Experts | Encyclopedia

Why should I replace my water filters after 6 months?

Since bacteria can also grow unchecked in drinking water, the formation of a biofilm on the filter cartridges must be avoided!

To prevent bacterial growth, the filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 months, especially when used infrequently!

DIN 1988 regulation | Technical rules for drinking water installations (TRWI)

DIN 1988, Part VIII requires the filter to be replaced after 6 months! For hygienic reasons, the water filter cartridge must be replaced at least every 6 months. The reason is that bacteria could build up in front of the water filter over time. To prevent this, replacement every 6 months is mandatory.

FILTER HOUSING leaking?

Tip for changing a water filter:

For the replacement of a water filter it is important to have the correct replacement filter and to follow the steps carefully to ensure proper operation. Here are some general steps you can follow:

1. Turn off the water supply: Make sure the water supply to the filter is shut off.

2. Release the pressure: Relieve the pressure from the system by opening the tap until the water stops flowing.

3. Remove the old filter: Open the filter housing and remove the old filter. Be careful not to damage any parts.

4. Insert the new filter: Insert the new filter and make sure it is seated correctly.

5. Close the filter housing: Screw the housing shut again securely.

6. Restore the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and check that everything is leak-tight.

7. Flush the system: Let the water run for a few minutes to flush the new filter and remove air from the system.

When changing the water filter, force is not necessary! Be sure to use a filter housing wrench to open the housing gently and safely - this helps you avoid damage from overtightening or tilting.

💡 Extra tip: Apply a small amount of LUBRIKIT (lubricant) to the sealing ring of the filter housing.
This makes it easier to open later, protects the gasket, and ensures an optimal fit - without using force.

How can I test my water quality quickly and easily?

When testing water, it depends on what the water filter is needed for. In most cases, the water filter is used in the drinking water network, and water utilities meet most requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance (TVO). Nevertheless, contaminated or even harmful drinking water can still come out of the household tap. In these cases, or with a water supply
from a well or unknown bodies of water, a water quality analysis provides an initial assessment.

A water filter recommendation can only be made if we know all the parameters of your water. We will be happy to help if you would like to have your drinking water tested in a laboratory for chemical-physical water analysis and microbiological water testing.

Our affiliated laboratory offers you drinking water analysis for coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, enterococci, pharmaceutical residues, aluminium, arsenic, bacteria, lead, bacteria, hormones, fluorine, fluoride, fungicides, Giardia, Legionella, microorganisms, Pseudomonas, pesticides, iron, manganese, salts, sediments, heavy metals, viruses, or simply for evaluating the total hardness of the water.

Which drinking water analyses can I order?

Our test kits are suitable for indicative drinking water analysis of tap water, well water, etc. You can order the following water tests in the shop:

https://shop.purway.de/pages/wassertest-für-verbraucher

Legionella test: our popular drinking water analysis for Legionella.

Microbiology: drinking water analysis for so-called hygiene indicators (intestinal bacteria).

Lead: test for the heavy metal lead in drinking water.

Heavy metals: water test for 15 different heavy metals.

Well water analysis: test for iron, manganese, nitrate, germs, etc.

Installation of water filter housings

Water filter housings should only be installed in rooms where the temperature does not fall below 2 ° C. Frost can damage the water filter housing.

Transparent filter bowls should not be installed in direct sunlight in order to prevent possible bacterial growth on the filter cartridges.

When installing, leave at least 10 cm of free space below the filter housing to make replacing the filter cartridges easier.

What is water hardness?

The term "hard water" means that water contains more minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. In other words, if water contains a significant amount of magnesium and calcium, it is referred to as "hard". Water hardness increases along with an increase in the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water.

Water hardness °dH German degrees of hardness:

Hardness range "soft" less than 1.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter (equivalent to 8.4 °dH)

Hardness range "medium" 1.5 to 2.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter (equivalent to 8.4 to 14 °dH)

Hardness range "hard" more than 2.5 millimoles of calcium carbonate per liter (equivalent to more than 14 °dH)

How can I remove limescale from drinking water?

1. Water filter cartridges with resin can exchange the calcium cations dissolved in normal tap water for sodium cations bound in the resin. This only works at a low flow rate, and the resin in the filter cartridges becomes exhausted after treating a certain amount of water and must be replaced.

2. With a reverse osmosis system, you get pure water without minerals. The reverse osmosis system removes all soluble and dissolved minerals using a very fine membrane through a pressure process with a booster pump.

3. A water softener exchanges limescale [Ca+] for sodium [Na+]. You get limescale-free, soft water, but the sodium content in the water increases. The advantage of a water softener with automatic backwashing is that it provides permanent water softening even at higher flow rates and over several years. The filter medium is regenerated as needed using a salt solution. Only pure salt needs to be refilled.

Function of water softeners, water softener units, and water softening systems as anti-limescale filters.

Wherever hard water is heated, limescale precipitates out, such as in hot water boilers, instantaneous water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Coffee machines as well as shower cubicles and bathtubs are especially prone to scaling. Limescale not only shortens the service life of appliances, but also causes higher energy consumption.

This process is electronically controlled in the water softener.

Water softeners are filled only with ion exchange resin. This binds the calcium and magnesium ions dissolved in the water and exchanges them for sodium ions. During electronically controlled fully automatic regeneration, the ion exchange resin is cleaned with a mild saline solution made from salt tablets so that the calcium and magnesium ions can again
be released and discharged into the wastewater during the regeneration process. To ensure that regeneration salt water cannot enter your household pipe system, the regeneration and drinking water circuits are completely separated from each other.

