Aqua Pure Water Filters & Systems

Filter Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a taste/odor cartridge be changed?

Taste/odor cartridges should be changed when the off taste or odor returns, when a drop in water pressure (from dirt/rust/etc) is noticed, or every three to four months, whichever comes first.

Will a 3M Aqua-Pure dirt/rust filter stop the red/brown stains on the fixtures and laundry?

Water that appears to be clean but causes stains when allowed to sit, such as in the toilet or where hot water and chlorine bleach are used, contains dissolved iron. Because this iron is not in a particle form, but dissolved into the water, like salt is in the sea water, treatment other than a particle filter is needed. Consult your representative about a water analysis to determine the best course of treatment for your situation.

Can lead be removed from the whole house?

The greatest risk from lead is through ingestion. It was only 1987 that the use of lead solder was prohibited. In any home built before that time, lead could be reintroduced into the water after a whole-house lead removal system filter. In addition, the chemical reaction that takes place to remove lead takes some time. The high flow rates required for whole-house removal makes lead impractical to treat for the whole-house. Since lead poses the greatest risk when ingested, it makes sense to concentrate treatment at the point of use, such as the kitchen.

Can 3M Aqua-Pure housings be installed horizontally or upside down?

3M Aqua-Pure filters will operate in any orientation. However, for any position other that the vertical and upright, drainage of the filter housing and proper seating of the cartridge have to be considered when changing cartridges.

How do I know I need a filter?

Your public water authority does the best it can to ensure that your water is free of disease-causing pathogens and sediment. However, it cannot ensure that your water is free of sediment after passing through the series distribution lines to reach your home. Virtually all private well water supplies contain sediment. Therefore, a dirt/rust filter is advisable on the incoming water line. A 3M Aqua-Pure dirt/rust filter can protect washers and seals from premature wear, it can prevent aerators and valves from plugging and keep your hot water heater from collecting excessive sediment.

How do I know what size filter to use?

For a home with 1 to 2 bathrooms, an Aqua Pure dirt/rust filter that holds one cartridge, such as the AP101T or AP11T, is appropriate. A home that has 3 to 4 bathrooms will probably require a two cartridge dirt/rust filter such as the AP102T or AP12T. If the incoming line size is one inch, then the AP801 is recommended.

How can I remove hardness from my water without using a softener?

3M Aqua-Pure offers several filter products that incorporate a patented ingredient known as Scale Stopper. The Scale Stopper cartridges utilize two important mechanisms to inhibit scale and corrosion: one that prevents the scale from forming, and one that treats the surface of the piping to prevent the negative effects of hard water scaling or corrosive water. 3M Aqua-Pure Scale and Corrosion Cartridges also incorporate a graded density pre-filter for long life, premium performance dirt/rust removal.

Which dirt/rust cartridge should I use?

The AP110, supplied with 3M Aqua-Pure dirt/rust filters, is considered a standard cartridge for use on most "normal" water supplies. That is, those that don't have visible particles. If visible particles are evident, and symptoms such as clogged aerators are noted, then the AP124 should be used. If the water appears cloudy, then use the finer AP1003 or very fine AP1001 cartridge.

How often should a dirt/rust filter be changed?

Dirt/rust cartridges should be changed when a drop in water pressure is noticed, or every three to four months, whichever comes first.

For more information about treating your water purification needs visit our methods of treatment page.

If you have any questions please contact us or call toll free (877) 633-3928.