Buying and installing a home water filtration unit is a great first step in providing clean and healthy water for you and your family. However, some water filtration system maintenance is required if you want to maintain the freshness coming from your faucet.
The following is a guide for maintaining the functionality of your whole home or under sink filtration system.
BASIC HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE TASKS
The simplest way to guarantee filtered water is coming from your faucet is by replacing the filter. Over the duration of a filter’s life, captured sediment accumulates quickly. That’s why we strongly recommend changing your filter after six months. When you leave an old filter in the system for longer than that, you run the risk of having sediment flow past the filter because it can’t hold any more debris. Ensure your water safety and consistently install a new filter every six months.
HOW TO CHANGE AN UNDER SINK FILTER
EcoPure and Whirlpool under sink filtration units make it easy to replace the filters. The encased filter technology allows for a convenient filtration system maintenance process. Here’s how it works:
- Twist the old filter counterclockwise a quarter turn.
- This will release the filter allowing you to pull it out.
- Twist the new filter clockwise into the slot.
- Replace the system’s battery, so the light doesn’t go out prematurely.
- If you have a reverse osmosis system, “purge” the water from your tank by allowing it to run for a couple of hours.
If you have a reverse osmosis filtration system, follow the same steps when replacing the membrane every two years. If you have questions or concerns about a specific system you purchased, you can find our owner’s manuals page and download the operation manual for your system.
OPEN SUMP WHOLE HOME FILTER CHANGE
Filter changes for an open sump whole home water filtration system are slightly different but manageable. Open sump systems can use large and standard capacity replacement filters. The filter change process is the same for each.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Unscrew housing, remove the filter and discard.
- Wash housing with warm soapy water and rinse.
- Remove filter packaging and install in housing.
- Reassemble housing and turn on water supply.
Whether you’re working with an open or closed sump, new whole home filters need to be purged to release the loose material in the new filter. You can do this by running a faucet in your home for at least 5 minutes. If you have more troubleshooting questions, you can go to our owner’s manuals page to find the correct fix for your system’s maintenance issue.
WHOLE HOME WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Whirlpool Central Water Filtration systems require little to no maintenance. The internal filter is programmed to cleanse itself every 14 days. It flushes, cleans, and drains the filter, so you don’t have to go inside and install a new one.
The only real water filtration system maintenance you have to perform is when the weather dips or is not being used for more than a month.
WHOLE HOME FILTRATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE BEFORE VACATION
If your home is going to be unoccupied for more than a month, there are several things you can do.
First, you can turn off your home’s water so the filtration unit doesn’t receive more water. You should also turn off the Clean Rinse function so the same water isn’t filtered every 14 days. If you choose to turn off the Clean Rinse function, we recommend running two filtration cycles manually when you return home and use the water.
Another option is unplugging your unit and draining the excess water from the system. This step should always be taken if there is potential for the water inside the unit to freeze.
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM FROM FREEZING
If your Central Water Filtration system is located in a summer cabin or lake home, you run the risk of the water freezing in the system if it isn’t properly drained. This unit has an excessive weight hazard due to its size, so you should always have two or more people helping you drain your system. This will help protect you and protect the system from slipping out of your hands and shattering on the ground.
HOW TO DRAIN WATER FROM THE UNIT
- Close shut-off valve on the house’s primary water pipe.
- Open a faucet to allow pressure to ventilate in the unit.
- Shift the stem in the single bypass valve to bypass, close the inlet and outlet valve in a three-valve bypass system, and open the bypass valve.
- Unplug the system and remove the cover and drain hose.
- Remove holding clips at the inlet and outlet.
- Separate system from the bypass the valve.
- Lay a piece of wood at least two inches thick near the floor drain.
- Move the system closer to the drain and slowly tip it over until the rim is on the piece of wood with the inlet and outlet over the drain.
- Do not let the system’s weight rest on the inlet and outlet.
- Tip the bottom of the system up a few inches to drain the water.
When the system is done draining, leave it lying on the piece of wood so it’s in a horizontal position and the inlet and outlet are off the ground.
When you return home and want to start using your central water filtration system again, lift the system upright and put it back in its old position. Check to ensure all the lead wire connectors are secure and the wiring is away from the valve gear. Then, plug the system back into the power source. The system will automatically complete a Clean Rinse cycle and return to normal operation.
As someone who cares about their water, it’s important to keep a checklist with these water filtration system maintenance steps. Proper maintenance will allow your filtration unit to last for many years to come. If you need more maintenance tips and tricks, find your unit’s installation guide by visiting our owner’s manuals page.