The quality of drinking water directly affects the health of all family members, and timely maintenance of the purification system is critical to its effective operation. Filters Aquaphor have proven themselves to be reliable devices, but even the most advanced sorbent has its own resource, after which it is exhausted, it stops retaining harmful impurities and can even begin to return them to purified water. It is important for owners to understand not only how to physically remove the old module, but also how to properly prepare the system for installing a new one in order to avoid leaks and air locks.
Regular replacement of consumables is not just a recommendation from the manufacturer, but a necessity dictated by the physics of the filtration process. Over time in the pores activated carbon Organochlorine compounds accumulate, and ion-exchange fibers are saturated with hardness salts, which leads to a decrease in productivity and a deterioration in the taste of water. Ignoring replacement dates can result in you drinking water that is not much different in composition from tap water, and in some cases even more contaminated due to the growth of bacteria on the waste material.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of servicing various filter models, from simple jugs to complex reverse osmosis systems. You will learn how to determine the expired life of a cartridge, what tools may be needed, and how to properly perform the initial flushing of the system. Critically
How to understand when it's time to change the cartridge
The first and most obvious signal about the need to replace consumables is a change in the organoleptic properties of water. If you notice that the water begins to smell worse, a taste of chlorine or a metallic tint appears, this indicates that adsorption capacity filter is exhausted. It is also worth paying attention to the appearance of scale in the kettle: if it forms faster than usual, it means that the softening components of the cartridge can no longer cope with calcium and magnesium salts.
The second important indicator is a decrease in water pressure. As mechanical impurities and rust accumulate on the surface of the prefilter or inside the porous material, the hydraulic resistance of the system increases. In systems with a storage tank, this may manifest itself in a longer time to fill the container, and in flow-through filters - in a weak stream from a separate tap. If the pressure has dropped significantly and not much time has passed since the last replacement, the pre-cleaner module may need to be replaced more frequently.
Manufacturers recommend sticking to the established time intervals, even if the water tastes normal. Bacteriological safety is a parameter that cannot be assessed visually or by taste. After the end of its service life, microorganisms can begin to multiply in the filter medium, making the water potentially hazardous.
Overview of cartridge types and their markings
Company Aquaphor produces a wide range of replaceable modules, each of which has its own purpose and is compatible with certain models of filter jugs or attachments. Understanding the labeling allows you to select exactly the element that is needed for your treatment system and water quality in your area. The main series of cartridges differ in the composition of the filter mixture and resource.
Series B25 and B28 Designed for standard size jugs and provides basic cleaning from chlorine and heavy metals. For families with small children or for regions with very hard water, specialized modules with an increased content of ion exchange resin have been developed, such as B25-5 or B28-5. There are also cartridges with additional properties, for example, containing silver to fight bacteria or fluoride to prevent caries.
When choosing a new module, be sure to pay attention to compatibility with the jug lid. Some modern lid models have resource indicator, which must be activated or reset when replaced. Below is a table of correspondence between popular cartridge models and their main characteristics.
| Cartridge model | Resource (liters) | Service life (months) | Main function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaphor B25 | 175 | 1-2 | Basic cleaning, softening |
| Aquaphor B28 | 300 | 2-3 | Increased service life, scale protection |
| Aquaphor B100-5 | 150 | 1-2 | For water with high hardness |
| Aquaphor B150 | 300 | 2-3 | Universal, for jugs of the Prima series |
Replacing the cartridge in the filter jug
The process of replacing a module in a jug is the simplest and does not require any tools or special skills. The whole procedure takes literally one minute, but requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions for the filter to function correctly in the future. First you need to pour out all the water from the receiving bowl and remove the lid of the jug along with the funnel.
Remove the old cartridge by grasping the top of it. If the module is tight, you can rock it slightly from side to side. After removing, be sure to thoroughly rinse the funnel and the jug bowl itself with warm water using a soft sponge. It is not recommended to use aggressive detergents, as their residues may end up in the purified water.
A new cartridge requires preliminary preparation. The packaging film must be removed completely, and the module itself must be soaked in clean cold water for 5-10 minutes. This will enable activated carbon and remove any air pocket that may be blocking the flow of water. After soaking, insert the new cartridge into the funnel as far as it will go, place the funnel on the bowl and pour in the first portion of water to be discarded.
☑️ Checklist for replacing in a jug
Maintenance of flow filters under the sink
Replacing cartridges in stationary systems such as Aquaphor Crystal or Trio, requires a little more attention, but is also quite doable on your own. Before starting work, it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the filter using the shut-off valve located at the inlet to the system. After this, you should open the drinking tap to relieve pressure in the line and drain the remaining water.
