Reddit mentions: The best replacement water filters

Initially, I was thinking about sachet bags, so that you could see the blend of spices. Also the drawstring is pretty cute. But not entirely sure I would use these to brew tea in due to not knowing too much about this organza material. Wiki told me it can be silk but could also be polyester/nylon, and I wouldn't want to heat those materials up.

Another possibility is cotton muslin bags. Not quite as pretty but safe to heat. Also seen here.
And some adorable DIY heart bags.

Cheesecloth bags would be good as well but the price is not so great here. I'm sure more googling would result in some better prices though.
Here are some homemade cheesecloth bags. Nice but not as clean looking as the other options. But I'm sure you could sew them up however you would like.
Martha Stewart does them beautifully and this site has lovely packaging.

Overall, I would probably want to make my own cheesecloth bags the Martha Stewart way because they look great while still being entirely done by you personally (and are relatively simple). Otherwise, I think that the tea bags terribletoos linked would be a great, safe, and cheap choice and then all the craft energy can go into creating custom labels and wrappings.

These are really cute labels.

Interesting labels. And then you could always create simple little packets/envelopes for them too :)

Edit: Organza sachets would probably be fine if it were clear to your recipient that they were not to brew in those bags, rather pour the contents out and brew loose leaf style.

For six years of my life, I was in an emotionally/verbally abusive relationship. I was able to finally break free from my ex with the help of a wonderful friend who supported me more than my ex ever had, despite being half a country away. A huge defining moment in my life was when my son and I flew across the country to meet that man in person for the first time. I knew right away that he was the one I'd been hoping to find my whole life, and the three of us became a family almost right away. Almost two years later, we are now married, and he has been a wonderful father to our son.

If I win, this would be a huge help. Our tap water is gross and our water filter won't stay on the faucet anymore. If that's too expensive though, this cheese slicer would make me happier than I'd like to admit.

I_Define_Me

Thanks for the contest!

I have a feeling the water change is going to shift your experience with fasting significantly :)

>Do you enjoy using the Alkalized RO water? Does it last for a long period?

Yes, I really like this water, and the system is easy to install (if you have a bit of DIY knowledge, youtube is helpful as the included instructions are limited); I've done around a dozen of the installs for my own and friends/family's houses that I've clued into the benefits of healthy water.

The filters will last anywhere from 6 months to a couple years, depending on how good your tap water is to start with as well as how many people live with you and drink it. I can usually notice when the taste gets less appealing, and that is when I change them. The replacement filters are for sale on amazon too. Bear in mind to save a few bucks, you may only need the filter set for the 5-stage system; the 6th stage is the alkaline filter and if you do the math the is rated for 1500 gallons - this could last a while depending how much it is used.

I would never trust tap water in a reef/SW setup. I currently don't have one because I'm out of work and also don't have an RO/DI unit at the moment, but I recently found this unit on Amazon. Pretty cheap and looks really easy to configure, and the brand has a good past.

If you keep the water currently in the setup (stored in like 5 gallon buckets or something for transfer) and only need water for top offs, you could temporarily use distilled water from a grocery store or buy the huge jugs for the RO machines they have there.

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40631-Premium-Water-Filter/dp/B00523AMBC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341537344&sr=8-2&keywords=Water+Filter+%2B+RV

I would pick one of those up for well water (shop around that one's pricey but it's an example), if you get water from the tap and see white flakes floating around then you have very calcium rich water. This stuff will harden on your tank and you will have to scrape it off with a razer blade. Filtering with a good carbon filter before the water hits the tank is important, calcium SUCKS to get off of things once the deposits build up.

I would bet the well water is more than likely significantly harder than your tap water, I would add some peat duckweed and driftwood to your tank to help soften it some, I am no expert on your water but 85% of wells in america are calcium rich and moderate to high hardness, Source: well water for 20 years of my life.

Ooo Nice. You didn't happen to live in the ELLC last year did you?

LC as in liquid chromatography? I took organic chemistry 1 + lab during summer A and I did numerous types of chromatography. I would say for this either TLC or GC might be better for this (I found liquid chromatography to be inaccurate and annoying). Gas chromatography was very accurate and in your case would be practical because simple alcohols have relatively low boiling points. If you can get in contact with a chemist especially an organic chemist (they deal with a lot of Chromo) then you will be in luck. There are a lot of chromatography labs on the 2nd floor of NES, you may be able to find someone there. There are also a lot of friendly orgo TA's that may be able to help you.

