Whole house vs under-counter vs countertop: Whole-house (point-of-entry) systems treat all water entering your home — ideal for protecting geysers, pipes and appliances from sediment and chlorine. Under-counter RO/UF systems focus on drinking water at one tap. Countertop and jug filters are the simplest, no-installation option for drinking water improvement.

RO vs UF systems: Reverse Osmosis (RO) removes the widest range of contaminants including dissolved salts and heavy metals — best for borehole water with high TDS (total dissolved solids) or unknown quality. Ultra Filtration (UF) retains beneficial minerals while removing bacteria, sediment and turbidity — suited to municipal water with decent baseline quality.

Micron ratings explained: Lower micron numbers filter finer particles. A 20-50 micron sediment pre-filter removes visible particles and protects downstream stages; 1-5 micron cartridges target fine sediment and cysts; carbon block (CTO) cartridges target chlorine, taste and odour. For borehole water with heavy sediment or iron, always fit a sediment pre-filter first.

UV sterilisers: Best for borehole water or stored tank/reservoir water where bacterial contamination is a risk. UV works on clear water only — always pair with a sediment filter for effective disinfection.

Housing sizing: 10" housings suit standard residential flow rates; 20" and Big Blue housings handle higher flow for whole-house and borehole applications. Stainless steel housings are recommended for industrial or high-pressure installations.

Maintenance: Sediment cartridges typically need replacement every 2-3 months depending on water quality; carbon and RO/UF membranes every 6-12 months. Keep spare O-rings on hand — a worn O-ring is the most common cause of housing leaks.

Still unsure? WhatsApp us your water source and the issue you're experiencing, and we'll recommend the right system and replacement schedule.