The filters seem to put out an oily substance. It floats on top of the water. When I take the cartridge out, the oily stuff stops flowing out of the filter. I rinsed the filters really well to get rid of any carbon dust. Any ideas? The filters seem to put out an oily substance. It floats on top of the water. When I take the cartridge out, the oily stuff stops flowing out of the filter. I rinsed the filters really well to... » Read More The filters seem to put out an oily substance. It floats on top of the water. When I take the cartridge out, the oily stuff stops flowing out of the filter. I rinsed the filters really well to get rid of any carbon dust. Any ideas? « Show Less
2064419
The problem is probably being caused by your water conditioner, not the filters. Try another water conditioner and see of that eliminates your problem.
2064420
I haven't experienced this problem yet...be sure to rinse the filter as instructed prior to placing it in place; and be sure you haven't installed it backwards...not much help--I know, but all I can think of.
2064421
Mine does this too! It's contaminating my fish tank. I also get carbon dust, even though I've rinsed, and re-rinsed the filters. The carbon dust accumulates on the leaves of my plants.
2064422
I've seen this as well. Killed off a few fish before I stopped using the aquarium. However, it was the filter that came with the aquarium, not a replacement.
1304572
Hmm... it may be something with your pack. I've never experienced this with these filters before (i've ordered them 3 times). I do get an oily film on the surface when I add a water conditioner - but it doesn't sound like you are adding that to your water. I'd recommend trying to get in touch with the company for a replacement - sounds like you may have a bad set of filters.
682301
I do remember the filter looked funny. It reminded me of the gray spots in a Brita Filter. I used it anyway. There were neither dust nor dirt particles on the filter, which would indicate that it was once used. Hope this helps.
150645
You need to rinse the charcoal filter in cold water before you add it to the tank. It's totally normal.
1190426
Generally, the instructions for the filters will mention that something like this may happen. I do not recall this happening to us with the filters we ordered. Keep in mind that not all filters are top quality. Investigate the manufacturer before the purchase.
2236914
My theory is that your plastic filter is not lined up perfectly. If you screw it in too hard, you can see a space where liquid can escape. It's more on the side than the bottom.
27918
A good practice when you use a new filter is to tap several times it on your countertop to compact the carbon particles - the more compact the filter the better it filter the water. More details on functionality and alternative options here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RIWWJR12SNLQW/
27917
It could be defective. However, I know after you replace one, and the older filter has captured a lot of particulates in it, the water flows through it slowly. When a new one is put in, it seem to flow through fast just because it hasn't captured any of the microscopic particulates yet. As the activated charcoal in the filter captures more particulates, it will begin to slow down some. I suggest you call Brita on their customer service number and express your concerns. Most of the time these companies are very interested in making sure you are satisfied, so call them.
2146420
Ours did the same thing. If you start googling reviews on it, you will see that this is a common problem. It is almost impossible to get rid of. The company says that it is because you live in an area with REALLY bad water. Therefor you need to change the filter every 1-2 weeks. A scam in my opinion.
1921014
Having filled the filter with the carbon, you must then flush it thoroughly with water to remove any powder residue. This is easily observed as the water goes from a murky color to clear. The filter is then ready for use. Our kitties have been drinking from the fountain for quite a while and so far they seem to love it and they are finicky, so I would imagine that once flushed thoroughly, the carbon does not produce any after taste or residue. I don't know for sure but if our kitties are anything to go by, I would say this doesn't leave any residue, once FLUSHED thoroughly.
1086263
Since we use the local water supply we do not have sediment in our water, so I can't answer that part of the question. Our water is chlorinated and the filter takes out all odor of that or any other chemicals. We are very pleased with this product.
1502788
Mine isn't doing this. I would use some very diluted bleach and clean it very well and replace the filter. Search for the dilution you'll need on the bleach and water for cleaning.
1224050
You are doing it right. This is a gravity filter. The water is purified by slowly passing through the black activated charcoal media. It could take up to an hour for all the water to pass through the filter(s). However, sometimes these filters get a little clogged up and slow down significantly. In that case take a sponge with a "soft" scrubber back and gently scrub the filter's surface. Rinse the filter with water and you should see an improved rate of gravity filtering. If your filter(s) have been used for a long while, and don't improve after scrubbing, it may be time to replace them.
1265600
Mine did this too. I bought a whole new one instead of filters. It's only a few bucks more and you dont have to mess with the filter even if its a little wasteful.
90666
Did you have flow before changing filters? If so, your new cartridges may not be screwed in all the way. If not, there may be another problem with your system, ie, clogged lines or calcium build-up in lines or shut off valve.
2231753
It's perfectly normal. Rinse the filters a few times by holding it against the faucet and letting water flow through for a minute or two. It's best to clean these filters once in a while by running water on them and scrubbing them off with a Scotch Brite pad. Also, store your water in glass containers, not plastic. I buy Pellegrino bottles by the case at Costco and those work well.
977885
I had a similar problem. The water was picking up a rubbery taste from the tank (inside the tank is a rubber balloon like bladder that stores the water). Usually this is filtered out by the Stage 4 mechanism, but the wiring I did bypassed the Stage 4 - so I had to add a polishing filter right out to the tap.
941934
You may need to flush the whole filter- run the black plastic part under hot water. Or... Is the black stuff the charcoal leaking? Or is someone over feeding the fish?