Supplying yourself and your family in today’s world is not as easy task as it used to be. Because of the population growth, water shortage and water pollution, clean drinking water is extremely hard to find. Still, since human beings cannot survive without water, they had to adapt and find the alternative ways to satisfy their needs. They came with many solutions, but still every one of them has its own drawbacks, its own flaws.
Alternative Water Sources
Taking water from the natural wells and springs, as an alternative source of drinking water, is off the question in modern urban areas, mainly because of the pollution of the same. Consumption of bottled water is perhaps the most popular and most used alternative but it still has two significant drawbacks. First one is the fact that constantly buying bottled water can be extremely expensive. The second reason is the fact that bottled water can sometimes contain harmful substances, not necessarily originating from water but from plastic bottles.
This is why most people today, usually turn to the water filters as a quick and elegant solution for this problem. Water filters, are more cost-effective than bottled water, and they are more practical to use than to constantly buy bottled water or to just constantly distill water for personal use. Still, even with water filters it is not always crème and butter. In order for water filter to serve you and your family well for an extended period of time, it requires maintenance in a form of regular checkups and cleaning.
Water Filter Maintenance
One of the most recurring problems with water filters is the problem of mold. Having mold in your drinking water can represent a serious hazard to your health, thus causing exactly the thing which you, by using water filters want to avoid. However there is no need to despair, maintaining your water filters clean and free of mold is no difficult task. With just a bit of will and care on your side, you can make sure that your water filter serves you well for years to come.
In a recent interview with renowned suppliers of water filters we learned that, you should keep your water filters away from direct exposure to heat. This means, that it should not be in a vicinity of a window that is directly exposed to sunlight, or to any other heat sources such as cloth dryers. This constant exposure to heat, as we learn, may cause mold to appear on the surface of the filter and that is something that you need to avoid.
Getting Rid of Mold
If however, your water filter does develop a mold issue, cleaning it with a vinegar solution will be effective way to make it fit for use once more. In order not to waste water, you can use the molded water to water your plants or your garden, this way it will once again serve the purpose.
There are many alternative sources of providing water for personal use, but most people agree that using water filters is by far the most effective one. While it does require a certain degree of maintenance, it is definitely worth all the effort invested, since this way you will provide clean and healthy water supply for your family, for years to come.
Lillian Connors is a blogger and home improvement enthusiast ever so keen on doing various DIY projects around her house and passionately writing about them. She is also an online marketing consultant, closely collaborating with a number of companies from all over the globe. You can check her out on G+, Facebook and Twitter.
15 comments
I’ll have to apply this “vinegar” idea to my stainless steal water bottle. The seal around the cap has been slowly turning black, but no amount of scrubbing removes it, and to be honest, washing it means “fill it up with really hot water, shake it, dump it” because soap just sticks in there and flavors the water. I’ve just continued drinking out of it. I guess you will like their posts: https://ringhotwater.com.au/
What is the procedure exactly? Ratio of vinegar to water, how much to use and how long? Is it a matter of passing a certain amount through the filter medium?
Ring hot water,
It’s my guess that the vinegar will turn the seal, even more quickly. Sounds like oxidation is allowing the metal to tarnish, which IMO happens easier with polished finishes (same with silverware). Scrubbing and/or washing should remove mold residue. But, to be optimistic, I hope the vinegar solution has helped.
Thank you so much for the vinegar rinse idea!! Cant wait to try….my water filter was .0002 seconds from flying out the window lol Also, has anyone here tried glass water bottles instead of stainless steel or plastic?? Theyre a serious game changer!!!!
My drinking water is moldy what can I do to get good water without filters
Pamela, I’d recommend just using filters. I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to use filters. But I suppose if you’re anti-filter for some reason, you could always add bleach to your water to get rid of the mold. Doesn’t make for very good drinking once you’ve added bleach to it, though!
Our Santevia has been getting mould on the inside of the lid and also green algea in the water too.
should I change up the whole unit?
I’ve washed all carefully with bleach, dried and will also use the vinegar before refilling,
Should we replace it? We’ve replaced all the parts over the years… maybe the unit itself, the plastic etc is now damaged?
I have been using Brita filters for many years. We are to replace the filters after a certain length of time or number of uses. I am one only one person using it and I do not jot down how many of glasses of water I use during the use of each filter. Neither do I mark the calendar of the date replaced. So … is there another way that one can detect when it needs replaced? If the water tastes different, I’m not sure if it is just my taste buds or that it needs changing. Also, if I detect a change in the taste of the water, have I already used it beyond the “safe time”?
Brita has a website and it has a “reminder” system that may be helpful to you.
Hi JAn I use Brita filter too I think it should be mentioned on the instructions that come with it. From memory its roughly every 300L of water, although I make it longer since I am stingy, until the water tastes not as fresh as it should :)
My zero water filters keep getting mold on them they cost a lot of money and every time I turn around there’s mold in them what can I do I see you say vinegar I have been just throwing them away but this is getting expensive how do I clean it with vinegar please let me know
I have mold in my faucets and in my kitchen hose sprayer. I can replace them, but how do I stop it. My toilets also get mold in the bowl. I have never seen this in any other home I have lived in. I have had to move twice because of mold. I am highly allergic to mold. I have feel itchy after a shower or bath. We have a two year old house. It is a Green Home. HELP
Thank you so much for the vinegar rinse idea!!I’ll have to apply this “vinegar” idea to my stainless steal water bottle.
Having the same problem as Lynne Titus…mold in faucets, washing machine, toilet bowl. Is there a treatment for water pipes in house?
Fluoride Berkey Water Filter. I needed to wait for a Berkey Light water replacement part, I plan to clean the Black & Fluoride filters with MMS (Chlorine Dioxide & activator) Lemon: Then use red food coloring to make sure water is clean, I am not sure of the Fluoride filters, any suggestions to check.