This guide covers How to Care for Your Water Filtration Setup to ensure proper maintenance of your home water filtration system. With contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals potentially present in your water source, having a filtration system is essential. However, only by following the care and maintenance steps outlined in this guide will your system continuously provide clean, healthy water. Proper maintenance extends the life of your filters and system. For all your water treatment needs in Port St. Lucie, contact Eastern Water and Health. Our experts can inspect your current system and ensure it’s performing optimally.
How to Care for Your Water Filtration Setup
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Home
When it comes to choosing a home water filtration system, there are a few main factors to consider like the size of your home, your budget, and the quality of your local water source. Two popular options are whole-home systems versus under-the-sink systems. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide:
- Whole Home Systems: As the name suggests, whole home systems filter all the water entering your entire home. They work by installing the central unit near your water meter and then running tubing throughout your home. This provides clean water to all your taps like the kitchen sink, shower, etc.
Pros: You get filtration for your whole home with just one system. No need to clutter your kitchen with multiple pitchers. They also allow for bigger filter cartridges which can last 6-12 months before replacement.
Cons: Professional installation is required which means a bigger upfront cost. Maintenance like replacing filters also requires accessing the main unit which may not be convenient.
- Under-Sink Systems: Under-sink systems filter water only for your kitchen sink. They’re mounted under the sink with a separate faucet or dual faucet unit for filtered vs. unfiltered water.
Pros: Easier DIY installation keeps the costs down. Maintenance like filter replacements are simple to access under the sink. A great option for renters or small homes.
Cons: You only get clean water from one faucet. Additional filters or pitchers are needed for other water uses. Replacing smaller cartridges more often can be an ongoing expense.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems vs. Other Options: Reverse osmosis systems take water filtration to the next level, able to remove over 90% of all contaminants, going beyond basic sediment and carbon filtration. They work by utilizing an RO membrane that only allows water molecules to pass through, rejecting other particles.
Pros: Compared to other options like faucet filters or water softeners, RO systems offer the highest quality filtration. They remove toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and total dissolved solids more effectively for the cleanest water.
Cons: The tradeoff is RO systems require more maintenance like additional filters to replace and periodically sanitize the system. The RO process itself also wastes a lot of water – for every 1 gallon produced, 2-3 gallons can be wasted.
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General Maintenance Tips for All Systems
Now that you’ve selected the right system for your home, it’s important to keep things running smoothly with basic maintenance. After all, even the best filtration does no good if your system isn’t operating at peak performance! Here are some key tips that apply no matter what type you have installed:
- Checking Expiration Dates and Replacing Filters: The lifeblood of any water filtration system is the filters; they’re what remove contaminants from your water. So paying attention to expiration dates is filter maintenance 101. Manufacturers rate them for months of use based on gallons filtered, so mark your calendar for replacements. It’s also a good idea to inspect filters periodically before expiration just in case. Dull colors or unusual odors are signs it may be time for a change. Don’t gamble with your water safety – swapped filters ensure optimal cleansing. Replacing filters routinely is affordable protection for your family’s health.
- Ensuring Proper Flow and Pressure: You want a nice strong flow from your taps, right? Low pressure could indicate a clog in the lines or within the filter cartridges themselves. Check your pressure gauge and compare it to when the system was new. Declining flow may also signal it’s time to sanitize with a product like our FilterFlush. This backwashes individual components to restore optimal performance without replacement. A quick check monthly takes minutes but helps catch issues before they worsen.
- Cleaning External Components: While the inner workings filter contaminants, outer surfaces can accumulate their grime over time. Wipe down the outside of your system and faucets monthly with a mild cleaner. This removes mineral buildup that could otherwise eventually clog small openings if neglected.
Taking just a few minutes for routine maintenance each month keeps your system running at top efficiency. Need a filter replacement or sanitization? Eastern Water & Health provides services to local homes and businesses. Give us a call today!
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Maintaining Specific System Types
Now that we’ve covered general maintenance, let’s get into how to care for your specific setup. Remember, familiarizing yourself with your owner’s manual is critical too for any unique steps.
- Under-Sink System Maintenance: For under-sink units, filter replacements are the primary task. Twisting out the old and dropping in the new takes just moments. Don’t forget to wipe the outer surfaces beneath the sink monthly. Check drain lines aren’t clogged by minerals from your water. Consider using cleaning products designed for water treatment equipment. Under-sink units are generally lower maintenance overall since exposure to air and hands is limited. But taking those few steps ensures your family stays well hydrated with cleaner water.
- Whole Home System Maintenance: Larger whole home filters need changing only every 6-12 months depending on water quality and usage. Accessing the unit requires finding your system, usually near the main water pipe. When removing filters, carefully contain and dispose of the used materials. Then lubricate o-rings with food-grade lubricant to prevent leaks upon reassembly. Every 6 months, flush the entire system by running water through with no filters installed. This clears scale buildup throughout the pipes. A shock treatment may also be applied at this time for heavy mineral levels.
