Timely replacement of consumables is the only condition that guarantees high quality drinking water. Owners of purification systems often forget about the resource of cartridges, which leads to a deterioration in the taste of water and a decrease in the performance of the device. The right approach to maintenance filter system extends the service life of equipment.
Company Aquaphor has developed many models of jugs and flow-through systems, and replacement procedures may vary. In some cases, it is enough to simply insert a new module, in others, preliminary washing or resetting the resource indicator is required. Ignoring these nuances can lead to leaks or damage to the housing.
In this article we will analyze action algorithms for various types of devices, from simple jugs to complex reverse osmosis systems. You'll learn how to determine when a resource is running low and what tools you might need. It is critically important not to allow the cartridge resource to exceed 20% of the declared volume, as this changes the structure of the sorbent.
When is it necessary to change cartridges in the cleaning system?
The moment of replacement can be determined by several signs, the most obvious of which is a decrease in water pressure. If the stream has become sluggish and filling the kettle takes longer than usual, it means the mechanical part pretreatment module polluted. This is common in areas with hard water or high levels of rust in the pipes.
The second sign is a change in taste or the appearance of a foreign odor. The carbon contained in the filter has a limited adsorption resource. When its pores are filled, it stops retaining chlorine and organic impurities. In some models such as Aquaphor Progel or Crystal, this is indicated by a change in the color of the indicator strip or blinking of the LED.
There are average resource standards that should be adhered to even in the absence of obvious signs of contamination:
- 📅 Standard cartridge for a jug - 350 liters or 1-2 months of use.
- 💧 Mechanical cleaning module in flow-through systems - every 6 months.
- 🧪 Coal sorption unit - at least once a year.
- 🧬 Reverse osmosis membrane - once every 1.5–2 years (depending on the model).
It is important to consider that the resource declared by the manufacturer is designed for water of a certain hardness. If the water in your area is very hard, the life of the softener cartridge may be reduced by half. In such cases it is recommended to use saline solution for regeneration or change the module more often.
Replacing the filter in Aquaphor jugs
The process of replacing the cartridge in series jugs Ultra, Provence or Life is as simple as possible and does not require special tools. However, even here there are some nuances, non-compliance with which leads to leaks or coal dust getting into the water.
First you need to remove the old module from the jug funnel. If it gets stuck, do not use sharp objects to avoid damaging the rubber seals. Gently rock it from side to side and pull it up. After removal, inspect the seat: there should be no debris or chips there.
⚠️ Attention: A new cartridge always contains activated carbon in the form of fine dust. Upon first contact with water, it may turn it black. This is normal, but you cannot drink this water.
The new cartridge must be prepared before installation. Remove the protective film from the hole and rinse the module under cold running water for 10–15 seconds. This will wash away any surface dust. Then insert the cartridge into the funnel until it stops and fill it with water. It is recommended to drain the first portion (usually 2-3 liters) to completely clear the coal of suspension.
Instructions for flow systems (Crystal, Progel)
Replacing modules in flow-through filters under a sink requires a little more attention, since it is necessary to work with the water pressure in the pipeline. Before starting work, be sure to turn off the water supply valve at the entrance to the system. If there is no separate tap, turn off the common cold water valve to the apartment.
Open the drinking tap on the sink to release any residual pressure in the flasks. Even if the water has stopped flowing, pressure may remain inside the modules. To remove the module housing in systems Aquaphor Crystal Often a special key is used that comes with the kit, or simply manual effort, if the design allows.
Algorithm of actions for replacement:
- 🔑 Unscrew the module body counterclockwise (or use a wrench to remove the bulb).
- 🔄 Remove the old cartridge and recycle it.
- 🧼 Rinse the inside of the flask with warm water without using chemicals.
- 🆕 Install the new module, observing the direction of flow (both indicated by the arrow).
After installing the new cartridge, open the water supply and check the connections for leaks. During the first 10 minutes, the system will fill and air will be released from it, so water may “spit” from the tap. This is a normal aeration process.
