Staying hydrated is essential for everyone. It is excellent for the skin, enhances exercise performance, and prevents headaches. One of the best ways to ensure that is using a high-quality water filter. The right water filter should be easy to maintain, remove all contaminants, and have a high filtration rate. Such a filter will ensure the water in your home is safe to drink and tastes great.
Brita water filters are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality water filter. They remove contaminants in your water, including chemicals, sediments, and mold. Brita water filters are made by Brita, a company established in 1966 by Heinz Hankammer in Germany. The company has its headquarters in Taunusstein, and its filters are sold around the world. If you are buying a Brita water filter, it is essential to ensure you know how it works. You should also know how to repair any problems that occur. Here is a comprehensive guide on the use and troubleshooting of a Brita water filter.
Why is my Brita water filter not working?
Brita filters may sometimes suddenly stop working. If you have one and it stops working, here are some possible reasons why your filter is malfunctioning.
Expired Filter
If you use your filter past its expiration date, you will notice that your water will turn brown or have an unpleasant taste. The filter will only stop working after you have used it for a long time. Bear in mind that the filter has several layers of filtration, and if you are getting discolored water, then the filter is not working as it should.
Clogged filter
Another reason your filter is not working is that it may be clogged. Depending on the quality of water and the length of use, your water filter may become clogged and not filter water correctly. Clogging could be due to air in your filter or filtered contaminants. You may also have a water filter that does not work for the sediments in your area, for instance, if the deposits are too big for the filter mesh. If your water pressure is low or your water filter flow has decreased, your filter is clogged, and you need to replace it.
Defective water filter
If you have a defective Brita water filter, you may notice that water pressure is reduced, water flow is too slow, and that the water has a foul odor. You may also observe that the water has an odd taste or smell. It is essential to change your Brita water filter every six months, but you will need to change it sooner if you buy a defective one.
It is not advisable to drink water from a faulty water filter. Remember to always purchase your Brita water filters from authorized distributors or the company website to ensure you do not buy faulty products. Ensure that you replace your filter immediately when you notice that it is defective.
The carbon stops working
The carbon in Brita water filters helps filter out even the smallest particles in your water. That said, this carbon does not last forever. When it stops working, your water will have large amounts of pollutants and sediments. You can choose to replace the filter or the carbon. Replacing your filter is a good choice as the carbon runs out after you have used your water filter for a while.
How do I know if my Brita filter is bad?
Your Brita may develop specific problems over time. Here are some of the signs that your filter is bad.
Different smell and flavor in your water
A change in the odor and taste of water signals a problem with your filter. The smell and taste may be due to chemicals and particles in your filtered water. Make sure that you replace your filter when you notice these changes. Drinking water that smells and tastes terrible can put your health at risk.
Cloudy water
Another sign that your water filter is bad is cloudy water. You may also see particles in it, or it may be dull and murky. That is a sign that you need to change your water filter as it is not working correctly. Cloudy filtered water occurs when you use your filter for too long, so make sure that you replace your water filter after 40 gallons or six months, depending on what comes first.
Slow water flow
Slower water flow is a sign that your water filter is not working correctly. Sediment and mineral build-up in your Brita Filter filtration will slow down water flow. You will need to remove and replace the water filter.
How do you unclog a Brita Filter?
If you just bought your Brita filter and the water flow and pressure are slow, it could be clogged. You can quickly unclog it by following these easy steps.
- Take the filter out of the pitcher and check for sediment blocking the intake vents. If you see any, brush them away using a toothbrush, then rinse the filter under running water. Put the filter back into the pitcher and check the water flow.
- If the water flow is still blocked or low, there could be mineral deposits in your vents. To remove them, you will need half a cup of white vinegar.
- Place the filter in the vinegar with only one end covered in it. It would be best if you allowed it to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Take the filter out of the vinegar and use a toothbrush to clean the vents. Rinse the filter and put it back into the pitcher. Test the water flow again, and it should work correctly. If after this it is still slow, you will need to replace it.
How do I reset my Brita water filter?
It is crucial to reset your filter when you replace it with a new one. Follow these steps to reset the filter.
- Press the “Reset” button below the lights on the indicator. On some Brita filter models, it is marked “Status.”
