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Filter Change
Jan 10, 2018
Filling a Glass of Water — Boulder & Denver, CO — Boulder / GNC Water Well

Household Water Filter

Do you notice any change in the flow, taste, color, or odor of the water that’s filtered from your water filtration system? Well, it might be time to change the filter cartridge. Ideally, household filter cartridges should be changed every 6 months. Replace your filter cartridge easily by following our instructions.

Filter Change Instructions

  • Turn off the water supply to your filter system 
  • If you have a valve-in-head unit, rotate the handle on top of the filter housing to the off position. If your unit is not the valve-in-head model, there may be valves plumbed in front and behind it; make sure they’re all closed
  • Release the water pressure in the filter housing. Typically, a red button is present that allows you to do this. It’s normal for water to escape from the release during this process
  • Unscrew the filter housing using a filter wrench or a strap wrench. You can even use a large pipe wrench, but take care not to damage the unit. It’s common for the O-ring in the filter housing to stick to the cap
  • Remove the used cartridge and discard it. Rinse out the filter sump and fill about 1/3 of it with water. Add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of unscented bleach, scrub thoroughly and rinse
  • Remove the O-ring or gasket from the sump (or cap) and clean the groove and the O-ring. Use a silicone grease to lubricate the O-ring and replace it in the groove. This step is important to ensure proper sealing when you reassemble the filter system
  • If the O-ring is crimped or damaged, contact us for a replacement O-ring
  • Insert the new cartridge into the sump making sure that the filter is centered and that the bottom of the filter is over the standpipe
  • Screw the sump onto the cap and tighten it by hand. Make sure the filter slips over the cap standpipe. Do not over tighten
  • Turn on the water supply to your filter housing slowly. If you’re using a valve-in-head unit, slowly rotate the lever on top of the unit back to the on (filter) position
  • Depress the pressure relief button (if present) to release trapped air from the housing
  • Check the unit and valves for any leaks

Important Points to Remember

An activated carbon cartridge may contain a small amount of carbon fines (very fine black powder) and a new cartridge. After they are installed, your water filter should be flushed properly with water to remove the fines before using the water.

It’s recommended that you run or flush the tap at least 10 seconds prior to using the water for drinking or cooking purposes. This is particularly important if the water tap is not used daily.

It’s recommended that you run or flush the tap at least 10 seconds prior to using the water for drinking or cooking purposes. This is particularly important if the water tap is not used daily.

Certain types of harmless bacteria will attack cellulose material. Cartridges containing cellulose may seem to disintegrate, produce a musty or moldy odor, or form a black precipitate due to the bacteria. If you notice any of the above problems while using the cellulose media cartridges, switch to a synthetic media cartridge.

Your water filter must be protected from freezing. Failure to do so may result in cracking of the filter and lead to water leakage.

All filtration systems contain other parts that have a limited service life. Quite often, expiration of the service life of those parts cannot be detected easily.

It’s usually only after leakage or water damage has been detected that you become aware that the service life has been exhausted.

To prevent costly repairs or possible water damage, we strongly recommend that the bowl or sump of all plastic housings be replaced periodically - every five years for clear sumps and every ten years for opaque sumps.

If your sump has been in use for more than the recommended period, it should be replaced immediately. Be sure to date any new or replacement sump for future reference and indicate the next recommended replacement date.

Whether you need help with installation or maintenance of your water filter system, you can count on us for quality service at reasonable prices. We have some useful information on how to disinfect your water system.

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