General Domestic Water Filtration/Quality Issues
1. What kind of water filter do I need?
First, you need to determine what specific concerns you have about your water. Lead? Chlorine? Sodium? Poor taste and odor? If you're not sure, then first find out the quality of the water entering your home. If you are on a community water supply, call your water company and ask them to send you a water quality report. If your water comes from a private well, you will need to have you water tested by a reputable laboratory (More information is available on finding out the quality of your community water supply or well-water supply). Once you have determined how your water can be improved, our technical support department can help you determine what water filtration solution best fits your needs
2. How often do I need to change my filter cartridges?
This is going to depend on your water quality and usage. For example, someone with a lot of sediment in their water supply may have to change their filter cartridges more frequently than someone with minimal sediment. Each of our cartridges is rated to last "up to" a certain number of gallons/months; however we have no way of knowing exactly how long any given cartridge may last given the quality of your water supply. Be sure to replace your cartridges whenever you notice a decline in their performance, such as when taste and odor return or when low pressure or flow is noticed Cartridges should be changed at least once a year.
3. What can I do about iron stains?
Two different forms of iron may be present in water: Soluble Iron and Insoluble Iron. To determine the correct method of removal, it is important to know which type of iron is present.
Soluble Iron, also known as ferrous iron or clear-water iron, is clear in running water, but will settle to the bottom as black or rust-colored particles when it is allowed to stand. When it contacts air, it may precipitate and stain. Soluble Iron cannot be filtered out, but may be reduced with a cation-exchange water softener .
Insoluble Iron, also known as ferric iron or visible iron, is suspended in water and clearly visible as "rusty" water. You should be able to see small black or rust-colored particles in your water as soon as it comes out of your tap, before you’ve allowed it to sit. Insoluble iron may be reduced with a sediment filter; if you have a water softener, make sure to place the sediment filter before the water softener.
4. My water smells like rotten eggs. Can I get a filter to improve this problem?
That "rotten egg" smell is actually caused by harmless bacteria which produce hydrogen sulfide gas. These bacteria can’t be removed with a water filter; you will need to consult a water conditioning dealer for help with this problem.
5. I have a well, and I want to install a sediment filter. What filter cartridge can I use?
You will need to use a synthetic sediment filter cartridge such as a Plymouth Products P5, CW-F, or CW-MF cartridge. Pleated cellulose cartridges such as the Plymouth Products S1 cartridge are NOT resistant to the harmless bacteria that are found in many well-water supplies.