Also if you're looking to purify your alcohol a great investment would be a distiller that I have come across. I really want to buy one haha. They are not cheap though.

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373847977&sr=8-1&keywords=water+distiller

This episode of the Survival Podcast will tell you more about home distillation than you'd hope to know. In my state Everclear is darn cheap and much more pure than what you can do at home. Then again, we're the DIY types, aren't we.

That said, hands down the easiest way to distill at home is with a counter-top electric still. I suppose you could hypothetically start with a cheap vodka and go from there, but nothing says you couldn't start from scratch with any scrap starch, sugar or corn and make a fuel mash in a 5 gallon bucket. Not economical, but certainly a useful skill.

EDIT: They mention it in the podcast, but I should add it's perfectly legal to make your own fuel at home. You can get a free permit from the treasury department. On the scale you're talking about, however, I don't think it would matter.

My pleasure. Most people don't seem interested in fussing with it. I, for one, don't want to be pH-ing my water and worrying about impurities/heavy metals. Glad to share the info with someone who's interested in using RO/DI.

ps if you're not excited about the slow production rate (it's not actually going to make 50GPD), just get a better RO membrane. That specific one is pretty much the best you can get. For all the bells and whistles you get in 'fancy' RO/DI units, the RO membrane itself is really the greatest determining factor in production.

I doubt you will find any for sale in town. I bought this one years ago for 219 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ANW7HQ/ref=pe_385040_30332190_pe_175190_21431760_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

it has only gone up 10 bucks in price so it's a great deal. it makes 6 liters in about 4 hours and is really easy to use. It also has the capability to accept a carbon filter in case you want to try distilling other things (I haven't tried yet but I hear rumors it works great for moonshine). I use it for a lot of things including drinking it occasionally. The best use though is in mixing with sal suds to create cleaners for the house. It basically eliminates all my other cleaner costs.

Hi! If you want to get into tea, I would reccomend starting by watching Alton Brow's episode on tea here. It's a good background on everything involving tea and tea brewing.

If you have a Peet's Coffee near you, you can go and order mugs of tea (brewed with loose leaf). They will give you free hot water refills so you can drink as much as you can handle. You can find a tea you like without having to commit to a huge container.

I prepare my tea in the morning in a tea pot (I have this one, but I don't like it because it's hard to clean) and pour it into a travel mug.

They make travel mugs that are similar to a frech press (here) where you put the leaves and hot water in and just push down a stopper to stop brewing. I'm really picky about the lids on my travel mugs, so I don't own one.

For resusable tea bags, the most popular style is a [tea ball] (http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Stainless-Steel-Mesh-Ball/dp/B00004RIZ7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407090137&sr=8-1&keywords=tea+ball) (although the one I linked is a little too small to allow the tea to fully unfold). They are cheap and fairly easy to clean, but you have to be careful where you store them so they don't get bent up.

They also make tea bags for loose leaf tea. These would be easy to pop into your travel mug. You can also find bags made of muslin that can be washed out, but I don't know where you would do that.

Have been battling hard water (TDS of 360) at a friends house for many years. I have been using one similar to this one to distill water and blend tap water down to a reasonable hardness level :

https://www.amazon.com/Megahome-Countertop-Water-Distiller-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

or here:
http://www.h2olabs.com/c-2-countertop-water-distillers.aspx

It is slow (5 hrs per gallon) but it is set and forget and easy to clean with citric acid. Store finished water in glass containers. Easier and less expensive than lugging water from the market. You can then build your own water as you see fit. Either blend distilled with tap water or try the Third Wave Water suggestion. A TDS meter is helpful when blending and they can be had from most hydroponic supply outlets for $35 US.

Even 1ppm TDS in your RODI water can contribute to dinoflagellate outbreak like that. THIS is the TDS meter I use, and have used for YEARS. It's simple to use. Doesn't require calibration. Batteries last for frikkin ever. Always test your RODI water.

Ever wonder why people who have bulkreefsupply RODI systems never complain about their water? The BRS units use DOW Filmtec membranes. It's the best RO membrane out there. Pair that up with a fresh change of resin in your DI chamber; backflush your system properlt; test your clean water to make sure it's at 0ppm TDS.

I would also strongly recommend only using food grade buckets for your clean water. This, or atleast another container that is thoroughly clean, and has never been used to hold anything BUT clean RODI water.

Cover all your bases on your water production, and I'll bet that after a water change or two, your dino outbreaks will fade.

Actually, I just upgraded the BB back in January on my '84 PGN10. Used this BB from Velo, and got this BB socket to pull the BB. Also, you'll need a crank puller to take the cranks off.

