Top Tips on Maintaining It Correctly

Have you ever been to an older or previously abandoned home and turned on a water tap to find that the water is yellow or dirty? This kind of thing is a surprise for many people, but it showcases quite nicely the importance of maintaining your plumbing to ensure that the water you put into the kettle or coffee pot is drinkable!

In a similar vein, maintaining a filtered water tap is an essential part of ensuring that the water you use remains clean and safe for consumption.

Also, as most homes do not have a filtered water tap built into them, you will likely lose money in this home investment if you do not maintain it.

So, here are five effective ways to keep your filtered water tap in top condition. 

Regularly Clean the Tap and Filter

Cleaning the tap and filter regularly is crucial to maintaining the quality of the water it dispenses. Use a clean, soft cloth and mild detergent to clean the tap’s exterior and interior, and replace the filter as and when it is needed. A clogged filter will typically reduce water flow and cause the tap to malfunction. 

Some brands of filtered water taps, like InSinkErator, have an easy-to-clean and replace filter, so this cleaning process should take no longer than a few minutes, and then your tap water will be clean and ready to drink!

Test the Water Quality Regularly 

Regularly testing the quality of the filtered water can help you to spot and treat any issues with the tap or filter. You can purchase filtered water testing kits online or from a local hardware store. Test the water for common contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and bacteria, and take action if the results are outside the acceptable range. 

In most cases, an out-of-range water result means that the filter either hasn’t been cleaned recently or replaced.

Replace the Filter Cartridges on Time

Replacing the filter cartridges on time is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of the filtration system. Most filter tap manufacturers recommend that you replace the filter twice a year, but this may vary depending on usage. If you notice that there is a sudden change in the taste or smell of the water, it may be time to replace the filter sooner. So, it is also a good idea to have a spare set of filters to prevent using poor-tasting water.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Using harsh chemicals to clean the tap or filter can damage the system and reduce its effectiveness. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive cleaners. Instead, you should use a gentle detergent and warm water to clean the tap and filter. 

Use the Tap Regularly 

Going back to the initial example of turning on a tap that has not been used only to find discolored water. In order to maintain a filtered water tap, you need to keep it flowing. Using the tap regularly ensures that the water flows through the filter, preventing the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. If you are going away for an extended period, like on a 2-week holiday, run the filtered tap for a few minutes before using it again, as this will flush out any stagnant water.