3, 5 & 7 Stage Water Filter Arrangement Explained
The main difference between the 3, 4, 5, and 7 stages of filtration is how effectively they remove various water contaminants.
Currently, the main difference we are seeing is:
- 3 stage water filtration is for basic needs
- 4-Stage System dissolves solids
- 5-Stage System adds essential minerals abc to the water
- 7-Stage water filtration arrangements purify heavily polluted water
| Check out Why Regular Water Testing Matters for NJ Homes. |
Each stage works differently toward the problem. Expecting a three-stage filtration system to work on heavy metals is foolish. Any heavily polluted water needs more filtration stages than just three.
We often take water for granted. Something we should not overlook. For people in New Jersey, it isn’t. The water quality there is questionable.
Over 52% of residents are always worried about the water they drink.
Stages of Water Filtration
You can say steps closer to pure water.
Water filtration means it will filter the water you have daily. It will clear out or “filter out” all the impurities from the water.
Each stage removes a specific amount of contamination. Whether you are drinking the water or doing the dishes, they remove contaminants.
Based on the stages, the filtration systems come in various types. Each one has its own method of filtering water. While many of them have similar steps, there are some differences.
|
Stages of Water Filtration |
Purpose |
Method |
Common Filters |
|
Sediment Filtration |
Removes large particles like sand, dirt, and rust |
A physical barrier, often made of mesh or fibers, traps these particles |
Sediment filters, pre-filters |
|
Carbon Filtration |
Removes chlorine, chloramine, and other organic compounds |
Activated carbon absorbs these impurities |
Carbon block filters granular activated carbon (GAC) filters |
|
Reverse Osmosis (RO) |
Isolate dissolved solids. Minerals, heavy metals, and bacteria get strained out. |
Water molecules flow through a semipermeable membrane. |
RO membranes |
|
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection |
Vanishes bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. |
UV light damages the DNA of organisms. |
UV sterilizers |
|
Post-Filtration |
Improves the taste and clarity of the water |
Include additional carbon filters, remineralization filters, or other specialized filters. |
Carbon filters, alkaline filters. |
Relatable Reads: Why Choose Reverse Osmosis (RO) for Your Drinking Water in New Jersey?
What is a 3-stage Water Filtration System?
As the name suggests, the 3-stage water filtration system serves three specific functions in the filtration process. This filtration system is a common household solution.
It improves the quality of tap water by removing impurities. This three-stage water filter arrangement is beneficial for homes with municipal supplies.
It mainly focuses on the following:
- Physical filtration
- Chemical filtration
-
Biological filtration
Let’s see how it filters the water, basically the components and functions:
|
Stages |
Purpose |
How it works |
|
Sediment Filter |
Removes larger particles like sand, rust, and dirt |
This initial stage captures larger particles using a PP cotton or stainless steel mesh filter. |
|
Carbon Block Filter |
Reduces chlorine, chloramine, and odor |
This middle filter uses activated carbon and ultrafiltration membranes to absorb odors and impurities. |
|
Post-Carbon Filter |
Polishes the final stage and removes heavy metals and other impurities. |
It uses reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration membranes to filter out bacteria, viruses, and heavy metal ions. |
Best for:
- Homes with municipal water supply
- Improving the taste and odor of tap water
- Reducing sediment and chlorine
- Easily manageable
- Extended filter life
What is a 4-stage Water Filtration System?
One stage ahead.
The 4-stage water filtration system for the advanced filtration solution. Here, you are getting a higher level of purification. This one adds more layers to deal with higher contamination.
So, what are you receiving?
No TDS (total dissolved solids), No Rust, and no more harmful contaminants.
Let’s see how the 4 stage filtration system happens:
|
Stages |
Purpose |
How it works |
|
Sediment Filter |
Remove dirt, silt, and rust |
Catches larger particles and protects sensitive filters in the system |
|
Carbon Block Filter |
Block chlorine, chemical contaminants, taste, and odor |
Absorbs a wide range of impurities and protects RO membrane |
|
Reverse Osmosis Membrane |
Take out TDS, such as salts, heavy metals, arsenic, lead, parasitic cysts, and copper. |
The membrane weakens particles under 0.0005 microns to combat TDS. |
|
Color Changing Resin Deionization Filter |
Enhances the taste and residual odors |
The DI filter removes the remaining TDS. The resin absorbs TDS and changes color from blue to amber. |
Best for:
- Regions with higher contamination levels
- To protect from higher TDS and heavy metals
- Overall quality and taste of drinking water
What is a 5-Stage Filtration System?
Nothing better than having premium drinking water quality.
That’s what 5-stage filtration will ensure. The five steps to filtering your water address almost all types of water contamination. The best part is it won’t just clear out the water; it will reintroduce essential minerals. It is quite a win-win situation indeed.