So yeah, I didn't have any problems swapping the BB. But, I had a socket wrench that fit the BB Socket - you may not.

PROTIP: Don't buy the Peugeot if its Carbolite 103. Reynolds 501 or 531 save you a lot of weight due to superior materials.

We’re on Melbourne city water here in Melbourne Beach but thankfully haven’t had the stinky water problem the folks on the mainland have. We do use a Pur water filter thing that lives in our fridge because our fridge doesn’t have a cold water dispenser (just an ice maker) - like this one https://www.amazon.com/PUR-DS1811Z-Ultimate-Water-Dispenser/dp/B07CRSK5KX/ref=sr_1_7. It does make the water taste a bit better. I will say also that having moved here from Palm Bay within the past year, we liked Palm Bay city water way, way better than Melbourne city water.

https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Sediment-Membrane-Deionization/dp/B01HRDE170/

is a good priced style system to get. you can't use your softened water as you know. if you had normal tap that might be an option, but with well you'd likely benefit from cheap clean water.

I am trying to connect an RO type faucet like this
to a standard sink supply line. Id like to tee off of the sink supply line to provide the faucet with its own water supply (it will have an inline filter). I am not sure of the correct reducers to get for this. I ordered this
but the male end is just a touch too large. I am obviously not the most knowledgeable when it comes to plumbing sizes, but I would greatly appreciate any help!

There's a lot of things the LifeStraw won't catch (any dissolved chemicals, fluoride chloroform etc.), but it is a very good start.

Reverse osmosis is about as pure water as you can get without distilling. One of these under the kitchen sink would be great if you can swing it (water that you cook with is always overlooked):
https://www.amazon.com/Express-Water-RO5DX-Drinking-Reverse/dp/B00J2DGTD8

And get one of these for your shower:
https://www.amazon.com/Replaceable-Cartridge-Handheld-Removing-Chlorine/dp/B01M2C2MB6

How about a reusable teabag or even disposable tea bags? If you happen to live by a Daiso or other kind of dollar store, they sell disposable teabags for about $1.50 for a 100 pack. I think that there are also collapsable tea filters, if you don't mind a non-metal filter.

Otherwise, those are pretty small in terms of infusers (~2.5x4in) that would actually work well with tea. My last suggestion would be using a strainer like this although it's not too different from the second infuser I linked earlier (aside from maybe you could use this to scoop out the leaves). If space is the priority though, I think your teaball is already effective for your needs.

The filter for your shower probably isn't a softener. It's a carbon filter. If you want a point of use filter for your lav faucet this is good as you can turn off and not waste the filter when you don't need to or this for full time filtering. Would need 2 tho. One hot and one cold. Make sure the one for hot is rated for high temp. I think the best bet for your application is the first style.

I meant something like this:

Water Distiller, Countertop, White Enamel, Glass Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00026F9F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Idp7wbVY0VGXS

I use this because the tap water I get has a weird smell that filters don't seem to remove.

This contraption yields delicious water (i.e. no taste) that is perfectly clean and costs a fraction of what buying bottled water would cost.

It is less convenient than a filter though.

Allow me to save you a bunch of money.


Buy two of THESE
and something like THIS and THIS
Along with $15 worth of fittings from home depot you'll have many years of spare filters. If you're interested I can go take a picture of my setup. I have these two filters before my water softener.

I heard about not using regular garden hoses for filling kettles. So, I went ahead and bought an inline water filter and the white Camco drinking water hoses, which come in 25' and 4' lengths. This setup is actually for an RV. One 5 micron filter does 250 gallons.

The whole setup (with Amazon Prime) was just under $50. They also have a ground spike/filter stand for the main unit to keep it upright if you so desire. I just sit it in a bucket.

So far, I have not noticed any off flavors or odors. The system seems promising. Also, you can get better filtration systems, but I chose this one because it connects directly to the hose spigot without need of an adapter.

One other thing I should mention is that I use well water which was the initial reason to filter my brew water. This system makes it faster and easier so far.

I'd start here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L0ADH3K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Easy set up and while not whole house, it can get your drinking water sorted. $40, Cheap enough to put in two. Runs to a water spout on my sink and to my fridge with good flow rate. Lasts 6 months, Maximum type handles lead.

A reverse osmosis system will start you at $200 minimum, costs more with filters, but will definitely do a better job

Next...Replace that lead line. Its toxic, and not just to you and your family. Lead from that pipe is in the communal water supply and your family will be exposed everywhere else. Long run this is far cheaper than the annual cost of filters or healthcare.

