How under-sink water filters work (and why they matter in the workplace)?

When you’re searching for a way to provide employees with clean, great-tasting water, you have several options, including water filters, bottled water and water coolers. Under-sink water filters can be an efficient solution in workplaces with limited space. These units fit beneath a sink, delivering pure, filtered water right to the tap. 

As you research filtration options for your business, it’s helpful to understand how under-sink water filters work and how they could benefit your operation.

How do under-sink water filters work?

Under-sink water filters are installed between your water inlet pipes and the tap. As water flows in, it passes through a series of filters designed to remove or neutralize particles, odors and impurities. Because filters are connected directly to the water supply, they help you provide an endless supply of pure, better-tasting water for employees while reducing waste from single-use plastic water bottles.

How water filters work depends on the type. Mechanical filters use physical barriers to catch particles, while carbon filters absorb harmful substances. Deionization filters use tiny resin beads with positive and negative charges to bind to hard minerals and salts and physically remove them from the water. Reverse osmosis filters force water through a membrane, which captures tiny contaminants.

Most under-sink water filtration systems use a combination of filters to tackle issues such as unpleasant taste, strong odors and contamination. Common filtration technologies include:

• Sediment filter: Sand, dirt, rust and other larger particles.
• Activated carbon filter: Chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastics and other chemical compounds.
• Phosphate filter: Phosphates to help prevent algae growth.
• Lead filter: Lead and other heavy metals.
• Reverse osmosis filter: Microorganisms and larger dissolved solids, such as nitrates, dirt and salts.
• Deionizers: Soluble ionic contaminants such as nitrates, copper and arsenic.

Specific mechanisms vary by product. For example, the compact 50/52 Under-Sink Water Filtration System uses activated carbon, phosphate and lead filters and an antimicrobial filter. In the 250 Deionizing Water Filter System, water passes through a 4-stage purification process that includes a pre-carbon filter, a sediment filter, reverse osmosis and a deionization filter.

Choosing the right water filter for commercial environments

If your employees need a higher-quality water source, under-the-sink water filters are worth considering. The key is to choose a water filter that matches your primary concern. Flavor is a common issue — Culligan Quench research shows that 22% of employees don’t drink water at work because they don’t like the taste. A filter with activated carbon can remove unpleasant odors and flavors to create a better experience.

If you’re concerned about sink water safety due to potentially unsafe contaminants, consider a filter with reverse osmosis. Specialized businesses that require high-purity water, such as dental offices, often benefit from under-sink filtration systems with built-in deionizers.

Need assistance? Take our water filter quiz to determine the best fit for your business.

Safety tips for ensuring clean water in commercial sinks

Your employees and customers rely on your company to provide a clean, safe water supply. Use these strategies to ensure your water is ready for drinking, washing hands and cleaning food:

• Test water regularly: Your city likely performs regular safety tests at the water-supply facility, but as water travels to your building, it can pick up unsafe substances from damaged water pipes or older plumbing. Testing your water supply is one way to detect bacteria, nitrates and other contaminants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing drinking water at least once per year.
• Prevent cross-contamination: Make sure your clean water sources, such as a sink faucet or filtered water tap, don’t come into contact with dirty water. For example, if you’re filling a flower vase in the office kitchen, it’s important not to submerge the end of the faucet in the water.

When to replace a water filter

Although water filters are designed for regular use, they tend to become less effective over time. To ensure ongoing water quality, follow the manufacturer’s replacement timeline. In general, it’s a good idea to replace a water filter every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often it’s used.

You may also need to replace your water filter if you notice these signs:

• Unusual taste or odor
• Reduced water flow rate
• Visible particles in the water

Safety measures for workplace water quality

As you look for ways to improve the water quality in your company, be sure to integrate key safety measures into the process:

• Filter drinking water: Regular maintenance, testing and cleaning are critical for creating a safe commercial water supply, but they can’t keep out all contaminants. A robust under-sink filtration system acts as the final line of defense, removing any remaining particles and creating safer drinking water for your team.
• Inspect filters: Check for signs of age or damage, which can prevent filters from working properly. Consider working with an expert, such as Culligan Quench, to help you perform regular inspections and maintenance. 
• Replace filters on schedule: The easiest way to protect your workplace water supply is to replace filters on time. A proactive strategy helps ward off issues that could compromise the safety of your water.
• Monitor local water quality: Stay current with local water-testing reports to get advance notice of potential safety issues.

The role of experts in maintaining workplace water safety

It’s hard to underestimate the value of clean water in your workplace, both for employee satisfaction and safety. There’s no need to take on the project alone — at Culligan Quench, our water experts can help you learn how under-sink water filters work and help you choose the right model for your business. After our team installs the system, we’ll provide regular maintenance and support to ensure you always have access to fresh, better-tasting water.

To get started, contact us to find the right solution and get a free estimate today.