- Reverse Osmosis System Maintenance: RO systems require more frequent maintenance due to their multi-stage, high-pressure purification process. Replace sediment and carbon filters every 6 months and the RO membrane every 1-2 years. Pay close attention to cleaning and sanitizing these systems periodically as well. Bacteria residue can accumulate and compromise water quality without proper disinfection. RO systems produce the cleanest results but also more wastewater. Monitor water production and call if flow rates decrease from normal. Our technicians provide maintenance packages tailored to RO’s needs.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with regular maintenance, problems can still crop up from time to time. Here are some signs to watch out for and quick fixes to try yourself before calling a pro:
- Decreased Water Flow: Low flow is usually due to scale buildup or filter clogging over time. Start by feeling pressure along pipes and checking your system for blockages. Try backwashing or replacing the filter first. If the flow isn’t restored, you may need a full system flush. Don’t forget – low-pressure protection prevents bursts but also signals it’s time to address the cause!
- Strange Tastes or Odors: Changes in taste and smell are big red flags. A new weird flavor means contaminants are passing through untreated. Inspect expiration dates and swap filters if due. You can also pump chlorine-free water through with no filter to flush any residue-causing odors. If issues persist, call us for testing and troubleshooting advice.
- Leaks or Other Damage: No one wants to come home to a flood! Keep an eye out for moisture around seals or connections in the plumbing. Leaks are often simple fixes like tightening fittings but could also indicate larger repairs are needed. Catching them ASAP prevents costly water damage to your home.
Think you may need a hand? Eastern Water & Health provides priority emergency service 24/7 for water issues of any size. Contact us for fast, reliable help. With a little preventive filter maintenance as discussed and by observing for these common signs, your system should operate smoothly for years to come. But we’re always here if troubles arise day or night.
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Optimizing Filter Life and Performance
We’ve covered basic maintenance, but what about maximizing how long filters last? A few extra steps go a long way to saving money and reducing waste.
- Storage and Handling of Replacement Filters: Proper storage until use is important. Keep new filters in their sealed packaging, away from damp or hot areas. Exposure to air or extreme temps can damage filter media over time. Also, handle filters with care when installing. Rough or rushed replacements risk fracturing the filter media and defeating its purpose. Taking gentle care helps get the most out of each filter change.
- Proper Flushing of New Filters: When installing fresh filters, the initial “flush” rinse away any loose carbon dust or sediments. Run water through for 5 minutes without using it. This prepares the filter to immediately start trapping impurities. For under-sink or pitcher systems, just dump out and discard this flush water. Larger whole home filters may need backwashing like our service offers to completely clean them out.
- Additional Maintenance for Infrequently Used Systems: Filters in units not accessing daily, like a summer home or cabin, require extra TLC. Run water through pipes for 5 minutes upon each return to reactivate any dormant filters. Consider installing a whole home unit at seldom-used locations. These prevent pipes from stagnating without steady flow to filters. Eastern Water & Health can inspect seasonal properties and recommend customized solutions. With a little forethought, simple steps maximize your investment in clean water. For help optimizing your system, talk to our team serving Port St. Lucie. We’d love to ensure your family’s safety for years to come!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my filters?
Most manufacturers rate filters for lifespan in months or gallons used. But trust your senses too – dull colors or odd tastes/smells are signs of expiry. Whole home filters often last 6-12 months while under-sink or pitchers require replacement every 3-6 months. Play it safe by swapping filters according to the schedule.
What signs indicate it’s time for a new filter?
Along with smells/tastes, decreased water pressure or flow are dead giveaways. Check your system gauge – below 50 PSI may mean it’s clogged. External mineral buildup or discoloration also shortens a filter’s effective life. Replace them if you see any of these warning signs developing.
What maintenance is required for a reverse osmosis system?
RO takes more TLC due to its multi-stage process. Replace sediment/carbon filters every 6 months and RO membrane every 1-2 years based on use. Periodic disinfection protects against bacteria growth. Monitoring production rates also catches issues early – we’re happy to service your RO!
How can I tell if my system needs repairs?
Beyond normal maintenance signs, watch for leaks, cracks, or loose fittings that compromise waterproofing. Excess moisture is never good! Periodic professional inspections catch small problems before they worsen. For a free assessment of your system, call Eastern Water & Health.
What do I do if I leave town for an extended period?
For seasonal homes, have your filters and equipment inspected before leaving. Consider a whole home setup for steady filtration. Running unfiltered water for 5 minutes upon return reactivates any dormant components. Schedule filter changes before long trips to return to clean water!
Hope this clears things up! Feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have. We provide service throughout Port St. Lucie and want to ensure the best results from your water treatment.
Call Us to Learn How to Improve Your Water Supply
Eastern Water and Health knows how important it is to keep up with regular filter changes and sanitization to ensure your family enjoys the purest water for years to come. From installation, to repair, maintenance and replacement, consider our team for all your water treatment needs in Port St. Lucie. Our licensed experts can inspect your system and recommend solutions tailored to your home.