Water filters are getting more popular with each day and one might ask why? Well, water is the ultimate source for human health, clean household, flourishing nature, and many more. The problem is that all the latter spheres get benefits from water only if its high quality which is not ensured by the tap.
This is where water filters come into play to make sure that the water of your household is clean from harmful particles and is full of needed contaminants.
With the variety of great water filters on the market, it is important to be informed on each of their specialties. There are ones that purify your water to perfection and those that use rather harsh materials to do their job.
One of the most natural and reliable filters has been given to us by our ancestors and are successfully used today (in a rather advanced form of course).
These are the solid block carbon filters that use activated carbon as their filtration mechanism. In this article, we will disclose everything you need to know about solid block carbon filters and give you our best options to choose from.
What are Solid Block Carbon Filters?
In short, solid block carbon filters are filters that use activated carbon to remove impurities from your water by simply absorbing it. This mechanism works perfectly because carbon substrate is highly porous therefore all of the toxic contaminants get stuck in those pores.
The reason why filters use activated carbon is that by treating it this way the surface is enlarged, maximizing its absorption capacity. A gram of activated carbon has a surface area of 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft) and a filter with such a mechanism typically can remove particles sized 0.5-50 μm.
But how does the actual filtration work? The filtration technology that has been perfected in the 1970s is still used to this day and has a three-stage system:
- The first one is mechanical filtration – it is the exact process that summarizes the whole mechanism where contaminants get stuck into small pores of activated carbon only allowing clean water to flow through.
- The second stage is called physical adsorption, where a surface of an activated carbon attracts contaminants just to let the binders holding carbon granules to keep their surface clean for further absorption of pollutants.
- The last is electrokinetic adsorption – a stage that is only existent with solid block carbon filters whose surface is covered with a membrane that lets the water pass through creating a positively charged material that attracts negative ions – a sign of many contaminants.
Advantages
There are many detailed advantages that come with solid block carbon filters even besides its great ability to provide you with healthy, clean, and tasty water. Take a look at the most common ones:
- Large surface area, which facilitates better absorption
- Longer contact time with water, which provides for better absorption of various chemicals
- Eliminates particles down to 0,3 microns, meaning that it will deal with most types of bacteria (that are usually 0,4 to 2 microns in size)
- Large capacity – able to filter 600 to 1200 gallons of water depending on the use and model
- Rated for CTO, chlorine, taste, and odor removal
- Low cost – compared to other filters with the same power solid block carbon filters are less expensive to obtain and maintain
- Does not remove total dissolved solids (TDS), therefore keeps healthy minerals in your water
- Completely natural and ecological
Disadvantages
Even though solid block carbon filters are a great option to choose when searching for a water treatment device, it is important to weigh all aspects before purchasing and installing. These are some disadvantages linked to these types of filters:
- It will not remove some of the metals, because the pores are too small to absorb large particles
- Vast differentiation – even though the market offers, on the first sight, identical filters, they might be very different in their capabilities, therefore it is important to study the specification of each option carefully
- Filters need to be replaced regularly – as with any other type of filtration system solid block carbon filters require replacement every 6 to 12 months in order to ensure the best quality water supplied to you
Best solid block carbon filters
If you feel that a solid block carbon filter is something that you would like to implement into your daily life then take the next step and decide on the type of filter that will best suit the needs of your family and the whole household.
With the variety of solid block carbon filters on the market, we give you the best option for each type of filtration system whether it’s a pitcher or a whole house one.
Countertop solution
If you are in need of treating your drinking water locally then an installed countertop filter is the best solution. The APEX EXPRT MR-2050 dual countertop drinking water filter is the best option since it removes 99% of all unwanted substances that are normally found in tap water.
Moreover, it will enrich your water with vital contaminants like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The model ensures versatility since it will connect to any type of faucet with a provided adapter.
By installing this kind of filter to your counter you will ensure the quality of your drinking water and safe money and the environment as you no longer will have to buy bottled waters.
