for the water to make its way through the unit. This will only happen on first use until the system is wetted,
additional start ups should begin flowing relatively quickly from when the inlet it turned on.
If you have completed flushing of ALL inline filters as mentioned in the Pre-Flushing Section, you will only
need to run your filter system for about 30 – 60 minutes before it is ok to be used. If you did not pre-flush
the post membrane filters, you will need to let the unit run for a few hours to adequately flush the filters.
This is because mains pressure flushed quickly, but if you run water post membrane, it is much slower and
does not stir up the filters as vigorously.
If you are using a system that has a post alkaline filter, you may notice the pH of the water will be very high
(9.5 – 10.5) while the system is new. This is normal and will slowly reduce with further flushing. High
Alkaline Systems create hydrogen which will show a very high pH (10 +/-) when it is initially filtered which is
normal, once you let the water sit for a period of time the hydrogen will vent and the pH will begin to lower.
pH and Alkalinity are different things.
IV. Using the System
Once the filters have settled and it is ready for use, run the drain line into the sink/drain. Your drinking water
tube will then run into a container or tank to fill with fresh filtered water. It is recommended to keep the
container you are filling in a water safe area – for example on the sink top in case of spillage (or more
commonly – if it overflows because you forget you turned it on) so you don’t come back to a flooded room.
A handy tip is to use a timer the first time you use the unit and note how long it takes to fill your desired
storage container.
V. After Use & Storage
When the system is no longer in use, replace the blue plug back into the drinking water line to prevent
bacteria. The drain line can be left open as there is no chance of backflow or contamination on this line.
The system can then be stored away in a cabinet – if you have a plastic container or tub to put it in it is
ideal to prevent any water leaks.
VI. Long Periods of no use
If the system has been in storage for longer than a few days, it is best to run the unit for 15 minutes before
collecting the water. Bacterial contamination is not usually an issue with intermittent use but is possible
after over a month of storage. If there are any smells, tastes or changes to the water quality it is best to
replace the filter cartridges and start fresh to avoid any possible issues.
Maintenance
I. Sanitation
Due to the ‘open circuit’ nature of the portable systems, it is possible for bacterial contamination to occur
over time. Tubing may need to be sanitised or replaced along with the fittings.
The membrane housing (Which is one of the only parts that doesn’t get replaced) can be cleaned using
warm soapy water and then soaked in diluted HydroSil-ULTRA with water. Rinse off the excess HydroSil
and then re-connect.
II. Replacement Parts
As mentioned above, tubing and fittings should be periodically replaced to ensure the system remains
clean and functional. There is no set time frame for these items to be replaced, rather you can monitor
them ongoing and if they appear to be at their end of life, change them. As a general guideline, Tubing
(inlet, outlet and drain) should be replaced every 2 years. Fittings should be replaced every 3 years (due to
wear and tear).
III. Replacement Filters
As portable systems are made up from predominantly inline filter cartridges, when you replace the filters
you are getting almost a completely new ‘system’ as only the tubing and fi some other things
remain. Filters have a varying life time but generally can be replaced with the following principle; Pre filters
(Pre-Membrane) every 6 months. Post Filters (Post-Membrane) Every 12 months. The membrane itself has
a largely varying life time. It may last anywhere between 1 and 4 years depending on usage, water quality
and age.