Bite the bullet (pun intended) and just do it.

I just finished installing a reverse osmosis last night and under sink canister filter last week (different houses) so this is timely, but I can tell you $5300 is crazy unless you have some serious water issues. Do you know what contaminants you are trying to filter? A water test will determine what type filteration you need. If you just want a britta-like filter for taste, you can install a canister like this for about $40. If you have other contaminants you can install a pretty stout reverse osmosis system for <$300. Again, it's going to depend on the water test.

As for sink, it's not difficult to drill a hole for a dedicated faucet. For granite you just need a specialized tile hole bit, for a steel sink you can pick up a hardened steel hole saw for about $10 and drill with a standard battery drill.

I run mine through a filter pad which catches emulsion and larger solids, then through couple of canister filters, like 25 and 10 microns or so. I have another larger filter I'm going to add in front of those because I'm getting a lot of particles that are clogging things up too often, but otherwise it works pretty well at removing solids and sludge.

https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-WFPF13003B-Universal-000-Gallon-Filtration/dp/B007VZ2O0Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=canister+filter+whole+house&qid=1568728664&sr=8-4

Jacksonville's water, whether on a well or not, has always been funky. I grew up with it and I think it's alright. Still, I installed this under-sink filter to appease certain people I live with. Pretty simple to install and makes a difference in taste as long as you replace the filter every 6-8 months. You could go all out and get an RO system, but they are pricey and take up a good bit of space under the sink.

been using this water distiller for 4 months.

Has good reviews, couple downsides (does not have power switch) but works great. Just get a power plug timer so that it does not evaporate all the water. The tap water that is left over is yellow.

My method?

I spray with a normal pressure garden hose and nozzle at a narrow setting and spraying from a top to downward direction - coupled with an RV canister graphite filter, one you can recharge the filter material inside.

Then I sponge bucket soap her down and give a spray again. Use a cordless leaf blower to blow most of the water off before wiping up with a soft cloth the rest of the spots.

I don't use abrasive chrome polish - which may take off material instead. Since I have my cast wheels chromed, this wash method makes the wheels much more easier to clean.

After, I apply S-100 corrosion protectant to some of the engine nooks and fork crannnies, as well as the forward foot control nooks.

Quick, easy, and gets off most if not almost all debris without more scratching. And in a more effortless manner for spotless washing. And motorcycles aren't immediately or even sometime a bit after harmed by a drenching - evident with some of my wet rainy rides.

Edit: I also sponge soap her down starting from the top of the bike to the bottom of the bike, just as I would an automobile. The reason being so that I do not accumulate more debris to add to the soap down sponging as I wash the bike as I go.

Like some others have mentioned. Start by getting a quality water test or simply look at your water utility's published annual report for a close guesstimate. Most utilities are required to publish annual reports covering all the major analytes. Including heavy metals. This will allow you to select appropriate filter media.

For example, my water supplier treats the water using heavy amounts of chloramines and leaves behind lots of sediment deposits which causes extremely hard water (calcium and magnesium). So we have a water softener, sediment filter, and carbon block for the whole house.

As far as filter housings go, your best option with the most flexibility would be to pickup some "Big Blue Filters". These are standard 20" x 4.5" housings with a plethora of filter mediums available.

Stay away from companies and brands that sell proprietary systems.

Keep in mind whole house filters do not reduce TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Whole house systems are good at stripping out the big stuff. For example my washer has less build up on the gasket, clothes are softer, dishes no longer have dried deposits on them.

I would highly suggest a point of use Reverse Osmosis system for drinking water (even if you do whole house filtration) for the most bang for your buck (will remove lead and many other common chemical contaminants).

That closet organizer is awesome! So pricey... but probably worth it!

My answer is the same as what I just posted in a "what item do you WANT the most" thread:

For me, it's a tie between the filtered water pitcher (because our water is really crappy) or the hair straightener (because the cracks in my old one are snagging/breaking my hairs).

Wow I had no idea these existed! Thanks @JumbleGumby

@hazeldazeI here you go SmarterFresh Drinking Fountain Faucet for Sink, Water Faucet Attachment for Bathroom, Kitchen, Tap

We have very clean (no chlorination or any other treatment) but also very hard water. I use Brita, which does the job for tea.

Are you sure your water is ok? Others suggested reverse osmosis, which, however, is mostly an option for labs.

