How often should I change a Jabsco Aqua Filta cartridge?

[Bonito38]

I have had the current cartridge installed since 24.4.15. Water initially comes out of tap clear however very smelly with a taste, the smell and taste disappears after running tap for several minutes. Apart from wasting precious water, is the filter the cause of the problems?

[Steve Bean]

As a professional in the drinking water field since 1984, I would suggest installing a new filter and then tasting the water. If biological contaminants collect on the filter, they may multiply there, providing a reservoir of contamination, some of which may find its way through the filter. How often is water used and howmany gallons of water have been filtered in the past year? What is the quality of the source water? Is it disinfected, for example with chlorine?

[Pete7]

What does the water taste and smell like directly from the tank? do you really need a filter?

We are lucky enough to have a clean tank even though its 29 yrs old so removed the water filter. It could go back but I would prefer to know about a problem sooner rather than have the filter mask the problem.

Pete

[Bonito38]

I appreciate advice to date. Will take a bit of work to open up the water tank inspection ports, I'll check them out when next on the yacht. I would really prefer to pump straight from the tanks as replacement filter cartridges cost AUD$89.95 each, bit expensive to be replacing them annually if that's what I'm supposed to do.

Thanks for suggestions to date.

Jeff

[Bonito38]

Thanks Steve,
The water is used and topped up regularly. The system comprises two tanks totalling 250 litres. I have not had issue with smell or taste until the last, say, 2 months.

Thanks Steve.

[Steve Bean]

Good points from Pete7. You might just remove the cartridge and see how it goes for a while. I just looked up the Aqua Filta. It uses activated carbon. Its effectiveness diminishes with use. Is the source water from a municipal system? Does it have a residual of disinfectant such as chlorine?

[FionaJC]

WE ;oad up with water from a marina which is usual town domestic supply. I have a filter 12 inches from the cold tap, I like filtered water. Never had a problem with taste of smell. I have the Aqua filter fitted which I change every year. WE dont lay the boat up, she is on the pontoon all year round. I have never had to put any form of cleaning agent in the tank and we have had the boat in the water for 10 years. She only comes out for a scrub and anti-foul. Hope that helps. I also used to caravan and we never had any problem without a filter. I just used to keep the water tanks full over the winter with some water purifying tablts. Then an empty followed by a flush though before use. This is the UK, where you are could be different. Dip the tank and do a smell taste test.

[Emerald Sea]

For the last three years we have used the same Jabsco Aqua Filter under our sink for our drinking water (from a water maker). The instructions say to change it every 6 months. I think you're well overdue!