Maintain an end-point treatment system
How to change cartridge filters and the UV lamp in an end-point treatment system.
Treatment systems need checks and maintenance to continue providing safe drinking water. Cartridge filters and ultraviolet (UV) lamps are two vital pieces of equipment you can keep an eye on and replace when needed.
How to change a cartridge filter
Cartridge filters remove floating dirt and debris. They need to be changed regularly to make sure particles are trapped before they can enter drinking water.
Most cartridge filters need to be replaced every 3 to 12 months. You can tell a filter needs to be replaced either when water stops flowing properly or there is a change in the water pressure in the system.
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to change your cartridge filter.
Turn off the power and water
Turn the power off at the wall, at the breaker board or by unplugging your treatment system. It is important to turn power off because electricity near water is a dangerous shock hazard.
Turn off the water inlet and outlet valves to prevent water flowing through your treatment system so you can safely and easily remove the filter.
Drain the filter housing
Release pressure from the housing with the pressure release valve. This is different for each treatment system. It might be a button, a cap or a nozzle. When the pressure has been released, drain your filter. Have a bucket ready to collect the draining water.
Replace the filter
Unscrew the filter housing and remove the old filter. Your system might have come with a tool to help you unscrew the housing. Rinse the housing with clean water if it is dirty.
Place a new filter into the casing. Make sure it is sitting correctly – some filters need to be screwed in, some will fit on a nub and others are pushed in. The new filter should fit the same way as the one you removed.
Carefully screw the cartridge casing back in. Make sure it is fully sealed.
Turn the water and power back on
Open the pressure release valve and turn the water back on. When water starts coming out the pressure release valve, close the valve.
Check for any leaks. If there are any, turn the water off, drain the filter and try screwing the casing back in again.
If there are no leaks, turn the power back on. Your filter is replaced and good to go.
How to change a UV lamp
The ultraviolet (UV) lamp in an end-point treatment system should be replaced once a year. Over time, the disinfecting light becomes weaker and scratching or build-up can affect the lamp. Replacing the lamp makes sure your treatment system can kill harmful germs.
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to change a UV lamp.
Turn off the power and water
Turn the power off at the wall, at the breaker board or by unplugging your treatment system. It is important to turn power off because electricity near water is a dangerous shock hazard.
Turn off the inlet and outlet valves to make sure no water flows through the treatment system and you can remove the UV lamp safely.
Remove the UV lamp
Wear gloves to remove the lamp. Oils from bare hands touching the lamp can make it less effective. Disposable nitrile gloves from a hardware store are a good option.
Remove the power cap. If there is a grounding cable, you will need to unscrew it. The order of these steps might be different for your unit. Keep any bolts or screws in a safe spot so you don’t lose them.
Get ready to remove the lamp. UV lamps are very fragile and break easily. Carefully take the lamp out and place it to the side. Be careful not to bump it.
Install a new lamp and turn power and water back on
To install a new lamp, simply do everything in reverse. Carefully put the new lamp in, reattach the power cap and screw in any grounding cables.
Once secure, turn the water back on and check for any leaks. If there are any, turn the water off and reinstall the cap.
If there are no leaks, turn the power back on. Your UV lamp is now replaced and good to go.