Why has my water filter made my water less clean?

Question

A few years ago I installed a Whirlpool under sink water filtration system that I purchased from Lowes, as part of a kitchen renovation.

I've just replaced the carbon filter again (following the manufacturers procedure (filter model# WHKF-GAC), and once again have noticed that the water coming out looks less drinkable than the water coming from any other tap in the house. The water coming out after not using the faucet for a bit is white (not a bit cloudy, WHITE), and only slightly clears up after running the tap for a minute.

I've followed the manufacturers instructions, and flushed the system for 5 minutes after the filter replacement (what a waste of water). But the problem persists, and from previous experience will likely persist for the next week or so. Is there a way to clear up the water sooner, or do I have to continually waste water flushing the system for a minute or so before drinking?

This has been a problem since the first filter was installed, but the water typically clears up after using the filter for a couple weeks.

Filter Cartridge Replacement Instructions:

NOTE: Before changing cartridge, turn off incoming watersupply. Place a bucket under filter to catch the small amountof water that will run out after housing removal.

1. Shut off water.
2. Relieve pressure in housing by pushing red vent button.
3. Unscrew housing and remove old cartridge. Wash housing thoroughly with mild soap and water.
4. Insert new cartridge and re-install housing. Be sure cartridge isseated in the housing before tightening onto head.
5. Use filter wrench to fully seat the cartridge. Tighten to make awater tight seal.
6. Turn on water. If any leaks appear, tighten housing as needed.
7. Flush system for five (5) minutes

Answer 1

No filter removes all contaminants. Carbon is great for improving the taste. The white ones remove large sediment. Activated alumina removes some fluoride among other things. Distilled water will be free of most things but volatile chemicals will make it through. UV light and micropores (ceramic and "nano tubes") will remove most virus bacteria protozoa and cysts. Uv light will kill most if not all of those little nasties if the flow is right.

So the first step would be to go get your unfiltered water tested. Then see what's in it that concerns you then figure out what you need to remove those contaminants. Your filter might not be designed to remove the stuff you have a problem with.

Answer 2

I sell and replace these filters all the time. For the first few seconds, black carbon fines are usually flushed out - which is just dust sitting on the outside of the carbon interior core. It is not harmful to drink either. You drink activated carbon (usually compressed into tablets) when you have diarrhea to absorb bacteria causing the diarrhea. If you collect the first few glasses of water, the carbon fines will settle on the bottom after a while.

The 'white stuff' that comes out is nothing else than very tiny air bubbles. Pour it into a glass and you will see them slowly (because they are very small) rising to the top and disappear. This can happen for a few minutes, hours or even days depending on how much you use the tap. It is just air bubbles - so just ignore it. By running the tap for 3-5 minutes, it usually clears it.