Cleaning & reusing your old water filter is a better option than replacing it with a new cartridge every month. The latter isn’t only more expensive, and it is also a burden on the environment.
However, if you’re who want to fully enjoy the benefits of a water filtration system, then you should regularly clean your water filter.
Also, read our latest blog post about Is Water is safe to drink in USA
Why You Should Clean Your Water Filter?
Just like toothbrush needs replacing after a few months to maintain its effectiveness, so does a water filter. Since the job of a water filter is to keep water fresh and free from all contaminants, so the cleaner the water filter, the better it will work.
Consequences of Not Cleaning Your Water Filter
If you don't clean your water filter, you'll eventually have to replace it. But that's not the only consequence of neglecting to clean your filter. A dirty water filter can cause all sorts of problems, from decreased water pressure to dirty water.
If you have a water filter, it's important to clean it on a regular basis. Neglecting to do so can lead to a number of problems. One of the most common issues is low water pressure.
When your filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict the flow of water, resulting in lower water pressure.
Another problem that can occur is dirty water. If your filter is clogged, it can't do its job of trapping contaminants. As a result, you may end up with dirty water. In some cases, a dirty water filter can also lead to leaks.
When water is unable to flow freely through the filter, it can cause the filter to leak. If you don't clean your water filter, you'll eventually have to replace it. A dirty filter can't be cleaned and will need to be replaced.
Replacing your water filter can be costly, so it's best to avoid the need to do so by cleaning your filter on a regular basis.
Cleaning of a Water Filter:
First of all, if and how you can clean your water filter depends on what type of filter you have. While some such as synthetic fibre pleated sediment filters can be cleaned well to restore filtration speed & effectiveness. However, other paper models are less suitable for this.
Moreover, you should also consider if the whole cleaning process is really worthy of your time? Otherwise, you should simply oppose to annual replacements that are going to cost $40-50 in total.
Furthermore, through the cleaning process, you won’t be able to all the bad impurities so replacing your old filter with a new one is the only thing that will eventually need to happen.
Although, bleach does an incredible job at eliminating disinfection, there is no guarantee that bacteria or any other harmful contaminants will not accumulate inside your water filter.
In simple words, if you’re going to use the water for drinking, then you should want to make sure that the filtration of your water filter is up to standards.
How To Clean A Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filter
Here is a step by step procedure on how to clean an RO filter.
1. First of all, the water needs draining from the filtration system & tank. Also, close the faucet attached to the system.
2. Now, remove both the pre-filter and RO membrane from the filtration system.
3. You can different cleaners to sanitize the filter, although the manufacturer of your filter should have a recommendation of which cleaner you should use.
4. Next, remove the build-up - this can be done by adding your cleaning solution directly to your pre-filter housing. After this, fully open the bypass faucet and let the water to run freely.
5. Also, wash the membrane with a cleaning solution too.
6. Lastly, when every component is cleaned & rinse, you can reassemble and start using it.
How To Clean Sediment Filters
If you’re on a private well with high iron content, or your city water contains high amounts of impurities, then cleaning your sediment filter (pre-filter) on regular basis is an excellent way to extend its lifespan. Below, we have discussed how you can do it:
1. First of all, you will need some type of acid. Oxalic or Muriatic acid will be fine.
2. Now, remove the filter housing, and take out the cartridge.
3. Next, put the O-ring aside.
4. Then, start rinsing the housing to get all the particles out.
5. Properly rinse off the filter. The more you get off through mechanical cleaning, the more effective your acid mixture is going to be.
6. Now, soak the housing with the cartridge inside of it in the acid solution for 20 mins.
7. Next, thoroughly rinse both components with plain water.
8. Lastly, put every component back together and let the filter dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my water filter?
It’s generally recommended that you clean your water filter every three months, or more often if you notice a decrease in water pressure or an increase in sediment in your water.
What’s the best way to clean my water filter?
There are a few different ways you can clean your water filter, but the most effective method is to soak it in a bleach and water solution. To clean your filter with bleach, mix one-part bleach with ten parts of water, and soak your filter in the solution for at least one hour.
After soaking, rinse your filter well with clean water to remove any residual bleach. If you’d prefer not to use bleach, you can also clean your filter by soaking it in vinegar for a few hours and then rinsing it well with clean water.
Can I clean my water filter with soap and water?
Soap and water can remove some dirt and sediment from your water filter, but they won’t sterilize it or remove all of the contaminants that can build up over time. For thorough cleaning, we recommend using bleach or vinegar.
Tips:
To extend the life of your water filter, clean it regularly and replace it every six months to a year, or as needed.
If your water filter is clogged and you can’t clean it, don’t use it! A clogged filter can actually make your water quality worse, so it’s important to replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
Warnings:
Never use a dirty or clogged water filter! Doing so can actually make your water quality worse.
When using bleach to clean your water filter, be sure to use a bleach that’s meant for household cleaning (such as chlorine bleach). Do not use industrial bleach, as this can be harmful.
When using vinegar to clean your water filter, be sure to use distilled white vinegar. Other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, may not be as effective.