FAQ

RV/Marine FAQs

Why Hydro Life?

You can find water filters today made from many different technologies with many different claims. So how do you know which one is best for you? Let's look at some facts. Most consumer oriented water filters sold today are in a form of activated carbon. Carbon makes for a relatively inexpensive filter but with only a few benefits and some drawbacks. Typically carbon filters will address taste, odor, and chlorine reduction. The problem is since carbon is an organic material, bacteria love to feed off of it. That's right, bacteria can actually grow on the surface of a carbon filter within a short period of time (usually within 24-48 hours). That is why most carbon filter manufacturers require changing the filter every 3-6 months. Now since carbon does do some good things, Hydro Life does indeed use it in our filters. How then, you ask, can we keep the bacteria from growing? Hydro Life filters have gained world wide recognition because of an additional ingredient used in our filters called KDF®. KDF is a bacteriostatic filter media that has some wonderful benefits. Bacteriostatic means that bacteria cannot exist in its environment, so the carbon is free to do what it does best at without being contaminated by bacteria. Hydro Life filters containing KDF and carbon address many contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, lime/scale formation, chlorine, taste, and odor. All this while lasting up to 4 times longer than typical carbon-only filters. Unlike competing filters, we tightly pack our filters forcing all of the water to interact with the media. This allows better water-to-media efficiency giving you much better performance. All these things combined equal unsurpassed quality in the water you depend on, providing clean, clear water like you've never had before.

What is KDF Media?

It is an NSF certified, very high purity copper/zinc alloy, which is bacteriostatic and can reduce a variety of contaminants and heavy metals from the water.

What is GAC?

GAC is short for "Granular Activated Carbon". Activated carbon comes in a variety of sizes & shapes. It is a very porous material with a large surface area. According to MSU water quality extension bulletin WQ239201, one ounce of GAC has an estimated 30,000 square yards of surface area. Certain contaminants accumulate on the surface of the AC. This is called adsorption.

Why can't I find your RV filters in any of the mega-chain stores?

Since our line of RV filters are designed specifically for RV use, the retail exposure has also been specific to RV sales. This means our filters can be found at virtually any RV dealership, parts store or retailer that primarily carries RV related items.

How long do these filters last?

Water quality plays the biggest role in how long your filter will last. Typically under full time use, you should expect to get a years worth of use from the filter. You could get more or less depending on water conditions and usage.

What does the starburst number mean that's on my filter?

We thought it would be easier for you to only have to remember one number instead of a long model number when trying to locate the filter you need. Just match up the number on the filter with the same number on the outside of our box. It's that easy.

I see your model HL 170 can come with two different types of fittings. How do I know which one I need?

There are a couple of ways to tell. First, when removing your filter from under the sink. If you have to release the filter by pushing a little thumb pad on a coupler from each end, you have the "quick connect" version. Look for the filter with the "tips" on the end. Also on this version, you should see a starburst label on the filter with a number "2" on it. Match it up with the "2" on the outside of the box sitting on the shelf of your retailer.If you have to unscrew a fitting from each end of your filter when removing it or you have a starburst label with a number "3" on it, you have the "threaded fitting version.

What do I do with the filter while winterizing my coach or if I don't plan on using it for a while?

Always take the filter out of the coach under these conditions and put in the winterizing bypass hose which was included with your original system. We suggest you put the filter in a large Zip-lock bag with some water in it. Seal it up and store it in a cool environment (refrigerator, not the freezer). Your filter will be fresh and ready to use again whenever you're ready.

 

Commercial Series FAQ

How is Hydro Life different from what I am using now?

Like other water filtration systems Hydro Life addresses taste/odor and chlorine reduction. Hydro Life does a superior job of addressing Lime/Scale (calcium) reduction. Lime and Scale buildup is the number one cause of premature equipment failure. Hydro Life cartridges have bacteriostatic, fungicide, and algecide qualities that control the growth of these contaminants. In addition, our cartridges reduce the presence of heavy metals such as lead.

What does Hydro Life do differently to address lime/scale?

Hydro Life filters use a process called oxidation redox which transforms calcium into argonite. This transformation takes away the ability of calcium to stick to surfaces. This process can reduce lime and scale buildup by as as much as 95% depending on water conditions.

How often should I change my Hydro Life Filter?

As a general rule, to maintain the highest water quality standards, filters should be changed every 6 months. However, the life of any filter may vary depending on local water quality.

What is a prefilter?

Prefilters are designed to remove dirt and sediments from the water. The prefilter is always positioned in the first housing or "in front" of the other cartridges. The prefilter is considered a sacrificial filter to remove dirt and sediment so they do not clog the main filters that remove other contaminants such as chlorine. This will allow you to increase longevitiy and achieve maximum capacity of your filter.This well thought out system design is important because it saves you time and money.

I just installed one of your filters and my water appears cloudy. What's wrong?

The "cloudy" water is caused by tiny air bubbles that, while not aesthetically pleasing, are entirely harmless. These bubbles will dissipate in a short time.

I just installed on of your filters and blackish water came out. Why is this happening?

This is normal. When replacing cartridges or installing a new system, the GAC needs to be flushed out in order to remove carbon dust and particles. This is only necessary once when the filter/cartridge is installed for the first time.

I currently have a "30 micron" sediment filter installed on my main line. Would a "10 micron" be better in my location.

No, not necessarily. A "micron" is a unit of measure equal to 25,000th of an inch. A human hair is about 50 to 75 microns thick. A filter cartridge with a 30 micron rating may be the best choice for a given application such as sand removal or heavy sediment removal. Switching to a "tighter" filter like a 10 micron cartridge in this instance, might actually cause the filter to plug up much sooner than the original 30 micron filter. Depending on your water conditions and what you are trying to filter out depends on the type of micron filter you may want to use.