Flow and pitcher filters allow you to get clean drinking water anytime. However, do not forget about their maintenance. Consumables—cartridges—need to be changed regularly. In the case of a pitcher filter, you need to clean the inside of the plaque. How do you do all this so you do not get late when replacing the cartridges? Details are in our material.
When to change cartridges
A change in the water’s taste, colour, or smell usually indicates obvious contamination of the cartridges. It is worth paying attention to what the filter element itself looks like. Most filters have an opaque flask, so you must disassemble the structure. A pronounced red, brown, or rusty colour of the cartridge is a clear sign that it is time for a filter replacement with the help of a cheap RO repair service.
The packaging indicates the cartridge resource in litres, for example, up to 7,000 litres. Calculating how much water has already been used at home is difficult. Therefore, it is easier to focus on time frames. For example, some cartridges may last up to 18 months, regardless of operating conditions.
In reality, the deadline is the most optimistic scenario. The resource will be used two to three times faster if you have a large family.
Cartridges for pitcher filters will need to be changed even more often. Some filter manufacturers have unique calculators that calculate the cartridge’s service life based on the number of people in the family and other factors.
Which cartridge to choose for replacement
There are dozens of different cartridges available in stores. But which do you need? The best option is cartridges from the filter manufacturer itself, which will eliminate compatibility issues.
With a pitcher filter, everything is quite simple – only one cartridge exists. It performs multi-level purification simultaneously – from chlorine, iron, bacteria, etc. All this information can be found in the documentation.
However, flow-through models have up to three replaceable cartridges. They can be purchased as a set or separately. Compatible filter models are usually indicated in the technical parameters. You should pay attention to this first.
Replacing the cartridge in the flow filter
Usually, replacing all the stages takes up to 15 minutes. Step one is to turn off the water and open the tap to release the remaining pressure. There will still be a small amount of water left in the flasks. Before dismantling, it is worth placing a container under the filter. If the structure hangs in a tight place under the sink, it is better to remove it. Working with the filter in an open space is much more convenient. Be sure to pay attention to how the water supply pipes are connected.
Step two: Unscrew the flask. It isn’t easy to do this manually, so we recommend using a unique key in the kit. If necessary, you can buy it separately. Note that many flasks are unscrewed clockwise. The remaining water can be drained into the sink, and the old filter element can be thrown away.
The walls of the flask must be thoroughly washed. You can use a solution of citric acid, vinegar, or a regular dishwashing detergent. The main thing is to rinse everything thoroughly with clean water at the end.
Conclusions
The dirtier the water and the higher the intensity of filter use, the more often you will have to change the cartridges. If you filter water quite rarely, do not forget about the maximum service life of the cartridge—all the necessary information can be found in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website. Replacing cartridges is not tricky—hire any RO service near me. The main thing is not to forget to flush and check the tightness of all units.
