Water filters remove a variety of harmful substances from the water. These can include chemicals, like fluoride and lead, and germs, such as cryptosporidium.
To change your filter, shut off your water supply (the valve that is usually closest to the fixture). Then, find the filter compartment and push or pull the tab to open it.
How to Replace Your Water Filter
When it comes time to change your water filter, ensure you have an empty bucket handy. This will help prevent water from spraying all over the floor as you turn off and on the valve. You will also need to disconnect any hoses connected to the filter. Then, you must screw off the casing and remove the filter.
After you remove the filter, look at it for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary. You will also need to clean the casing using warm water and kitchen soap. When you are done, you can screw the new filter back in and reattach the case. Be sure to re-screw the o-ring around the filter and use food-grade silicone grease to lubricate it.
When installing your new whole house filter, following the manufacturer’s instructions strictly is essential. The filtration system should be installed in line with the existing plumbing line before it branches off to other parts of your home. If you are unsure where to install it, consult a professional plumber.
Before installing your water filter, shut off your home’s water supply and drain it. Then, turn off the water valve at the top of your home. Next, turn off your main water feed valve by pushing the red pressure release knob.
Now, you can begin working on the installation process. Ensure you are comfortable working with pipes because cutting the wrong section of pipe could ruin your entire water system. You should also be prepared to work outside if needed.
Lastly, you must find the best place to mount your new filter. Most of the time, you can reuse the existing location and connections from your old filter. However, if needed, you can tee off a new branch in the water line for your filter.
When you are ready to install your new water filter, press and hold the red pressure-relief button as you open the INLET valve until it flows out. This will relieve the pressure in the filter housing and allow you to work on it without the risk of bursting.
Preparing to Replace Your Water Filter
One of the best ways to know when it’s time for a new water filter is to monitor your water’s total dissolved solids (TDS). This metric allows you to see when your filter is no longer effectively reducing impurities from the drinking water. A high TDS will indicate that your filter is clogged and it’s time to replace it.
Another indicator is a decrease in the water flow coming from your filter. This is a sign that the filter is getting worn out and not doing as much work as it used to or that you’ve gone over the recommended lifespan of the filter.
A final indication is when your water starts to taste unpleasant. While this could indicate other problems in your home, it’s usually best to change the filter and start fresh.
The first step is preparing to install your new filter. Before starting, shut off your system’s inlet and outlet valves to eliminate pressure. Then, place a bucket directly underneath the filter housing to catch the water. Use pliers to open the water-line connectors on each end of the filter — you may have to pinch or twist them open.
Next, remove the old filter and place it aside for disposal. Then, connect the new filter to the water lines by reversing the removal steps. Follow the directional arrow on the filter if it has one, as this will help ensure that you’re installing it correctly.
When you’re ready to begin the installation, consult the user manual for your particular model to determine how to set up a water filter. If you’re unsure how to do this, it’s a good idea to ask for advice from a local water expert or visit a water testing company to learn more about what’s in your drinking water. Once you know what contaminants are in your drinking water, choose a water filter type that can eliminate them.
Some water filters are multi-stage so that they can remove multiple contaminants in a single step. This is especially useful for people living in areas with hard drinking water or those with a private well and must deal with high levels of iron and other minerals.
Installing Your New Water Filter
The best water filters for your home depend on the contaminants you must address. You may need a whole house filter to treat impurities that affect your entire water supply, or you may be looking for an under sink or countertop water filter for specific issues, such as chlorine taste and odor in drinking water.
Whole house filters require more extensive plumbing and are usually installed near where the main pipe enters your home. They can be paired with water softeners for areas with hard water to improve the quality of your water.
If you’re looking for a simple filter to install under your sink, start by turning off the water. You’ll need to close the cold water shut-off valve under your sink, and you might want to open another fixture in a lower level of your home to allow all the water in your pipes to drain out. Then, mark the line where you plan to cut. You’ll need to remove a large enough section of pipe to accommodate two tees and a shut-off valve, so following your water filter’s installation guide is essential.
You’ll also need to decide whether to install the filter on the hot or cold water line. Some filters are designed to be mounted in the hot water line so you can use filtered hot water for cooking. If you mount your filter on the hot water line, install a shut-off valve near where the new filter will be connected so you can shut off the water for cleaning and maintenance.
Most under-sink water filters have a compression fitting that attaches to the plumbing beneath your sink. These can be tightened with a wrench, but most systems have an easy-to-use screw clamp that allows you to quickly and easily connect the tubing to the water supply line without tools. Before turning on the water, wrap Teflon plumber’s tape clockwise around any threaded connections to ensure a leak-proof seal.
Once your system is installed, please turn on the water to test it for any leaks. You can retighten the connections or replace the tubing if you find any leaks. After that, you’ll enjoy fresh, clean drinking and cooking water at your kitchen sink.
Cleaning Your New Water Filter
Water filters provide a variety of benefits to households. They reduce the number of plastic bottles used and extend the life of appliances like water heaters and refrigerators by reducing the build-up of sediments that can damage them and increase their energy consumption. Water filters also help reduce the harmful contaminants in drinking water, such as fluoride, arsenic, and chlorine.
Cleaning a water filter is an essential step in maintaining its effectiveness. A dirty filter can cause problems, from decreased water pressure to poor taste and filtration speed. To avoid these issues, cleaning your water filter regularly is essential. The most effective way is using a natural, non-toxic solution such as white distilled vinegar.
Unlike many other cleaning products, which often contain harsh chemicals, vinegar is all-natural and safe to use on your filter. It also works well on various filtration media, including anthracite, green sand, and ceramic. If you have a multi-stage water filter, it’s essential to understand the different chemistry of each stage in your system and how the vinegar will affect each. Fortunately, Blue Earth Products has developed a line of patent-pending formulas for every type of water filter and sediment deposit.
Cleaning a water filter can be as simple as soaking it in vinegar for a few minutes and then scrubbing away any debris or build-up with a scrub brush. You may even want to use a wire or nylon brush to remove any dirt or debris hiding inside the cracks and crevices in your water filter.
After scrubbing your water filter, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to ensure that you don’t leave any residue on the surface of your filter. Once your water filter is spotless, you can reinstall it and enjoy the fresh, healthy drinking water it will produce.
Cleaning a water filter doesn’t require much time or effort. It’s cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying plastic water bottles, and it will save you money over the long term by preventing your water filter from needing replacements as frequently. So why not try it and see how much better your drinking water will be?
