A distilled water filtration system works by using the distillation process to remove more than 99.9% of heavy metals, chemicals, sediments, and microorganisms from the water.
The most important parts of a distillation water filtration system (also known as a water distiller) are the boiling chamber, a cooling system, and the storage tank. During the evaporation process, impurities that contaminate water are left in the boiling room while the evaporated water is cooled, thus returning to its liquid state.
Although the water distillation process is lengthy and not as cost-effective as other water filtration methods, a distilled water filtration system remains an excellent option for having highly purified water.
What is a Distilled Water Filtration System?
A distilled water filtration system is a filtration method that uses the distillation process to separate water molecules from a wide range of contaminants. It is hard to say who invented distilled water filtration systems because it dates from ancient times. According to the archeological pieces of evidence found, the Babylonians used an empirical distillation system. Initially used for making perfumes, the process became famous among other cultures who used it for beverages.
A distilled water filtration system for the home includes a boiling chamber made of plastic or stainless steel, a cooling system, and a storage tank made from plastic or glass. The boiling chamber has a heating system attached to it, and it comes in different shapes and sizes. Distilled water is collected in the storage vessel that also comes in various sizes.
Compared to other water purification methods, distillation reduces or entirely removes most contaminants, including viruses. Reverse osmosis filters are known for partially reducing heavy metals and fluoride. Water distillers, though, remove a far more significant amount of these compounds. Ultrafiltration successfully removes viruses, harmful bacteria, but so do distilled water filtration systems. Activated carbon filters are very effective against chlorine, but so are water distillers.
How does Distilled Water Filter Distill Water?
A distilled water filter distills water by bringing water to its boiling point and then cooling the vapors obtained. This way, the impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber, while the pure water is collected in a storage tank. More precisely, the water is heated in the boiling chamber until it turns into steam. The steam is then cooled and condensed by the cooling system. This way, it returns to the liquid state. The water droplets are collected in the storage tank. Anything that does not turn into steam, meaning most contaminants, will remain in the boiling chamber.
Can You Drink Distilled Water by a Distilled Water Filter?
Yes, distilled water is fit for consumption. Compared to regular tap water, distilled water is much purer, free of any contaminants. Distilled water filters remove harmful pesticides and chemicals in the municipal water, thus making it safer.
What are the Parts of a Distilled Water Filter?
The parts of a distilled water filter are as follows:
- Boiling chamber: The boiling chamber may be the most important component of the water distiller. Usually made from stainless steel, the steam chamber heats up to the water’s boiling point. Most contaminants have different boiling points than water, so they are left behind in the boiling chamber.
- Condenser: The condenser is a stainless steel coil of a tube, where the vapor is chilled and turned into water droplets. At the end side of the condenser, the steam passes through an activated carbon filter that removes the volatile organic compounds molecules that might have passed alongside the steam.
- Storage reservoir: Made from stainless steel or glass, this recipient collects the water droplets that exit the distiller. Some water distillers have plastic storage tanks, but these are not as resistant. Moreover, if they are not BPA-free, they might contaminate distilled water.
How Long Does It Take to Distill Water?
Similar to most high purity water filtration techniques, water distillation is a slow process. Typically, it takes about 4 to 6 hours to obtain 4 liters of pure distilled water. Although the distillation process was improved in recent years, it still remains a lengthy method of obtaining high purity water.
Does Boiling Water Distill It?
No, boiling water does not mean distilling it. The distillation process implies removing impurities from the drinking water by heating it past its boiling point (100⁰C). On the other hand, boiling water heats it until it reaches the boiling point. Some harmful pathogens do not survive in hot water, but high temperatures do not affect other contaminants. To conclude, simply boiling water is not the same as distilling it.
What Does a Distilled Water Filtration System Remove?
Distilled water filtration systems are effective against a wide range of contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, or microorganisms. They are also known to remove dissolved salts, minerals, even tiny viruses. The high purity water obtained via distillation can then be used in the pharmaceutical industry, scientific laboratories, or industry-wise (additive to car batteries, filling steam irons, and many other applications).
What are the Advantages of Distilled Water Filter?
The advantages of distilled water filters are listed below:
- High purity water: Compared to other filtration methods, distilled water filters provide 100% pure water, free of contaminants. Plus, the best water distillers deliver a constant removal of all pollutants throughout their lifespan.
- No installation required: Water distillers do not require installation. These items come pre-installed, ready to be used.
