How often do these filter elements have to be replaced? Does the carbon part become saturated?
886128
I just noticed that my answer to your question was somehow deleted, sorry! Here is a repost of my answer in full... The AquaRain ceramics will eventually need to be replaced. The unique aspect of our patented ceramic system is that the end of life can be MEASURED! So there is no guessing, just clean the ceramic with the green abrasive pad, and when the measuring gauge we send with the unit can fit around the ceramic, it is time to throw it away. No guessing. The ceramics can be cleaned over 50 times, or more. In an unheard of procedure, we sent 10 test articles for EPA purifier testing that were abraded 10% below our measured end of life, the ran contaminated water through them BEFORE testing to prove our ceramics were fully safe to use until the end of their useful life. I have never heard of another manufacturer doing such a thing. As to our carbon, we use the very highest grade of silver infused nut-shell granulated activated carbon inside our ceramic cartridges and with 11 minutes of mean contact time, you will get full benefit from the carbon's life. Eventually this carbon will be exhausted from absorbing things in your water, but as everyone's particular issues differ, this is exceedingly difficult to measure or predict. Some customers elect to replace their ceramic elements every three years or so, and this is a reasonable timeframe to rely on the carbon capacity of the cartridge. You can gain extra life from your carbon by letting the water you intend to fill the AquaRain with stand out in an open vessel (like a pitcher). This will allow many VOC contaminants to "gas off" reducing the load on the carbon and extending its useful life. I hope this has answered your question...more complete information can be found on our website... Thanks for your interest in AquaRain!
1489128
You don't have to replace them, they are plastic. If you find yourself needing to backflush every 3 or 4 days, then the filter is pretty full. You can either remove them and clean them and reuse, or replace with new ones and then clean them for another change out once the filter fills again. I swap mine about every 5 or 6 months and clean in between. The filter is excellent at cleaning the water.
1417087
4: Sediment, catalytic carbon, membrane, coconut shell carbon. Change the filters annually; and change the membrane every 3-5 years depending on your water's hardness and usage.
1354747
I use them in a canister filter encased in a mesh bag to prevent from making a mess. It would be difficult to replace them if you placed them in the gravel bed. I suppose you could place them in the gravel (a mesh bag would make it easier to collect them later). I replace the carbon every 3 months.
669868
According to the booklet, when to replace the HEPA filter depends on hours used, air quality, and location of the unit. In most cases the unit will need to be replaced annually, and it should be changed after the 'change filter' light comes on. For best performance change the carbon pre-filter every 3 months. It warns specifically: "Caution, do not wash and reuse the true HEPA filter or the carbon pre-filter as they will not work effectively." Having said that, I have vacuumed the carbon pre-filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment since it collects a huge amount of dust. I haven't needed to change the HEPA yet.
399158
We have used it daily since January. About 60 days. We have not had to replace any parts. Two extra filters were included with original box. We do clean the filter with the included brush after each use
721052
I don't think there is a good, simple answer to this question. The life of the carbon block media is dependent mostly on your specific water quality. In other words, the worse your input water is, the less it will last. Still, even this is an oversimplification as different types of contaminate will effect the carbon media differently. This is all to say that this particular filter may only last 4 months if your property is using a non-municipal water source (i.e. well water). Perhaps if your use is so irregular, maybe looking into one of the more simple, standard, 10 or 20" filter housings would be best. Big box hardware stores will usually have 10" carbon block or GAC filters in stock and you could simply change the filter at any time. In any case I would recommend changing out the filter prior to first use after its sat for 8 months unused. Carbon block filters, even ones with anti-bacteria additives, can build up dangerous amounts of bacteria given enough time (and I think 8 months is more than enough). Carbon filters that have sat in stale water for that long should be changed out (and filter housings cleaned with bleach if applicable) prior to consuming any water from that system.
586025
You can also get more info here: http://www.theperfectwater.com/Home-Master-2-Stage-Fine-Sediment-and-Carbon-Filter.html . It's good for 100,000 gallons before you need to change the filter. I've had mine a year and so far I love it.
719963
My filters have lasted years because I take good care of the carbon filters and I keep he unit clean.
2043182
The best practice is to change it every 8 to 12 months. Even flowing strongly after that time filter could have lost part of its filtering properties.
1940086
We recommend changing the filter every 6 to 8 months. However, the filter life will depend upon the environment in which it is used.
1718245
Eventually the filter will need to be replaced. As long as you take care of it it last a long time.
940654
It comes with "permanent HEPA Filter" which means you do not need to replace it only the carbon pre-filter needs to be replaced. I have used similar Honeywell units for over 5 years with the same filter. I just blow it out with a compressor or vacuum it once a year. One of the main reasons I bought this model was for the permanent filter.
2255896
Hi, I'm going to answer from my experience in the aquarium, normally I used to use my filters without carbon only after medications or another kind of treatments with chemicals products. but in this case I'd prefer change the carbon every three months...watch out is not the last word in this topic...
645805
We have been using this system for about 22 months and are still on the original filters! We have cleaned them several times with Scotch Brite pads, and will likely boil them soon for good measure. I would imagine the biggest factor affecting these filters would be the amount of particulates in the unfiltered water. The more particulates, the quicker these filters would clog and reduce their lifespan. Since we are only filtering tap water, I would think these could last for years.
986294
yes the carbon deposits clogs the free flow of water.it was a bad quality filter...
1403285
I haven't yet had to replace the filter. I don't use it that much. My filter is a permanent filter and I just empty it in the trash when I use it.