Brita is one of the famous water filter jugs, it has been on the market for a long time.
There are five types of Brita filters:
Brita jugs and dispensers:
Type 1. Standard Brita filter. Can remove:
- mercury
- copper
- chlorine
- cadmium
- zinc
Type 2: Brita Elite filter (formerly LongLast). Can remove:
- lead
- mercury
- benzene
- chlorine
- cadmium
- asbestos
Type 3: Brita Stream filters. Can remove:
- chlorine
- solid particles
- trichlorobenzene
For faucets:
Type 4. Brita mixer filter. Can remove:
- lead
- mercury
- chlorine
- benzene
- asbestos
- solid particles
- trichlorobenzene
- TTHM
For Brita water bottles:
Type 5. Brita bottle filter. Can remove:
- chlorine
- solid particles
Brita filters do not filter tap water containing fluoride. But if you’re just dealing with lead or chlorine in your water, the Longlast+ Filtered Water Pitcher will filter out those impurities.
Why does my Brita filter water so fast: reasons for the slow operation of the Brita filter?
The rate of water filtration depends on the type of filter you are using.
For gravity filtration, Brita Standard and Elite filters take 10-15 minutes to clean the entire water tank. The Brita Stream filter guarantees fast filtered water.
The Brita Stream filter is faster than the Brita Elite filter and the Brita Standard filter. Brita Elite and Standard filters filter water before filling, and the Stream filter filters while pouring.
The Brita mixer filter has a flow rate of 1.5 GPM. The average water flow for kitchen plumbing is 1.0 to 2.2 gpm. As a result, the Brita faucet filter is quite good, but the flow drops to 1.0 GPM if the filter is not replaced in time.
The Brita bottle filter creates very fast filtration.
Each type of Brita filter has different filtration methods, but they all have common reasons why they pass water through not too quickly than usual. Let’s now explore all the reasons.
Cause 1: Untimely replacement of the Brita filter
Failure to replace the water filter in time may result in poor and slow filtration. Keep an eye on the filter change indicator on your Brita, the indicates that the filter is nearing the end of its life
Brita filters have a filter change indicator light to help you understand the exact time to change your system. The green color on the button indicates that the filter is working properly, and the red color filter change indicator that it is time to replace the filter.
The filter replacement indicator may not work correctly. This means that if the water filter expires, you will not be able to detect it on the status button.
Therefore, it is important to replace the old filters and press the reset button for a few seconds to reset the display.
After that, the three indicators will start beeping together. Always pay attention to the red dot in the right corner. She says that the filter change indicator is working correctly, and you can be sure of clean drinking water.
You can customize the program of a particular filter yourself – all systems have different settings for standard filters, Elite TM and Stream filters. How often should you replace the filter:
- Brita filter – 2 months (every 40 gallons)
- Brita Elite TM filter – 6 months (every 120 gallons)
- Brita Inline Filter – 2 months (every 40 gallons)
- Brita Bottle – 2 months (every 40 gallons)
- Brita faucet – 4 months (every 94-100 gallons)
Cause 2: Air bubbles in the filter material
New filter cartridges retain air bubbles when first installed. These bubbles fill the filter material, reducing the flow rate.
You can check if there are air pockets inside your filter by immersing it in a deep container filled with water. If the filter floats to the surface, then there is an air lock.
To remove bubbles: place the filter in cold water for 20 minutes, wait for the filter floats. Then hold under running water for 20 seconds and return back.
If that doesn’t work, try tapping it on the edge of the sink to loosen the foam. Check again to see if it sinks, and then set it in a jug.
Cause 3: High level of deposits in tap water
If your water contains a lot of sediment—be it clay, minerals, contaminants, sand, or rust—it will cause particles to foul your filter. The more dirt there is in your water, the faster the filter will clog.
Dirt will accumulate on the surface of the Brita filtration system at a tremendous rate, blocking passages and reducing the area available for water to pass through.
Well water is especially rich in contaminants such as iron and hard minerals that can interfere with filtration. Brita recommends not filtering well water in any of its jugs.
If you find that your tap water contains a high level of sediment, it is best to install another filtration system before using Brita Filter.
How do you know how much sediment your tap water contains? Pour water directly from the tap into the container and wait 30 minutes. If you then saw a cloudy coating at the bottom of the glass, this indicates that it is time to install additional filtering.
Brita advises changing cartridges more often if your water is hard, as hardness is considered one of the main causes of sedimentation in water.
Cause 4: Incorrect installation or poor filter flushing
If the Brita filter is installed incorrectly in the device, it will not filter the water well. But mostly it happens when changing the filter. Read the instruction manual carefully or have a Brita consultant show you how to properly install the filter.
Please note that many filters have different installation methods.
In all ways, you should hear a “click” as you screw it into place. If a click is heard, then the filter has been installed properly. You should also pay attention to the fact that the O-ring is correctly located on the filter device.
Cause 5: Low water pressure (applies to Brita Faucet filter)
Brita faucet filters produce a flow rate of 1.5 gpm only when the water pressure at the faucet is good from the start.
