Water Filters - Run from standard kitchen mixer tap?

[Sir_Stinkalot]

Hi All,

I am currently running an inline cation resin filter (for the coffee machine) and a twin system filter set to filter the water which is all delivered at low pressure through the second standard filtered water tap next to the regular kitchen mixer. The twin system is those large canister style that are a bit of a pain to replace (but not too bad at once a year).

We are about to embark on a new extension which will include a new kitchen. As its time to replace my current filters I thought it would be a good time to investigate updating for the new kitchen layout. As part of getting a more contemporary kitchen I was hoping to be able to find a system where I could deliver the filtered (and softened) water necessary for the coffee machine through a standard kitchen mixer to avoid having to clutter the bench with the second filtered water tap. The standard mixer tap I will be getting is the Caroma Liano (WELS 4 star rated, 7.5L/min).

I contacted the supplier of my existing filters (a highly recommended supplier through the CoffeeSnobs forums) and they have put forward two recommendations for "high flow" options, being:
1. Everpure 2CB-GW Filter
2. 3M HF15-MS

Digging a little deeper I am concerned that either of these two options would work effectively with a standard kitchen mixer. Based on the specs on one site I have found the Everpure has a Maximum Flow of 1.9 Lpm and the 3M flow rate = 3.8 Litre per minute. Given the Caroma Liano standard sink mixer is rated at 7.5L/min, I am concerned that these two recommendations would be too restrictive in terms of flow and would just be a trickle out of the mixer which would limit its use as the standard kitchen tap.

If this is true there are a few other options that have higher flow rates:
Everpure 4CB5-S Flow = 6.3 lpm
Everpure 4FC-S Flow = 9.5 lpm

I understand that the Brita C150 is a popular solution, but this would require the second tap which is what I am trying to avoid.
Before I jump into replacing the system I thought I would ask if anybody else has done something similar and can offer recommendations. I understand that having the filter running through the standard mixer would shorten the life of the filters but I would be happy to replace them more regularly if I can get away with not needing the second filter tap.

Hopefully my requirements and concerns are clear. Any comments would be appreciated.

Cheers

Michael

[sprezzatura]

I run a Brita C50 from mains to mixer and we turn the cold on half-way to fill the kettle or the reservoir on the Rancilio. I replace it every 2 months. The drinking water tastes better and no scale in the kettle. The water is pretty hard here.

[sprezzatura]

The C50 is easy to swap out and you don't have to shut off the main to change filters.

[jbrewster]

I understand that the Brita C150 is a popular solution, but this would require the second tap which is what I am trying to avoid.

Considered upgrading to a machine that can be plumbed in? That would eliminate the need for a second tap.

You can also get, I suppose they'd be called "three-way" mixers, with your traditional hot/cold and also a filtered outlet, in a pretty standard kitchen mixer format which would also eliminate the need for a second tap.

[Sir_Stinkalot]

I run a Brita C50 from mains to mixer and we turn the cold on half-way to fill the kettle or the reservoir on the Rancilio. I replace it every 2 months. The drinking water tastes better and no scale in the kettle. The water is pretty hard here.

The C50 is easy to swap out and you don't have to shut off the main to change filters.

Thanks .... so when you mention that you only turn the cold on half-way is this because it is the maximum flow through the filter? How does it go for washing veggies and the other standard kitchen tasks?
I will look at the C50 more closely - there are so many variations with minimal specifications its difficult to work out what does what. Isn't the C50 just the smaller capacity filter than the C150 and if so why wouldn't you spend the additional $20 to increase from Capacity: 1,386 Litres to Capacity: 3,476 Litres?

If I was going down the Everpure route they also have the QL3B water filter head with isolation shut off valve which would be what I would go for.

Considered upgrading to a machine that can be plumbed in? That would eliminate the need for a second tap.

You can also get, I suppose they'd be called "three-way" mixers, with your traditional hot/cold and also a filtered outlet, in a pretty standard kitchen mixer format which would also eliminate the need for a second tap.

Unfortunately I am not looking at upgrading the machine. I am happy enough with what I have and don't have too much of an issue having to fill it up. The other issue is that it would require running additional plumbing to where the machine is going to be located which is just driving up the costs of the extension further!

I have had a look at some of the single mixers that have the separate handle for the filtered water option. The problem is they are not particularly stylish and I would rather go the separate tap if push comes to shove.

[sprezzatura]

More to save the filter I guess. We run hot water into the sink for washing up but I try to run full cold a bit slower so the filter can process the water more effectively. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it. You'll need 1/2" to 3/8" BSB reducers as most plumbing utilises 1/2" fittings. Or, a female 3/8" to male 1/2" if the mixer supply line is long enough to reach the filter. The C50's head has the inlet and outlet on the same side which is either great or infuriating depending on how much space you have under the counter.

[Dimal]

Given anything like this a thought?

There's a couple of variations on the theme but would seem to offer you a very neat way to solve your preference...

Mal.

[Sir_Stinkalot]

I just happened to be at Bunnings today and saw one of the Brita 3 way filter taps on display. Whilst the concept is cleaver I found it all a little too bulky for my like. It was a little like a commercial fire hose reel. Some further research on the C150 last night indicated that it can handle something like 60l/hr so that would give 10l/min which would seem to fit in with a standard mixer flow patten.

The other reason for not plumbing the machine is that we still need something to deal with the quality of Adelaide's water for general drinking!

[Javaphile]

Some further research on the C150 last night indicated that it can handle something like 60l/hr so that would give 10l/min which would seem to fit in with a standard mixer flow patten.

Uuummmm....60l/hr=1l/min, not 10l/min.


Java "Math 'R Us" phile

[Sir_Stinkalot]

Yes .... that is correct. I didn't really do the sums again before posting. I did look at something last night and thought it came in at 10l/min ..... I might need to try and find that information again!

Yep it is rated at 1l/min (60l/hr): It was late last night and I should have double checked my facts.

[coffee_mum]

Have a look at Aquaport 3 way taps from Bunnies, there are a Goose neck (no water delivery rate shown) & a 45deg (7L per min) in the range. I' m putting the goose neck on the pantry sink and will pair it with a C150 filter, which will eventually connect to a plumbed in machine.

(Uncle Gerry has the Brita 90deg & 45deg ones ($100 off at my local store)

[Sir_Stinkalot]

Thanks for the replies to date. I have just purchased the kitchen mixer so any of the 3 way taps are now out. So it's either a separate filter water tap or plumbing it into the main mixer.

Sprezzatura has given me the confidence that perhaps the C50 or C150 might be worth a try. If I can't get it to work I could modify it back to the separate filter tap I have already.

I am a little surprised however that everybody raves on about the importance of filtered water but not many people are willing to share their setups.

Cheers

Michael

[sprezzatura]

Here's a couple images of my C50 Please note cold water mod from 1/2 to 1/2 modified to 1/2 to 3/8 BSB in the middle. This braided line goes to the C50

Cheers!

[Sir_Stinkalot]

Thanks sprezzatura ..... so it appears that it can be done which is good to know. I might head down this path as the worst case scenario is I use the C50 with a standard filtered water tap.