Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions

WATER FILTER?

Why should I use a Water Filter?

 A water filter removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, a chemical process or a biological process. Filters cleanse water to different extents for purposes like irrigation, drinking water, aquariums, ponds and swimming pools.

Water is vital for living organisms. It is necessary for normal functioning of the body's organs, the flushing of toxins and waste products, and also has structural properties a well. Without food, a human being is able to live for up to three weeks! But without water, the essential liquid of life, a person can only survive for a few days at most. Since water is a necessity for our survival, it is normally consumed several times a day by most individuals. Health specialists have even suggested that we drink 8 cups of water per day for optimal health. Considering the fact that we all need water to live, we must find ways to cleanse our water supplies for safe drinking. One of the most cost-effective solutions to the problem of unpurified water is to purchase a water filter. The following are 5 important advantages that are offered by today's water filters.

1) Better taste

One of the first things you will notice after installing a water filter is that your water tastes a whole lot better than before. This is a result of the filtration of chemicals, minerals, and other sediments that are present in tap water. If your home has older piping installed, the water will likely taste even worse because there will be a lot more gunk in it. While inexpensive faucet or container-style filters will work quite well for removing a lot of unwanted elements, under sink water filters tend to be even more effective at removing harmful substances from the water. The drawback is that they are sometimes more costly and their installation can be more complicated.

2) Less chlorine

Chlorine is added to tap water as a disinfectant. While chlorine does kill a variety of different harmful microbes, it also has significant disadvantages. Firstly, chlorine impacts the taste of tap water, giving it a somewhat artificial and chemical like taste. Drinking chlorine-filled tap water can be reminiscent of taking a big gulp of pool water at a public swimming pool. Put simply, it tastes horrible! Secondly, chlorine can be linked to several different diseases including cancer. For years, people have been questioning the health hazards of adding chlorine to drinking water. Do the pros outweigh the cons? After all, chemists describe chlorine as a poisonous, corrosive, and gaseous element that has an intoxicating odour. Chlorine levels can be significantly reduced by making use of a modern water filter.

3) Fewer chlorine-resistant pathogens

As effective as chlorine may be against certain water-borne pathogens, others are unaffected by this potentially hazardous water disinfectant. A water filter will reduce the amount of bacteria in tap water that remain even after the chlorine has been added. This benefit cannot be overlooked as pathogenic microbes can cause a slew of dangerous illnesses including: botulism, cholera, e-coli infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, and many others. These powerful diseases can cause diarrhoea and result in an upset stomach, vomiting, fever, organ failure, and in rare cases, death.

4) Decreased lead content

Tap water may contain high amounts of lead as a result of old water piping. Lead can be extremely harmful to human health because it is linked to mental and physical retardation, decrease in learning ability, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Lead can be introduced to water when it is heated at high temperatures. Lead-saturated water is most dangerous for developing children and the elderly. Luckily, undersink water filters are can be quite effective at decreasing the overall lead content in drinking water.

5) Reduction of sediment

In addition to chlorine and lead, other unappetizing sediments can accumulate in water. These may include sand, soil, dust, rust, and more. Sediments usually discolour the water, giving it a cloudy and dirty look. With the aid of filtration devices, tap water sedimentation can be brought to an all-time low.

 

  1. In order to capitalize on the health benefits of water, it is essential to draw from a clean source of water.
  2. Drinking impure, contaminated water is the leading cause of epidemic disease in developing countries.
  3. There are more than 2100 known drinking water contaminants that may be present in tap water, including several known poisons.
  4. Bottled water does not offer a viable alternative to tap water.
  5. Municipal water treatment facilities cannot always control for the outbreak of dangerous bacterial contaminants in tap water.
  6. The only way to ensure pure, contaminant-free drinking water is through the use of a point-of-use filtration system.
  7. Several types of cancer can be attributed to the presence of toxic materials in drinking water.
  8. Clean, healthy drinking water is essential to a child’s proper mental and physical development.
  9. According to the EPA, lead in drinking water contributes to 480,000 cases of learning disorders in children each year in the United States alone.
  10. It is especially important for pregnant women to drink pure water as lead in drinking water can cause severe birth defects.

1. What is the difference between an original and replacement water filter?

An original water filter is the one supplied with new refrigerators side-by-side and sometimes branded with the same manufacturer name. We sell both original and replacement water filters. The replacement water filters that we sell are made by other manufacturers, have the same fittings, and have equal or better filtration performance.