- Release the button after the green lights blink.
How to clear a Brita Filter airlock
Air trapped in your Brita filter can make your air filter slower. If you suspect there is air in your filter, place it in a basin or sink filled with water. If it floats, then you have oxygen in it that is slowing it down. You can clear an airlock by following these easy steps.
- Soak your filter upright in cold water for about 20 minutes and rinse it under running water for 20 seconds.
- Reinstall it and check the water flow.
- If that does not work, place it back in the water basin and gently tap it against the wall underwater. You will see bubbles.
- Check whether it sinks and reinstall it in the pitcher.
How to replace your Brita water filter
As mentioned above, you need to reinstall your Brita filter after six months or after it has filtered 40 gallons of water. Use these easy steps to replace your Brita water filter.
- Lift the lid off your Brita pitcher and remove the old filter.
- Soak the new filter in a basin of cold water or the sink for 15 minutes, then rinse it under running water for a few seconds.
- Line the notch on one side of the filter with the groove in the pitcher tank and insert the filter into the water reservoir. Press it down firmly and fill the reservoir.
- Make sure that you do not drink the water after you fill the pitcher the first two times.
- Replace the pitcher’s lid and press the button on it until four bars appear. Release the button. You will need to replace your filter when the four bars disappear.
How to replace a Brita faucet filter
If you have a faucet filter, follow these easy steps to replace it when it is exhausted.
- You need to turn the tap off before removing the old water filter.
- To remove the filter, press the release button on the back of the filter cup and lift the cartridge from the filter cup.
- Align the filter insert groove of the new filter with the track of the filter cup. Hold the cup by the bottom and insert the new cartridge into the cup until you hear a click. Some models have a green light that flashes when the filter engages.
- It is essential to turn the filter handle to ensure you get filtered water. Make sure that the handle is at the Brita water setting if you want filtered water.
- Allow the water to flow for five minutes to flush the new filter, and you can drink your safe and clean water.
- You should replace the filter when the life indicator changes to red.
Check this too: Kinetico Water Filter Troubleshooting
How does the Brita filter indicator work
The Brita Filter indicator uses bars that tell you when it is time to change your water filter. Every time you close the reservoir, the indicator will blink to tell you whether or not you should change your water filter. When you insert a new water filter, you will need to reset the counter by long-pressing the status button. Green bars mean that the filter is working correctly, while a red bar is a sign that you need to change your filter immediately.
If you use a faucet filter, green indicates that your filter is working correctly. When it glows both red and green, it is a sign that you need to replace your filter soon, and when it shines red, you need to replace your filter immediately. If your cartridge indicator shows half green and half red, you have two weeks or 75 liters of life left in your water filter. Some Brita water filters have amber to show that the filter will need replacement soon.
How to install a Brita faucet filter
Brita Water filters are an excellent choice. You can choose a pitcher filter or a faucet filter. Here are the steps to install a Brita faucet water filter.
- Check whether your faucet threads are on the inside or the outside. If they are outside, you will not need an adapter to attach your Brita water filter.
- Your Brita water filter comes with an adapter that you can connect to the faucet and use to secure your Brita Filter. Ensure that you do not apply too much force with your pliers, as that could damage the threading.
- Take the base unit and align it with the faucet threads making sure that the water cup is on the left side of your tap and the indicator faces front. Twist the mounting collar on until it is tight. If you are using an adapter, twist it onto the adapter until it is firm. Do not use pliers to do this as you may overtighten it.
- Insert the water filter cartridge into the cup and ensure that it is engaged. There is a light that glows green on smart Brita faucet filters when the filter cartridge is attached.
- Flush the system using cold water. Never use hot water with your Brita faucet filter.
Why is my Brita Filter Filtering so fast
The newest water filters from Brita filter water faster. Ideally, your water filter should take 10 to 15 minutes to purify your water. Your filter cartridge will become slower as it ages. If water runs through your water filter, you may have an installation problem. If you did not install the filter properly, the water flows through it without getting filtered. Ensure that you soak your filter in water for 15 minutes before installing it; that will solve this problem.