- Many uses: Distilled water has a broad range of uses. Apart from drinking, distilled water is widely used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Due to the lack of minerals and salts, distilled water is also recommended for cleaning different glass surfaces. It is also an essential solvent in scientific laboratories.
- Cost-effective: Distilled water filters are cheaper than other types of filtration methods. And they do not need a frequent change of filters.
What are the Disadvantages of Distilled Water Filter?
The disadvantages of distilled water filters are as follows:
- Slow process: The distillation process is the longest water purification method, and it can take up to several hours to fill the storage tank.
- High electrical consumption: Water distillers require a high amount of energy to heat the boiling chamber for several hours.
- Regular upkeep: After every batch of distilled water, the boiling chamber requires cleaning. The variety of contaminants left behind tend to build up, while the calcium and magnesium leave limescale on the boiling chamber walls.
- Flat taste: Distilled water has a bland taste due to low oxygen and lack of minerals.
Does Distilled Water Filtration System Waste Water?
No, a distilled water filtration system does not wastewater. However, the distillation might have an unwanted negative impact on the environment. Firstly, if the contaminants collected in the boiling chamber might pollute the environment are not correctly disposed of. Another issue is caused by the high amount of energy required to distill water. Typically, energy consumption is associated with the greenhouse effect and depletion of non-renewable resources.
Water wastage can be prevented by recycling the used water. Distillation is an excellent method to clean polluted waters.
Are Distilled Water Filtration Systems Good for the Environment?
Yes, distilled water filtration systems are good for the environment. Especially, a distillation system with heat recovery offers energy cost savings and reduces the amount of water used in a household.
Environmental pollution can be avoided by using low-energy water distillers. Also, it is important to responsibly dispose of the contaminants left in the boiling chamber of the water distiller. These pollutants should not get into the soil or bodies of water. Water distillation is also a good alternative to plastic bottled water.
Is Distilled Water Filtration System Water Good for Health?
Yes, drinking distilled water is good for your health. The health benefits of distilled water are as follows:
- 99.99% of harmful contaminants, including viruses and bacteria, are removed by drinking distilled water.
- The sodium excess is also removed.
- No chemicals are added during the distillation process.
- Drinking distilled water helps to remove toxic substances from the body.
How to Clean Your Water Distiller
Water distillers require periodic cleaning and maintenance in order to operate efficiently. The eliminated contaminants remain in the boiling chamber and tend to damage it, thus diminishing the performance. Minerals removed from the water cause limescale build-up while bacteria and algae will grow inside the recipient.
To clean the water distiller, follow the next steps:
1. Turn off the device and remove the boiling chamber cover.
2. Fill in the sink with warm water and add a quarter cup of white vinegar.
3. Put the cover into the water.
4. Clean the boiling chamber using a solution of half white vinegar and half water.
5. Leave the solution overnight.
6. Rinse the boiling chamber with warm water several times.
7. Allow the distiller to dry before using it again.
How often should you clean a water distiller?
After each use, the water distiller should be cleaned with a non-scratch cleaner sponge. Also, it is essential to thoroughly clean the water distiller every 1 or 2 weeks in order to prevent limescale build-up.
Stainless steel water distillers are easy to clean and maintain. These water distillers can be cleaned using a powdered brewery wash solution.
Does Distilled Water Filtration filter viruses?
Yes, distilled water filtration systems efficiently remove viruses such as Hepatitis, Norovirus, Rotavirus, and many more. Boiling water kills most of the pathogens and inactivates the rest. People with a compromised immune system are the first to benefit from distilled water consumption. Although reverse osmosis filtration systems or ultraviolet purifying methods remove a high percentage of viruses, water distillation remains the only process that offers absolutely pure water.
Does Distilled Water Filtration Filter Fluoride?
Yes, distilled water filtration effectively removes fluoride. Although many other filtration methods can remove fluoride (alumina filters, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange filters), water distillation remains the most effective method. Pathogens resistant to chlorine will not harm them. Reverse osmosis systems remove up to 92% of fluoride, while ion-exchange filters remove up to 99% fluoride. The distilled water filters provide 100% fluoride-free water.
What are the Distilled Water Filtration System Brands?
Brands that produce Distilled Water Filtration System are listed below:
- Pure Water: For over 45 years, Pure Water has offered water distillers to its customers. The water distillers made by this company have become the favorite of many well-known brands from different industries.
