Then onto the next step! Other important factor is material selection. Is there an O-ring? "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCknEFz6-YOhnGY2X28gBw/", 
Press that button to release pressure from inside the housing. Bear in mind that in earthquake country, engineering is not intended to keep your house from being damagedit is intended to keep thing stable long enough for you to get through the event and get out. A common mistake that most people make is using petroleum jelly instead of silicone. Luckily, once you know the most common causes of leaks, you should be able to quickly and confidently diagnose the issue. Use a housing wrench to twist the filter housing carefully. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads. Weve put together this guide, based on our own experience and information from some of the top whole house water filter manufacturers, to help you get to the bottom of your leaking filtration system and put a stop to it once and for all. If the o-ring is properly in position, no leaks should occur. If you were unable to stop your refrigerator from leaking, please contact us today, or if you would like to learn more about repairing the appliances in your home, please take a look at the repair guides provided onour website. Where Should I Buy a Whole House Water Filter System? "@id": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/#/schema/person/f06c7f17c82b286c3277b83ec1383f5b", These are made of plastic/fiberglass? Therefore, you should carefully check any hairline cracks on your filter housings interior and exterior. With the access panel out of the way, start disconnecting the water lines from the inlet valve. In some cases, you may need to use the filter wrench that came with your system to unscrew the filter housing counter-clockwise. The failure appears as a circumferential crack that completely separated the bottom cap from the housing. Overpressure inside a whole house water filter can cause the filter housing to become cracked, allowing water to escape from the system. Ensure it doesnt tilt or is off-center, or it will damage the top of the filter. 
Some cartridge-based filtration systems have a small pressure release button on the top. The corresponding valve is usually located 3 to 5 feet from the point where water enters your home. Learn more about our product review process or check our FTC affiliate disclosure. Moreover, check the threads for any cuts due to over-tightening or lack of plumbers tape. Can i repair with a two part epoxy? To do so, use your flat head screwdriver to pry the safety caps off the bottom of the couplings. With the screw removed, lift the housing up and pull it away from the wall to expose the water lines. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. ], "https://www.pinterest.com/bos_water/", Once youve checked the housing, look at the filter threads. Once the fresh food section is empty, youll spot the housing near the floor of the compartment on the right side wall. Note: the following analysis and its write-up are property of The Madison Group and cannot be copied and/or distributed in anyway without prior permission from The Madison Group. "width": "809", Something as simple as over- or under-tightening the connections can cause leaks. Rather than having water filter housing, a media-based system contains a single tank, which is far less likely to become cracked or damaged, or experience leaking. Reinstall the water inlet by securing it to the refrigerator with the mounting screw you removed earlier. "image": Eventually, a clogged filter will become so saturated with contaminants that water will be unable to pass through. Broken or hard O-rings lead to the whole system coming down. They are made out of fiberglass reinforced polypropolene. This failure caused extensive water damage in the property where it was installed. "height": "500", It also helps to keep a stash of O-rings handy that fit your filter model. Twice a year, clean the inside and outside of the filter housing, removing bacteria, dirt, and sediment that has collected over its months of use. A structural analysis (see Figures) was performed to determine which areas are exposed to high stress. We have plenty of information about the best whole house water filters in this guide. In this case, the incoming water cant travel through the filter as quickly as it travels through your pipes, so its likely to leak out of the fittings connecting the filter to your water line. 
Not only should you be cleaning inside the housing, but you must also wipe the top and the assembly line to prevent the growth of unwanted pollutants. A whole house water filter can leak due to plenty of reasons. A leak inside your Samsung refrigerator modelRS25H5111BC/AAis often caused by a damaged water filter head and housing. If youre lucky, your system comes with a bypass valve that will help you shut down the filters without disrupting the water supply to the house. A good routine is to lubricate the o-rings every time you change a water filter in the system. While youre lubricating the o-rings, check each o-ring for cracks or damage and replace them if you notice any wear and tear (it helps to have an o-ring stash on hand just in case!). JavaScript is disabled. Whole House Water Filter Leaking? Be sure to check the inside and the outside of the housing, using a bright light (such as a torch) to check for cracks that may be difficult to see normally. The maximum stress (reddish color) occurs at the inner corner of the bottom cap. }, What are you most likely to find? Learn More. Releasing water at full force could inadvertently push out the housing, and you could be in a bigger mess than before. The higher stress is at the smallest radius (stress concentration point) and where the housing wall is thinnest. This is the exact place where the failure occurred on the analyzed housing. Where were the cabinets/doors made? Next, push in the locking mechanism on the bottom of the coupling and pull out the water lines that run to the filter head and housing. "https://www.linkedin.com/company/theboswater/", So if you want to ensure uninterrupted clean water supply to your house, you must regularly lube O-rings, especially when you replace the filter cartridges. Here's What to Do! To ensure a tight seal, only use real plumbers tape and dont overdo it either. Before you reconnect the lines to the inlet valve, slide the safety covers back on the white and orange water lines. Rubber O-rings may seem tiny and dispensable at first glance, but they serve a vital part in any plumbing unit. We might be able to do something about it. { With all the water lines connected to the inlet valve, you can close up the back of your refrigerator by reinstall the rear access panel. We mentioned earlier that one of the most common causes of a leaking whole house water filter is when a filter cartridge needs replacing. Once the lines are secure, reattach the locking