Ceramic water filters are one of the oldest water filtration systems used in the market. They were pioneered by Henry Doulton in 1827 and since then they are the most effective yet inexpensive filters in the water filtration system market.

According to research by Van der Laan 2014, ceramic water filters can remove more than 99.9% of bacterial contaminants. Here, in this article, we’ll answer everything you need to know about ceramic water filters. So, let’s get started.

What Are Ceramic Water Filters Made Of?

Initially, ceramic water filters were discovered by a potter. So, in their very basic formation, they are made of clay and combustible materials that are fired at high temperatures to create a porous ceramic filter.

However, in their modern forms, many ceramic water filters have an internal activated carbon core that is impregnated with silver ions, both of which prevent bacterial growth, chemical contaminants, odors, and some other organic compounds.

How Do Ceramic Water Filters Work?

There are a variety of ceramic water filters traditionally being used throughout the world. However, all of them use a somewhat similar water filtration process. They combine mechanical filtration with physical adsorption to absorb any contaminant that would come off unhealthy to the human body.

The pore size for these filters is one-half micron, trapping bacteria that could easily pass through any other filters. And then, even if some contaminants get through the surface of these filters, they’ll have to pass through a maze of twists and turns on the inside of ceramic filters, leading them to get caught. This reduces the number of biological and chemical contaminants to almost none.

Different Types Of Ceramic Filters

There are different types of ceramic water filters to meet your variety of requirements. For instance:

• A porous ceramic filter is the most basic one. It has tiny pores to trap bacteria and other contaminants. Plus, it’s easy to use while hiking and in household systems.
• A pot filter has two compartments. First, the water is fed into the ceramic filter. And then, it falls into the container below as clean water.
• A candle filter, which looks like a candle and is installed in water filtration units. It has activated carbon that improves filtration.
• A dome-like ceramic filter is installed in gravity-fed water filters.
• A disc-like ceramic water filter is helpful for your small filtration systems.
• A silver-impregnated ceramic water filter helps prevent bacterial growth on the filter surface.
• A ceramic cartridge filter that is easy to install in your filter housing units. These filters are easy to maintain as well.

What Do Ceramic Water Filters Help With?

Undoubtedly, ceramic water filters are the best in the water filtration market. And they alone can help prevent bacteria, turbidity, and sediments. However, they become even more effective when combined with other components, such as carbon. But in general, ceramic water filters help with removing the following:

Bacteria

If you’re most concerned about bacteria, ceramic water filters are your go-to option. Their 0.5-micron-sized pores don’t let the following pass through:

• E. coli
• Shigella
• Salmonella
• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia

These filters further resist bacterial contamination in water when impregnated with silver ions which are toxic to bacterial growth, adding to the purity of water.

Turbidity

Ceramic water filters also filter water for aesthetic reasons, as they help remove the unappetizing shades of water, offering you clear water. Ceramic water filters help remove the suspended particles in water to get rid of its turbidity.

Sediment

Other common water contaminants like dust, debris, and rust are also removed with the help of ceramic water filters.

Heavy Metals

Now if your ceramic filter contains some kind of ion exchange resin, it’ll further remove heavy metals the water like lead, zinc, mercury, and copper.

Chlorine

City water mostly contains chlorine, which gives it an unpleasant odor and a chemical-like taste. This chlorine can be filtered if your ceramic cartridge has activated carbon.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Unfiltered water can contain a large amount of VOCs from agricultural runoff and other consumer products like paints and cleaners. Ceramic water filters with a carbon core can also help get rid of these.

Things Ceramic Filters Don’t Remove

Ceramic water filters can’t remove viruses that are too small, total dissolved solids (TDS), and minerals. For the first two, you should consider another water filtration system and for the minerals, you can install a water softener system Erie as it will remove excess minerals effectively.

But keep in mind that water softeners usually don’t remove any other contaminants than minerals. If there are impurities your water, choose a full-blown water filter.

How Long Do Ceramic Water Filters Last?

Though ceramic water filters are easy to maintain, and they last for years, you still need to check your ceramic water filter’s rated capacity. That is because not just the ceramic, but other components of this filter count as well when it comes to the overall lifespan of a ceramic water filter.

For instance, if your water filter has activated carbon in it, it is likely for you to replace it sooner. However, a good ceramic cartridge can last up to three years or more (that is, if it doesn’t have carbon).

Note: On average, you need to replace your water filter every 6-12 months.

How Much Does Ceramic Water Filters Cost?

Depending on the type of ceramic water filter, it ranges from $100-$1000. However, they’re still the most inexpensive filtration technique to be used till today. For instance, a simple point-of-use (POU) ceramic water filter will cost you between $100-$150.

And a portable filter that is quite a convenience while moving will start at $30. These are the cheapest options as compared to bottled water. And they’ll save your resources as well, because ceramic water filters, like gravity-fed, are easy to maintain, and they don’t need electricity or backwashing. Plus, you don’t need to replace these filters as often as you need to replace other water filters, saving you the hassle of upkeep and, of course, money.

How To Maintain A Ceramic Water Filter?

Maintaining a ceramic water filter is quite easy. All you need to do is remove the ceramic cartridge/candle from the filter unit and scrub it underwater with a soft-bristle brush or scouring pad. Or you can also clean it with a bowl of water, if you feel like running water would damage your filter equipment.

Also, keep in mind that, the usage of harsh detergents or soaps is not recommended for ceramic water filters. They have fragile material that is easy to crack.

However, if the quality of filtered water still doesn’t improve after cleaning, you must consider replacing it.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, though ceramic is an effective material for water filtration. It works best when combined with activated carbon, ion exchange resins, or silver ions. These filters last long and are a cheaper option comparatively.

However, it’s important to know what type of ceramic filter will fit right into your requirements. And then, maintain it every 6 months for your filter to last a long time. They are usually used as a portable or under-sink water filter. In some cases, they are included in a whole house water filtration Meadville system as well.