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Water Filter Care
Keep Your Water Filter Flowing
Most people often overlook cleaning their filter after a trip
and before storage. You can triple or quadruple the life of your
filter if it is cleaned properly. Most filters come with extensive
cleaning/maintenance instructions, which you should follow closely.
Here's a list of procedures that will increase your filter's performance
greatly.
Backwash a Filter
When output starts to slow, detach the intake hose and attach
it to the filter outlet. Pumping will send a "backwash" of clean
water through the filter, loosening some of the accumulated gunk.
After backwashing or before storage, the filter element must usually
be sanitized with a diluted bleach solution.
Scrub a ceramic element
This means removing and wiping off the ceramic cylinder. If the
water flow has slowed, scrub the cylinder with a toothbrush to restore
normal output. Some ceramic elements contain silver to limit the
growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae within the filter, which keeps
you from having to sanitize it after cleaning. Note, however, that
the silver isn't intended as a water treatment by itself.
Clean the surface filter
This means removing the filter membrane and scraping or brushing
it clean. Most people replace their membrane when it turns gray.
After removing the membrane, you must sanitize it with a bleach
solution or by boiling.
Start with the cleanest water you can
Try and not make your filter work harder than need be. Use pools
rather than large currents, because they stir up sand and debris.
Always hold the intake hose above ground so you won't suck up any
mud, muck, or leaves.
Let water settle
Dip up a container of water and set it aside to let the suspended
solids settle out. A few hours will help, but leaving water to settle
overnight is best.
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