Are you looking for a water filter that can be integrated effortlessly into the heart of your home? An under sink water filter system could be the solution you need to your family hydrated and the filtered water flowing.
Under sink water filter systems are perfect for those who want a discreet water filtration system within their home. Nestled underneath the kitchen counter, they effortlessly allow for filtered water to come through your tap.
Some options will filter all of your water, which can affect the pressure and lifetime of the filters. Doulton under sink water filter systems allow for the filtered water to flow from a separate pipe which maintains your filters capabilities for the duration of the recommended lifetime.
How Under Sink Water Filters Work
Under sink water filter systems are plumbed into the cupboard area underneath your kitchen sink. Using the pressure from your water supply, they force water through the filter. The filtered water the comes out at sink level via a tap.
Under sink systems, such as the ones by Doulton, usually operate by using a separate line that allows your filtered water to be released without affecting your regular hot and cold tap pressure. If an under sink water filter system is installed to come through your regular water line, it can have a detrimental impact on the pressure of all water coming through that tap.
Different brands and systems can use different types of material in the actual filter, which is why it is important to evaluate the reasons you may want to filter your water in the first place. You can take a look at our guide to contaminants to see what may be lurking in your tap water to help determine the best solution.
Types of Under Sink Water Filter Systems
There are various types of under sink water filter systems available. Each one is designed to reduce different contaminants and tailored to specific concerns.
One of the most popular and simplest under sink water filter systems would be an inline filter, which helps to improve taste by reducing chlorine and other common contaminants. The level of what an inline under sink water filter reduces would be dependent on the filter inside.
Another option for under sink water filter system set up, is a multi-stage system that allows you to install additional pre-filter cartridges to further target specific concerns. Here at Doulton, for example, we have the DUO and TRIO systems that allow for our Biotect Ultra ceramic filter to be inserted alongside pre-filter cartridges to target a range of concerns, such as PFAS, Fluoride and reduce limescale in your water.
These are all great options for those who are looking to reduce concerns, whilst retaining the essential minerals your body needs.
Another benefit is that they are completely hidden. This is great if you have a smaller kitchen or limited countertop space. Simply installed in the cupboard under your sink, you can close the door and forget about! An effortless way to keep the whole family hydrated with added peace of mind.
If you rely on bottled water to ensure your drinking water taste great, an under sink filter is not only an affordable swap – it’s also beneficial for the environment. Especially when you choose filter cartridges that are made of natural material such as ceramic. Looking after ourselves is one part of the complex puzzle of life. Looking after our family and planet is small change that makes a big difference for generations to come.
Choosing the Right Under Sink Filter
If you’re unsure which system is for you, we have a quiz available where you can answer a series of simple questions that will guide you to the most fitting solution. Other factors to consider could include:
Contaminant concerns
Which under sink water filter system addresses the specific concerns you are looking to tackle? Some may only reduce chlorine, other can work hard to cut down on levels of microplastics, heavy metals and even sediment in your water.
Testing data
Does the company have credible, verified testing data that you can trust?We recommend looking for water filters that have had NSF testing performed, as this is one of the most rigorous independent tests available.
Where the products are made
Like all products, we want to ensure that any purchase we make are of quality, value and support ethical manufacturing processes. Look at key trust signals around this such as the Made in Britain badge, alongside transparency of the company.
Reviews and online forums
Platforms like Trustpilot are fantastic ways to see reviews from real customers of a brand. When browsing reviews on third party websites such as Trustpilot, be sure to keep an eye on verified reviews and responses from the company. Reddit is also a great place to look for real life opinions on some brands and products.
Customer service support
Does the company offer fast, friendly advice on products and services? You can usually gauge this by sentiment on social media, and the aforementioned review platforms.
Other key considerations when installing an under sink water filter system:
- Water pressure: be sure to check the water pressure before purchasing your system to ensure that there is enough pressure for the water to ‘push’ through the filter
- Space under the sink: Ensure that there is adequate space for the system to be placed under the sink. Some may need the shelf to be removed to allow them to be installed.
- Location of stop tap: if you need to call a plumber in to install you system, locate your stop tap before they arrive. This will help to save time and mystery and keep costs to a minimum if they charge by the hour.
Another consideration would also be your water quality and the specific concerns you have around your drinking water. A gravity system filters through much slower than a pressure system such as the tap-mounted water filter, so if you are specifically looking for targeted reduction you may want to look at the test data for each to make an informed decision.
Maintenance and Cartridge Replacement
Once your under sink water filter system is installed, the ongoing maintenance should be fairly minimum. If you went for a Doulton under sink system, you will simply need to change the filter element every six months to keep the filtered water running to its maximum effectiveness.
Of course, each brand and filter type will have their own guidelines – so be sure to check these before purchase and installation. And if they claim that filters only need to be replaced every 12-24 months, cross reference the test data which the contaminants you are concerned about, alongside who performed the testing and their credibility.
For Doulton Countertop Water Filter Systems they come with the Biotect Ultra with the option to change these to the Biotect Ultra SI. The Biotect Ultra SI water filter is one of our most advanced filters offering reduction of monochloramine, cadmium and mercury to prevent scale deposition. This is great for households who suffer the implications of limescale in their appliances.
Under Sink vs. Other Filtration Methods
Installing an under sink system isn’t for everyone and some people may need to look for different solutions. This may be due to a range of reasons such as inadequate water pressure, living in rented or temporary accommodation, or simply not having the space underneath your sink area. Whatever the challenge, there is always a solution to introduce filtered water into your daily routine. Some of these options could be:
Tap-mounted countertop:
Similar to the under sink water filter systems, these allow for filtered water to be enjoyed from your regular kitchen tap by using a valve, fitted at the end of the tap, to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. These are extremely simple to install and remove. Leaving no damage to the sink or tap area.
Gravity water filter systems:
These are great if you need filtered water in various locations both at home, or when travelling around. You simply pop the unfiltered water into a top chamber and gravity does the work to pull the filtered water down into a bottom chamber where you can pour water from a tap.
Portable water filter bottles:
As people are becoming more aware of the advantages of filtered water, there are growing ways in which companies are helping people to enjoy it beyond the home! That’s where filtered water bottles, such as the one from Doulton, area great way to be introduced to the benefits, whilst keeping costs low.
FAQs
Yes! They are better in many ways – providing exceptional water on demand, whilst also having more advanced filtered capabilities. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy filtered water also reduce plastic waste that is harmful to our planet.
This all depends on your DIY skills, but generally it is possible to install one yourself, if you have a simple plumbing set up and basic DIY knowledge. If in doubt, always call in the services of a plumber or expert to advise.
We would strongly advise that you ask your landlord or homeowner for permission before making any changes to the property or kitchen. Whilst under sink systems can usually be installed in any kitchen, it is completely at their discretion to grant permission to install one.
Yes, we would recommend always using a separate line or tap with an under sink water filter system. This is to make sure that your overall water pressure is not affected by the filtering process. You can either change your whole kitchen tap to a 3-way one that will allow for filtered water to come out of different side to the hot and cold, or you can install a completely independent pillar tap which is placed by the sink.



