How to Flush a Carbon Water Filter

Filtration pitchers contain removable carbon filters.

Carbon water filters are replaceable filters that are used in a variety of home filtration systems. Examples of systems using carbon filters include water bottles and pitchers with built in filters, filters that connect directly to a faucet or water line, or filters installed under a sink counter for a drinking water tap. Carbon filters remove some bad tastes and odors as well as sediments and common organic chemicals sometimes found in water supplies. Flushing a new filter helps move the carbon particles around, promotes water flow through the filter, and removes stuck debris particles.

Instructions

1. Turn on the cold water faucet on the fixture that the filter housing is connected to. Allow the cold water to run for at least 30 seconds through the filter.

2. Hold a new filter in one hand directly under a faucet.

3. Turn the cold water faucet on and let the water hit the openings in the top of the filter. Some water should drain out of the bottom openings on the filter.

4. Submerge the filter upright in a pitcher of cold water and allow it to soak for up to 15 minutes if directed to do so on the packaging for the particular filter.

5. Remove the filter from the submerged water and run it under cold water for 15 seconds before installing the filter in the pitcher or filter housing on the faucet or under-sink system.

Tips & Warnings

• Change your filter every one to three months or as directed by the packaging of the specific filter you use. For example, pitcher style filters can filter up to 40 gallons of water before they should be replaced.

• Contaminated water that has not been cleaned or processed for general consumption should not be filtered through carbon filters as bacteria and some chemicals will pass through the filter.

References

• Fort Valley State University: Water Filters
• Brita: Filter Installation