The 5-stage water filter arrangement combat:
- Sediment
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Mineral salts
- Chlorine
- Fluorine
Time to check out the five filters in one unit:
|
Stages |
Purpose |
How it works |
|
Micron Polypropylene Sediment filter |
Remove any solid sediment that is above 5 microns in size |
It clears the water before it reaches the more sensitive filters. |
|
Carbon Block Filter |
Fights with pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
The activated carbon absorbs the contaminants. It stops oils from clogging the membrane. |
|
Reverse Osmosis Membrane |
Starin TDS, arsenic, lead, sodium, and other dissolved contaminants |
Water passes through the membrane to leave all the pollution behind. |
|
Remineralization Filter |
Add minerals such as calcium and magnesium back into the water |
This filter remineralizes the water using natural mineral stones or cartridges. |
|
Post-Carbon Filter |
Removes any residual odors or tastes from earlier stages |
Clear water flows from the faucet when the tank is pressurized. |
Best for:
- Getting rid of bottled water
- Take care of your health
- Separates out larger sediments and dissolved minerals
- Maintains a balanced profile similar to spring water
- Enriched with minerals
Advanced: 7-Stage Filtration System
The more, the better!
After going through the seven stages of filtration, the water will undoubtedly be free of contamination. This long process delivers what your family needs.
Safe drinking water checked, quality water checked, safety checked! What more do you need? This 7-stage filtration system provides the purest water possible. The entire purification technology is outstanding.
|
Stages |
Purpose |
How it works |
|
Sediment Filters |
Remove odor, separate choline, and heavy metals |
Initial filtration to remove the larger particular from going inside the next stage |
|
Carbon Water Filter |
Clears out any additional color, odor, heavy metals |
Activated carbon filters out the contaminants |
|
Reverse Osmosis Membrane |
Isolate micro impurities, colloid, heavy metals, soluble solids, bacteria |
It acts as a barrier and passes through the water's semi-permeable membrane to trap impurities. |
|
TCR filter |
To remove any organic contamination, if any are left |
Total Contaminant Removal (TCR) catches the impurities that manage to escape the RO process. |
|
UV Filter |
Kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms |
This stage effectively neutralized without altering the water’s chemical composition. |
|
Remineralization Filter |
Infuse essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium |
Restore mineral balance by including mineral stones or cartridges. |
|
Post-Carbon Filter |
The final touch to clean the water |
This additional carbon step ready the water to drink. |
Best for:
- Removing viruses and bacteria
- Eliminating harmful microorganisms
- Any source of water
- Making the water taste far better
- Removes stale odor from water
- Addressing industrial pollutants
- Handling the complexities of treating water
Benefits of Each Filtration System
How about we take a glance at what these 3, 4, 5, and 7-stage water filtration systems bring to your faucet or glasses?
|
Stages of Filtration System |
Benefits |
|
3-Stage System |
|
|
4-Stage System |
|
|
5-Stage System |
|
|
7-Stage System |
|
So, what have we got from here? We understand:
- The more stages, the more effective the filtration.
- Every added stage reduces contaminants.
- 3-stage systems are suitable for basic needs.
- 7-stage systems are for the most demanding water quality requirements.
- Specific water quality needs particular solutions.
3-Stage vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which is Better?
You will often hear two names when it comes to home water filtration. 3-stage systems and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.
These two are currently buyers' first choice for their families. Both work fine to clear water. However, these popular options also have limitations and benefits. If you're unsure which filtration system to choose, review our options closely.
3-Stage Filtration: Cost-Effective Solution
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
|
Reverse Osmosis: Superior Contaminant Removal
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
|
Choosing the Right System
Now, the choice is yours.
There is no double-guessing. The best choice is the one that meets all your requirements. Your job is to identify what contaminants are in your water. If you want, you can take advantage of our free water testing consultations.
Between 3-stage filtration segments and reverse osmosis, you can pick like this:
- If your water is somewhat close to clean, then a 3-stage water filtration system.
- If you have concerns about specific contaminants, RO systems are all you need.
- If you want the highest water purity level, a 7-stage water filtration system will give you the best service.
Find the Perfect Water Filtration System for Your Home!
Not sure if you need a 3-stage, 5-stage, or 7-stage water filtration system? The right choice depends on your water quality, contaminants, and filtration needs. Let the experts at NJ Water Systems help you choose and install the best system for pure, safe, and great-tasting water. Schedule a free consultation today!
📍 Visit us or book your free water test now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 stages of filtration?
The four stages of filtration are sediment filtration, carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and color-changing resin deionization filter.
What is a 5-stage filtration system?
A 5-stage filtration system includes a pre-sediment filter, carbon block filter, reverse osmosis membrane, remineralization filter, and post-carbon filter.
What is a three-stage filtration system?
The 3-stage filtration system removes sediment and improves the taste and odor of water.
What are the 5 steps of filtration?
The five steps of filtration are sediment filtration, carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, remineralization filter, and post-filtration.