The quality of tap water often leaves much to be desired, and having a reliable household purifier becomes a necessity for every family. However, even the best quality equipment requires regular maintenance to maintain efficiency. Owners of brand water purification systems Aquaphor often face the need to timely replace consumables in order to avoid the growth of bacteria inside the cartridges.
Timely replacement of modules is not just a whim, but a prerequisite for safe water consumption. If you ignore the life of the filter element, it stops trapping harmful impurities and begins to become a source of pollution itself. In this material we will analyze in detail how to correctly replace filters in systems Aquaphor various modifications to ensure that the water always remains clean and safe.
The replacement process does not require calling a technician or special tools; it is easy to do it yourself. It is only important to follow the sequence of actions and take into account the design features of your model. A correctly installed cartridge guarantees the resource declared by the manufacturer and high quality cleaning.
Why do you need to regularly replace cartridges?
The main reason for the need for replacement is the exhaustion of the sorbent resource. Inside each cartridge there is activated carbon and ion exchange resins, which have a strictly limited absorption volume. When this limit is reached, the filter material stops trapping chlorine, heavy metals and organic compounds, allowing them to pass into drinking water.
Secondary pollution is another critical factor. Over time, retained bacteria and mechanical particles accumulate on the surface of the porous material. Without timely replacement, such an environment becomes ideal for the proliferation of microorganisms, which can lead to a deterioration in the taste of water and even health problems.
In addition, a clogged cartridge creates high hydraulic resistance. This leads to a significant decrease in water pressure from the spout tap, making the process of drawing water into a kettle or pan extremely inconvenient. The pressure in the system drops and filter performance is reduced to a minimum.
There are three main signs that indicate the need to replace the module:
- 📉 A noticeable decrease in the speed of water filtration, the tap flows in a thin stream.
- 👃 The appearance of an unpleasant smell or taste of chlorine in purified water.
- 📅 Expiration of the recommended service life (usually 6 months or 6000 liters).
Modern models are often equipped with resource indicators, but you should not rely only on electronics. Mechanical water contamination in your area may be higher than average, which will require more frequent replacement than stated in the data sheet.
Preparing for replacement: necessary tools
Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. You will need a clean cloth or towel to place under the filter as residual water will leak out when the flasks are unscrewed. You should also prepare a replacement module itself, which must be original and match the model of your system.
For most models such as Aquaphor Crystal or Aquaphor Morion, special keys are already included in the delivery package. If you still have a plastic key, the process will go faster. Otherwise, you can use your hands carefully, but do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the threads.
It is recommended to turn off the water supply before starting work. For this purpose, a special shut-off valve is installed at the entrance to the cleaning system. If there is no separate tap, you will have to turn off the general water in the apartment, which will create some inconvenience, but will protect against leaks.
☑️ Preparing to replace the filter
It is important to ensure that the new cartridge is sealed. Tampering with the packaging before installation may introduce dust or germs to the activated carbon, reducing its effectiveness.
Is it possible to wash the filter flasks?
The flasks can be washed with warm water and a mild detergent, but it is strictly forbidden to use abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals, as this can damage the plastic and change its structure.
Instructions for flow filters (Crystal, Norma)
Replacing cartridges in classic three-stage systems such as Aquaphor Crystal, Norm or Sorbo, is performed by unscrewing the lower parts of the flasks. First, you need to turn off the water and relieve the pressure by opening the purified water tap until the residue has completely drained.
Take the wrench, place it on the ribs of the bottom of the flask and turn it counterclockwise. Usually it takes 2-3 full turns, after which the flask can be easily unscrewed by hand. Don't be afraid that a little water will spill out - this is normal, so a rag is a must.
After removing the flask, remove the old cartridge. Carefully inspect the inner surface of the flask: if a slippery coating has formed on the walls, rinse it with warm water without using brushes. Insert the new module, aligning the tabs, and screw the flask back tightly until it stops by hand.
Sequence of actions for a three-stage system:
- 💧 Unscrew the first flask (mechanical cleaning) and replace the module KVV or PP5.
- 🌿 Replace the central cartridge (carbon block) in the middle flask.
- ✨ Install the finishing module with silver in the third flask.
Once all three stages are assembled, open the water supply and check the connections for leaks. If water drips from the threads, try tightening the bulb a little more. Remember that the rubber seals must sit evenly in their grooves, without distortion.
When installing a new cartridge into a flow filter, lightly lubricate the rubber o-ring with food-grade silicone or just water - this will prevent it from biting when tightening.
Features of replacement in models with quick-release modules
Series systems Aquaphor Modern, Progrand or Ultra are designed differently: there is no need to unscrew the flasks. Cartridges are sealed blocks that are inserted into the filter head and locked by turning. This greatly simplifies the process and reduces the risk of leaks, since the user does not come into contact with the insides of the flask.
To remove the module, you must turn it counterclockwise until it clicks or stops. Usually a rotation of 30-45 degrees is sufficient. After this, the cartridge can be pulled out freely. At the end of the new module, remove the protective caps and insert it into the seat, turning clockwise until it locks.
It is important to follow the markings on the filter head. It shows the stage numbers (1, 2, 3) and the types of cartridges required. It is difficult to confuse them due to the unique shape of the neck, but it is still worth visually checking the match. For example, mechanical cleaning module K1 often differs in color or shape from sorption K2.
