Water Filtration System Maintenance: Essential Tips and Guidelines

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Installing a home water filtration system is an excellent step toward ensuring clean and safe water for your household. However, to keep your water tasting fresh and your system working efficiently, regular maintenance is essential.

Basic Maintenance for Home Water Filtration Systems

The most effective way to ensure your faucet delivers filtered water is by routinely replacing the filter. Over time, filters trap sediments that build up rapidly, so it’s important to change them every six months. Using a filter beyond this period can allow sediments to bypass it, compromising water quality. For consistent safety, always replace your filter biannually.

Replacing an Under Sink Filter

Brands like EcoPure and Whirlpool have designed their under sink filtration units for easy filter replacement with enclosed filter technology. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Turn the old filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn to unlock it.
  • Pull the filter out gently.
  • Insert the new filter by twisting it clockwise into place.
  • Replace the system’s battery to keep indicator lights functioning correctly.
  • For reverse osmosis systems, flush the tank by running water for a couple of hours after filter replacement.

Membranes in reverse osmosis systems should also be replaced every two years, following the same procedure. If you have questions regarding your specific model, our owner’s manuals page provides detailed operation guides.

Changing Filters in Open Sump Whole Home Systems

Open sump systems, which can use either large or standard capacity filters, have a slightly different replacement process:

  1. Turn off the water supply.
  2. Unscrew the housing and remove the used filter.
  3. Clean the housing with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
  4. Install the new filter and reassemble the housing.
  5. Turn the water supply back on.

After installing a new whole home filter, it’s important to purge the system by running water for at least five minutes to clear any loose materials. For additional troubleshooting, visit our owner’s manuals page.

Whole Home Water Filtration System Care

Whirlpool Central Water Filtration systems require minimal upkeep. Their internal filters self-clean every 14 days by flushing and draining automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Preparing Your System Before Leaving on Vacation

If you plan to leave your home unused for over a month, take these precautions:

  • Shut off the main water supply to prevent new water from entering the filtration unit.
  • Disable the Clean Rinse function to avoid recirculating the same water every two weeks.
  • Upon return, manually run two filtration cycles to refresh the system.
  • Alternatively, unplug the system and drain any remaining water, especially if freezing temperatures are expected.

Preventing Freezing Damage in Water Filtration Systems

In locations such as seasonal cabins, freezing water inside the filtration system poses a risk. Draining the system properly is crucial to prevent damage. Due to its weight, it’s advisable to have two or more people assist when draining the unit to avoid accidents.

Step-by-Step Draining Instructions:

  • Close the shut-off valve on the main water line.
  • Open a faucet to relieve pressure.
  • Set the bypass valve to bypass mode, close inlet and outlet valves in a three-valve setup, then open the bypass valve.
  • Unplug the unit, remove the cover, and detach the drain hose.
  • Remove the clips holding the inlet and outlet, then separate the system from the bypass valve.
  • Place a sturdy piece of wood (at least 2 inches thick) near the floor drain.
  • Carefully tilt the system so the rim rests on the wood, aligning inlet and outlet over the drain—avoid putting the system’s weight on these connections.
  • Tip the system slightly to allow water to drain completely.

Leave the unit in a horizontal position on the wood until you are ready to reinstall it. When returning, position the system upright, secure all wiring, and reconnect the power. The unit will perform an automatic Clean Rinse cycle before resuming normal operation.

Maintaining your water filtration system with these guidelines will extend its lifespan and ensure continuous access to clean water. For more detailed advice and manuals tailored to your system, visit our owner’s manuals page.

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