2. Do I need to buy the same brand fridge water filter?

No. There are about 15 genuine fridge water filter types and over 200 different model numbers corresponding to the same filter. Manufacturers often take the same fridge water filters and attach their own labels to encourage you to purchase their replacement filters. The most important thing is to ensure that the fittings of your water filter are the same. In addition, you need to make sure that the replacement filter cartridge reduces the same contaminants in your water as the original filter.

3. How long does the fridge filter last? How often should I change my fridge water filter?

You should change your refrigerator water filter cartridge every 4, 6, 9, or 12 months (depending on the filter/fridge manufacturer recommendation) or if you exceed the filter usage capacity, or if you notice a decrease in water flow, as per the fridge manufacturer's instructions.

4. Why do I need to change the refrigerator water filter every 6 months?

Over time as the filter adsorbs and blocks water contaminants, the filter will become saturated reducing the flow of water and filtration ability. More importantly, newly formed bacteria will start to saturate the filter increasing the risk that bacteria will enter into your drinking water. This is also true for the ice maker as some bacteria can survive temperatures below zero degrees, therefore, even ice can become contaminated. Once the refrigerator water filter has been soaked on its initial use, it should be changed 6 months thereafter unless otherwise stated.

5. If I use less water can I change the fridge filter less regularly?

As stated in the answer above, the fridge filter should be changed every six months unless otherwise stated. In addition, some fridge manufacturers advise owners to change the water filter if the fridge water/ice dispenser has not been used for a number of weeks.

6. Do these fridge water filters have an expiration date?

No, the medium used in filters is mainly carbon. All of the fridge filters we sell can be stored until you need them. As long as your water filters are stored away from chemicals, moisture and extreme or greatly fluctuating temperatures, there is no shelf life. For that reason, you may wish to take advantage of the saving offered when buying 2 or 3 fridge filters at a time.

7. How do I know if my fridge has an internal or external filter?

Internal filters can be found in one of three places:

  • Inside the refrigerator compartment hanging down vertically from the top right or left hand corner of the fridge.
  • Inside the refrigerator compartment covered by a plastic shield, and generally installed horizontally in top right or left hand corner of the fridge.
  • Located in the front grille at the bottom of the fridge.

External filters can be found:

  • Outside of your fridge, located somewhere along the water line to your fridge. Ideally, it should have been installed vertically (upright) and mounted with brackets.

8. How do I select the right replacement water filter for my American style fridge?

You can search for your fridge filter in different ways: Firstly select your manufacturer from the menu bar, then:

  • Select the filter model number that corresponds to your filter, or
  • Select view all filters and select your filter from the images shown, or
  • Select the fridge model number that corresponds to your fridge (written on your fridge or in the owners manual), or
  • Select view all fridges and select your fridge from the images shown.

If you have any doubts or your filter / fridge is not shown, please  contact us  and we'll be happy to assist you. Please provide as much information as possible; brand, model number of the fridge and filter including the location of the filter.

9. Can I recycle my refrigerator water filter?

We are not aware of any fridge or filter manufacturer supported recycling programs. Filters are typically made with a plastic pressure chamber filled with granular activated carbon. We hope that this information will assist you to dispose of your used filter in an environmentally friendly way

10. What type of contaminants does my fridge water filter remove?

Fridge water filters are designed to significantly reduce impurities present even in microbiologically safe drinking water. All our filters reduce particulates, dissolved solids, chlorine and bad odours to deliver fresh tasting purified water. All the information about the contaminants that your fridge filter removes can be found on the check-out page under the tab labelled "Quality". For more detailed information please read  filter quality .

11. Where does my refrigerator water filter come from?

The country of manufacture is listed on the check-out page under the tab labelled "Description". All our original refrigerator water filters are genuine. All our replacement refrigerator water filters are either manufactured in the USA or Korea.

12. How will I know when to change my fridge filter?

Some side-by-side refrigerators have the Filter Indicator Light or Counter which will let you know when it is time to change the current water filter cartridge by turning red or reaching 0. With other American style fridges it's your responsibility to note the date on the filter when you installed it. We offer a free filter  reminder  service  that will notify you by e-mail, approximately 10 days before it is time to change your filter.

13. Is it easy to change the fridge water filter cartridge?

Yes, filters can be changed easily. Most water filter cartidges come with printed installation instructions. In addition, we provide general installation instructions on the final filter page under the tab labelled "Installation". For some fridge water cartidge models, we also provide a free filter installation video which can also be found under the tab labelled "Installation".

14. How tightly should I tighten the refrigerator water filter?

Most refrigerator filters will hit a stop when they are fully tightened. As long as you install them by hand (not using tools) you will feel the filter hit the stop and know that it is properly installed. Most internal refrigerator filters only require a quarter to a half turn to tighten.