collars to ensure the lines dont come loose. }, }, Fortunately, if you know the most common areas that can cause leaks, you save valuable time and energy. Shut off the water supply and turn on your faucet to depressurize your water line. Since removing all the water and air from the plumbing is essential, its best to open faucets on the ground floor, not on the top floors. You might be unable to avoid water filter leaking if the unit itself is damaged beyond repair. "name": "BOS" There is a stress originating at the threads of the housing, and a stress caused by the internal water pressure. If there is a shutoff or bypass valve for the filtration unit, turn it on to avoid accidents and water damages. I installed this American Plumber brand whole house water filter about 18 months ago to trap sediment (I'm on a 120-family community well system). Follow your manufacturers instructions to remove the whole house filter housing. Why is My Whole House Water Filter Leaking? The filtration system cant handle the pressure of your drinking water supply. I actually had a problem with my dishwasher because the water was too clean. For whole house water filters, they create a seal at the interface where the housing cap comes in contact with the housing sump. (Easy Hacks to Fix It). Open a nearby faucet to release trapped air and drain the remaining water in the pipes. This could be tricky if a lot of water is escaping from the system. setTimeout(function() { Start the installation process by feeding the water lines through the openings in the back wall and floor of your refrigerator. 
It can be pretty frustrating to see your whole house filtration system leaking from the top. Thus, inspect all O-rings and check whether they are properly seated. After so many months or years of use, the rubber o-rings in your whole house filter become damaged. If the housings are compatible, you might consider having that polypropylene housing standing by. Brian is the founder and head of content at WaterFilterGuru.com. }, How to Fix a Leaking Whole Home Water Filter, How to Prevent a Whole House Water Filter from Leaking, stuck in every rubber o-ring that surrounds each filter canister, our favorite leak detectors in this guide, information about the best whole house water filters in this guide. Open a few faucets around the house and wait for all the water to flow out. The grout was just installed today a, 10 Fantastic Benefits of Owning a Swimming Pool. Like all appliances, you can expect increased durability of whole house water filters with a little bit of care. Filter cartridges require periodic replacements depending on the quality of feed water and your households daily usage. Clean or replace the o-ring, depending on the extent of the damage. But before you switch off your water supply and start the diagnostic process, itll save you a lot of time if you can figure out the source of the leak. Once youve examined the component and found it is indeed damaged, youll need to replace it. If youve bought the wrong sized system, youre at risk of damage from water pressure. Do Whole House Water Filtration Systems Remove Calcium? }, 4000); Identifying why your whole house water filter is leaking. She is head of content creation and has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. "headline": "Whole House Water Filter Leaking from Top or Other Spot? A bi-annual cleanup session is more than enough to remove the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants or sediment inside the housings. ", If you turn on the water supply on full pressure directly, you are inviting a big problem for yourself. If you dont know where the water supply valve is, now is an excellent time to find out. Each plastic failure is unique and should be treated as such. Some whole house water filters have a bypass valve. The water lines that are connected to the back of the housing should easily slide out of the opening in the rear wall and the water lines connected to the ice maker and water dispenser should come out of the opening in the floor. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. In order to disconnect the other two water lines, you must uninstall the water inlet valve from the refrigerator. You may need to buy replacement filter cartridges to resolve the issue. Unmistakably, most whole house water filter leaks originate from inside the canister/housing. You should be able to find who you need right here. This will save you money in the long run. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. "email": "gene@best-osmosis-systems.com" Actually, if the o-rings are left to harden, they can affect the entire system, as theyre more at risk of cracking resulting in leaking around the filter housing. }, The quicker you can find a crack in the housing, the better. "author": Fortunately, its easy to prevent a whole house filter from leaking again. Now, unless you want to flood your basement or garage, do not remove the filter housing right away. High TDS and water hardness, or poor water quality in general, causes a filter to clog earlier than it should. Clogged Filter - Due to Hot Water Recirc. "https://www.reddit.com/user/BOS_Water/", I have a 2 inch crack in the outer housing of my clean & clear filter. Some whole home water filters come with a sediment filter that protects the later filter stages from damage. It may not display this or other websites correctly. e.type="text/javascript", }, Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Jun 1, 2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. High levels of sediment are abrasive and damaging to water filters. "https://www.facebook.com/boswater/", Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Heres how to safely remove the filter housing without causing major flooding in your home: Filter cartridges dont last forever and some dont even last within their expected lifespans. Let it air dry for a few minutes. Weve been testing and using whole house water filter systems for more than a decade, and weve experienced several instances of leaking in that time. How big was your temblor? Behind the kick plate, youll find the water lines that run to the water and ice dispenser and the water filter head and housing. Not only does Plumbers tape provide for proper seating of the threads, it also prevents threads from seizing when unscrewing. Similarly, you can also use exterior-grade plywood to build a shed around it. Heres how to replace a faulty o-ring in your water filter housings: Water leak detectors wont stop your filters housing from leaking, but they can alert you to a problem while its still pretty minor. If everything works fine, go ahead and open the valve halfway and then slowly move to full supply. If you see a small button on the top or side of your whole house water filter, press it to depressurize the housing. If you go round more, you might end up cracking the top of the filters housing. It has the clear styrene