Why Your PUR Water Filter Leaks
Purchasing the best water pitcher for your home is an excellent way to ensure you drink clean and healthy water. PUR water pitcher is also a good choice for homeowners. However, many users have experienced leaking issues with their PUR water filter systems. This can be a frustrating problem, but it doesn’t mean it’s time to throw out your filter entirely.
We will explore some reasons why your PUR water filter leaks.
Improper Installation
Leaks are very common in water filtration systems that have been installed incorrectly. If you’ve recently experienced a leak due to improper installation, it’s important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to fix the issue.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when setting up your new PUR water filter— a pitcher or a faucet. Of course, you want to ensure the filter is attached correctly.
Don’t forget to turn off the main water supply of your home before installing your PUR faucet filter. When you’re done installing the filter, you can turn it back on.
Mineral particles in the water filter housing
One potential cause of PUR filter leaks is mineral particles building up in the housing. This can occur when hard water accumulates calcium, magnesium, and other minerals over time. The build-up eventually clogs the filter housing, which can result in a leaking filter.
Remove the filter and gently scrub its housing with soapy water to address this issue. Rinse thoroughly before putting it back into the system. Remember to change PUR water filters regularly to improve the overall performance of your system.
Filter not locked in place.
Another common reason for leaks is when the filter is not properly locked. To lock a filter into place, twist it counterclockwise until it clicks, indicating it’s locked. Make sure to complete this step when attaching a new filter. A properly sealed filter will prevent leakage problems in the future.
Filter housing closed firmly.
If the filter housing is closed too firmly, it can cause cracks in the threads or damage the O-ring. The only way to address this issue is to replace the damaged parts. Otherwise, contaminants could find their way to the filtered water.
Regularly checking for possible leaks should be part of any maintenance routine with a PUR filter. Ensure all connections between system parts are secure and without gaps or cracks.
The faucet lever closed improperly.
Leaks can occur due to various issues, including the faucet lever not being fully closed after installation. To ensure the optimal performance of your PUR filter, it is important to double-check that the faucet lever is properly closed after replacing the filter cartridge or installing a new unit.
If the lever is not completely shut off and all connections are secure, pressure could build up inside the unit and force water out around its edges when turned on.
High water temperature
The source of the leak can usually be traced back to high water temperature. Hot water causes the filter’s internal components to expand, leading to cracks in the filter housing that can cause a leak.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to make sure your tap water is kept at the right temperature— not above 100°F/38°C for faucet filters and not above 82°F or 28°C for filter pitchers.
Using the wrong adapter
Using the wrong adapter for the PUR water filter pitcher can significantly damage your filter and your home if it leaks. To avoid such an issue, you must understand which adapter matches the threading of your PUR faucet filter.
PUR offers two sets of adapters for externally and internally threaded faucets. Of course, you want to ensure the adapter and washer are tightened properly to complete the installation of your PUR faucet filter.
Faulty o-ring
If your PUR filter begins to leak, it may be due to a faulty O-ring seal. An O-ring is a round rubber ring in the filter cartridge. It acts as a seal between the filter housing and the filter cap.
When an O-ring becomes worn or damaged, it can allow contaminated water to enter the filter and cause leaking at the connections. Consequently, it is important for consumers who experience leakage from their PUR filter to check the condition of their O-rings to locate the source of the issue.
Replace any damaged rings with genuine PUR replacement parts to ensure proper sealing and filtering capability. In addition, regular maintenance and cleaning of your filter will help ensure its longevity and efficiency over time.
Increased water pressure
Leaks from PUR filter pitchers often occur due to increased water pressure. High water pressure can strain the faucet filter excessively, causing a leak. It can also aggravate leaks if the faucet filter is not installed correctly.
Check the gauge on your home’s primary shutoff valve if your PUR water filtration system leaks due to increased water pressure. If it shows that the pressure is higher than 60 psi (pounds per square inch), consider installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) near the incoming main supply line. This device regulates incoming water pressure and reduces it before it enters your home’s plumbing system.
Worn-out or broken filters
Another common cause of PUR water filter leaks is worn-out or broken filters. When filters become clogged with deposits, they can begin to wear down and eventually break apart. This can cause leaks in the system and lead to contaminated tap water coming through the line.
If you notice your PUR water filter leaking, it’s important to check the filter for any signs of wear and tear. Of course, worn-out filters should be replaced immediately.
Improper method of pouring your PUR filter pitcher
Does the unfiltered water flow out of the pitcher when you pour a glass? You might want to change how you pour your PUR filter pitcher. Of course, pour out the filtered water only when the pour tray is empty.
Moreover, ensure that the lid is properly secured before pouring out the filtered water; if it isn’t secured correctly, it can cause leaking from the lid or sides of the container.
Fix the Leak Immediately!
Leaking water filters can lead to various issues, such as water damage in your home, property damage, and health risks. So, it’s important to take action quickly.
First, inspect the filter housing for any cracks that may be causing the leak. If none are visible, then it is likely that the O-ring seal around the filter has worn down from use and needs to be replaced.
You can purchase replacement parts from an authorized retailer or PUR. Install them properly so the unit can function correctly and without leaks again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is changing the filter on my PUR water filter easy?
Yes, it is. Soak first the PUR Plus filter in cold water for 15 minutes. Then, hold the filter under cold running water for 10 seconds. If you’re using the PUR Basic filter, run cold water for 5 seconds to prime the filter. Next, slide the filter through the hole of the pour tray and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. If your pitcher has a filter indicator, press the reset button to activate it.
How often should I replace the filter on my PUR water filter?
Filters in PUR pitchers need to be replaced every two months or after it has filtered 40 gallons of water. On the other hand, PUR faucet filters should be changed every three months or after 100 gallons of use.
How do I know when to change my PUR water filter?
If your PUR filter has a filter change light, replace it immediately if it flashes a red light. Of course, some of the telling signs that your filter is due for replacement include slow filtration and poor filtered water quality.
Does the PUR water filter require any maintenance?
Aside from changing filters on time, you must also handwash the pitcher regularly. With PUR faucet filters, clean the exterior of the faucet system with mild soap and a soft cloth. Also, checking for any signs of wear and tear should be done as part of preventive maintenance.
Conclusion
A leaking PUR water filter is likely caused by a faulty filter, an incorrectly installed filter, or an old, worn-out filter. It is important to identify the source of the leak as soon as possible to ensure that your family is safe from contaminated water.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, it is best to contact an expert technician who can help diagnose and solve the problem.
