Regular filter replacement is essential to maintaining the performance and longevity of your filtration system. Whether you’re using a prefilter for your Kangen machine or any other water filtration system, timely filter changes ensure that your system continues to deliver clean, high-quality water while avoiding damage to the machine. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps for replacing and cleaning filters in your system, along with tips on maintenance and when to replace.
Why Filter Replacement is Important?
- Maintains Water Quality: Over time, filters become clogged with contaminants, reducing their effectiveness. Regular replacement ensures optimal filtration so your body doesn’t have to do the filtering.
- Prevents Damage: Clogged or worn-out filters can lead to poor water flow, overworking your system and potentially causing damage to internal components.
- Ensures System Efficiency: Replacing filters helps your filtration system run more efficiently, improving water flow, filtration accuracy, and overall performance by reducing scale that can build up on the plates of water ionizers reducing their capacity to work.
How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?
Each filter has a different lifespan and can filter up to 6000L. The replacement frequency varies depending on the type of filter and your water quality, the harder the water esp bore water but as a general guideline:
- Fluoride: 6000L orevery 12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- H2 Booster/minerals cartridge: Every 6-12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- H2 Booster/minerals inline canister: Every 6-12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- KDF55/85/Carbon/Zeolite/Taste Correction (Bore water): upto 6000L or every 6-12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- KDF55/Carbon/Zeolite/Taste Correction (Hard water): upto 6000L or every 6-12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- KDF55/Carbon/Mineral (Town water): upto 6000L or every 6-12 months, based on usage and water quality.
- UltraFilter 0.01: Every 3-6 months, or sooner if you water is not filtered with a 5 micron filter.
- Inline UltraFilter: Every 3-6 months, or sooner if you water is not filtered with a 5 micron filter.
Note: The H2 Booster cartridges are in prototype mode and still in testing. Their lifespan and performance are estimates.
How to Replace Your Filters:
Undersink
STEP 1) Turn off the water supply before replacing any filter, ensure that the water supply is turned off from the 3-way valve (refer to the instruction manual to confirm operation). Then, turn on the filter tap to let any pressure and residual water out of the system.
STEP 2) Remove the housing, to disconnect the hoses from the housing, press the collar of the inlet and outlet ports and, while pushing in the collar, pull out the hose. It doesn’t need force. Have a towel ready to clean any water. Once both are removed, you can take the housing out from under the sink and place it on a towel upside down so it’s sitting on the edge of the bench.
STEP 3) Remove the housing canisters using the supplied plastic spanner, have someone hold the housing while placing the spanner over the cannister and turn the spanner from left to right (anti-clockwise). Once you have loosened it enough so you can finish it by hand, stop and loosen the other side. Then, place the housing in the sink and continue to remove both canisters. Allow the water to drain out.
STEP 4) Clean the Housing Before inserting a new filter, take a moment to clean the filter housing. Remove any debris or build-up from the filter chamber using a damp cloth or sponge. Be careful not to damage any internal parts.
STEP 5) Install the New Filters. Inlet is the #1 position, and Produce is the #2 outlet position. It is suggested to use food-based O-ring grease on the black 0-rings; you can get it from Bunnings. Insert the filter with the rubber seal facing down on the housing. Lower the canister down on top and screw clockwise. Tighten with the spanner. As for the order of the filters:
- Tank/Bore water filter: #1 = Ultra filter. #2 = Carbon/KDF/Mineral filter
- Town/Hard water filter: #1 = Carbon/KDF/Mineral. #2 = Fluoride filter
- H2 booster always goes in the #3 position if you have a triple filter setup.
- C = Carbon, F = Fluoride, H = Hard water carbon, B = Bore water carbon, H2 = Hydrogen booster
STEP 6) Check for Leaks, Reinstall the housing, making sure to push all the hoses in, and check for leaks once you resupply water via the 3-way valve.
Once the new filter is in place, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the filter housing or connections. If you notice any, ensure the filter is seated properly or tighten any loose connections.
STEP 7) Flush the System
Flush the system with water after installation. This ensures that any loose particles or air are cleared from the system.
Above sink
STEP 1: Turn off the water supply before replacing any filter, ensure that the water supply is turned off from the 2-way valve on the main sink’s tap.