acrylonitrile filter housing which I like because I can see the filter and collected sediment. Make sure you push the lines far enough in; otherwise, youll end up with another leak. A small amount of sand or dust is not a major concern, but pebbles or debris will require cleanup. { Good news: Most leakages can be fixed DIY-style. If you cant see any leaking from the threads, the leaking is likely coming from a location inside the filter housing, and youll need to investigate further. At least mine is behind a louvered door in a dark closet. Resolving the problem may be as simple as rinsing the o-ring with water to remove a buildup of sediment, or you may need to buy a new o-ring to replace a damaged one. After youve unthreaded the mounting screw that secures the inlet valve to the appliance, pull the part forward to gain access to the remaining water lines. Therefore, its wise to insulate the unit to prevent damage from the harsh sun rays or freezing winds. My water treatment system reviews are from real world-experience & research (and not from a faceless brand). If you found no cause of leaks during the inspection of your whole house water filter, dont panic. Sometimes filters clog earlier than usual and become too jammed to let any water pass through. "sameAs": Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. The good news is most leakages can be fixed by replacing a few components. Now head to the back of your refrigerator to reconnect the water filter lines to the water inlet valve. Heres What to Do, Overview of Whole House Water Filter Cartridge Types. This will also help to relieve pressure in your water pipes. } Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking. Its essential that you replace every filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer, not only for the sake of your health, but to prevent potentially catastrophic leaks in your main water line. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water. The good news is that o-rings are really cheap (less than $5) and widely available. The use of fillers reduces material costs, but at the same time reduces material strength. A colder mold can be the cause of numerous filling problems. To protect your hands and eyes as you repair your appliance, remember to wear work gloves and safety goggles. While its true that servicing most home filter systems doesnt require too much time, a little effort goes a long way. The filter housing shows a failure located at the housing bottom cap. Analyzing the stresses and forces on the filter housing during operation, two main sources of stresses are identified. Now its time to twist the housing of your whole house water filtration system back onto its head, ensuring the O-ring is in place. Place a large bucket or tray underneath the whole house water filter to catch any water that leaks out of the system. https://terrylove.com/forums/index.hen-used-in-softener.55968/page-3#post-412551, https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/filter-housing-help.28431/. There are several reasons why a whole house water filter might be leaking: First things first, you need to know why your whole house water filter is leaking. Whole House Water Filter System Reviews and Ratings, Whole House Water Filter for Well Water Reviews, Stuck Whole House Water Filter? waterfilterguru.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or amazon.ca. Thanks. To do so, rotate the filter counter-clockwise until it pops out, and then pull it forward to dislodge it. "@type": "Person", Therefore, make sure to replace any filter cartridge that has exceed its service life. So its important to lubricate them regularly. "@type": "ImageObject", Again, before you start working on your filtration system, its essential to turn off the feed water. Six to eight wraps are enough. Follow the steps below to uncover and resolve a whole house water filter leaking problem: Before you do anything, its helpful to know exactly where the leak is coming from. At times, an O-ring can get misplaced, hard, or broken, which compromises the seal. Putting Years of Plastics Engineering Experience To Work For You, 2615 Research Park Dr. Securely tighten the housing using the included wrench, and use plumbers tape to secure the connections and eliminate gaps that water could escape from. You dont need to buy a special water filter cleaner or a fancy cleaning tool for the job. Discard the old whole house water filter cartridge and slide in a new one making sure it sits properly inside. If the system isnt designed to handle your water pressure, the force of the water powering through the filters will cause cracks and damage. Plumbers tape, or thread seal tape (PTFE tape), is a flexible white tape to seal pipe threads. { Our best sediment filter guide has plenty of information about the sediment filters worth your money in 2022. Ensure it is seated properly in the channel. They will have the plans on file and be able to relate the visible conditions to their design intent most easily. Sediment filter location in a chlorine injection well water system. If you have a big blue canister-style whole house water system, you will need a specific wrench to twist the housings. Its also important to only use gentle, non-toxic products like household detergents or NSF-certified sanitizers. "https://twitter.com/bos_water" It might be regular wear and tear, a faulty O-ring, or a crack in one of the fittings, amongst other things. Youve over- or under-tightened the systems threads. Not only does it pose a serious health risk if left untreated, but it can also lead to cracks in the housing. "https://www.instagram.com/bos_water/", [ "publisher": It would not be flushed out! "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Water-Filter-Cartridge.jpg" More often than not, its because of a faulty O-ring disrupting the seal. Now that we have identified the main culprits for leakages in a whole house water filter, its time to ensure we dont find ourselves in this situation ever again. Manufacturers of whole house water filter systems usually offer systems in at least two different sizes: one for homes with 1-3 bathrooms and one for homes with 4-6 bathrooms. Then, insert the water lines into the couplings attached to the ice maker and the water dispenser lines. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. If the water lines have protective tubing around them, slide it off. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking. "@type": "ImageObject", You can easily prevent premature failures and costly repairs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Monday Friday: 7:30am 5:30pm If youve bought your water filter from a good company, the user manual will provide specific instructions on how to keep your unit in a clean condition. Water filter housing leaking from valve-in-head? Make sure you start by sliding the safety caps back on the lines. Now that the filter is out of the way, you can use your Phillips screwdriver to unthread the screw securing the filter housing to the wall of your refrigerator. Lubricate the o-ring with a small amount of silicone grease or lubricant. A water filter housing was received for failure analysis. CNC plus , 5 years old, never replaced the cartridges (clean 3 times a year), i think it is the bottom, size=420? Then, press the filter head and housing against the wall and reinstall the screw that holds it in place. You are using an out of date browser. { "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com", If not, replace it with a new one after lubricating it properly with food-safe silicone grease. To prevent a water filter leaking from the moment you install it, make sure its designed for your homes water pressure. Hi there, Have you checked the directory for pros in your area? The carpenter replaced the 1st cracking doo, Can't filter by size of house / cost of project. What to do if your whole house water filter is leaking from the top? Will have to check those last two when i get home. "image": Material processing is also an important issue. Ironically, over-tightening and under-tightening can both lead to leakages. He is a content strategist, writer, editor, and water treatment expert. You should have a spare. The sump is the bottom section of the housing. Before you start disassembling your refrigerator, unplug it and turn off its water supply. We see hundreds of these a year, no one has ever reported that they had an issue with clear housings. { This analysis in no way suggests that any or all plastic pipe failures occur in the manner described. Next, drain existing water in your pipes by opening multiple cold water faucets around the house. The filters are past their best. If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. A call to the engineer that designed your home is a good idea. Trying to make a repair could be very dangerous, and I obviously dont recommend it.How old is it?Is it the top or the bottom?Is it a Clean and Clear, or a CNC plus?What size is it?Have you ever replaced the cartridges? In fact, these products and tools could end up damaging the filter or adding toxic chemicals into your water supply. If not, you must make a mental note, write it down, or subscribe to programs so that replacements arrive in time. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. ] "brand": "name": "BOS", Turn the bypass valve for extra safety before accessing the filter housing. I can't believe the difference in water quality. The lifetime of a filter cartridge will depend on your water quality and the number of people in your home. More likely: the whole thing needs to be replaced. Madison, WI 53711 Water is life. Because the o-rings, despite their small and insignificant appearance, play an important role in a whole house water filtration system: they create a seal between the housing sump and the housing cap. It is usually the combination of several factors that lead to failure of a plastic part. Once you have carefully checked the unit and ensured that all parts are in working condition, you can reinstall the filter housing to the head. Molders prefer to use low mold temperature and low viscosity materials to obtain the fastest processing time possible. Next, it is best to drain the existing water from the plumbing. Dont be tempted to save money on a smaller whole house filtration system if its not suitable for your home. "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Gene.jpg" You must log in or register to reply here. We may earn compensation from some providers below. A material as the one used to mold this filter can include fillers (such as talc). "description": "Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. Before you can uninstall the filter head and housing youll need to disconnect the water lines by removing the couplings that hold them together. Fortunately, swapping out the faulty water filter head and housing for a new one is a fairly simple appliance repair. "sameAs": Grab a big bucket or tub and slide it underneath the housings to avoid a huge mess. In some cases, theres no saving a whole house filter system with leaking filter housing. I have a washer that has a autodispense feature but it was not dispensing very much soap because not much was needed, so the soap got coagulated in the container and I had to have service come and fix it. "https://www.pinterest.com/bos_water/", There may be a serious moisture problem if they came from a humid environment or the wood wasn't dried correctly and now drying out. However, when too much water is leaking, it can be tricky to pinpoint the origin. As seen in the picture, there are molding ripples and poor material mixing. It has worked very well and we are happy with it. Most leaks from a whole house water filter come from inside the filter housing. Head to the front of your fridge and insert the water filter into its housing. Then, simply pull the lines out of the inlet valve. Finally, reinstall your refrigerator shelving before plugging the appliance back in and turning on its water supply. ", Youre most likely to experience this type of damage if: If youre on the market for a new water filter, consider a media-based system. "https://www.facebook.com/boswater/", "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BOS-Logo-120.jpg" ", Why is this a problem? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "description": "Is your whole house water filter leaking from the top or another component? At this point, youll need to take the kick plate off the front of your refrigerator by unthreading the screws that hold it in place. I was thinking just that just-a-pb. Try to keep the water filter right-side-up as you move it; otherwise, youll end up dripping water all over your floor. Learn more here. That one plumber suggested failures were due to UV exposure over time which weakens the clear housing. Once the inlet valve is in place, reattach the remaining water line to the top of the valve. Whole-house water filters arent designed to leak. Whole house water filters are exceptional appliances that provide clean and pure water for your household. { Always use non-toxic cleaning products when cleaning your water filter system. Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to clean the housing. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/whole-house-water-filter-leaking/", Dont forget to lubricate any new o-rings you add to the system. The first step to stop a leak is to find it. Then, turn the filter clockwise until it locks in place. The stress at the threads is produced while tightening the filter housing to seal it to the filter base. Your water supply has damaged the o-rings, the filters, or the connections. Use torchlight or slowly submerge the housing in a water bucket to check for invisible cracks. Check for visible cracks that might indicate that you need to replace a part or component in your system. e.src="https://images.dmca.com/Badges/DMCABadgeHelper.min.js",
