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WATER FILTERS IN THE HOME

We really want the best water in our homes for cooking, showering, cleaning and drinking so it is worth taking the time to install a water filtration system.  While they are not hard to install for the “Do it Yourselfer”, you can also contact your local plumber to put one in. Your choices are to select a system based on a couple of things. The first factor might be if you want one on your faucet or under the sink.  Maybe you have a condo and are not able to put a “whole house system” in your unit. In that case, you may wish to place a “under the sink” model in a lower cabinet. At a minimum you might have a pitcher system or a faucet unit.

A filtration system is a wonderful investment and it is not that expensive. You will be cooking and showering with that water for years to come. If you mark the outside of your system with some tape and a Sharpie pen it is easy to know when to replace the cartridge inside with a new filter.

Some new units have an indicator that suggests when a new filter needs to be loaded. Some units even tell you if something is leaking. But do not fret. They do not normally leak and a leak may be due to not tightening the body of the filter enough or not getting a good seal when tightening it.

 At Sheridan Supply, we suggest that you order a case of filter replacements so you can just store them in or around your cabinet so you have them to replace at your leisure. The manufacturer will tell you what the approximate lifespan is for their units. It is generally determined by the gallons that go through the unit or the months it is being used. The cartridges have a life span.  The quality of the water makes a difference and a family of six definitely has more water passing through a filter cartridge than only two adults. As sediment and particulate matter accumulate in the unit, the cartridge will clog and the water pressure will stop.

Sometimes you will notice a change in the taste or the odor of your water and while that change happens slowly, you might notice a different taste in your water.  Mark your calendar? Tape a card to the inside of your cabinet, or mark it on some tape that you can place on the outside of the unit.

Along with replacing filters, you will also want to perform regular filter maintenance. A homeowner should inspect the O-Ring gaskets, which are used to prevent leakage, to ensure that they are properly lubricated. Always use silicone lubricant, and not petroleum jelly. While petroleum jelly works in a pinch, the petroleum corrodes the O-Ring over time.

Regular sanitization of the inside of the filter housing is also a good idea. Housing sumps should be regularly disinfected with bleach. It doesn’t hurt to put some bleach in the housing and run water through it to disinfect the entire housing, cap assembly, line, and water dispenser. Check for signs of wear or stress marks that could lead to cracks. Cracks in the system can lead to leaks. Remember to regularly check your unit once it is installed.

At Sheridan Supply, we suggest you look at replacing your filter unit every 5-10 years. Water changes constantly as municipal water treatment facilities try to keep up with growing populations, property development, and aging infrastructures. Adverse weather can also wreak havoc on a water filter.