The Pros and Cons of Gravity Water Filters

Pros and Cons of Gravity Water Filters

Here is a list of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of gravity water filters.

Cons

You might sometimes find that there are parts that can be expensive to replace. So make sure you always handle the unit with care.

Getting a very cheap gravity water filter may mean that the filter cartridge is expensive to replace. This is very similar to how printer manufacturers make their money on cheap printers. Pro tip: always check the costs of replacing the cartridge before you buy.

Check how fast it can filter before you buy because some gravity water filters can take a very long time.

Pros

The gravity filtration process is usually very simple and efficient without making too much noise (if any).

There are so many different sizes, shapes and function levels to choose from.

You can put them almost anywhere in the home because they typically don’t need any electricity to operate.

Very low rate of mechanical issues with almost no need for on-going maintenance. Just make sure you replace the filter cartridge and operate the machine in accordance with the manufacturers’ instruction.

Doesn’t usually need electricity and this can save you a lot of money on electricity bills especially when compared to other filter methods.

Works on a very easy to understand technology, which means you can even build one your self as a DIY water filter if you don’t want to buy a commercially-made unit.

What To Consider Before Buying A Gravity Water Filter

Here is a quick buying guide for gravity water filters. The list below are some of the things you should review and take into consideration before you buy one:

Do you have enough space?

Gravity fed water filters come in many different shapes and sizes but you need to know where you’re going to put it and if you have enough space for your chosen device.

Can it filter enough water for you everyday?

To answer this question you need to know how much water you generally consume. Once you know this number, work out how much water filtration you get with each filter cartridge. This will let you know how often you need to replace cartridges and if your chosen filter can cope with your demands.

What do you need it to filter?

Find out what is in your water supply and you can do this by looking at the water quality report by looking at the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) dedicated agency in your state. Alternatively, you can get a water test kit and see what is in your water. Once you know what you need to filter then you just need to make sure the gravity filter you want to buy is able to cope with everything you find. Knowing exactly what contaminants are in your water will better help you to know which type of counter-top gravity filter system to get.

Alkaline or acidic water?

Another thing to check is the pH level of your water. A neutral number is 7 on the pH scale and any number that is lower than a 7 means you have acidic and higher numbers mean alkaline. Regularly drinking higher alkaline water has some health benefits. And if you want to enjoy some of these benefits then consider getting a gravity water filter that can improve the pH level.

AquaTru Water Filter	Berkey Water Filter
- Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). - Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.9% - Chlorine 96.6% - Cysts 99.99%	- Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). - Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only.	Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.	Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3	Number of filters: 2 - 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.	Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.	2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.	2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm	19" High x 8.5" Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.	Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).	Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK	SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale

How Do Gravity Water Filter Systems Work?

Gravity water filters typically tend to work as a free standing unit, you put water in the top and then let gravity work its magic.

However, if you want to know how gravity filters work in more specific detail then consider that they work in two stages.

A gravity filter works with two containers. The top container is where the unfiltered water goes and it filters its way down to the bottom container were the filtration happens.

If the gravity filter works with activated charcoal then it will very likely include a microporous ceramic cartridge in the filter unit.

A charcoal gravity filter is very effective at removing things like bacteria, contaminants, chemicals and parasites from your water. This is important because parasites are capable of causing things like dysentery, typhoid and cholera.

Activated charcoal gravity water filters are also very good at removing things like chemicals.

Especially the types of chemicals that are common in tap water like chlorine, fluoride as well as heavy metals like copper, mercury and lead.

Gravity Filter Water History

You might be interested to know that the very first gravity water filter dates back to 1835 London, England. We know this because it was mentioned in consciouswater with this quote:

“Queen Victoria requested John Doulton (of later to become Royal Doulton), to produce a water filter with his ceramic making capabilities. Using various earth and clay materials, he created the first gravity water filter stoneware, Doulton water filters.”

This actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it because gravity is a very obvious way to filter water.

So there is a good chance that there are earlier examples of people using the gravity process to purify water.

The official history that we can find dates back to London in the 1800s but this is only because we haven’t yet found any earlier instances.

How Effective Is A DIY Gravity Water Filter?

No where near as effective as a regular water filter.

Boiling water is a great way to kill off any final harmful pathogens that are present in your water. However, boiling water can not adequately kill of things like toxic chemicals and neither will it dissolve any contaminated solids.

The only way to guarantee that the water you filter is both safe and bacteria free is to use a professionally made filter.

Professionally made gravity water filter kits usually have a way of indicating that the water is filtered and safe to drink. Also, using a trusted brand like Katadyn or Berkey typically come with a guarantee.