Built-In Filter Kitchen Faucets for Safer, Cleaner Water

With the simple press of a button, fresh water flows easily from the faucet. Kitchen faucets with built-in water filters provide an easy solution for accessing cleaner, tastier water straight from your tap.

Integrated filtration systems reduce chlorine, heavy metals, limescale, microbes and other common tap water contaminants. This improves taste and odor while eliminating the inconvenience and environmental impact of plastic bottled water.

Benefits of Choosing a Kitchen Faucet with Built-In Filter

Kitchen faucets with integrated water filters offer numerous advantages over standalone water filtration systems:

Convenience

Faucet-mounted filters provide filtered water on demand. No more refilling pitcher or faucet-mounted filtration systems. The water filtration system is already built into the faucet so filtered water is always available with the touch of a button.

Space Savings

Built-in filtration systems don't take up valuable counter real estate like pitcher or faucet-add on filters. The filtration system fits neatly into the faucet body for a streamlined look.

Consistent Water Quality

With standalone filters, water sits in the reservoir and can absorb odors and flavors from the plastic over time. Faucet-integrated filters deliver freshly filtered water with each use so you always get the best taste.

Lower Environmental Impact

Using filtered tap water eliminates the need for plastic water bottles. This saves money while also reducing plastic waste and your carbon footprint. The average American family spends over $1500 a year on bottled water. With a built-in filter faucet, this money could be put to better use.

Improved Health

Drinking filtered rather than unfiltered tap water reduces intake of heavy metals like lead and arsenic that accumulate in the body over time. It also decreases exposure to chlorine byproducts that may raise cancer risk at high concentrations.

Types of Filtration Used in Built-In Faucet Systems

There are several types of water filtration methods used in kitchen faucets:

Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filters are the most common. Carbon absorbs contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, mercury, benzene, radon, and many pharmaceuticals. This significantly improves odor, taste, and water safety.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis (RO) forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove metals, salts, microbes, and other particles as small as 0.0001 microns. RO provides thorough filtration removing up to 99% of contaminants but also strips some beneficial minerals.

Alkaline Water Ionizer

Ionizers use electrolysis to raise pH and add mineral ions like calcium and magnesium. They help neutralize acidity in the body but can leave an unusual mineral taste. The health benefits of alkaline water are debated.

UV Filtration

Ultraviolet light sterilizes microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and mold spores for microbiological purification without chemicals. However, UV light does not remove chemicals.

Other Technologies

Some systems also incorporate less common methods like kinetics, which uses moving water to trap particles, or solid carbon block filtration for removing cysts and asbestos fibers.

Top Brands of Faucets with Built-In Filters

Many faucet brands now offer models with integrated water filtration. Here are some top options:

Moen

The Moen ExactTemp line features faucets with a built-in 3-stage carbon filter. It reduces sand, rust, silt, and chlorine for cleaner water. Models include a useful LED filter replacement indicator.

Kohler

Kohler's Sensate Touchless kitchen faucet has an advanced carbon block filter that reduces lead, benzene, asbestos fibers, and chlorine. It has a rated lifespan of 6 months or 300 gallons.

Grohe

Grohe Blue faucets come equipped with a 2-stage carbon filter for pH neutral, fresh tasting water on demand. The first stage is a pre-filter and the second is a high-performance activated carbon filter.

Delta

Delta's Touch2O Technology faucets have the InnoFlex integrated filtration system with an electronic filter replacement indicator. It uses a layered filtering medium for cyst and lead reduction.

Other Brands

Many brands offer built-in filtration, including American Standard, Toto, Kohler, Pfister, Kraus, and Hansgrohe. Shop around to compare filtration types, capacities, and certified performance.

Installation Tips for Built-In Filter Faucets

Installing a filtered kitchen faucet requires careful planning and some key considerations.

Tools Needed

• Basin wrench
• Plumber's putty
• Pipe tape
• Adjustable wrench
• Potentially a power drill for pre-drilling holes

Water Lines

Dual-line faucets need 1 line for filtered water and 1 for unfiltered. Make sure to properly connect the separate hot and cold lines.

Electrical Supply

Touch-activated, motion sensing faucets need an electrical source to power the sensors. Install accordingly, often connecting to hot and ground wires under the sink.

Careful Assembly

Improper assembly can lead to leaks, so follow all directions carefully. Tighten connections securely and ensure a watertight seal with pipe tape. Leaving plastic gaskets between metal surfaces can cause corrosion over time.

Filter Placement

Ensure the filter fits snugly into its housing without obstruction. An improperly seated filter can cause backed up water flow and leaks.

Filter Replacement

Note the filter replacement schedule based on usage and water conditions. Register any warranties and keep spare filters on hand so clean water is always available.

Comparing Standalone vs. Built-In Water Filters

While built-in water filters offer convenience, standalone systems have some advantages:

Flexibility

Standalone filters can easily be moved between sinks and faucets. Built-in filters only work at one faucet without difficult disassembly.

Filtration Options

Pitchers, bottles, and under-sink systems allow choosing from more diverse filtration methods like reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, or remineralization filters.

Upfront Cost

Purchasing and installing a premium filtration faucet costs more upfront than a simple countertop or under-sink system. However, built-in filters save on replacement filter costs long-term.

Maintenance

Replacing standalone filter cartridges is generally easier than accessing built-in filters requiring some faucet disassembly. However, many brands aim to improve accessibility.

Health Benefits of Filtered Water Faucets

Drinking properly filtered rather than straight from the tap provides several health advantages:

Removes Toxins

High-quality carbon block filters remove harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, arsenic, asbestos fibers, and chlorine byproducts.