Press that button to release pressure from inside the housing. Bear in mind that in earthquake country, engineering is not intended to keep your house from being damagedit is intended to keep thing stable long enough for you to get through the event and get out. A common mistake that most people make is using petroleum jelly instead of silicone. Luckily, once you know the most common causes of leaks, you should be able to quickly and confidently diagnose the issue. Use a housing wrench to twist the filter housing carefully. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads. Weve put together this guide, based on our own experience and information from some of the top whole house water filter manufacturers, to help you get to the bottom of your leaking filtration system and put a stop to it once and for all. If the o-ring is properly in position, no leaks should occur. If you were unable to stop your refrigerator from leaking, please contact us today, or if you would like to learn more about repairing the appliances in your home, please take a look at the repair guides provided onour website. Where Should I Buy a Whole House Water Filter System? "@id": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/#/schema/person/f06c7f17c82b286c3277b83ec1383f5b", These are made of plastic/fiberglass? Therefore, you should carefully check any hairline cracks on your filter housings interior and exterior. With the access panel out of the way, start disconnecting the water lines from the inlet valve. In some cases, you may need to use the filter wrench that came with your system to unscrew the filter housing counter-clockwise. The failure appears as a circumferential crack that completely separated the bottom cap from the housing. Overpressure inside a whole house water filter can cause the filter housing to become cracked, allowing water to escape from the system. Ensure it doesnt tilt or is off-center, or it will damage the top of the filter. Some cartridge-based filtration systems have a small pressure release button on the top. The corresponding valve is usually located 3 to 5 feet from the point where water enters your home. Learn more about our product review process or check our FTC affiliate disclosure. Moreover, check the threads for any cuts due to over-tightening or lack of plumbers tape. Can i repair with a two part epoxy? To do so, use your flat head screwdriver to pry the safety caps off the bottom of the couplings. With the screw removed, lift the housing up and pull it away from the wall to expose the water lines. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. ], "https://www.pinterest.com/bos_water/", Once youve checked the housing, look at the filter threads. Once the fresh food section is empty, youll spot the housing near the floor of the compartment on the right side wall. Note: the following analysis and its write-up are property of The Madison Group and cannot be copied and/or distributed in anyway without prior permission from The Madison Group. "width": "809", Something as simple as over- or under-tightening the connections can cause leaks. Rather than having water filter housing, a media-based system contains a single tank, which is far less likely to become cracked or damaged, or experience leaking. Reinstall the water inlet by securing it to the refrigerator with the mounting screw you removed earlier. "image": Eventually, a clogged filter will become so saturated with contaminants that water will be unable to pass through. Broken or hard O-rings lead to the whole system coming down. They are made out of fiberglass reinforced polypropolene. This failure caused extensive water damage in the property where it was installed. "height": "500", It also helps to keep a stash of O-rings handy that fit your filter model. Twice a year, clean the inside and outside of the filter housing, removing bacteria, dirt, and sediment that has collected over its months of use. A structural analysis (see Figures) was performed to determine which areas are exposed to high stress. We have plenty of information about the best whole house water filters in this guide. In this case, the incoming water cant travel through the filter as quickly as it travels through your pipes, so its likely to leak out of the fittings connecting the filter to your water line. Not only should you be cleaning inside the housing, but you must also wipe the top and the assembly line to prevent the growth of unwanted pollutants. A whole house water filter can leak due to plenty of reasons. A leak inside your Samsung refrigerator modelRS25H5111BC/AAis often caused by a damaged water filter head and housing. If youre lucky, your system comes with a bypass valve that will help you shut down the filters without disrupting the water supply to the house. A good routine is to lubricate the o-rings every time you change a water filter in the system. While youre lubricating the o-rings, check each o-ring for cracks or damage and replace them if you notice any wear and tear (it helps to have an o-ring stash on hand just in case!). JavaScript is disabled. Whole House Water Filter Leaking? Be sure to check the inside and the outside of the housing, using a bright light (such as a torch) to check for cracks that may be difficult to see normally. The maximum stress (reddish color) occurs at the inner corner of the bottom cap. }, What are you most likely to find? Learn More. Releasing water at full force could inadvertently push out the housing, and you could be in a bigger mess than before. The higher stress is at the smallest radius (stress concentration point) and where the housing wall is thinnest. This is the exact place where the failure occurred on the analyzed housing. Where were the cabinets/doors made? Next, push in the locking mechanism on the bottom of the coupling and pull out the water lines that run to the filter head and housing. "https://www.linkedin.com/company/theboswater/", So if you want to ensure uninterrupted clean water supply to your house, you must regularly lube O-rings, especially when you replace the filter cartridges. Here's What to Do! To ensure a tight seal, only use real plumbers tape and dont overdo it either. Before you reconnect the lines to the inlet valve, slide the safety covers back on the white and orange water lines. Rubber O-rings may seem tiny and dispensable at first glance, but they serve a vital part in any plumbing unit. We might be able to do something about it. { With all the water lines connected to the inlet valve, you can close up the back of your refrigerator by reinstall the rear access panel. We mentioned earlier that one of the most common causes of a leaking whole house water filter is when a filter cartridge needs replacing. Once the lines are secure, reattach the locking collars to ensure the lines dont come loose. }, }, Fortunately, if you know the most common areas