An option might be a water destillation kit, which takes up electricity but would work well for just potable water. I don't know how well e.g.

http://www.amazon.com/Nutriteam-Countertop-Distiller-Stainless-Collection/dp/B000ANW7HQ

works, or whether there are cheaper options around.

There is not enough oxygen in the water. Get a bubbler or another filter that can add more oxygen to the water. thats why theyre jumping out.

remember that water temp changes (by a few degrees) is alot for fish. when im changing the temperature from 80 to 76 it takes me about 2 weeks. Its a very slow process. I would recommend getting this, and this . It makes water changes a breeze. The first is a must if you're lugging water. The second is amazing. I use it because i have extremely mineral heavy water and it really works, I've been doing water changes with these for over two years and I haven't had any issues. The advantage of the tap adapter is that you can add hot water until the water temperature reads the same as the water in the tank.

The filter eliminates 99% chlorine. There are other filters that are cheaper but i haven't found another that eliminates chlorine as well. For good measure you can still add half a dose of stress coat +.

A permanent faucet filter such as: (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2DGTD8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) is overkill but was surprisingly easy to install and you can't put a price on piece of mind.

z32 is talking about a system to maintain a closed loop cooling system. So you don't have to add new cool water, just remove heat from reservoir water.

My original post was about basically making a fairly flat worm and blowing air over it to condense vapor. Just an idea I found intriguing, water cooling makes much more sense for most of us. I would imagine the small air cooled distillers use some form of this setup. [distiller] ( http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8) alcohol vapor is much easier to condense than water vapor.

I feel you are overpaying for the filters and housings. Here are some Dupont housings that are substantially cheaper. Also I noticed you have a water softening filter in there, you might want to just look at installing a real water softening solution, amazon has a nice one that would do a better job than just a single softening filter, especially because that filter is only rated at 2gpm

I've been making 1 gallon with a piece of aluminum foil on the jug of apple wine for about eight years and use a Water Distiller to help it taste better. Never had a problem yet

Depending on what your water is like, you might not need something as expensive as that. I only need to filter sediment from my well and am not worried about heavy metals or pesticides, so these work fine:

https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-WFPF13003B-Universal-000-Gallon-Filtration/dp/B007VZ2O0Q

This is the one I purchased a few years ago. Very simple to install. Swapping filters is super simple as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DVW0PI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-G49AbDFJM30Q

It sounds like you need a softener. The fleck ones are popular. A softener would help with the problems you described. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OGN3162/


You should test again though and confirm.


The first thing you posted is basically 2 big blues but way more money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014C3IOS/

Both things you posted are housings. The second one is basically a single housing that has multiple filters where as the first one is 2 housings which would each have a filter each. Most likely 1 particulate, 1 carbon. They would both more or less do the same thing

That being said it sounds like you need the softener not the filter.

These distilling devices are perfectly legal in the US...

Not very practical for the purposes generally espoused in this subreddit however.

RO is Reverse Osmosis. Most of those machines include an RO mechanism that'll ensure that's it's just pure water, without anything else in it. So, it's like distilled water, but just a different process.

Next time, try your tap water. Unless it tastes bad to you. If it does, maybe invest in a charcoal filter like this one. If it tastes good, hit it with a campden tablet to eliminate the chlorine and you're good to go.

^ Basically this.

I bought this Reverse Osmosis system:

http://www.amazon.com/Drinking-Reverse-Osmosis-System-Water/dp/B00J2DGTD8

While it may seem expensive, prices have dropped about in half in the last 5 years. It's also great for drinking-water, cooking, coffee, tea, aroma-vaporizers, water tooth-flossers, and more.

If you do purify water, beware that many nutrient formulas are designed for tap-water, which contains calcium and magnesium. So you'll probably want to either get nutrients designed for R.O. or supplement the Ca/Mg. Tap water also contains chlorine, and chloramine which is bad for the roots. Flouride is also not healthy. Or if your water-provider happens to fuck up (see: Michigan), you have an extra layer of safety.

My current hydro system is DWC, about 50 gallons capacity overall. I'd estimate I use about 16 gallons of water per week. The only down-side of my (current) R.O. system is that it fills at a rate of about 2-gallons per hour & the reservoir is 3.2 gallons. So my Saturday often has an timer every hour to refill another 2 gallons. Once I move, I intend to get more storage tanks, or possibly an additional RO system.

To make R.O. Systems more efficient and faster, you can attach a pump to the inlet side.

Anyway, highly recommend reverse-osmosis.

