Installing the No-Backwash
Whole House Carbon Filter

View from the top of unit with bypass installed. The elbows can point any way that's convenient for the installer. Water enters this filter from the right side.

Installation

This is a simple installation. No drain connection, no electrical connection, and no complicated setup. The water goes in one side and out the other.

Choosing a Location

Install the filter at a place where it will filter all water coming into the home. It must be protected from freezing and direct sunlight, and needs a solid, level footing. Keep in mind that it will need to be disconnected and refilled with carbon in a few years.

Loading the Carbon

The advanced Vortech tank used with this filter requires no gravel underbedding, so all you have to do is pour in the granular filter carbon.

1. Cover the hole in the riser tube (the 1" pipe that comes out of the middle of the tank's mouth) with tape or a small plastic bag to prevent carbon from going inside the tube during filling.

2. Using the funnel provided, pour the carbon into the tank. Avoid breathing the carbon dust while filling the tank. The carbon will fill the tank about 2/3 full.

3. When the tank is filled, remove the protective tape or bag from the riser tube, and screw the filter head onto the tank. The riser tube goes though the center of the basket. You may have to push down to get the head to drop to the threads. Tighten until it's snug, but don't over-tighten. No tools are needed.

Setup and Initial Rinse

1. Attach the inlet of the filter (the connection on the right) to your plumbing using standard, code-approved methods. The filter ends in a male 1" pipe thread, so you may have to make some adaptation. If you hook the inlet and outlet backward, it won't work right.

   Important: Connect only the inlet side of the filter to the house plumbing initially.

2. After the filter is installed to the incoming water, open a downstream hose bib and slowly open the inlet water to the filter so the water flows into the filter slowly, no faster than half speed. Allow the filter to fill slowly. Air will escape from the hose bib and eventually water, probably cloudy and dark with “carbon fines,” will begin to come out of the hose. Let the filter rinse at half speed for four or five minutes, then open the inlet water all the way.

3. Run the filter at full flow until you feel that the carbon has rinsed sufficiently — usually 4 or 5 minutes more — and the water is clear with no visible discoloration or carbon fines. The filter is now installed and the water is ready to use.

For a time you may experience cloudy water (from air trapped in the lines) and air pockets. This is normal and will soon go away.