that can cause leaks, you save valuable time and energy. Shut off the water supply and turn on your faucet to depressurize your water line. Since removing all the water and air from the plumbing is essential, its best to open faucets on the ground floor, not on the top floors. You might be unable to avoid water filter leaking if the unit itself is damaged beyond repair. "name": "BOS" There is a stress originating at the threads of the housing, and a stress caused by the internal water pressure. If there is a shutoff or bypass valve for the filtration unit, turn it on to avoid accidents and water damages. I installed this American Plumber brand whole house water filter about 18 months ago to trap sediment (I'm on a 120-family community well system). Follow your manufacturers instructions to remove the whole house filter housing. Why is My Whole House Water Filter Leaking? The filtration system cant handle the pressure of your drinking water supply. I actually had a problem with my dishwasher because the water was too clean. For whole house water filters, they create a seal at the interface where the housing cap comes in contact with the housing sump. (Easy Hacks to Fix It). Open a nearby faucet to release trapped air and drain the remaining water in the pipes. This could be tricky if a lot of water is escaping from the system. setTimeout(function() { Start the installation process by feeding the water lines through the openings in the back wall and floor of your refrigerator. It can be pretty frustrating to see your whole house filtration system leaking from the top. Thus, inspect all O-rings and check whether they are properly seated. After so many months or years of use, the rubber o-rings in your whole house filter become damaged. If the housings are compatible, you might consider having that polypropylene housing standing by. Brian is the founder and head of content at WaterFilterGuru.com. }, How to Fix a Leaking Whole Home Water Filter, How to Prevent a Whole House Water Filter from Leaking, stuck in every rubber o-ring that surrounds each filter canister, our favorite leak detectors in this guide, information about the best whole house water filters in this guide. Open a few faucets around the house and wait for all the water to flow out. The grout was just installed today a, 10 Fantastic Benefits of Owning a Swimming Pool. Like all appliances, you can expect increased durability of whole house water filters with a little bit of care. Filter cartridges require periodic replacements depending on the quality of feed water and your households daily usage. Clean or replace the o-ring, depending on the extent of the damage. But before you switch off your water supply and start the diagnostic process, itll save you a lot of time if you can figure out the source of the leak. Once youve examined the component and found it is indeed damaged, youll need to replace it. If youve bought the wrong sized system, youre at risk of damage from water pressure. Do Whole House Water Filtration Systems Remove Calcium? }, 4000); Identifying why your whole house water filter is leaking. She is head of content creation and has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. "headline": "Whole House Water Filter Leaking from Top or Other Spot? A bi-annual cleanup session is more than enough to remove the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants or sediment inside the housings. ", If you turn on the water supply on full pressure directly, you are inviting a big problem for yourself. If you dont know where the water supply valve is, now is an excellent time to find out. Each plastic failure is unique and should be treated as such. Some whole house water filters have a bypass valve. The water lines that are connected to the back of the housing should easily slide out of the opening in the rear wall and the water lines connected to the ice maker and water dispenser should come out of the opening in the floor. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. In order to disconnect the other two water lines, you must uninstall the water inlet valve from the refrigerator. You may need to buy replacement filter cartridges to resolve the issue. Unmistakably, most whole house water filter leaks originate from inside the canister/housing. You should be able to find who you need right here. This will save you money in the long run. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. "email": "gene@best-osmosis-systems.com" Actually, if the o-rings are left to harden, they can affect the entire system, as theyre more at risk of cracking resulting in leaking around the filter housing. }, The quicker you can find a crack in the housing, the better. "author": Fortunately, its easy to prevent a whole house filter from leaking again. Now, unless you want to flood your basement or garage, do not remove the filter housing right away. High TDS and water hardness, or poor water quality in general, causes a filter to clog earlier than it should. Clogged Filter - Due to Hot Water Recirc. "https://www.reddit.com/user/BOS_Water/", I have a 2 inch crack in the outer housing of my clean & clear filter. Some whole home water filters come with a sediment filter that protects the later filter stages from damage. It may not display this or other websites correctly. e.type="text/javascript", }, Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Jun 1, 2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. High levels of sediment are abrasive and damaging to water filters. "https://www.facebook.com/boswater/", Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Heres how to safely remove the filter housing without causing major flooding in your home: Filter cartridges dont last forever and some dont even last within their expected lifespans. Let it air dry for a few minutes. Weve been testing and using whole house water filter systems for more than a decade, and weve experienced several instances of leaking in that time. How big was your temblor? Behind the kick plate, youll find the water lines that run to the water and ice dispenser and the water filter head and housing. Not only does Plumbers tape provide for proper seating of the threads, it also prevents threads from seizing when unscrewing. Similarly, you can also use exterior-grade plywood to build a shed around it. Heres how to replace a faulty o-ring in your water filter housings: Water leak detectors wont stop your filters housing from leaking, but they can alert you to a problem while its still pretty minor. If everything works fine, go ahead and open the valve halfway and then slowly move to full supply. If you see a small button on the top or side of your whole house water filter, press it to depressurize the housing. If you go round more, you might end up cracking the top of the filters housing. It has the clear styrene acrylonitrile filter housing which I like because I can see the filter and collected sediment. Make