A reliable and experienced supplier will guide you through the choices and make a good purchase. But in order to receive the best guidance, you must ask the correct questions.
1. What Purification Technology is Best for My Source Water?
Not all purification technology can be used on all kinds of water. Whether your water is soft or hard, and whether or not your water is contaminated with heavy metals such as lead or arsenic, are questions to consider when deciding which purification technology to use.
Ask:
• “Is my water hard or soft?”
• “Does my water have heavy metals such as lead or arsenic?”
• “Should I opt for RO, UV, UF, or an amalgamation?”
Your trustworthy supplier will write you a prescription for the right one based on water test reports or your geographic location, rather than selling you a plug-and-play unit.
2. Do You Test My Water Quality Before You Recommend a Product?
Water quality differs even within the same urban city. Trustworthy suppliers will conduct free or charge-for water analysis to determine Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH content, and impurities in your water.
Why it matters: A purifier that is more powerful than needed for low-TDS water will strip good minerals, and a very weak one will not offer sufficient protection.
3. Is the Product Certified and Tested by Authorised Bodies?
Inquire if the water purifier is certified by organizations like:
• NSF International
• WQA (Water Quality Association)
• ISI/BIS (in India)
These certifications ensure that the product has reached established health and safety standards.
Inquire:
“Is this model certified to remove bacteria, virus, and heavy metals?”
“Can I see proof of certification?”
4. What is the Maintenance Schedule and Cost?
All purifiers must be maintained at intervals like replacing filters, replacing UV lamps, and interval servicing.
Inquire
• “How often must filters be replaced?”
• “How expensive is replacement of parts?”
• “Do service plans or AMCs are available?”
Having an idea of long-term maintenance cost prepares you and keeps you away from surprise costs.
5. What is Coverage under Warranty?
Warranties provide assurance of peace of mind against technical failure and manufacturing defects. Always request some information regarding the policy of warranty.
Request:
• “How long is the product and its parts’ warranty?”
• “What is included in the warranty—motor, filter, electrical parts?”
• “Is on-site service included in the warranty?”
Also, make sure you receive a warranty card or receipt to serve as proof of purchase.
6. Do You Provide Authorized Installation Services?
Defective installation will lead to leakage, breakdown, or even destruction of the purifier. Ask if the supplier is certified for installers.
Ask:
• “Is installation included in the cost?”
• “Will it be name-brand or third-party expert?”
• “Will you verify pressure ratings or plumbing compatibility?”
Proper installation is the secret to safety and performance—and keeps the warranty in effect.
7. Are You an Authorized Dealer for This Brand?
Purchasing from a certified dealer guarantees that you get authentic products, brand-approved service, and legitimate guarantees.
Ask:
• “Are you an authorized dealer or retail partner for the brand?”
• “May I check your dealership status on the company website?”
Be careful for prices that are too low—that’s usually from unauthorized or grey market sellers.
8. Are Spare Parts and Filters Easily Available?
It’s difficult for most customers to locate spare parts for discontinued models or brands.
Ask:
• “How easy are filters and spare parts available in your area or online?”
• “Are the parts original or compatible?”
• “Do you carry parts for this model?”
Purchasing a product with hard-to-find parts is frustrating and expensive in the long run.
9. Can You Provide Me with a Demo or Product Comparison?
If you can’t choose between versions, an on-the-spot demo or side-by-side comparison would enable complete appreciation of the difference in features, performance, and useability.
Ask:
• “Can you provide me with a demonstration of how this version operates?”
• “What is the difference between these two versions?”
• “Which one consumes more power or is suitable for big families?”
Observing a product in action can help you better imagine its positioning in your life and home.
10. Do You Provide AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) Plans?
AMC plans will get your purifier maintained regularly at a pre-agreed cost per year, typically with priority service and spares concession.
• “What includes the AMC plan?”
• “How much does it cost per annum?”
• “Is it compulsory or voluntary?”
A good AMC plan will prove to be cost-effective in the long run by saving you time, money, and troubles.
11. What Are the Wastage Ratings of Water and Electricity?
particularly for RO systems, wastage of electricity and water is a matter of importance.
Ask:
• “How much water is wasted per liter of filtered water?”
• “Is this an energy-saving model?”
“Does it have water-saving or recycling?”There are environmentally friendly designs in today’s market and must be considered when making the decision.
12. What After-Sales Support Do You Offer?
Water purifiers are an investment for the long term, and timely customer support in the event of a breakdown is essential.
Ask:
• “Who do I call for assistance or grievances?”
• “Do you have on-site repairing?”
• “What is the turnaround time for a call for maintenance?”
Excellent after-sales service does make the difference between an excellent supplier and a mediocre one.