STEP 2: Remove the housing canisters using the supplied black handle tool, have someone hold the housing while placing the tool in the hole of the metal collar at the base of the filter housing. Turn the lock collar (not the tool) from left to right (anti-clockwise). Once you have loosened it enough so you can finish it by hand, stop and loosen the other side. Then, place the housing in the sink and continue to remove both canisters. Turn the lock collars anti-clockwise until you can slide them up and off the canister. Allow the water to drain out.
STEP 3: Clean the housing before inserting a new filter. Take a moment to clean the filter housing. Remove any debris or build-up from the filter chamber using a damp cloth or sponge. Be careful not to damage any internal parts.
STEP 4: Install the New Filters. The inlet is the #1 position furthest from the spout, and the outlet position is closest to the spout. It is suggested to use food-based O-ring grease on the clear O-rings of the filter housing base; you can get it from Bunnings.
Insert the filter with the rubber seal facing down on the housing. Lower the canister down on top and make sure it is seated correctly. You will notice there is a dimple on the inside of the metal canister; this needs to be aligned with the top hole of the plastic filter. When placing the metal housing back on-top you will need to push down and make sure there is no gap between the lip of the metal and the seal. If there is, you need to slowly rotate the housing while pushing down and you will feel it pop into place and the lip of the metal will be firmly flush with the seal. If one side is higher the other then it’s not seated correctly. Hold down the canister on the seal and slide the lock ring down on top. Tighten it by hand with many turns, then finish by tightening with the black-handled tool until it’s on tight.
STEP 6) Check for Leaks, Reinstall the housing 2-way valve on the tap.
Once the new filter is in place, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the filter housing or connections. If you notice any, ensure the filter is seated properly or tighten any loose connections.
STEP 7) Flush the System
Flush the system with water after installation. This ensures that any loose particles or air are cleared from the system.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Filter
Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to replace your filter:
- Decreased Water Flow: If you notice reduced flow or pressure, your filter may be clogged and need replacing.
- Bad Odor or Taste: A change in water taste or odor may indicate that the filter is no longer effectively removing contaminants.
- Visible Contaminants: If you see visible sediment or particles in your water, the filter may no longer be filtering properly.
Maintenance Tips for Longer Filter Life
- Pre-filtering: Use a prefilter to remove large particles, sediment, and debris before water reaches your main filter. This helps extend the life of your internal filters.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the filter housing periodically to prevent build-up and ensure optimal performance.
- Use Clean Water: If possible, use clean water with fewer contaminants to reduce the strain on your filters and extend their lifespan.
Filter Cleaning
The ultrafilter is the only filter that needs to be removed and cleaned every few months, it’s the #1 filter in the tank and bore water setup.
How to clean the Ultrafilter
STEP 1) Follow the “how to replace your filter” steps for your corresponding system.
STEP 2) Remove the ultrafilter and put it in a tub and shake it under the water. Then use running water to finish cleaning it.
STEP 3) Before re-inserting the filter, take a moment to clean the filter housing. Remove any debris or build-up from the filter chamber, using a damp cloth or sponge. Be careful not to damage any internal parts.
STEP 4) Follow the “how to replace your filter” steps for your corresponding system to re-install the filter.
When to Replace the Ultrafilter?
Replace every 3-6 months, sooner if your water source is really bad. It is highly recommended to install a 5 micron pleated washable filter between your water tank and house. You can get them in 4.5” x 10” or 4.5” x 20” housings. This should be cleaned every few months as it will capture a lot of the sediment that will otherwise clog up the ultrafilter. You may want to install gutter guards to stop leaves going in your tanks and also a dirt trap that captures all the dust and dirt from your roof so it doesn’t end up in your tank.
How to Order Replacement Filters
To order replacement filters for your system, please visit our website https://prefilters.com.au/product/replacement-filters/ .
Proper filter replacement & cleaning is key to maintaining the quality and performance of your filtration system. By following these steps and replacing your filters regularly, you ensure that your system continues to provide clean, high-quality water while avoiding costly repairs or performance issues.
If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know—we’re here to help!
Best regards,
PreFilters