sure you push the lines far enough in; otherwise, youll end up with another leak. A small amount of sand or dust is not a major concern, but pebbles or debris will require cleanup. { Good news: Most leakages can be fixed DIY-style. If you cant see any leaking from the threads, the leaking is likely coming from a location inside the filter housing, and youll need to investigate further. At least mine is behind a louvered door in a dark closet. Resolving the problem may be as simple as rinsing the o-ring with water to remove a buildup of sediment, or you may need to buy a new o-ring to replace a damaged one. After youve unthreaded the mounting screw that secures the inlet valve to the appliance, pull the part forward to gain access to the remaining water lines. Therefore, its wise to insulate the unit to prevent damage from the harsh sun rays or freezing winds. My water treatment system reviews are from real world-experience & research (and not from a faceless brand). If you found no cause of leaks during the inspection of your whole house water filter, dont panic. Sometimes filters clog earlier than usual and become too jammed to let any water pass through. "sameAs": Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. The good news is most leakages can be fixed by replacing a few components. Now head to the back of your refrigerator to reconnect the water filter lines to the water inlet valve. Heres What to Do, Overview of Whole House Water Filter Cartridge Types. This will also help to relieve pressure in your water pipes. } Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking. Its essential that you replace every filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer, not only for the sake of your health, but to prevent potentially catastrophic leaks in your main water line. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water. The good news is that o-rings are really cheap (less than $5) and widely available. The use of fillers reduces material costs, but at the same time reduces material strength. A colder mold can be the cause of numerous filling problems. To protect your hands and eyes as you repair your appliance, remember to wear work gloves and safety goggles. While its true that servicing most home filter systems doesnt require too much time, a little effort goes a long way. The filter housing shows a failure located at the housing bottom cap. Analyzing the stresses and forces on the filter housing during operation, two main sources of stresses are identified. Now its time to twist the housing of your whole house water filtration system back onto its head, ensuring the O-ring is in place. Place a large bucket or tray underneath the whole house water filter to catch any water that leaks out of the system. https://terrylove.com/forums/index.hen-used-in-softener.55968/page-3#post-412551, https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/filter-housing-help.28431/. There are several reasons why a whole house water filter might be leaking: First things first, you need to know why your whole house water filter is leaking. Whole House Water Filter System Reviews and Ratings, Whole House Water Filter for Well Water Reviews, Stuck Whole House Water Filter? waterfilterguru.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or amazon.ca. Thanks. To do so, rotate the filter counter-clockwise until it pops out, and then pull it forward to dislodge it. "@type": "Person", Therefore, make sure to replace any filter cartridge that has exceed its service life. So its important to lubricate them regularly. "@type": "ImageObject", Again, before you start working on your filtration system, its essential to turn off the feed water. Six to eight wraps are enough. Follow the steps below to uncover and resolve a whole house water filter leaking problem: Before you do anything, its helpful to know exactly where the leak is coming from. At times, an O-ring can get misplaced, hard, or broken, which compromises the seal. Putting Years of Plastics Engineering Experience To Work For You, 2615 Research Park Dr. Securely tighten the housing using the included wrench, and use plumbers tape to secure the connections and eliminate gaps that water could escape from. You dont need to buy a special water filter cleaner or a fancy cleaning tool for the job. Discard the old whole house water filter cartridge and slide in a new one making sure it sits properly inside. If the system isnt designed to handle your water pressure, the force of the water powering through the filters will cause cracks and damage. Plumbers tape, or thread seal tape (PTFE tape), is a flexible white tape to seal pipe threads. { Our best sediment filter guide has plenty of information about the sediment filters worth your money in 2022. Ensure it is seated properly in the channel. They will have the plans on file and be able to relate the visible conditions to their design intent most easily. Sediment filter location in a chlorine injection well water system. If you have a big blue canister-style whole house water system, you will need a specific wrench to twist the housings. Its also important to only use gentle, non-toxic products like household detergents or NSF-certified sanitizers. "https://twitter.com/bos_water" It might be regular wear and tear, a faulty O-ring, or a crack in one of the fittings, amongst other things. Youve over- or under-tightened the systems threads. Not only does it pose a serious health risk if left untreated, but it can also lead to cracks in the housing. "https://www.instagram.com/bos_water/", [ "publisher": It would not be flushed out! "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Water-Filter-Cartridge.jpg" More often than not, its because of a faulty O-ring disrupting the seal. Now that we have identified the main culprits for leakages in a whole house water filter, its time to ensure we dont find ourselves in this situation ever again. Manufacturers of whole house water filter systems usually offer systems in at least two different sizes: one for homes with 1-3 bathrooms and one for homes with 4-6 bathrooms. Then, insert the water lines into the couplings attached to the ice maker and the water dispenser lines. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. If the water lines have protective tubing around them, slide it off. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking. "@type": "ImageObject", You can easily prevent premature failures and costly repairs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Monday Friday: 7:30am 5:30pm If youve bought your water filter from a good company, the user manual will provide specific instructions on how to keep your unit in a clean condition. Water filter housing leaking from valve-in-head? Make sure you start by sliding the safety caps back on the lines. Now that the filter is out of the way, you can use your Phillips screwdriver to unthread the screw securing the filter housing to the wall of your refrigerator. Lubricate the o-ring with a small amount of silicone grease or lubricant. A water filter housing was received for failure analysis. CNC plus , 5 years old, never replaced the cartridges (clean 3 times a year), i think it is the bottom, size=420? Then, press the filter head and housing against the wall and reinstall the screw that holds it in place. You are using an out of date browser. { "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com", If not, replace it with a new one after lubricating it properly with food-safe silicone grease. To prevent a water filter leaking from the moment you install it, make sure its designed for your homes water pressure. Hi there, Have you checked the directory for pros in your area? The carpenter replaced the 1st cracking doo, Can't filter by size of house / cost of project. What to do if your whole house water filter is leaking from the top? Will have to check those last two when i get home. "image": Material processing is also an important issue. Ironically, over-tightening and under-tightening can both lead to leakages. He is a content strategist, writer, editor, and water treatment expert. You should have a spare. The sump is the bottom section of the housing. Before you start disassembling your refrigerator, unplug it and turn off its water supply. We see hundreds of these a year, no one has ever reported that they had an issue with clear housings. { This analysis in no way suggests that any or all plastic pipe failures occur in the manner described. Next, drain existing water in your pipes by opening multiple cold water faucets around the house. The filters are past their best. If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. A call to the engineer that designed your home is a good idea. Trying to make a repair could be very dangerous, and I obviously dont recommend it.How old is it?Is it the top or the bottom?Is it a Clean and Clear, or a CNC plus?What size is it?Have you ever replaced the cartridges? In fact, these products and tools could end up damaging the filter or adding toxic chemicals into your water supply. If not, you must make a mental note, write it down, or subscribe to programs so that replacements arrive in time. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. ] "brand": "name": "BOS", Turn the bypass valve for extra safety before accessing the filter housing. I can't believe the difference in water quality. The lifetime of a filter cartridge will depend on your water quality and the number of people in your home. More likely: the whole thing needs to be replaced. Madison, WI 53711 Water is life. Because the o-rings, despite their small and insignificant appearance, play an important role in a whole house water filtration system: they create a seal between the housing sump and the housing cap. It is usually the combination of several factors that lead to failure of a plastic part. Once you have carefully checked the unit and ensured that all parts are in working condition, you can reinstall the filter housing to the head. Molders prefer to use low mold temperature and low viscosity materials to obtain the fastest processing time possible. Next, it is best to drain the existing water from the plumbing. Dont be tempted to save money on a smaller whole house filtration system if its not suitable for your home. "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Gene.jpg" You must log in or register to reply here. We may earn compensation from some providers below. A material as the one used to mold this filter can include fillers (such as talc). "description": "Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. Before you can uninstall the filter head and housing youll need to disconnect the water lines by removing the couplings that hold them together. Fortunately, swapping out the faulty water filter head and housing for a new one is a fairly simple appliance repair. "sameAs": Grab a big bucket or tub and slide it underneath the housings to avoid a huge mess. In some cases, theres no saving a whole house filter system with leaking filter housing. I have a washer that has a autodispense feature but it was not dispensing very much soap because not much was needed, so the soap got coagulated in the container and I had to have service come and fix it. "https://www.pinterest.com/bos_water/", There may be a serious moisture problem if they came from a humid environment or the wood wasn't dried correctly and now drying out. However, when too much water is leaking, it can be tricky to pinpoint the origin. As seen in the picture, there are molding ripples and poor material mixing. It has worked very well and we are happy with it. Most leaks from a whole house water filter come from inside the filter housing. Head to the front of your fridge and insert the water filter into its housing. Then, simply pull the lines out of the inlet valve. Finally, reinstall your refrigerator shelving before plugging the appliance back in and turning on its water supply. ", Youre most likely to experience this type of damage if: If youre on the market for a new water filter, consider a media-based system. "https://www.facebook.com/boswater/", "url": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BOS-Logo-120.jpg" ", Why is this a problem? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "description": "Is your whole house water filter leaking from the top or another component? At this point, youll need to take the kick plate off the front of your refrigerator by unthreading the screws that hold it in place. I was thinking just that just-a-pb. Try to keep the water filter right-side-up as you move it; otherwise, youll end up dripping water all over your floor. Learn more here. That one plumber suggested failures were due to UV exposure over time which weakens the clear housing. Once the inlet valve is in place, reattach the remaining water line to the top of the valve. Whole-house water filters arent designed to leak. Whole house water filters are exceptional appliances that provide clean and pure water for your household. { Always use non-toxic cleaning products when cleaning your water filter system. Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to clean the housing. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.best-osmosis-systems.com/whole-house-water-filter-leaking/", Dont forget to lubricate any new o-rings you add to the system. The first step to stop a leak is to find it. Then, turn the filter clockwise until it locks in place. The stress at the threads is produced while tightening the filter housing to seal it to the filter base. Your water supply has damaged the o-rings, the filters, or the connections. Use torchlight or slowly submerge the housing in a water bucket to check for invisible cracks. Check for visible cracks that might indicate that you need to replace a part or component in your system. e.src="https://images.dmca.com/Badges/DMCABadgeHelper.min.js",