The benefits at a glance:

· Gently soft, limescale-free water in the shower and bathroom

· Noticeably gentle on the skin

· Smooth, shiny hair

· Soft laundry without adding fabric softener / softner

· Sparkling glasses and shiny dishes

· Protection against limescale deposits on fittings, tiles, and in the pipework

· Increased lifespan of household appliances

· Up to 50 % less consumption of detergent, fabric softener / softner

· Lower energy and heating costs - active environmental protection

Iron in the water?

An iron filter reduces the iron concentration, hydrogen sulfide content, metallic taste, and bad odor of the water. An iron water filter is used to remove iron and manganese content from the water. These impurities can occur in some water supply systems and can cause various problems, such as discoloration of the water, deposits in pipes and appliances, and an unpleasant taste or odor of the water. The immediate consequence of too much iron in the water is the formation of rust stains on sanitary fixtures (bathtubs, sinks).

The dissolved FE² in the water is converted to FE³ and removed from the water. The iron filter uses hydrogen sulfide to oxidize Fe² to Fe³.

For high flow rates and water consumption, we recommend using an iron removal system with automatic backwashing. The filter medium with high and rapid oxidation capacity ensures effective and efficient removal of iron and manganese over several years. No regeneration agents need to be refilled.

Water with a bad smell?

The smell of chlorine in water caused by excessive amounts of chlorine and its derivatives can be neutralized using activated carbon. Either activated carbon granulate or an activated carbon block can be used. Due to its extremely large filter surface, activated carbon granulate is especially suitable for heavy contamination. A carbon block made of compressed activated carbon also offers nominal filtration of, for example, 10 mcr, i.e. all insoluble sediments up to a size of 10 µm are filtered.

What can I use a countertop water filter for?

What are the advantages of a countertop drinking water filter:

- can be retrofitted anywhere without a plumber through self-installation

- very easy connection to existing taps

- easy switching between normal and filtered water

- can be taken on holiday or to a vacation home

- very easy and quick water filter replacement

What are the disadvantages of a countertop drinking water filter

- does not look as nice in the kitchen

- gets in the way on the kitchen countertop or sink

What is the pH factor and what is the right value?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a solution with a pH value between 0 and 7 is acidic and a solution between 7 and 14 is alkaline. A pH value of 7 is neutral.

The pH factor indicates the acidity of aqueous solutions. According to acceptable standards, the correct pH value of water should be between 6.5 and 9.5.

How does a reverse osmosis system work?

In a reverse osmosis system, also called an RO system or osmosis system, a booster pump presses contaminated water through a reverse osmosis membrane. There, the water molecules are separated from pollutants and impurities.

The very fine pores of the membrane have a diameter smaller than 0.0001 microns and therefore allow only the smallest molecules to pass through the membrane.

The pollutants and impurities are discharged into the wastewater, producing ultra-pure, low-mineral drinking water free from contaminants (permeate).

The best osmosis systems are considered to be direct flow tankless reverse osmosis systems, which do not require an additional tank thanks to a high-performance membrane. The permeate is immediately available from the tap and does not have to be produced and stored over a long period of time first. In addition, the risk of germs is reduced by eliminating a tank.

The quality of the membrane is of crucial importance; the different manufacturing processes of the membrane determine the quality of the water and the taste.

Function of UV water filters and UV-C water disinfection systems

In UV sterilization systems, flowing water is continuously irradiated with a dose of UV light. The disinfecting effect prevents the spread of 99.99% of all germs found in drinking water. The high-energy UV-C radiation destroys all microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.

A UV water disinfection system provides safe disinfection without adding chemicals and is very gentle on people and the environment.
 

Why do I need a bacteria and viruses water filter?

Bacteria and viruses in drinking water or well water can lead to a foul taste or cause health problems. Since bacteria typically range in size from 0.6 to 1.2 µm, we recommend a PCA 0.3 mcr bacteria filter with a pore size of 0.3 µm to safely remove all bacteria and many viruses.

Drinking water filters against bacteria are also often installed for protection against Legionella.

Good water filters can remove bacteria, viruses, or E. coli and Legionella from drinking water, among other things!

Legionella can, among other things, cause life-threatening legionellosis, which can develop into severe pneumonia.

Medication residues and hormones?

Scientific studies have been detecting medication residues in drinking water for years. Medicines such as antibiotics and hormones, such as the birth control pill, are among the most commonly found active substances in drinking water.

The CA-SE 10 HF-U BX 0.02 mcr - Ultra Filtration cartridge removes fine sediments and all bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, Legionella, Pseudomonas, and protozoa (Giardia, Crysptosporidium).

What is a rainwater filter, and how can I use it?

A rainwater filter is used for rainwater purification. In a cistern, the rainwater filter generally refers to the first effective coarse filter.

Its main purpose is to prevent the ingress of small animals, leaves, and plant parts. Downstream filter units provide finer post-filtration.

The rainwater filter can also be placed along drainage routes to obtain clean water for watering.
 

Why do I need a backwash filter?

Given the often long path from the waterworks to the house connection, there is a high probability that foreign particles such as sand, rust, or suspended matter will contaminate the water. This reduces the service life of household appliances such as pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, kettles, etc.

It is better to install a backwash water filter in between. Use a pre-filter or appliance-protection water filter to protect your devices.