RV water filters are installed to facilitate the filtration of sediments and chlorine, among other contaminants from water being pumped into the RV. This helps in improving the overall condition of the water.
When such contaminants are not filtered, they may lead to the clogging and failure of various appliances. In addition, contaminated water is not good for regular day-to-day usage such as drinking, cooking, and washing.
I normally ensure that I conduct frequent maintenance practices for my RV. One of the most crucial practices is replacing my RV water filters. Moreover, RV water filters have a short lifespan which requires occasional replacement.
In this article, I will discuss how long RV filters last, the types of RV water filters, and other related entities.
Types of RV Water Filters
I have previously used a wide array of water filters to ensure that I get clean water from my RV. These types have different roles, while some last longer than others. Below is a discussion of the types of water filters and their roles:
1. Sediment Filter
A sediment filter focuses more on eradicating sediments present in water. The filter is for straining all kinds of sediments such as sand, clay, soil, silt, and minerals, among other debris that can be in water.
It is one of the most appropriate filters for people whose water source is rain, dams, or any other open source. Such water sources are likely to have particles that require filtration.
2. Carbon Filter
I use carbon filters when I need clean, tasty water. This filter utilizes absorption to eliminate any contaminant in the water. The filter has a solid, porous carbon block that absorbs particles to the surface. A carbon filter binds with organic compounds and allows only clean water.
This is one of the best filters that I use to remove chlorine and other substances that affect the taste and smell of water. Carbon filters are ideal for sieving out bacteria, pesticides, and debris.
3. Reverse Osmosis
I consider this to be one of the most comprehensive filtration systems. This is because it requires a storage tank and pumps to execute the filtration and drainage of wastewater. In addition, it requires more space compared to other filtration systems and filters water at a slower rate.
However, it is one of the best filtration systems that gives clean water for drinking and cooking. Reverse osmosis utilizes a semipermeable membrane that allows water to flow through and withholds particles, and bacteria, among other materials in the water.
4. Ceramic Filters
Compared to other filtration systems, I have found that ceramic filters are affordable options and can be installed in various settings. This filter is a small ceramic surface with minute holes that helps to strain bacteria and dirt from water.
Ceramic filters are excellent options as they are also portable and can utilize numerous techniques to ensure that one gets clean and pure drinking water. Some of the most common techniques I have used with ceramic filters include under-sink, countertop, or gravity-fed.
5. Canister Filters
One thing that I love about canister filters is that you can customize them based on specific needs. This filter option allows one to drop in one or more filters depending on the size and water needs.
The least that one can expect in this filter option is carbon filtration and sediment removal in a single cartridge system. A dual cartridge system has more purification as it allows eradication of carbon and odor and sediment removal.
How Do I Know That My RV Filter Requires Replacing?
Sometimes one may forget when they previously replaced the RV water filters. The good thing is that a damaged RV filter will always showcase notable signals, as articulated below:
Stinking Water
I do not notice any odor when using a good RV water filter. But after some months, the water begins to have a distinct and unappealing odor. The odor escalates the more one continues using a damaged filter. Thus, odorous water is a major sign that the filter is old and requires replacement.
Unclear water
One of the main purposes of the RV water filter is to ensure that I get clean and pure water. When the RV water filter is in a good state, I normally get crystal clear water. But when it is damaged, I notice particles floating in the water. The more I continue using the damaged filter, the more the sediments appear in the water.
Change in Water Taste
Another sign that the RV filter requires a replacement is when one notices a change in taste. The most common tastes are metallic or salty notes.
Check the Filter
If one does not experience any of the above signs, the best approach to determine whether a replacement should be conducted is to check the filter. When I check my filter and notice that it has an odor or looks dirty, I immediately replace it. This is because using such a filter can lead to water contamination.
After How Long Should I Change My RV Water Filter?
After familiarizing with the signs of a filter that requires replacement, this section will elaborate on how frequently one should conduct the replacement. Different filters have different life spans. Nonetheless, a water filter’s average duration is three and four months. Other types of filters can last for up to six months.
In this regard, it is recommended that one should replace a water filter between two and six months. But it is best to conduct the replacement during the early times or when one notices that there is a change in water quality, taste, or odor.
Failure to change a water filter may cause serious problems. For instance, a fridge’s damaged water filter can lead to scaling and damage to the ice machine. In addition, I noticed that when the RV filter is damaged, it causes the system to slow down, which results in downgraded water quality.
Can RV Water Filters Be Cleaned?
Though some people may clean RV filters, it is not always a good decision. This is because they are highly prone to damage, and one may end up adding contaminants to the water.
Slight damage to the RV filter during cleaning can distort its effectiveness. Additionally, when one follows inappropriate cleaning methods, the RV filter can cause bacterial growth and mold, which is harmful.
Although water filters can be expensive, the best approach is to replace one if it gets damaged. This is because one cannot compare the cost of drinking contaminated water at the expense of saving money.
Bottom Line
The above article has articulated the importance of replacing an RV water filter. Clean water is one of the utmost needs in life, and having a proper working filter is imperative in achieving this. There are numerous RV filters in the market with different filtration techniques and prices.
If you need more water, you can go for the most complex ones, while the simple ones can serve considerable water needs. All that is required is researching and getting an RV water filter that will serve your needs.
Although you should change your RV filter after every six months, it is advisable to check the mentioned tell-tale signs and change if yours seems not to work effectively.