- WaterWise: Another reputable brand is WaterWise. Their water distillers are engineered around the steam distillation process combined with activated carbon filtration. The company guarantees up to 99% free of impurities water.
- Megahome: The Chinese corporation operates in Taiwan, and they have been in the business since 1992. Their water distillers are known for their high quality and fair prices.
What are the Distilled Water Filtration System Products?
Distilled water filtration systems offer highly purified water, free of any contaminants. Although the distillation process might not remove volatile organic compounds, combining the water distillers with activated carbon filters, the final result is crystal clear water with only hydrogen and oxygen in its composition.
Some water distillers, such as GRAVI-STIL, include ceramic media for better filtration of impurities. These systems can efficiently desalinate seawater and, in fact, water from any source.
Which Distilled Water Filtration Systems Should be Preferred?
The best distilled water filtration systems are listed below:
- Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Distiller: Pure water distiller is an excellent device that comes with a solid build and a fast distillation cycle (about 3.5 hours). It costs about $700 and is made from stainless steel (boiling chamber) and glass (storage tank). It can be a valuable addition to any kitchen.
- WaterWise 9000 Distiller: The WaterWise water distiller is a great choice for traveling. Its portable and shatterproof design makes it fit for camping. The price is also appealing (about $540). Also, this device produces 5 gallons of water each day. The activated carbon filter made from coconut shells removes any impurities that might resist the distillation process.
- Megahome MH943SWS Countertop Water Distiller: Another model produced by Megahome is the MH943SWS water distiller, a device that can produce up to 4 gallons per day. It costs $260 and uses steam distillation and carbon filters for filtration. Easy to use, this distiller is a good option for kitchen applications.
- H2o Labs Best-In-Class Stainless Steel Water Distiller: This easy-to-use water distiller can produce 1 gallon every five hours and matches most stainless steel kitchen appliances. It has included an activated carbon filter for volatile organic compounds removal, which requires replacement every 60 days or 60 gallons. And it has a reasonable price tag of $260.
- WaterWise 4000 Water Distiller: WaterWise 4000 water distiller also includes an activated charcoal filter to remove volatile organic compounds effectively. It costs about $360 and comes with a stainless steel and upgraded glass build. The output of the WaterWise 4000 distiller is around 1 gallon every four hours.
- Megahome MH943TWS Countertop Water Distiller: The Megahome water distiller is a cheaper alternative to other models as it costs about $230. Despite its low price, the distiller has top-notch features such as enameled stainless steel build and automatic shut-off function. Easy to use and maintain, the water distiller is perfect on any kitchen counter.
- ROVSUN Stainless Steel Countertop Water Distiller: The anti-rust stainless steel build of the Rovsun water distiller makes it perfect for any kitchen. It has an output of one gallon every 4 hours and due to the included activated carbon filters, the distilled water has no traces of volatile organic compounds. The price is also reasonable – $130.
- CO-Z Water Distiller: Maybe the most important thing about the CO-Z water distiller is that this stainless steel device is FDA approved for its water purification benefits. Due to the highly efficient heating element, this distiller can produce up to 6 gallons of water per day. The elegant design and high performance are available for $130.
- Mophorn Water Distiller: The Mophorn water distiller is another affordable device that provides around 6 gallons of water per day. For about $80, the customer gets a dry-burning resistant device capable of auto shutting off when the temperature reaches 239 degrees. Due to its features, the Mophorn water distiller is suitable for both residential and commercial use.
- GRAVI-STIL Non-Electric Water Distiller: This model functions as a water distiller and has water filtration capabilities also. It can filter 4 gallons of water every 4 hours, and it produces up to 20 gallons of distilled water per day. Due to its solid build and portable design, the Gravi-Stil model is perfect for emergencies. It includes an auto-fill function so it can run continuously. The price is $425.
What is the Advantage of Distilled Water Compared to Filtered Water?
Distilled water is similar to filtered water, the only difference is the method used. For distilled water, the water treatment process difference is that boiled water evaporates, leaving behind all contaminants.
Filtered water is obtained by flowing it through a filtering media that retains the most contaminants. Minerals and some microorganisms still pass through the filter, so the filtered water is not as pure as the distilled one.
Although minerals are beneficial for health, they contribute to kidney stone formation. Distilled water controls the overall mineral intake by removing these minerals. So when speaking of filtered water vs distilled water, the distilled product has a bland taste due to the lack of minerals and salts, and there is no odor either.
Overall, distilled water is an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. For consumption, though, filtered water is a better choice.