Crystal clear water running from the central water supply system is the utopian dream of all the inhabitants of our planet. In order not to poison their body with impurities of heavy metals, other harmful compounds and microorganisms, many resort to the use of filtered water. There are quite a few varieties of filters, but the principle of operation is similar for most of the designs. That is why the question of how often to change the water filter is a common one for all users.
Replacement frequency
Cartridge in the filter any type, from a jug to any flow model, needs to be replaced. The answer to the question of how often to change the water filter will depend on the type of filter system, the manufacturer's recommendations, and the quality of the liquid coming from the water supply for cleaning.
Why is cartridge replacement so important?
- A dirty filter element carries out the cleaning process much more slowly.
- The quality of the water leaving the filter is deteriorating.
- The accumulated dirt can pose a threat to your health.
- When it comes to reverse osmosis, the membrane may be damaged.
It is impossible to visually determine when pitcher-type water filters need to be replaced. That is why such devices are initially equipped with devices for manually setting the replacement date. Depending on the type of filter and on how many liters the replacement element is designed for, it should be done every 1-2 months. Or more often, if scale begins to appear on the kettle, and the liquid itself has an unpleasant aftertaste.
V multi-stage water filter the primary cleaning cartridge is changed every 60 days, and the second and third levels - every 6 months. The membranes in reverse osmosis filters last for 2-3 years.
In any case, the packaging of cartridges of any type, whether it is a simple jug or a more complex multi-stage filter, indicates how often the change procedure is required, try to rely on this information.
If you are not sure about your own memory, we recommend that you make a table with a water filter cartridge replacement schedule and hang it in a prominent place.
What you need for self-replacement
Most often, a company that sells filtration devices takes its customers “on a pencil”, its representatives themselves call and remind that it is time to service water filters. Specialists come to you, perform all the required manipulations, if necessary, repair the filter, leave a completed work completion certificate form, which serves as confirmation of warranty obligations for the service provided.
Naturally, this procedure is not free, and situations when the masters are not available for any reason are quite common. Therefore, knowing how to replace the cartridge yourself will not be superfluous for anyone.
Before you start learning how to install, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials:
- A special key that should have remained after the installation of the filter.
- A directly replaceable filter cartridge or set of cartridges, which should be purchased at specialized points of sale so as not to get a cheap fake of poor quality.
- Food grade silicone grease for O-rings.
Advice. Before going to the store for a new cartridge, we recommend that you first take a picture of the label of the device. Such an example will facilitate the correct selection.
Replacing the Inline Cleaning System Cartridge
Such systems most often consist of three standard filters.Initially, water passes through a mechanical cleaner (far right). In the center is a granular carbon filter, and on the left is a briquetted filter made of coconut activated carbon.
During replacement, do not confuse the filters in places, because they have the same shape, and before installing, be sure to remove the protective films, otherwise the water supply to the filter elements will be cut off.
How to change cartridges, consider the example of the Atoll D-31 STD flow-through drinking filter:
- Shut off the water supply to the system.
- You can make your work easier by opening the clean water supply faucet. So you will slightly bring down the pressure in the system.
- Using the key that comes with the kit, unscrew the flask.
- We remove the old cartridges from each flask. Make sure that you have a container on hand in which you can quickly transfer them. Otherwise, you can soak the floor around.
- We wash the flasks, pour out the remaining water from them. We carry out this procedure without the use of household chemicals.
- It is also advisable to rinse the rubber seals on the filter flask and lubricate with silicone grease.
- We place a new replaceable element in a clean flask, fill it with pre-prepared water, so the air bubbles in it will not damage the membrane.
For the Atoll D-31 STD, the filters are arranged in the following order (from right to left):
- Pentek P5 module (polypropylene) for water purification from mechanical impurities. It is highly resistant to bacteria and chemicals. Detains particles larger than 5 microns;
- The Pentek GAC10 module (granular activated carbon) is designed to eliminate mechanical, organic and organochlorine impurities. Detains particles larger than 20 microns.
- The Pentek EPM-10 module (pressed activated carbon) is designed to eliminate mechanical impurities. Detains particles larger than 10 microns in size. Improved chlorine removal performance.
After installing the filter elements, we continue the installation:
- We twist the flasks by hand.
- We check the tightness of the system by opening the tap for supplying tap water to the system and making sure that water does not leak out.
- We drain the water for about 10 minutes to wash out possible residues of coal dust and particles on new cartridges.
The replaced element does not contain harmful components and impurities, is not subject to special disposal, it can only be used as a sample for the purchase of a new cartridge.
As you can see, the replacement procedure should not cause any difficulties and complications. And having mastered this simple science, you will be able to significantly save on the work of specialists and provide your home with clean, high-quality water.