Flasks with cartridges are unscrewed counterclockwise. Depending on the filter model, this can be done by hand or with a special key that comes with the kit. Be prepared for a small amount of water to remain in the flasks, so it is better to place a rag or small container under the unscrewing area. Old modules are disposed of and the flasks are thoroughly washed from the inside.
When installing new cartridges, it is important to follow the direction of flow, which is usually indicated by an arrow on the module body or on the bottom of the flask. Rubber seals must be clean and lie flat in their grooves, without distortions. After assembling the system and supplying water, check all connections for leaks within 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: When twisting the flasks, do not use excessive force. The threads of plastic elements may not withstand excess pressure, which will lead to microcracks and leaks under pressure. Screw the flask all the way by hand, without using a key at the final stage.
The nuances of replacement in reverse osmosis systems
Reverse osmosis systems such as Aquaphor Osmo, have a more complex design, including a membrane element and a mineralizer. Replacement of prefilters (mechanical and carbon) is carried out similarly to flow filters every 3-6 months. However, he himself membrane element and a post-charcoal filter with a mineralizer are changed less frequently - once every 1.5-2 years, depending on the quality of the source water and the intensity of use.
A feature of osmosis maintenance is the need to sanitize the system every time you replace cartridges. Since biofilm can form inside the flasks and tubes, it is recommended to flush the system with a disinfectant solution or simply rinse the flasks thoroughly with hot water (no higher than 50 degrees, so as not to damage the plastic). It is also important to correctly connect the tubes to the quick-release fittings, observing the color coding or numbering.
After installing new cartridges in the reverse osmosis system, it is necessary to drain the first 2-3 full tanks of water. This is necessary to wash the carbon post-filter from coal dust and stabilize the operation of the membrane. Only after this will the water become suitable for drinking and cooking.
What should I do if the connection leaks after replacement?
If you notice drops of water at the junction of the tube and the fitting, under no circumstances try to tighten the nut more tightly if it is a threaded connection. In the case of quick-release fittings (push-fit), you need to pull out the tube, cut 1-2 cm from its edge with a sharp blade (so that the cut is perfectly even) and insert it again until it stops. Often a leak is caused by an uneven cut or insufficient immersion of the tube.
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting to flush a new cartridge. Dry coal is highly buoyant and can float without allowing water to pass through, or coal dust will enter the purified water, making it black and cloudy. Always soak the cartridges and drain the first portions of water to avoid the disappointment of seeing “dirty” water after replacement.
Another mistake is violating the sequence of installing cartridges in multi-stage systems. If you mix up the mechanical cleaning and carbon sorption modules, you can quickly damage the expensive element. The mechanical filter should always come first, trapping rust and sand to avoid clogging the pores of the carbon block.
Also, users often forget to reset the resource counter on electronic indicators or simply do not record the date of replacement. As a result, after a couple of months it is difficult to remember exactly when the filter was changed. Get into the habit of writing the installation date directly on the cartridge body with a marker or entering the data on a special sticker on the filter body.
Use your smartphone for reminders. Immediately after replacing the cartridge, set an alarm or calendar event for the next replacement date (for example, in 3 months). This is more reliable than relying on memory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can Aquaphor cartridges be washed and reused?
No, regenerating cartridges at home is not possible. Washing with water will only remove mechanical dirt from the surface, but will not restore adsorption capacity coal and does not regenerate the ion exchange resin. Trying to rinse and dry the cartridge will only lead to the growth of bacteria inside it.
What should I do if after replacement the water flows with a black tint?
The black color of the water is given by coal dust, which is inevitably present in new cartridges. This is normal for the first 5-10 liters of water. You just need to drain this volume and the water will become clear. If blackness persists after 20 liters, check that the seals are installed correctly.
How often do you need to change the cartridge if you rarely use water?
Even with rare use, the cartridge must be changed at least once every 3-4 months. During this time, bacteria can multiply in the filter medium, and the material itself loses its properties due to contact with water and oxidation. Biological safety in this case, exhaustion of displacement is more important.
Are Aquaphor cartridges compatible with filters from other brands?
Standard "candle" cartridges (e.g. B100) often fit jugs from other manufacturers (Barrier, Geyser) of similar volume, but may differ in seating position or height. Cartridges for flow filters of the Slim Line (10SL) standard are universal in size, but may differ in the quality of the filler.
Replacing the cartridge in a timely manner is a guarantee that you are drinking truly clean water, and not just water that has passed through a piece of plastic. Saving on consumables in this case is equal to eliminating filtration.