15. How do I reset my filter change indicator light?

If your side-by-side refrigerator has an indicator that tells you when to change the filter, it needs to be reset MANUALLY when you replace the filter. Each manufacturer provide their own instructions for resetting the indicator (please check your fridge manual for more information).

  • Amana: press and hold the Lock and Auto light (or Water) buttons on the dispenser (at the same time) for 4 seconds until the filter status indicator begins to flash, and then release the buttons.
  • Beko: press and hold the Auto Eco button for 5 seconds.
  • Bosch: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
  • Daewoo: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more; while holding the lock button, the light will change to green.
  • GE: press and hold the Reset Water Filter button on the dispenser for 3 seconds.
  • Haier: press Reset button.
  • Hotpoint-Ariston: press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the indicator light changes to blue or green.
  • KitchenAid: press and hold Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the Order or Replace light turns off.
  • LG: press and hold the Light/Filter button for 3 seconds.
  • Maytag: Press Options, then Water Filter, then Reset, and then Yes. The status light will change from red to green when the system is reset. Or press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds.
  • Miele: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
  • Samsung: press the Ice type and Child lock (or Moisture Control) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Note: Hold the buttons for only 3 seconds. If you press these 2 buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds, the reset function ceases. Release the buttons and repeat the same step one more time. The water filter indicator light should turn green.
  • Siemens: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
  • Smeg: press and hold the OK button until the three dashes reappear on the display. Or, press and hold the Reset Water Filterbutton for 5 seconds.
  • Whirlpool: press the Filter Reset button until the icon becomes blue (or green). The Filter Reset button will not work if the filter icon is already blue (or green). Or, press the Light switch 5 times within 10 seconds.

 

16. Will the use of a compatible fridge filter invalidate my fridge warranty?

No, it will not invalidate your fridge warranty.

17. I'm planning on buying a new American style fridge. Which water filter system is best, internal or external?

Some internal fridge filters filtrates more contaminants, see filter quality for more information.
External fridge water filters are generally cheaper, and have a greater filtration capacity / replacement period. The R200 Series A model we sell requires replacement every 12 months. In addition, external fridge water filters do not use valuable space inside your fridge.
However, depending on how and where you have fitted your external water filter, an internal model could be easier to access and replace.

18. The filter shown for my side-by-side fridge model number is an external model; however, my fridge uses an internal water filter. Which one should I purchase?

Some side-by-side fridges have both internal and external filter systems for the same model number. Please search by filter and select the filter number or picture that corresponds to your internal water filter. If you are still unsure please feel free to contact us providing the following details (fridge: make and model number - filter: make and model number - filter location: internal or external).

19. My internal fridge water filter is very expensive to replace. My side-by-side fridge came with a bypass connector. Can I install the bypass and install an external fridge filter?

Yes, as long as you have access to the water line and it is a 1/4" (6.35mm) diameter, an external fridge filter can be easily installed. An external water filter can be installed by making a clean, perpendicular cut in the water pipe and connecting the water filter. No special tools are required and all our external water filters come with standard 1/4" (6.35mm) diameter connectors. The water filter should ideally be fixed in an upright (vertical) position, with the water supply entering from the lower end and flowing to the fridge from the top end. If you are in doubt please seek advice from a qualified professional.

20. Can I use my refrigerator side-by-side without the external water filter or by using the internal bypass connector?

Yes, assuming that your water is microbiologically safe to drink, it is possible and safer than using an old refrigerator filter that has exceeded the recommended usage period. However, by not using a refrigerator water filter, over time your fridge may develop lime scale and other impurities which could damage and/or clog the water and ice dispenser function.

21. How to remove the old external fridge water filter cartridge?

First, remove locking clips (red or blue) between filter and collets. Then, depress and hold white collet and pull tubing out.

Terminology

HiFLow?

The HiFlow water filter system is a revolution to the filtered water industry. The system is easy to install, connecting directly to any mixer tap or cold water tap. This allows you to enjoy your own great tasting, clear, freshly filtered water any time at full pressure. 

The HiFlow filter carries out three filtration processes in the one pressure vessel (cartridge).

How does it work?

Firstly, inside the cartridge there is a barrier (or membrane) and this barrier stops all particles half a micron or larger from passing through. Particles include dirt, sediment, asbestos fibres and cysts such as Giardia and cryptosporidium.

Secondly, this membrane is impregnated with a special carbon compound that removes chlorine, bad tastes, odours, colour and lead from the incoming water supply – this special compound has a useful life of 12 months.

