Activated carbon filter: How to choose and replace to ensure water safety

In the fast-paced modern life, drinking water safety has increasingly become the focus of public attention. As the core component of the water purifier, the activated carbon filter, with its excellent adsorption capacity, effectively removes impurities, odors and some harmful substances in the water, and has become an important line of defense to ensure the safety of household water quality. However, facing the dazzling array of activated carbon filter products on the market, how to correctly choose and replace them in time has become a knowledge that consumers must master. This article will analyze this process in detail for you to ensure that your drinking water is safe and worry-free.

1. Key points for selecting activated carbon filter elements
Understand the type of filter element: Activated carbon filter elements are mainly divided into granular activated carbon (GAC) and compressed activated carbon (CTO). Granular activated carbon is good at adsorbing residual chlorine, odor and some organic matter in water due to its large surface area; while compressed activated carbon has a tighter structure and higher filtration accuracy, which is suitable for removing tiny particles and some heavy metals. It is crucial to choose the right type of filter element according to the water quality needs of the family.
Pay attention to the life of the filter element: The service life of activated carbon filters of different brands and models varies, generally ranging from 6 months to 2 years. When choosing, you should ask the merchant about the specific replacement cycle of the filter element, and reasonably plan the replacement time based on the household water consumption.
Check the certification information: Qualified activated carbon filters should be certified by relevant international or domestic authoritative organizations, such as NSF, WQA, etc. These certification marks mean that the filter element has been strictly tested and meets safety standards.
Consider compatibility: When purchasing activated carbon filters, you need to ensure that it is compatible with the existing water purifier model. The filter specifications of water purifiers of different brands may be different. Blind purchase may result in failure to install or affect the filtering effect.
2. Steps for replacing activated carbon filters
Turn off the water source: Before replacing the filter element, be sure to turn off the water inlet valve of the water purifier first to avoid water spraying out and causing waste or safety hazards.
Disconnect the power supply (if applicable): For water purifiers with electric heating or ultraviolet sterilization functions, the power supply must be disconnected before replacing the filter element.
Drain: Open the drain valve of the water purifier to drain the water in the water purifier to reduce water splashing during the replacement process.
Remove the old filter: Follow the instructions in the manual and use special tools or your bare hands to rotate the filter counterclockwise until it loosens and is removed. Be careful to avoid splashing residual water inside the filter.
Install a new filter: Check whether the O-ring of the new filter is intact, then align the new filter with the filter seat of the water purifier and rotate it clockwise until it is tightly fixed.
Rinse the filter: Open the water inlet valve and let the water flow through the newly installed filter for at least 15 minutes to remove the protective liquid and impurities inside the filter.
Resume use: After rinsing, close the drain valve, turn on the water outlet switch of the water purifier, and check whether the water quality is clear and has no odor.
3. Daily maintenance tips
Regular inspection: It is recommended to check the water purifier once a month to observe the status of the filter and whether the water purifier is operating normally.
Timely replacement: Even if the recommended replacement cycle of the filter has not been reached, if the water quality is found to be deteriorating or the color of the filter becomes darker, it should be replaced immediately.
Keep it clean: Clean the water purifier housing and surrounding areas regularly to prevent dust and debris from entering the water purifier.