When it comes to filters, it’s all about how the filter is rated. “A 5-micron filter is a 5-micron filter,” says Chris, “so it’s not a brand choice.” Instead of considering which brand to use in your facility, decide first what you want to filter out, and what you want to let through. This is going to be specific to the application point of use in the facility.
In our Procurement Guide, we offer advice on picking the best filter for your building. When it comes to bacteria, we get many requests for filters that keep out more than lead and odor. Bacterial filtration costs more than a basic filter and maintains the same replacement schedule based on your facility’s water quality, flow rate, and volume at the point of use.
“Constantly getting the least expensive product doesn’t usually mean you’re protecting your facility,” says Larry. “Providing the protection you want has an added expense to it.”
Next, determine what filter installation method you want to use. The majority of facilities use standard canister filters, which are less expensive upfront but require more time and labor. When changing canister filters, maintenance personnel must open the canister, replace the filter, and purge the system. Alternatively, we have the brand new Atlas Filtri cartridge, which screws onto the housing, making it quick and easy to change regularly. Because this filter has its own casing, it costs more upfront.
When considering a change in filter type, most facilities manage upgrading as part of their regular maintenance schedule. Based on your facility’s usage, that likely means replacing your filters every 3-6 months, rotating in the new filter type at that time. “All the hospitals we work with are on a schedule to replace the filters throughout their facility,” says Chris. “However, in residential buildings, that’s usually the responsibility of each individual tenant.”
Still thinking about your ice machine? There’s a solution for that. Many filters made for ice machines remove chlorine from the water. However, selecting a filter which allows an acceptable amount of chlorine through the filter will prevent Legionella from growing in the ice machine.
“That’s something we can help you with,” says Chris. “Let us know what machine you’ve got, and we’ll find the right filter for it.”
Check out the rest of this award-winning series: Best Practices for Antimicrobial Plumbing.