Finally, the cartridge contains polyphosphate a naturally occurring mineral that reduces limescale build up in water using appliances. That is, it stops scale build up in appliances like kettles and irons etc.
Again this process has a useful life of 12 months.

Please note – the hiflow filter system will not operate under gravity fed systems. The minimum water pressure for use of a HiFlow system is 70 kPa (10 psi).

Q. How long will the HiFlow filter last?
A.  The HiFlow filter cartridge will last 12  months depending on the quality of the water in your area. The filter cartridge will produce a maximum of 11,355 litres of pure filtered water over the 12 month period. 

The carbon and limescale removal compound within the filter cartridge have a useful life of 12 months, after which time the filter cartridge will not be carrying out the filtration process effectively.

Obviously usage and incoming water quality play an important role in the effective life of a filter cartridge. Also be aware that water pressure will also play a role as low water pressure will lessen a filter cartridges’ life as it becomes clogged with debri and contaminants over time.

 

Q. Where is the HiFlow filter manufactured?
A. The filters are manufactured by Everpure Inc in their facilities at Hanover Park, Illinois. The following is an overview provided by Eleni Yianas, Director of Residential Marketing Everpure Inc. 

“Everpure’s in-home water filtration systems provide customers with premium-quality drinking water while offering a more cost-effective and economically “green” alternative to bottled water.  Producing plastic bottles requires many natural resources, including the oil to manufacture the plastic and expensive transportation costs.  And almost 90 percent of all plastic water bottles distributed in this country every year end up in landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.  By using an Everpure filtration system and refilling your own water bottle, you are already cutting back on these numbers.  In addition, Everpure’s filtration cartridges need only be replaced once a year. 

At Everpure, our goal is to incorporate recycled materials into the manufacturing process at every possible point.  Everpure uses partially recycled metals in the fabrication of the filtration cartridges and partially recycled materials in all of our packaging and shipping materials.  In addition, we reuse any and all scrap material resulting from the manufacturing process.

At Everpure, we believe that delivering high-quality water through filtration of unwanted contaminants, tastes and odors provides a significant health benefit to our customers, and we remain committed to making as small an environmental footprint as possible.  

 

Q.  How fine is the filtration?
A. The HiFlow cartridge filters down to one half of one micron (0.5) in size!       
As a guide human hair is 75 microns in size, Giardia cysts are between 1 and 6 microns in size. 

Q. Does the filtration process remove fluoride?
A.  Fluoride is introduced into our water supplies in a dissolved form and is not removed by the HiFlow filtration process.

Q. What if we move home can I take the filter with me?
A.  Yes you can!  You simply turn off the water supply at the cold water isolation tap, and unscrew the unit and then reconnect the cold water hose from your main tap back onto the isolation tap. It is advisable to store the filter cartridge in a water tight container during transportation and before reconnection.



Q.  Can I use a HiFlow system for my rainwater?
A.  Yes you can but please be aware of the following important issues;

  • You must have a pump with minimum pressure of 70kPa (10psi) delivering rainwater to your kitchen sink to ensure that the system performs effectively.
  • It is highly advisable that the water be treated with a pre filter prior to its entry into your home as this prolongs the life of your HiFlow filter cartridge, otherwise you may not achieve 12 months cartridge life.
  • Although the HiFlow filter system will remove cysts which can be prevalent in rainwater due to bird and animal droppings it does not remove bacteria or viruses should they be present in the rainwater supply.

Q.  Can I use a filter cartridge other than the HiFlow cartridge?
A.  Only the HiFlow filter cartridge fits into the patented HiFlow head assembly and importantly, this ensures that you receive the quality half micron filtered water at the far superior flow rate. 

This also protects your 5 year warranty.

Q.  Is HiFlow a carbon filter?
A.  HiFlow is not just a carbon filter – it is much more - the HiFlow filter cartridge performs three filtration functions within the one canister. This can be explained as follows;

Stage 1 
Within the metal canister is a membrane that traps all particles half a micron (0.5) or larger from passing through the filtration process. These particles include sediment, Cysts such as cryptosporidium and giardia, and asbestos fibres. Over time it is this membrane that will become clogged with particles and a reduction in flow may be evident.

Stage 2
The internal membrane described above is impregnated with a special activated carbon compound. This compound will filter out chlorine and any taste, odour or colour issues within the water supply through an absorption filtration process. The useful life of the carbon compound is 12 months.