---

edit:

I also modified a water pitcher; which is about 2 gallons. (1) I drilled a hole in the handle to make filling easier, (2) cut off the front for pouring, (3) and another hole at the water-line because I've forgotten it several times and had water spill all over the floor.

http://i.imgur.com/G2qSew6.jpg

Thanks! It doesn't seem much easier to find 1 micron, though. Seem most of them are 5 micron.

Edit: found one half the price of the one I got at lowes to boot.

Thanks again.

I installed a water filter in my kitchen and bathroom on the cold water. It definitely improves the taste and it's rated for lead (if there is any, my understanding is this is much more dependent on pipes on your property and any nearby road work than the citywide system).

The filters are $30-40 and last 3-6 months unless there's a boil water advisory (which is guaranteed to happen right after you change them).

Use this filter: https://www.amazon.com/KX-MATRIKX-Pb1-Extruded-Cartridge/dp/B008A9P5DK with the cheapest (but well rated) 10 inch filter housing you can find. Your water will be significantly better than anything else for a lot cheaper!

You can make the same thing for less money if you have some plumbing knowledge.

Housing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VZ2O0Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3GPTD5IY4PUZ3&coliid=I29TBOOJZKNKD9

Stage 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VZ2O1U/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3GPTD5IY4PUZ3&coliid=I3UH3UQDY1YG9G

Stage 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IJ1GVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3GPTD5IY4PUZ3&coliid=I2WPUSYXAAJ6PS

Stage 3: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JRDT96/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3GPTD5IY4PUZ3&coliid=I2DR3294UM5E6K&psc=1

Just run them inline with whatever piping you're comfortable with, pex, galv, or copper will all work. 2 galv nipples between the three units and then an adapter to your other line will probably be cheapest.

This is what I bought:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40631-Premium-Water-Filter/dp/B00523AMBC/

Currently $48, I bought it for $40. You can go cheaper, but the micro rating drops (gets bigger). Don't forget drinking (potable) water safe hoses.

I'm gonna start with a little story. about 3 months ago i was up to 385 lbs, the highest I have ever been. My boss told me if i lose 50 lbs he will give me 100 dollars. ive been doing really good trying to watch what I eat. i would like this. i need to drink more water but i hate the taste of tap water. this is something i can fill up and have in the fridge and i can use to fill up a water bottle. i need all the help i can get. im 28 and being so heavy is dangerous to my health.I know this water filter isn't going to magically change my life but it is a step in the right direction. also if i win this or not , when i make it to my 50 lb goal im going to do a 20 dollar contest of a similar fashion. you never know these health contests might save a life!

Wish I could do something like that, My still just makes brandy.

this is probably the best thing i've ever given myself.

Pur 18 cup dispenser.


I use it, and love it.

I know this will distill. And the video when I saw the video I picked up the distiller and even today I make great brandy, I buy the cheap 1 gallon wine and let the distiller do the work.

Get a filter. This one is $40 and works really well. Save some cash, better for the planet, yada yada bottled water is a scam.

We use this but tbh we are making assumptions that it'll be adequate for a reef environment based on how well it is working for our freshwater environments.

Look into distillation systems. They do a pretty good job of getting most shit out of water, last a long time, and often cost less than filtration systems: https://chestsculpting.com/how-to-remove-estrogen-from-your-drinking-water/. I personally like the concept of small countertop distillers: https://www.amazon.com/Megahome-Countertop-Water-Distiller-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

A whole house water filter can help a lot with the sediment, and if you use a charcoal block filter, it could be pretty decent water. The iron is a tough one if there really is a lot of iron in there. Might as well get it tested to find out, not that expensive from Ward Labs.

>We only put filtered water into the espresso machine

What kind of filtration are you using? The only way to remove 99-100% of hardness is distillation or RO, both of which have significant drawbacks. I have had luck with using the larger, single-stage filters like the Filtrete Maximum in reducing the PPM from ~80 to ~40 but I haven't tested it a high-PPM environment.

In the US - midwest. Do you have a Wal*Mart in the area? If so, that should be easy. But I've been to Kroger and other local chains without any trouble.

At $4/gallon, you'll probably come out ahead with an in-home distillation machine: https://www.amazon.com/Megahome-Countertop-Water-Distiller-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8/

I bought this about 4 months ago. I am very pleased.
5 Stage Home Drinking Reverse Osmosis System PLUS Extra Full Set- 4 Water Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J2DGTD8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_cJ6KxbH6GT8E7

Yes, especially if you're on well water you need/want a filter (not RO, just a solids filter) before the softener. The resin pellets in the softener will be destroyed by incoming silt or solids. It's cheap insurance.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007VZ2O0Q/
Is all you need. Maybe a little bigger if you have many bathrooms.