☑️ Check after replacement
Maintenance of reverse osmosis systems (Osmo, Morion)
Reverse osmosis systems such as Aquaphor Osmo or Morion, have a more complex design, including a storage tank and a membrane. The replacement here is carried out in stages, and it is important not to confuse the sequence of connecting the tubes.
The first step is always to disconnect the system from power (if there is a pump) and turn off the water. Then you need to drain the water from the tank through the drinking tap. Only after this can you begin to dismantle the flasks. In systems Morion Modules are often designed as a single unit, making them easy to replace but requiring careful removal.
Pay special attention to the reverse osmosis membrane. It changes least often (every 1.5–2 years), but is the heart of the system. When replacing it, it is recommended to disinfect the storage tank, since bacteria could multiply there during operation.
| Module type | Resource (liters) | Replacement period (months) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics (PP) | 6000 | 3-6 | Removing rust, sand |
| Coal (CTO) | 6000 | 6-12 | Removal of chlorine and organics |
| Membrane (RO) | 11000 | 18-24 | Cleaning from salts and viruses |
| Postfilter | 2000 | 12 | Improved taste |
What to do if the pressure in the tank drops?
If water from the tap flows in a weak stream even when the tank is full, the air pressure in the accumulator may have dropped. Check the nipple on the tank (usually from below or behind) and pump up the air with a conventional pump to 0.5–0.7 atmospheres. This must be done with the water completely drained from the tank.
How to reset the filter replacement indicator
Many modern models, e.g. Aquaphor Smart or jugs with an electronic module, equipped with resource meters. After physically replacing the cartridge, you must notify the electronics, otherwise the indicator will continue to light red.
Jugs with an electronic module usually have a reset button. It can be separate or combined with the power button. You need to press it simultaneously with installing a new battery or hold it for 5-10 seconds until a beep sounds. The exact combination can always be found in the instructions for a specific model Aquaphor.
In electronically controlled flow systems (such as those with a display on the faucet), reset often occurs automatically when the flask is removed, or requires pressing a combination of buttons on the control unit. If the automatic reset does not occur, try unplugging the system for 10-15 seconds.
Write down the date of filter replacement with a marker directly on the cartridge body or stick a sticker under the sink. This will help you remember when the next service is due, even if the electronic indicator fails.
Typical mistakes when servicing filters
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting to flush a new cartridge. As already mentioned, coal dust can clog the osmosis membrane or simply ruin the taste of the first portions of water. Always wash modules before installation, unless the instructions explicitly prohibit this.
The second mistake is using hot water to flush or operate the system. Most cartridges Aquaphor designed for water temperatures up to 35–40 degrees. Hot water can deform the plastic housing of the module or destroy the structure of the sorbent, after which the filter will become useless.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to wash disposable cartridges with detergent or soap. Chemicals from detergent can be absorbed into the charcoal and then take a long time to leach into your drinking water.
Also, users often forget to change mechanical cleaning modules (the first stage), believing that since the water is clear, the filter is clean. In fact, it may be completely clogged with rust, which puts enormous pressure on the housing and can lead to a blowout. Change the first stage most often.
Compliance with the replacement sequence and regular maintenance is the key to ensuring that the Aquaphor system will last the period stated by the manufacturer without leaks or loss of cleaning quality.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the Aquaphor cartridge be washed and reused?
Absolutely not. Washing with water removes only surface dirt, but does not restore the adsorbing properties of carbon and the ion exchange capacity of the resin. Bacteria multiply inside the cartridge over time, and repeated use is hazardous to health.
What should I do if the water flows slowly after replacing the filter?
Most likely there is air left in the system. Open the tap and wait 10-15 minutes until the air is completely released. If the problem persists longer, check that the protective film has been removed from the new cartridge and that it is installed correctly.
How to dispose of an old filter?
Cartridges are classified as household waste, but contain plastic and sorbents. Ideally, they should be taken to plastic collection points. If this is not possible, it is allowed to throw it into a container for mixed waste, after draining the water.
Why did the water feel soapy to the touch after replacing it?
This is a normal effect for softening resin cartridges. Calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium ions, which makes the water soft. After 2–3 liters, this effect may intensify and then stabilize. The taste will become familiar in a couple of days.