Have you ever wondered why the PUR water filter takes some time to purify water? When you are in a hurry, the flow could be faster than expected. Yes, such filters are supposed to clean purified water.
But filtration may sometimes be lightning-fast. But why does this problem occur? In this article, we will know the reasons behind the slow water filtration in PUR water filters and explore ways to expedite the process.
The PUR water filters undergo a filtration process.
PUR makes use of a multi-step filtration system to purify water. This process requires the water to pass through various filtration stages before it becomes suitable. This multi-stage filtration design effectively removes numerous contaminants. And this is why PUR filters are so effective in producing high-quality water. Let’s know every stage:
- Pre-Filtering Stage:
This first stage uses a dirty filter to remove larger particles from the water. These particles can be debris, sand, and rust. This pre-filter stage helps later stages protect the finer filters and prevent them from being clogged by these larger particles.
- An activated carbon stage:
The second stage is where the water passes through activated carbon. The latter removes chlorine, ODOR, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Activated carbon collects the impurities when water runs through its pores.
- Ion Exchange:
In the third stage, toxins like lead are replaced by harmless minerals such as potassium or sodium. This is called ion exchange. This step ensures the removal of all harmful metals from the water, making the water safe for drinking.
- Final Stage of Filtration:
At this final stage, the water passes through a microfine mesh filter to arrest any last-minute particles. Thus, the water will be clear and clean when it reaches your glass.
The multi-stage process proved effective in purifying water. Still, it could have been more time-efficient. All of these stages must work thoroughly to ensure drinking water is free of contaminants, and all these steps can take a lot of time.
- Visual Aid:
A simple diagram could help illustrate these stages, outlining the watercourse in the filter, highlighting the pre-filter, activated carbon, and ion exchange, and showing the final mesh filter.
Factors Responsible for Slow Filtration
Having studied the filtration process, let’s examine the factors that slow it down. Many things can affect how fast your PUR filter will work, and knowing them will help improve the flow rate.
- Dense Filter Media
The dense nature of the filter media itself contributes to the slow filtration process. PUR filters comprise multiple layers of various materials, like activated carbon, all tightly packed together to trap contaminants effectively while restricting water flow.
When water passes through the filter, it moves through these dense layers. “The more tightly packed the media, the longer it takes for the water to flow.” Although the flow rate is somewhat sluggish, this design eliminates harmful substances. Another example is water flow through a sponge, which requires more time than through larger apertures.
2. Clogged Filters
Another factor that can cause slow filtration is a clogged filter. Over time, the filter becomes clogged due to the accumulation of dirt, sediment, minerals, and other impurities. Therefore, a clogged filter restricts the water flow, causing it to move slower.
This cleaning process naturally accumulates with the time the filter works to clean the water. Please use the filter before replacing it with a new one to avoid accumulating dirt. Such a condition will mostly apply to homes with hard water, which has many minerals, and the filter can be clogged quickly.
3. Water Pressure
Water pressure is one of the most significant factors influencing your filter’s operation duration. Low water pressure slows the flow through the filter and takes more time to filter. Low water pressure can result from plumbing malfunctions or your home water supply system.
In a low-pressure condition, the water has less movement or force to push through the filter, so it trickles in slowly. High water pressure accelerates the water’s passage through the filter, hastening the full water cleaning process.
Suggestions for Accelerating Filtration Speed
Even though the filtration process is slow, some methods can reduce the time it takes to finish it. Here are some suggestions for speeding up the filtration:
- Regularly Change the Filter:
Frequent filter replacement is essential for optimal filter performance. Over time, the filters will build up dirt, markedly slowing the filtration process. Replacing your filters at recommended intervals, usually bi-monthly or after 40 gallons of water have passed through them, will keep them at their most efficient.
Regular maintenance also helps prevent the filter from being overly saturated with contaminants, further restricting water flow.
Read more: How To Change Pur Water Filter | 12 Simple Steps
2. Clean the filter.
Some PUR filters actively clean water. So check your filter to see if it allows cleaning and follows the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning the filter can help clear some of the buildup and enhance the flow. However, cleaning can help only to a given extent, and a new filter will eventually be required.
3. Water Pressure Booster:
If you’ve noticed low water pressure at your home, investigate whether the plumbing system is inadequate or consider installing a water pressure booster. An increase in pressure significantly speeds up the water’s passage through the filter.
However, high pressure should not be applied, as it may tear the filter apart or leak. Always consult your user manual for different recommended water pressure settings.
4. Do not use filters continuously.
Continuous usage of the filter will also lead to slow filtration. When filtering large amounts of water at once, it is necessary to take a short break to allow the filter to catch up. This break would also prevent water clogging and promote efficient water filtration.
5. Leak Testing
Leakage in the filter or water system would also lead to lowered pressure and, thus, slow filtration. Ensure you install the filter correctly and check for cracks in the connections. Fix any issues to maintain the flow rate.
So, the highest-rated purification systems, like PUY filter systems, remove impurities from tap water. Still, this multi-stage system is known to slow down the water flow. Dense filter media, clogged filters, and low water pressure can cause such slow filtration.
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