Stage 3
The final filtration process undertaken by the HiFlow filter cartridge reduces limescale (scale) build up in water using appliances. The final chamber of the HiFlow cartridge contains an amount of polyphosphate to treat calcium and magnesium particle and stop them from forming scale on appliance such as kettles, coffee and ice making machines. The useful life of the polyphosphate is 12 months.

The end result is clean, clear filtered water delivered at mains pressure producing 11,355 litres annually – at a cost of around one (1) cent per litre.

Q. Can Hiflow be connected to hotwater?
A.  The simple answer to this question is “No it cannot” - as the internals and performance of the HiFlow cartridge are only certified for use between 2 & 38 degrees C.

The only solution for Hotwater would be to install the HiFlow system within the cold water line that services the hot water heater. However, Hot water heaters use a substantial amount of water so the HiFlow cartridge will require changing more often than 12 months.

Q. What does HiFlow remove?
A.  The HiFlow filter Removes

  • 99.99% Cysts – Cryptosporidium and Giardia
  • 98.00% Chlorine
  • 98.90% Lead
  • 99.80% Sediment
  • 99.80% Asbestos
  • 99.00% Turbidity

Health Claim Performance Classified by UL
The system has been tested and certified which ensures that:

  • The manufacturers claims are true.
  • The system does not add anything harmful to the water
  • The system is structurally sound.
  • The literature and labelling are not misleading

Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of an unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

 

Micron Rating?

The ability of a water filter is measured in microns. Basically, the lower the micron rating, the more the filter is able to capture smaller and smaller contaminants. Refrigerator water filters typically use granular activated carbon, which has an average rating of 20 microns.

Most filters have a micron rating according to the porous structure. The lower the micron rating the finer the filtration. Higher micron rated filters are for coarse filtration and lower micron ratings are for finer filtration. As a guide suspended solids such as dirt, rust etc. are mostly removed at 20 microns down to 5 microns.

Sediment and dirt filters

Rope wound filters have been replaced with polypropylene filters commonly call poly spun filters. poly spun sediment filters have a high dirt holding capacity and have an excellent flow rate until they are totally loaded with sediment. Pleated washable filters have a large surface area and may be washed 3-5 times. Pleated filters don't have the depth of the poly spun filters to hold sediment but have a larger surface area due to the pleats. Pleated filters trap dirt on the surface so it can be mostly washed off. They will not restrict flow until they are totally covered with sediment. Sediment filters are used as whole of house filters or as pre filters before carbon filters, as carbon doesn't have the same high flow capacity and will restrict the flow when sediment clogs the carbon's porous structure.

Carbon filters

Activated carbon is a widely used method for drinking water treatment. Activation of carbon is achieved by high temperature steam, which produces a very high surface area in the carbon allowing the carbon to absorb organic matter, chlorine, chemicals and so on improving bad taste and odours. Carbon comes in granules or is pressed into solid block filters. Silver impregnated carbon is excellent for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the filter carbon. It's very important to use the right filter for your situation and needs as in flow rate, water quality and level of filtration required.

 

 

Having problem replacing the water filter on your Samsung fridge?

 

Can’t replace the water filter on your Samsung fridge? Your filter goes partially in and turns but turns completely round and round without locking in and pops out when you turn the water on?

The filter should just fit into the filter housing the one way. Then you must push up and twist clockwise to lock in place. You should feel it lock in. If you don't, then obviously you see the filter will just come right out.

If the filter will not stay in place, pull it out and make sure that all the caps to the filters are removed and that the locking end of the filter is not damaged in any way.

When you replace your filter, please make sure you bleed the line after removing the filter. This will release the tension and pressure in the line and tank. Then, turn the water supply off to the ref and then get a large pitcher and get water from the door of the ref and let it run for approximately five minutes. This will empty the tank and water lines in the ref and will lessen the pressure in the water filter.

Then, remove the water filter once you have checked that you have used all the water, have let out a little air and there is no more water comes out of the door. It should simply untwist out. Replace with new water filter by pushing the new filter into the housing but make sure to not line up the lock symbol on the water filter to the lock on the water filter housing. The lock symbol on the water filter should only match up to the water filter housing after it has been twisted into place.

It may not go fully back into place. So again, please be sure the lock on the filter is to the left of the lock on the filter housing, and then push up into the filter housing and twist clockwise to lock in place.

If the filter locks in place, then turn the water supply back on to the ref and again bleed the line for about five minutes. This will force all the air out of the line and prevent the water from sputtering out of the dispenser.

 

Still will not fit in place?

If the filter still doesn't lock in place then unfortunately, you may have to call for service.

In this case, you may have a damaged filter. You should replace the filter immediately.


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