Here, you're welcome:

http://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Osmosis-Undersink-Filter-Storage/dp/B000HBC53C

I use this 5 stage filter with my crappy tap water. Works great and is going on a year on its second set of filters without any sign of slowing down.

Whatever you do, I recommend getting a cheap chlorine test kit and TDS meter to spot check the performance of your filter over time.

I wash my face in the kitchen sink because the basin is much bigger (I have face wash and foam mask on my kitchen counter like dish soap lol). I make a huge mess in the bathroom also.

I've also had this in my amazon cart forever after I saw some SA'ers talking about the same thing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GRMQKR3/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2

For everyone with horrible tap, you can distill your own. http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

Is it as convenient as having great tap water to begin with? No. But it's an alternative to "oh well, guess I'm giving my money to Big H2O."

It's just $200 bucks for a reverse osmosis filter.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ISPRING-6-Stage-Under-Sink-Reverse-Osmosis-Water-Filter-with-Alkaline-Remineralization-RCC7AK/206467327

If you want a UV light filter for viruses it's like another $100 (7 stage instead of 6 stage)

Replacement filters: https://www.amazon.com/iSpring-F9K-Replacement-6-Stage-Filtration/dp/B00BOASJ1M

If you buy a universal size like This then the filters are cheap and available at any hardware store. Many RV models have unique proprietary filters you must buy from the manufacturer.

Also the larger size can handle more volume and that means faster fills and shorter brew days!

I use a distiller like this one for drinking water. https://www.amazon.com/Megahome-Countertop-Water-Distiller-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

You could do it for much cheaper with something like this http://amzn.com/B00BA9DE94, which has a 1500 gallon lifespan. You need to T-off from your existing plumbing and add a spigot/valve to dispense the water.

Get one of the ones that is a container that fits in your refrigerator. You manually fill them and the filter cartridges are easily replaceable. It's completely portable.

https://www.amazon.com/PUR-DS1811Z-Ultimate-Water-Dispenser/dp/B07CRSK5KX/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=pur+jug&qid=1555776737&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I have this one, works great. Only annoying when i go to get some and the roommate didn't refill it.

how do you distill it ? just with a regular distiller?

like this

This is some real shit. Would love to chat with you more re astro magick.

You could just distill it if I'm not mistaken. THere are a ton of water distillers on amazon for under $200.

Looks like about $200 on Amazon though I'm not sure that's the exact same model.

I'm using something similar to This one. It works well although it only reclaims about 50% of the everclear.

You can use a spice bag if the recipe has enough liquid to allow it to steep.

If you needed to distill a lot, it might be worth investing in a dedicated countertop unit.

Another guy recommended these. http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Grand-Cartridge-107mm-1-37x24/dp/B004JKIFQ8

For drinking water, my fridge has a water filter and i distill that water with a countertop water distiller i purchased from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

What are you talking about?

$200 and you're good to go. The only challenge is getting water to shower with (kind of annoying to shower with salt water).

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

Why not try a spice bag?

https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Sediment-Membrane-Deionization/dp/B01HRDE170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523498172&sr=8-1&keywords=aquatic+life+rodi

As a last resort you could buy a steam distillation set-up.

[steam distilation](Megahome Countertop Water Distiller, White, Glass Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00026F9F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.qRLBbDP3JFE1)

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

(or any cheaper alternative)

Best $250.00 I ever spent.

Question: what's the difference between jacked cider and distilling cider.

@dbreidsbmw: Saw a video year's ago about distilling and the distiller http://www.amazon.com/Water-Distiller-Countertop-Enamel-Collection/dp/B00026F9F8

Get a Water Distiller remove the carbon filter and distill it. video

You can buy these bags at gourmet cooking places

This is what I use. Would that work for your situation?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANW7HQ/

A home water distiller is probably the cheapest way.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but you need a whole house water filter. The small shower filters don't have enough contact time with the water to do anything.

First thing is to find out if your city uses chlorine or chloramines.

Then, if you have the space in your shower get this beast:

Housing

Filter: Chloramine / Chlorine

Not enough space and want to mount on the wall:

Housing

Filter: Chloramine / Chlorine

--

Shower hose

Wand

Fittings: Reducers x2 / 1/2" Nipple

It will look a little hood rat and ridiculous but it actually works.

It also seems expensive, but these filters will last a longgg time.

Edit: it will look something like this

I suppose I should have done that initially, lol.

