A slow PUR water filter in the scorching heat of the day can be very frustrating. If your water filter takes forever to fill up a glass of drinking water, it is safe to assume that it has been saturated with numerous contaminants that lead to clogging.
Depending on your water source and condition, this problem could arise earlier than expected. There is no need to get worked up! We’ve got you covered with the most straightforward ways on how to unclog a PUR water filter at home!
Table of Contents
Step by Step to Unclog a PUR Water filter
What To Prepare
A clogged water filter is easy to fix with the right tools and supplies in hand:
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- PUR filter manual – It is vital to consult your user manual to understand how the water filter works. It will help you perform and recall some troubleshooting steps for your PUR filter.
- Cleaning Essentials – If you seek help from the Reddit community about the clogging problem, you may see suggestions to clean a PUR water filter as their most cited answer.
To clean and unclog water filter completely, you need the following :
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- Gentle Cleanser – Prepare a gentle cleanser like dish soap and hot water mixture to clean the outer casing and vessel of the filter. Use a diluted vinegar solution to disinfect the filter cartridge.
- Bucket – You would need 2, large enough to submerge and deep-clean the entire filter components in THE cleaning solution.
- A soft brush
- A screwdriver
1. For PUR Faucet Filter
1. Remove the PUR faucet filter
Generally, a vertical PUR faucet filter system has two white quick-release buttons on the side of the mounting hole that connects to the sink faucet.
Press these buttons carefully to disconnect the filter. If you have a horizontal design, unscrew the black or white faucet mount by turning it counterclockwise until it loosens.
2. Check and dismantle the filter system
Now, disassemble the broken and old filter by twisting the filter housing cap to unpack the filter canister inside. Let the water out as the cover comes off and reveal a blue filter inside.
Grip the filter head with one hand and hold the base of the filter housing with your other hand. Pull the filter outside with enough force, and it will emerge quickly.
3. Remove sediments from the filter
Open the tap and run water through the filter to dislodge loose particles, silt, and dirt clogging up the filter pores. Do it until the filter is free from impurities.
A PUR faucet filter clogged with chunks of dirt may require deep cleaning. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the filth out of the pleated holes.
4. Soak the faucet filter in the vinegar solution
Prepare the vinegar solution in a medium-sized bucket. Submerge the filter and soak it for an hour until clean. It will help loosen stubborn buildup.
5. Clean the filter canister
Clean the canister. Use a dish sponge with a soapy water mixture to sanitize the interiors. Start by scrubbing the corners to eliminate deep-seated dirt.
Rinse the canister under cold water for 10 minutes to discard any remaining debris. Prepare the second bucket and pour it out with the same disinfectant solution.
Soak the filter canister in this mixture for an hour to eradicate tougher stains.
6. Rinse the filter components
After an hour of disinfection, get the filter cartridge and housing out of the solution. Hold the components under tap water and rinse them thoroughly.
Make sure to leave no trace of dirt particles, then leave it to dry in the drying rack.
7. Reassemble the faucet filter system
Once dry, get ready to put the pieces back together. First, install the filter cartridge back into the canister. For vertical models, hand-turn the filter in a clockwise position to screw it.
For horizontal models, press the filter hard until you hear a snap. PUR filter installations vary, so if none of the methods work for you, a user manual always comes in handy to help you reassemble the parts.
Finally, attach the PUR filter device to the adapter of the faucet aerator.
8. Prime the PUR faucet filter
Before reusing the filter, open the tap water to flush the system. Keep the faucet open for 10 minutes.
For LED models: once the light switches to green, it indicates that your filter is ready for use.
2. For PUR pitcher filter
1. Disassemble your pitcher filter
Remove the lid of the pitcher and take the blue or black reservoir out; Some models may require you to detach the filter cover first before actually disconnecting the filter.
Grasp the cap of the filter and twist it counterclockwise to detach it fully; If the PUR filter stuck in pitcher, fill the top reservoir with dish soap and water and let it sit for a day.
Grab the pitcher and lift the lid carefully until it loosens up.
Pro Tip: If the filter reservoir remains still, flip the pitcher into the sink. Hold it firmly while shaking it.
This trick will help remove dirt and air bubbles and push the filter out of its place. You can also try this method to unclog Brita filter.
2. Sanitize the filter, pitcher, and water reservoir
Apply the previous cleaning procedure we discussed earlier. Use a small brush to remove the sediments on the filter surface.
Lather a sponge with dish soap and scrub the inside of the pitcher and upper reservoir. Put them into the cleaning solution.
3. Reinstall the pitcher filter
After rinsing the filter, do the opposite of Step 1. Start by attaching the removable filter cover. Insert the filter in the pour tray’s slot and twist it clockwise to lock. Lastly, install the pour tray into the pitcher and insert the lid.
3. For PUR refrigerator filter
1. Remove the fridge filter
Refer to your manual to help you locate the filter. Some models have an access plate you need to unscrew to unload the filter. Use the screwdriver to open it.
2. Decalcify the filter
Clean the filter using the same method we instructed. Use the brush to collect the mineral and dirt buildup from the filter. Soak it in the vinegar solution afterward.
3. Replace the filter
Insert the filter into its housing. Reverse the process of Step 1 to reattach the cover plate of the filter (if applicable).
Why is the Faucet Filter Clogged?
The root cause of a clogged faucet filter is either a mineral or air buildup, causing a drop in water pressure. You may often notice your water spurting up or not draining properly due to the blockage.
Steps to Clean the PUR Water Filter
Clean PUR water dispenser, pitcher, fridge, or faucet filter in 6 easy steps:
- Remove the water filter inside the PUR model
- Rinse the filter to remove any noticeable dirt or debris
- Use a brush and liquid soap to scrub stubborn stains in the filter
- Rinse the filter well and soak it in a gentle cleaning solution
- Wash the filter thoroughly and empty the residual water
- Let it dry before reinstalling
FAQs
What is inside the PUR water filter?
Inside a PUR filter is a proprietary blend of activated carbon media made from coconut shells and ion-exchange vessels.
How do I know if my water filter is clogged?
Place your filter under a glass of water and leave it to soak for 24 hours. If you see specks of dirt floating in the glass, you have a PUR filter clogged with contaminants. Hence, regular cleaning is advisable.
Why is my water filter running too fast?
Generally, if your water filter operates unusually fast, a faulty installation is to blame. Installing PUR water filter is easy! Follow the specialized instructions in your user manual, and you are good to go.
If you receive an incomplete water filter installation package, you may email the PUR consumer support team to assist you with the replacement.
Why is my new PUR filter slow?
If your new PUR filter not letting water through, it could contain air bubbles trapped inside.
To test the filter for an air lock, remove the filter and put it in a jar filled with water. The filter should sink to the bottom of the glass.
If it floats, your filter has air bubbles.
Poor water quality can also be a culprit to slow filtration. If you live in areas with high turbidity, your filter media can get clogged easier.
Follow the PUR water filter hack we shared above to help you fix this issue.
Conclusion
Water filter maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of our water filtration products. Knowing how to unclog a PUR water filter will help you enjoy potable water throughout the day!
After reading our guide, you should be able to gauge if your PUR filter needs cleaning or replacing; If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comment box below.
I am Natalie Bridges. You can call me Nat. I am the content creator of Saveourh2o. My main job is researching common concerns you need help with, and about your home’s water system. I aspire to incorporate Ronald’s experiences, and customers’ feedback on different products, as well as expert’s advice to offer you the most informative content.