How to change the water filter?

Reverse Osmosis filter design

The design of reverse osmosis filters from different manufacturers is almost the same, with some differences in fasteners. It looks like this:

Reverse osmosis connection diagram

A system of three filters is connected to the water supply: two mechanical and one coal, which allow cleaning the water from harmful impurities, silt and chlorine. The water from them enters the reverse osmosis membrane, where, under the influence of high pressure, it is purified from salts and practically becomes distilled. Purified water enters the storage tank, and dirty water is discharged into the sewer. Then, from the storage tank, water enters the tap for human consumption. Additionally, it is possible to install a finishing carbon filter for finer cleaning and a mineralizer that saturates the water with useful substances and turns it from distilled into drinkable. Such a feature, for example, is in filtersGeyser andAquaphor.

Filter replacement

The elements to be replaced are called cartridges. How to change the water filter, which is equipped with three cartridges? To do this, follow these steps:

Tap water supply to the filter

• We turn off the water supply tap to the filter, as well as the general tap after the metre. We drain the pressure by opening the filtered water supply tap.

Fixing ring for flexible tube

• Disconnect the water supply and outlet tubes from the filter. Please note that in the Aquaphor filter, the tubes are fixed with special fixing plastic rings (shown in Fig.), which must first be removed. There are none in the Geyser.

Key for unscrewing the bulb

• With a plastic round key that comes with the kit, we unscrew the flask of the filter being replaced. Do this over a bathtub or basin, as the remaining water will flow from the flask.

Removing an old cartridge

• We remove the old cartridge from the flask and check the presence and correct position of the sealing rings in the lid. Although the sealing rubber rings for the flask cover are included with the new cartridges, but they are quite tight, so it is better to use the old ones. The flask is washed with ordinary water without detergents.

Installing a new cartridge

• We insert a new cartridge into the flask. Specialized cartridges, for example, for Aquaphor Trio, have a hole for an ionizing tablet, so be sure to insert the right side, otherwise the water may simply not pass through the filter. The installation procedure is usually indicated in the instructions or indicated by arrows on the cartridge case.
• We twist the flask into place and make sure of the density of the "landing". Twist the flask strongly so that water does not seep through it: to do this, twist it with your hands and tighten it with a key. The same procedure is performed with all replaced cartridges.
• After installing all the cartridges, it is necessary to check them for tightness. To do this, connect the filter to the system (do not confuse the water supply tube and the outlet to the tank) and open the water valves. Pay special attention to the places where the tubes are attached and the flasks are twisted: if water droplets have appeared, then we tighten them with a key.
• We check the water for quality. Open the tap for clean water and let it flow for 10 minutes, washing out dust particles. After that, check the taste of the water.

Reverse osmosis filters are replaced within 20 minutes and do not require special skills, so you do not need to call a master.

Replacement of the membrane

The installation of a new membrane is carried out in the same way as the replacement of the aquaphor filter:

• Disconnect the carbon postfilter from the system and the water supply hoses from the membrane. Pay attention to the two sealing rubber bands on each side — they cannot be lost, otherwise water will leak.
• Unscrew the head of the plastic bulb. Note that unlike the filter flask, here the sealing gum remains on the flask itself, and it is absent inside the lid.

• We take out the old membrane (we need to pull it with pliers, since the membrane fits very tightly) and put a new one.
• We assemble the flask and connect the hoses in the order in which they were unwound.

Pros and cons of reverse osmosis filters

The main advantage of filters of this type is the quality of water purification from harmful substances. Reverse osmosis allows you to get water with a hardness of about 160 – 180 m / m3, while tap water has this indicator of 500 – 600 m / m3. Thanks to this, there will be no scale in the kettle and in the washing machine, and food will be prepared on high-quality clean water.

However, the water after purification becomes distilled, that is, it lacks minerals and substances useful for the body. That is why you need to put a mineralizer. Also, the reverse osmosis system produces less than 0.3 liters per minute of clean water. About 60% of the water becomes “waste” and is discharged into the sewer, so the consumer will receive on average only half of the water he will pay for. If the pressure in the pipes is below 3 atm, a pump will have to be installed, which entails additional costs.