The pressure for a Brita faucet filters is needed to force water through two levels of filtration. Pay attention to the water pressure in the faucet. If it is weak, check the system for leaks and deposits.
The pressure reducing valve must not be too low. Also try removing debris from your faucet aerator. Low water pressure can be caused by bent pipes. Be sure to check for plumbing problems.
Cause 6: Excessive use of the filter
The more often you use the Brita filter, the sooner you should change the filter. The length of the filter life (described above) is just a recommendation from the manufacturer. But if you find yourself using 40 gallons a month, you should change your filter more often.
The filter replacement indicator light will always tell you about the status of the filter.
Cause 7: Aeration from a faucet
Brita filters are designed to filter even the most carbonated tap water, but this does not mean that such water does not reduce the flow rate.
If your tap water is aerated, this will affect how quickly the water flows through the Brita water filter.
Cause 8: Incorrect filter flushing
Be sure to rinse the Brita filter before first use to ensure the best water filtration. Luckily, this is pretty easy to do.
For the faucet filter:
- Install a faucet filter and run water for 5 minutes to flush the system.
- Never use flush water or use it for irrigation. This can be harmful.
For Brita Standard filter, Longlast, Brita Stream and Bottle filters:
- These filters need to be pre-soaked in water for 15-20 minutes.
- After that, wash under a walking tap with a water dispenser for 30 seconds.
- Then install the Brita flow filter, fill the tank and let the water drain completely through the filter.
- Make sure the quality of the water and, if anything, discard it.
- There may be coal debris inside part of the seals
How to improve the Brita filter flow rate?
Method 1: Knock out the air bubble
If the low flow in your Brita filter is caused by a trapped air bubble, you will need to remove the air so the water can filter properly.
To remove air bubbles, simply soak the filter for 20 minutes in cold tap water. Then rinse well and replace the Brita filter.
If air is not removed after soaking, gently tap the filter against the sink, leaving the filter submerged in water.
Method 2: Install a pre-filter
Brita filter cartridges are not designed to solve the problem of deposits – and they clog the media.
If you find a lot of deposits in your water or you have hard water, install a sediment filter or water softener to clean the water coming from your faucet.
Method 3: Proper flushing and installation of the filter
If you don’t want problems caused by improper flushing and filter installation, you need to, you guessed it, properly flush and install the filter.
Be sure to read the user manual in great detail for information on installing the Brita filter. It is important to snap the jug filters into place, and fix the faucet filters into the filter housing.
Be careful, the O-ring must be correctly installed in the filter housing.
So, to rinse the filter well, simply pour cold water through the tap for several minutes (for tap filters) or rinse the filter with cold water for about 15 seconds (for pitcher filters). Now you no longer need to soak the filters Brita jugs for 20 minutes before use.
Method 4: Troubleshoot Water Pressure Problems (Brita Faucet Filter Only)
If you have low tap water pressure, try installing a pressure booster pump.
The water pressure under the sink must be fast so that the water flows at the same speed through the filter.
Method 5: Buy a new Brita filter
Sometimes the only solution is to replace the Brita pitcher filter.
When you forget to replace new Brita pitcher filters, the best solution is to purchase a pitcher with a filter replacement indicator. It will turn red when the filter needs replacing, so you don’t have to look at your calendar.
But sometimes you just don’t like the speed of the water that flows through the Brita pitcher. Then a good solution would be to buy a Brita Stream jug and the correct Stream filter for this jug.
Brita Stream only filters water when you pour water, not when you fill it up. It is needed specifically to be fast enough – almost 10 times faster than the market leader. This will be the perfect solution for people who are very impatient to wait for standard filtering.
The Brita Stream filter has the same lifespan as the standard Brita filter and removes the same contaminants. The only difference is speed.
You must remember that the Stream filter may not purify water as well as a regular Brita filter, as there is less contact with water and filter media.
Frequently asked Questions
How fast should Brita filters work?
The Brita pitcher filters water in 1.25 minutes. Some Brita jugs need about 15 minutes. But usually Brita filters purify water in 10 minutes.The Brita faucet filter cleans your tap water right away. Do not forget that the cleaning time depends on the mechanism and the type of filtered elements.
How to maintain the life of Brita filters?
Do not forget to clean brita filter in time, then you can easily increase their service life. Proper care of Brita filters will enable them to work properly. Store it in a clean and dry place out of direct sunlight and change the charcoal occasionally.
How understand is your Brita filter not working well?
You will always understand that your Brita filter is not working well, as it will have such signs:
– The water smells
– The filter is dry
– Taste changes
– There is mold in the filter
Can the brita water filter be washed to prolong the filtration process?
Brita water filter should not be washed, this will not make the filtration process better. Many systems, such as ceramic filters, can be flushed. But do it in the other direction to remove contaminants. This cannot be done with the Brita filter. Activated carbon and ion exchange resin are not meant to be washed out.
Why is my new Brita filter not working?
Your new brita longlast filter may not work if you didn’t fill out or set the filter correctly. Check that the filter is installed correctly and that you have flushed it to get rid of coal dust and air bubbles. The filter life indicator is working correctly. Otherwise, you will need to replace the filter.
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