There is a common misconception that such modules can be washed and reused. This is categorically untrue. The resource of activated carbon is irreversible, and washing with water will only loosen the compressed block, introducing dirt into the next cleaning stage.
Quick-release modules eliminate hand contact with dirty water and the inner walls of the flask, which ensures a higher level of hygiene during maintenance.
Replacing filters in reverse osmosis systems
Reverse osmosis systems such as Aquaphor Osmo or Morion, have a more complex design of 4 or 5 stages. The first three stages (prefilters) are changed in the same way as in flow filters - every 6 months. The reverse osmosis membrane and post-carbon filter last longer - from 1.5 to 2 years.
When replacing prefilters in osmosis, it is important not to confuse the order in which the cartridges are installed, since the service life of the expensive membrane depends on this. First, the water must undergo mechanical purification (5 microns), then carbon, then fine mechanical purification (1 microns or 0.5 microns). Violation of order will lead to rapid failure of the membrane.
The reverse osmosis membrane is located in the largest housing. To replace it, you need to disconnect the tube, unscrew the plug and remove the old element. The new membrane cartridge has two O-rings that cannot be damaged during installation. You need to insert the membrane all the way, then close the housing and secure it with a locking ring.
Table of replacement periods for elements for reverse osmosis systems:
| Item type | Resource (months) | Water volume (liters) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics (5 µm) | 3-6 | 4000-6000 | Protection against rust and sand |
| Coal block | 6 | 6000 | Removal of chlorine and organic matter |
| Mechanics (1 µm) | 6 | 6000 | Fine cleaning before membrane |
| Membrane | 18-24 | 12000-18000 | Removing salts and viruses |
| Post filter (charcoal) | 12 | 8000 | Improved taste and smell |
After replacing any elements in the reverse osmosis system, it is necessary to drain the first 10-15 liters of water. This is necessary in order to wash the coal dust from the new cartridges and fill the storage tank.
What to do if the filter hums after replacement?
A humming noise may occur due to an air lock in the system. Open the clean water tap and let the system run for 10-15 minutes until all the air has come out.
Flushing and preservation of the system
After installing new cartridges, the system requires proper flushing. Activated carbon, even in its original packaging, contains fine carbon dust. If you start drinking water right away, it will be black and unfit for consumption.
Open the drinking water tap and leave it open for 10-15 minutes. The pressure may be weak in the first minutes while air is displaced. The water should become absolutely clear. In reverse osmosis systems, the flushing process takes longer because the tank needs to be filled.
If you plan not to use the filter for a long time (for example, you are going on vacation for more than a week), mothball the system. Turn off the inlet valve, open the clean water valve to relieve pressure, and leave the system alone. Before resuming use, be sure to rinse the filter for 5 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the filter connected to the water supply with the supply tap closed for a long time under pressure. This can lead to depressurization of connections and flooding of the room.
In winter, if the house is not heated, the water from the filter and flasks must be completely drained to avoid rupture of the housings when freezing. The plastic may not withstand the expansion of ice.
Frequent maintenance errors
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring replacement deadlines. Users often wait until the water becomes clearly unpalatable, forgetting that the microbiological threshold could have been passed much earlier. Keeping a replacement calendar or using stickers on the filter housing helps avoid this mistake.
Another mistake is using non-original cartridges. Cheap analogues may not have the required quality of activated carbon or have the wrong pore size. This leads to the filter either allowing dirt to pass through or creating excess pressure that is dangerous for the housing.
Some users try to wash paper or carbon cartridges with water, believing that this will extend their life. You can't do this. The structure of the material is destroyed and efficiency drops to zero. The only thing that can be washed is the plastic flasks themselves and the mesh filters (if your model has them).
⚠️ Attention: When replacing cartridges in systems with a mineralizer, make sure that the water flow is directed correctly. If you mix up the inlet and outlet on the mineralization module, it can quickly flush out the entire supply of minerals or, conversely, block the flow.
Proper maintenance is the key to long service life of your equipment. Following simple hygiene rules and a replacement schedule will provide you with clean water for many years without the need for costly repairs or the purchase of a new device.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How can you understand that it’s definitely time to change the cartridge if there is no indicator?
Focus on two parameters: time and taste. If more than 6 months have passed since the last replacement, definitely change the cartridge, even if the water seems normal. Another sign is the appearance of scale in the kettle (for softeners) or the taste of chlorine.
Is it possible to use Aquaphor cartridges in filters of other brands (Barrier, Geyser)?
In most cases, no. Each manufacturer has its own mounting system and flask sizes. Cartridges Aquaphor have a specific thread or quick connect shape that will not fit other brands of standard 10SL flasks without adapters.
What should I do if after replacing the water flows very slowly?
Most likely, there is air left in the system or you forgot to remove the shipping plugs from the new cartridge. Check that all films and caps have been removed. Also try turning the tap off and on several times to remove the air lock.
Do I need to disinfect the flasks before installing a new cartridge?
Special chemical disinfection is not required if you change filters regularly. It is enough to thoroughly rinse the flasks with clean running water to remove any visible deposits. The use of chlorine-containing products inside the flasks is undesirable, since the carbon filter will then take a long time to absorb the remaining chlorine.
How long does it take to drain the filter after replacing it?
For flow-through filters, 10-15 liters are enough (about 10 minutes of an open tap). For reverse osmosis systems, the process can take up to 1 hour, including time to fill the tank, which is then also recommended to be drained.