Under Counter Drinking Water Filter Systems

Q. "When should I change my filter?"
A. According to the manufacturer, these filters will work for about 1 year (1000 gallons). However, we recommend replacing that you replace your filters every 6 to 9 months for peak performance. Carbon filters absorb chemicals like a sponge, and once saturated the carbon can no longer absorb any more chemicals and must be disposed of. For other replacement filters, click here.

Q. "The WLCS 1000 has an electronic monitor. Why not just replace the filters when the monitor tells me to?"
A. When it comes to drinking water, it's better to be safe and overly cautious. Even if the monitor does not let you know it's time to change the filters, you should replace your filters every six to nine months, or at the very least, replace your filters once a year.

Q. "Why are the WLCS-1000 Filter Systems, the W250 replacement cartridge kits and the WLC-R water filters not for sale in California, Iowa or Wisconsin?"
A.The WLCS-1000, the W250 cartridge kits and the WLC-R filter have a 1/2 (0.5) micron rating that are capable of removing cysts in water. The most common microbial cysts in water are giardia lambia and cryptosporidium. Since these products have a 1/2 (0.5) micron rating, and show they can reduce certain amounts of lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the California Department of Health says this is a "health claim" being made by the filter company. The WLCS-1000 System and the W250 replacement cartridge kits have been Tested and certified by NSF International. The WLC-R filters have been Tested and Certified by NSF International for material requirements only. But these particular products have NOT been certified by the California Department of Health. The California Department of Health will not allow the sale of the WLC-R filter for residential use in California unless they are certified by them. Recently the States of Iowa and Wisconsin have adopted California's Department of Health policies that make these illegal to sell these products in those States without certification as well. Currently American Plumber is taking steps to have these certified with the Department of Health.

Q. "What is a micron rating?"
A. The average size of the openings between pieces of the filter media are represented in microns. For example, a 40-micron filter has larger openings than a 5-micron filter. Consequently, the 40-micron filter element will let larger particles pass through the filter than the 5-micron element. As a general rule, the smaller micron rating for a filter is better, but as with most everything, there is a trade-off. Flow capability usually drops off as the micron rating gets smaller.