Timeline for Why has my water filter made my water less clean?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
26 events
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| Jun 16, 2020 at 10:07 | history | edited | CommunityBot |
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| Aug 29, 2015 at 3:40 | answer | added | Daniel | timeline score: 1 | |
| Dec 17, 2013 at 10:46 | comment | added | Roberto | Odd indeed... that filter is just activated carbon and shouldn't release any white particulate. I'd understand if the water came out "white" due to dissolved air being released, but then you wouldn't see any precipitate after the water clears. But perhaps @mike could be right about the filter changing the pH of the water. When you boil water to make coffee or to cook, do you get lime depositing on the pots? | |
| Sep 18, 2013 at 5:25 | comment | added | hortstu | @tester101 That is odd. I'd get a lab test of your water with and without the filter. See if whatever that particulate matter is related to the filter or not. We use carbon filters here and I've never noticed anything like that. I'll pay closer attention next time. I always assumed the flushing was to get out loose carbon particles. | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:47 | comment | added | Tester101 | @hortstu I've tried washing the filters, and it hasn't helped. I'm fairly sure the particulate in the water is not carbon, since it's white not black. I was guessing it was something left over from the manufacturing process (plastic?), as it does seem to clear up after a bit of use. | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:43 | comment | added | hortstu | @Tester101 Since this has been going on from the start I'd think there might be a problem with the housing or some seal allowing unfiltered water to get past but it sounds like you're saying the filter water is dirtier. That should just be carbon from the filter. Try cleaning the filter before you use it. Maybe even scrub it a little and see if that helps. This doesn't explain why your carbon filters are dirtier than everyone elses. | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:40 | comment | added | hortstu | OK well you might want to get the water tested and see what needs to be filtered out. Are you saying that the unfiltered water in your home is cleaner than the filtered water? | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:36 | comment | added | Tester101 | @hortstu I've updated the question. The only tests I've done, is to verify the taste, color, and clarity of the water opposed to other faucets in my house. The water is clean and clear from the tap that is unfiltered, and fed from the same plumbing. | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:34 | history | edited | Tester101 | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
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| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:21 | comment | added | hortstu | Did you have this problem for the life (years of ownership) of the filter, since the first filter, or only the last few filters? Have you tried another model of filter that is compatible with your housing? You said you tested the water. What did the sediment consist of? | |
| Sep 17, 2013 at 16:21 | comment | added | hortstu | What type of filter element are you using? Is it a white cottony fabric type? Carbon? activated alumina? Did you flush system without the filter first? Did you clean the filter housing and rinse off the filter before you install it?Is the filter sealing well? Is there a place in the filter housing where unfiltered water may be bypassing the filter? Are there rubber o-rings that look worn or like they might need to be replaced? | |
| Sep 16, 2013 at 11:35 | history | edited | Tester101 | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
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| Sep 16, 2013 at 4:14 | answer | added | hortstu | timeline score: 3 | |
| Aug 23, 2013 at 11:45 | comment | added | Tester101 | @mike Yes, the precipitate is still there after a few days of flushing. | |
| Aug 23, 2013 at 6:19 | comment | added | mike | If you install a new filter, then run the water a bit to flush the air out, then (without further use) let it sit over night, then run the water a bit to flush the filter ... well after all that, do you still get a precipitate? | |
| Aug 23, 2013 at 4:59 | comment | added | mike | Due to aeration and fresh surface area, the new filter could be changing the pH of the water, causing minerals in the supply water to precipitate. Or maybe the filter is designed to adjust the pH. Is it city water or well water? water softener? | |
| Dec 16, 2012 at 1:02 | history | tweeted | twitter.com/#!/StackDIY/status/280115539697864704 | ||
| Dec 11, 2012 at 20:32 | comment | added | n00b | @Tester101 I see. Sounds like its time to contact the manufacturer then. Either that or switch purification systems. Good luck! | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 20:23 | comment | added | Tester101 | @Droid If I run the system without a filter at all, the water comes out with no discoloration. It's only when a new filter is installed, so replacing other bits of the system doesn't make much sense. | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 18:49 | comment | added | n00b | I have a similar water filter but dont have the same issue. Apparently neither do any of the other reviewers on lowes website. Since you've replaced the filter, it may be an issue with either the adapter at the cold water line (to enable water flow to filter), the lines to/from the filter, or the filter head/water dispenser itself. Try replacing each of those one by one. It is unlikely the filters themselves are causing the problem. Even when I first "flushed" my filter, the water was never white (maybe a little "oily" at first). | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 18:28 | comment | added | Tester101 | @Droid Yes I have. | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 18:05 | comment | added | n00b | Have you tested the water without the filter. In other words, are you sure the water quality is the same as the other faucets in your house WITHOUT the filter? | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 16:02 | comment | added | Michael Karas♦ | When I replace filter cartridges on my GE dual filter unit it takes about 20 minutes of flushing to clear things out. Save the water for some other use if the volume used bothers you. We take water and use it to replenish in an outdoor fountain. | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 15:45 | comment | added | Tester101 | @Steven It clears up (settles to the bottom). | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 15:34 | comment | added | Steven | If you fill a glass with water and let it sit, does it stay white or does it clear up? | |
| Dec 11, 2012 at 12:47 | history | asked | Tester101 | CC BY-SA 3.0 |