Water filter

[ScouseIan]

I have a 2008 Bailey Pageant. I'm all new to this so sorry to ask a basic question.

How often should I replace the water filter that goes into the water container? And how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks

 

[Mikey1]

By what you describe is it a filter on the end of the water feed to the caravan? ie pump is internal in the caravan?

if so simply uncrew off,they are about

 

[ScouseIan]

Hi Mikey

Yes, pump is internal to caravan. Yes, they screw off the end of the blue hose. But my question is how often should they be replaced?

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Ian

I change mine every year. It's a carbon cartridge filter on the end of the feed hose / pipe. Our previous van had an internal filter which I cut open out of curiosity. Yuk! Well it did its job.

Bear in mind usage will not necessarily make much difference imo. Once wetted and then allowed to dry , all sorts of things may start growing. For

 

[ScouseIan]

I have just checked my handbook and it says to replace 'once per season'. Sorry, should have done that first.

It says its product code WF3000, which looks like 'Whale Aquasmart filter' on page 99 of the Towsure catalogue (item 25/F531). Anybody agree?

The handbook also says to change the 'Aquasource Inline filter' once per season, which is located beneath the kitchen sink. I don't have my caravan here to check but I wasn't aware that there was an additional filter inside the van. Anybody else got a Pageant and changed this?

 

[JTQ]

Most of the detritus found in our normal caravan water filters is self generated in the filter; not what is caught by the filter. It's normally a fungal and bacteriological slime and grows there as the filter is left damp or full of stagnant water for days or weeks on end between outings.

Filters containing silver ions are much better as these actually kill bacteria, not provide an ideal breeding ground.

The best change routine if you must have a filter is to renew it for every trip out; or second best take it out and air dry it after every trip.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I concur with JTQ

But must add, don't try to flush any filter through with bleach, baby bottle cleaner or any other sterilising system to clean it, as this is highly likely to destroy any antibacterial systems in the filter. It can also breakdown some of the sieves and allow the carbon particles to escape into the water system.

If you must flush your caravan system remove the filter first, clean the system and then purge with clean water. If its the begginging of a season renew or other wise replace the part used filter.

If you feel the need to flush the filter, only use clean water.

 

[ScouseIan]

Thanks for the comments JTQ and John. Who would change the filter after each trip though? I think I'll start using bottled water, even in the UK though now.

Can anybody help with my questions though?

 

[Damian]

The problem with filters is that under "normal" caavan use they spend a lot of time sittng around with nothing passing through them, for instance a week or more at a time.

However, during that time, bacteria and algae have time to multiply,not good.

As for the in line Aquasource filter you should find that in probably the most inacessable place under the sink, it is about 6 to 8 inches long, cylindrical in shape, which should be fully removed for winter storage, as after last winter it was found on many vans to have split, not just in a small place, but from top to bottom, behind the label, so not easy to see until lots of water come gushing out when the pump is run.

Personally I believe filters to be a total waste of money and a source of possible infection.

All that is really needeed is a gauze filter to stop any large particles entering the system and blocking the taps.

Only yesterday I was called out to a van which had very poor water pressure , only to find the pipework and taps blocked almost fully with carbon granules from a failed filter.

If you have an Aquasource filter I would strongly recommend removing it completely and filling the gap with a length of the same pipe as fitted.

The water quality in the UK is very good, there is no need for extra filtering.

 

[JTQ]

The problem with filters is that under "normal" caavan use they spend a lot of time sittng around with nothing passing through them, for instance a week or more at a time.

However, during that time, bacteria and algae have time to multiply,not good.

As for the in line Aquasource filter you should find that in probably the most inacessable place under the sink, it is about 6 to 8 inches long, cylindrical in shape, which should be fully removed for winter storage, as after last winter it was found on many vans to have split, not just in a small place, but from top to bottom, behind the label, so not easy to see until lots of water come gushing out when the pump is run.

Personally I believe filters to be a total waste of money and a source of possible infection.

All that is really needeed is a gauze filter to stop any large particles entering the system and blocking the taps.

Only yesterday I was called out to a van which had very poor water pressure , only to find the pipework and taps blocked almost fully with carbon granules from a failed filter.

If you have an Aquasource filter I would strongly recommend removing it completely and filling the gap with a length of the same pipe as fitted.

The water quality in the UK is very good, there is no need for extra filtering.

Well said:

Then for unboiled water drink water kept in a reused water bottle, from the fridge and filled every couple of days.

Whilst many get away drinking from the system its not being that bright to risk it.

 

[xtrailman]

Damiam

I agree, i have/had both instances.

 

[John_miller]

If you want to stick with the filter (I find the weight helps to keep the tube at the bottom of the container!)then you might consider using the Filtapac filter instead of the hideously expensive Whale original. Details at www.filtapac.co.uk/aquaflo.htm

John M

 

[Royston]

Hi Scouae Ian, my Bailey Technical information states that the filter is under the sink ( standard Blub for all internal designs) my sink sits on top of the fridge,filter is in fact in a cupboard where the knife drawer is, since our last van did not have a filter, when we put the van away for the winter going to put a piece of pipe in the place of the filter, we always have a special canister for drinking and making tea, oh of course for the dog.

Royston

 

[ScouseIan]

Thanks everyone.

Just bought new filters. 2x Whale Aquasmart (

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Ian'

Untill last month I had a S6 Pageant. The filter as you said is WF 3000. These have to be replaced every 30 days of use. On both the S6 and S7 Pageant there is no internal water filter,just the one that goes into the external water container. Once you have used the filter to its shelf life do not throw it away as at the start of next season you can use it for when you are cleaning the system with milton, aquasol or similar, then throw it away and put on the filter you were using prior to cleaning or put on a new filter!

I put aqua sol in my Aquaroll every fill as this keeps the water pure, prevents slime and and takes away any adverse taste.

Many Thanks Rob

 

[Deborah_374454897]

We also have a pageant and change our filter at the start of the season after cleaning the system with milton. The last time we changed one it took quite a bit of strength to get it undone.