Brita faucet filter slow flow, causes, and fixes
There are several reasons that your Brita faucet filter may slow down. Here is a list of those problems and how to fix them.
Air blocks in the filter
In case air bubbles are trapped in your water filter, it can become slow. To check for air bubbles in your filter, put it in a sink filled with water and check whether it floats. If it floats, there is air in it. To remove the air block, soak your water filter for 15 minutes and then rinse it under running water for 20 seconds. That should eliminate the air block, and your air filter will work as it did before.
Failure to replace the Filter On-time
Delay in water filter replacements may lower the filtration rate. It is, therefore, essential to keep a close eye on the indicator so that you can change the filter immediately if it turns red. Using the water filter after this point will result in a slow filtration rate. Ensure that you replace your Brita Faucet filter every four months or after 94-100 gallons of water, whichever comes first.
High sediment levels
The amount of sediment in the water varies from place to place. If your water has too many deposits, these particles can block your water filter and slow the filtration rate. Sediments include minerals, clay, sand, pollutants, and even rust. To check whether your water has too many deposits, fill a glass with water and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. If there are particles at the bottom, it does. Make sure that you change your filter every two months instead of four, and you will not have this problem. You could also install another water filter in your home to reduce the number of sediments.
Aeration from the Faucet
If aeration is slowing down the filtration process of your water filter, avoid opening the faucet to a full stream. A slow stream will ensure that water filtration is not interrupted.
Particles lodged in the filter
Another cause of slow filtration is particles stuck in your water filter. Check your filter carefully. If you see any particles such as pieces of grass or small sticks, spray water on the water filter gently in the opposite direction. You can also brush them off using a toothbrush. That should remove the particles and speed up the filtration process.
Incorrect filter flushing
It is essential to flush your water filter so that it works correctly. If you do not, you will notice problems like slow filtration. To clean your Brita filter faucet, turn on the tap and allow the water to follow for five minutes. You can use that water to water your plants but do not drink it or give it to your pets.
Faulty filter Installation
Incorrect installation of a water filter can significantly affect the filtration rate of your water filter. Make sure that you are careful when replacing the water filter to avoid making mistakes. If you do not hear the clicking sound of the filter cartridge engaging, you need to start again. Removing and correctly reinstalling the filter cartridge should resolve this problem.
Excessive use of the filter
If you use a lot of water, you will need to replace the filter often. For instance, if you use 100 gallons of water in one month, you need to replace the filter. It is advisable to check the indicator regularly and reinstall your faucet filter when it turns red.
Lower faucet water pressure
If there is reduced water pressure, the filtration process will slow down. When you notice slow filtration, check the water pressure in your home. Low water pressure could be due to sediments and leaks in your pipes. You can contact your plumber to help you check for leaks and repair them. Clean your faucet aerator and remove any dirt and debris lodged in there. Inspect your plumbing system for any other issues that may cause low water pressure. If you find any, make sure you repair them immediately, and your water filter will work.
Brita Filter not sealing
If your water filter is not sealing, it could signify that the fitting is not connecting correctly to the tap. For people who have had their filter for a long time, filter not sealing signifies that the parts are old and worn out and need replacement. With chrome housing water filters, you will have a problem with locking if the O-ring is defective or damaged. Check the filter thoroughly, replace the worn-out parts, and your filter will work properly.
How fast should a Brita Filter work
It depends on the type of filter you are using. On average, it takes your Brita water filter 10 to 15 minutes to purify a pitcher of your drinking water. A Brita faucet filter seems to work instantly since it filters the water on the fly.
What to do if filter replacement indicator does not reset
Your filter replacement indicator should reset when you replace the filter. If it does not, remove your replacement filter and press the metal pin until the indicator display turns green. Reinstall the filter.
How Do I care for my Brita water filter?
It is essential to take good care of your Brita water filter to enhance its longevity. Follow these instructions to care for your Brita water filter.
- Do not run hot water through your Brita water filter.
- Do not push the cartridge release button when your filter is working.
- Make sure that you flush your replacement water filter before you use it.
- Replace the water filter cartridge immediately the indicatHow Do I care for my Brita water filter?or turns red.
- Do not use abrasive materials to clean your Brita water filter or put its parts in the dishwasher.
