball valve to allow the equipment to “rest.” This practice extends the machine's lifespan, particularly during prolonged absences like vacations.

Similar to annual vehicle inspections, water purifiers should undergo comprehensive annual checks. Have a professional inspect internal components for integrity, verify if purification performance remains optimal, and assess whether water output has decreased.

Timely filter replacement not only ensures drinking water safety but also prevents machine malfunctions caused by clogged filters. Many water purifiers feature filter replacement alerts; users should heed these prompts and act promptly.

The installation location of a water purifier matters. Avoid direct sunlight and high-temperature environments, as these factors accelerate plastic component aging and bacterial growth. Maintain a clean, dry surrounding area to prevent moisture damage.

When the water purifier finishes its daily work and rests with the power turned off, this silent guardian is recharging for tomorrow's tasks. The filter cartridges trap invisible impurities, while the pressure tank stores clear water. Quietly, the water purifier fulfills its promise to safeguard the health of your family.