PROs:
- Removes 99% of harmful contaminants
- Enriches your tap water with magnesium, potassium, and calcium
- Adaptable to any model of faucet
- Includes 30 days 100% money back guarantee
CONs:
- Limited one year warranty
- Not suitable to use with alkaline water
Pitcher
An easy solution for having clean and healthy drinking water always with you is a pitcher. Clear2o water filter pitcher has a carbon block purification system, clears your tap water within seconds, only requires an aerator for installation, and removes over 200 harmful contaminants.
This pitcher is also unique as it has an intelligent filter life indicator and the filter provides 50 gallons of clean water, which is 20% more than any other model on the market.
PROs:
- Reduces over 200 harmful contaminants
- Long-lasting (20% higher filter longevity)
- Space-saving design
- BPA free
CONs:
- Requires aerator installation
Whole house
If you are willing to have high-quality water supply in all of your household then consider choosing a whole house filtration system. The iSpring WGB32BM 3-stage whole house water filtration system will require to be installed at the main water supply line, therefore will treat all your tap water from vast amounts of harmful contaminants, sediment, and iron. When choosing this model you will also get top-notch quality and life-time tech support so will not have to worry about any inconveniences.
PROs:
- 3-stage filtration system
- DIY installation and maintenance
- Filter longevity increased 3 times compared to other competitors
- The capacity of 100.000 gallons (enough for a year)
CONs:
- Has an impact on water flow
Replacement filters
If you have an under-sink or RO water filtration system then maintaining it and changing its filter cartridges regularly is inevitable. The ACB activated carbon block replacement filters are the best option since it is very affordable (you get 10pcs for 32$) and easy to change. Moreover, this filter will remove up to 99,9% of harmful contaminants including chlorine, bad tastes, and odors.
Related Article: How Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Chlorine?
What Do Carbon Block Filters Remove?
The experts at EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) have advised that it is necessary to test your household water at least once a year. It is best to do so during the springtime as throughout the winter certain contaminants might be dissolved with melting ice or snow.
Moreover, certain water mechanisms (especially the metal ones) can release particles due to the change of temperature.
Of course, if you notice that your water has an unpleasant taste, odor, or color test it immediately. When testing your water take a look at the presence of nitrates, chlorine, and chloride, heavy metals, or other toxic materials (e.g. pesticides).
If any of these contaminants did come up as a consistent of your drinking water then solid block carbon filters might be a great option to overcome this inconvenience. Take a look at the table below that exemplifies the most common harmful contaminants found in tap water and the amount of how much a solid block carbon filter removes the exact chemical structures.
| Contaminant | Amount |
| Phosphate | 90% |
| Chlorine | 95% |
| Lithium | 90% |
| Herbicides | 12 sorts |
| Pesticides | 14 sorts |
| Chlorine byproducts | 24 sorts |
| Chloride | 50-70% |
| Nitrate | 50-70% |
| Bad taste and odor | 100% |
Solid Block Carbon Filters vs. Reverse Osmosis
Solid block carbon filters are just another option on the market full of various water filtration systems. But how does the latter compare to a well-known reverse osmosis water system? First of all both systems are pretty different in terms of contaminants that they remove.
RO is known for its ability to completely purify water removing all of the contaminants including beneficial minerals. On the contrary, solid block carbon filters do not treat the water to this extent, leaving those minerals for you to consume, yet at the same time with minerals, it also leaves certain types of harmful bacteria untreated.
In terms of versatility, both types of water filtration systems can be used as a local clean drinking water supply (countertop or under the sink) or as a whole house system connected to the main water supply line.
When it comes to longevity, installation, and price, both systems are quite on the same page. Hence if a solid block carbon filter does not seem like a good fit to you consider choosing an RO system instead and enjoy a perfectly clean water supply in your household.
A great example of an under-sink RO iSpring RCC7AK, NSF certified, under-sink reverse osmosis drinking water filter system. This system is not only unique because it has a 6 stage filtration mechanism but also is of a high capacity.
If you are concerned that RO systems clear the beneficial minerals as well, this filter has an additional alkaline remineralization filter that restores all of those minerals. Additionally, the system is easy to install and comes with a European-style kitchen faucet.