3x - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VZ2O0Q/

1x - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JRDT96/

1x - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IJ1GVI/

1x - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VZ2O1U/

Then just whatever copper/PVC/PEX fittings you need to make it happen. I guess a bit over $100 but the filters drive that cost up a little and last ~3 months each so each pack is a half years worth.

I plumbed mine with a bypass too so I could bypass the filters for maintenance or if I had problems of if I'm doing a lot of outside watering (power washing).

EDIT: Pic here https://imgur.com/7ukQ9p4.jpg

Almost all the "bad" tasting water is caused by extra metals or minerals, and almost always is harmless. Most of the time it's from water that is sourced from underground aquifers that tastes "bad". You're right: A brita (activated charcoal) can remove most of the nasty taste.

If you really, really want to make clean, use a reverse osmosis filtering system (that one seems a bit over-the-top).

RO filters are tl;dr'd as: Use a pump to force water through a series of filters / membranes and reject the stuff that doesn't make it through.

I think it's roughly every 3 months, but filters are cheap. It also depends how much water you use and how dirty your water is. I think if you have well water a lot of people uses a 3 filter system. The first filter is a 10 micron then 2nd is a 5 micro the 3rd is a carbon filter. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007VZ2O0Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1518883549&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Water+filter+system&dpPl=1&dpID=41Nn7qeHteL&ref=plSrch

The permit is easy to get the annoying part is you have to pay taxes on every drop of alcohol you distill and a $1000 yearly fee for the license even if your making it for personal use.

Which were the exact same restrictions on home brewing up until the 1973 law was passed removing the permit and taxing on personal use.

But yeah don't distill alcohol unless you want to risk a fine.

Run the water on cold for a minute before you use it for cooking or to fill up a brita(or any container so you're not waiting a minute for a glass). The lead gets into the water after it sits in your pipes. Overall water quality from the treatment plants is good otherwise.

If you get bad lead test results or are just worried, consider installing an undersink lead filter

I've now bought this Filtrete Ultimate cartridge filter & am planning to attach it between my water supply & my fridge. Most of the water we drink is from the fridge & we use lots of ice, so that's my first move. I'd love to get a more serious under sink filter system going but my granite countertop doesn't have a hole for the extra faucet & drilling into the granite sounds too scary for me.

I did, but be warned it takes me 15 minutes a gallon for RODI. RO (waste water from your RODI fills up much quicker. I use it when I need to rinse buckets and whatnot. My RODI was $125, coral12G did a video on it (YouTube) FYI they measure these things in gallons per day.

Aquatic Life Twist-in 100 GPD 4-Stage Ro Unit (Sediment, Carbon Block, Membrane, Deionization) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRDE170/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_C8Q676QhD8k1o

Filtrete Maximum Under Sink Water Filtration System

$45 for 6 month use, even filters out pharmaceuticals. Replacement filters twist on no tools. Filter replacements are around $30. This is such a cheap option you could install them in the bathroom as well.

EDIT: This is a city water only option. If you're on well, go with a full reverse osmosis system, not if's and's or but's. Its the only way to ensure that you avoid the nasty shit like cryptosporidium or whatever else could be down there.

Why not just buy one? I've been using this one for three years with no complaints.

I used to waste so much money on bottled water because my tap tasted bad. Then I got one of these and I haven't spent a dime on bottled water since.

You could probably add a Reverse Osmosis filter with a tank under your sink, with a Deionizing stage for even more pure water, and then add an alkalizing stage at the end of line for taste and minerals being put back in the water. Something like this https://smile.amazon.com/Express-Water-Reverse-Osmosis-Filtration/dp/B00J2DGTD8

As you can see, there are lots and lots of versions and sellers, and are basically all the same setups just with different cartridge combinations/costs, but they all take the same filter cartridges, so brand doesn't matter much in the end.

One disadvantage is that it sends 3 gallons of waste down the drain for every gallon of pure water you get, on average, but if your municipality doesn't suck that water isn't really "wasted," but it can get expensive if you pay a lot for water. Can't beat RODI water for purity, though

I have the same problem with the low humidity: asthma, allergies, nose bleeds. We don't have a whole house humidifier so I use a combination of a Honeywell console humidifier and a Mabis Steam Inhaler. I keep them in whatever room I'm in.

They will go bad quickly with tap water so I bought a tabletop distiller. I put the water through a Brita filter first, then I distill it, and I use that in the humidifiers.

I use a little EVOO in my nostrils, especially at night.

Some of us just don't do well with low humidity. It's an ongoing battle.