Dec 04 , 2017

Inline Water Filter Maintenance Tips to Know

Inline water filters are a great choice for any application where you want fresh, clean water on-demand. These filters connect directly to a water supply line, so they’re typically installed beneath the sink. However, since they can be used with almost any water line, they’re also commonly installed behind refrigerators, as well as in vending machines, commercial coffee pots, drinking fountains, water coolers, and other applications where filtered water is desired.

Oftentimes, inline water filter cartridges are used as a reverse osmosis inline post filter for an extra layer of purification in the final step. The filters attach to the membrane housing and filter water after the bladder tank, which acts as a polishing filter.

Many people prefer this type of filter because it saves space, but also because it transforms a wide variety of appliances into vessels for purified water anywhere. But like any appliance in your home, inline water filters require some periodic maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape.

Water Filters Fast is always on hand to help you find the right inline water filters for your home or business. Not only can we assist with choosing products, but we’re also happy to provide information on how to keep your filters in play for longer, effectively saving you time and money in the long-run. Here’s how to keep your home or business’ inline water filters operating at their best for years to come.

Replace the Filter — Just like any kind of water filter, your inline filters should be changed every six months to ensure that the most contaminates are properly filtered out of the water. Most of these units use activated carbon to filter out water, which can become clogged and lose its ability to attract particles with regular use.

 

 

If you’ve noticed that your water has a strong taste or odor, it’s time to replace the filter. In the case of a reverse osmosis system, your inline water filter (often called the polishing filter) should be replaced every 12 months, alongside the sediment filter and carbon filter.

 

 

Test Your Water — We always recommend investing in a low-cost water test kit so that you can effortlessly assess what’s going on with your water. These kits allow you to easily and quickly test water for hardness, pH level, concentration of disinfectants, and other unwanted low-range ions.

Test your water once every few months to make sure that your inline filter system is working at its peak. If you notice an undesirable amount of a certain particle in the results, then it’s time to replace filters and parts.

Replace the Water Filter Head — These types of filters use a filter head that connects to the cartridge via specialized fittings and threads that keep the cartridge secure. If you’ve noticed that your water filter appears loose or if it leaks during filter changes, then you can purchase a replacement inline water filter head so you don’t have to replace the entire unit. Other parts are available to address other common issues.

Reference the Manual — Your inline water filter manual should always be your go-to resource when it comes to everything from changing the filter to replacing parts. If your specific concern isn’t addressed in the manual, always contact the filter manufacturer for specific advice and troubleshooting.

 

 

Clean the Internal Parts — Annually cleaning and sanitizing the unit is important when you’re dealing with reverse osmosis water filtration systems. These systems are excellent at purifying dirty water, but they’re more complex and have more parts than other types of water filters.

That means they’ll occasionally become dirty, compromising the taste and smell of your water. You can sanitize your reverse osmosis filter by removing the filters and membrane and cleaning the inside parts with a cup of hydrogen peroxide, which should be poured into the stage one housing.

Clean the Housing — In addition to deeply cleaning the internal components of your filter, you should also make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the housing once a year. You can hand-wash these components using warm, soapy water or hydrogen peroxide.

Experts also recommend occasionally lubricating the canister’s O-ring using a food-grade, silicone grease once per year. This will help ensure that your filter canisters are easy to remove when it comes time to change the filter.