Water filter restricts flow

[MSHappyCampers]

I'm having a problem with very low water pressure at my kitchen sink faucet. Everywhere else is good. I have an Everpure QL3 filter base with the Everpure EV959206 filter under the sink supplying water to the sink faucet. The filter was replaced in April 2012. Has anyone had this problem with the Everpure filter?

[Rich and Cork]

Have you checked the screen at the faucet?

[Triker56]

The Everpure EV-959206 RV Water Filter Replacement Cartridge:

• Weight: About 1 pound
• Size of Filter: 8 inches L x 3 inches D
• Operating Pressure: 10-125 PSI
• Flow Rate: 1/2 gallon per minute (0.5 GPM)
• Filter Life: About 6-12 months or 750 gallons

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Rich and Cork

Have you checked the screen at the faucet?

I'm getting good flow on the hot water so that can't be it. Thanks anyway!

[MSHappyCampers]

Does anyone know what the flow rate in GPM would be in an RV with 40PSI pressure going in?

[webslave]

I saw a chart...

Table 7-11.Capacities of Pipe in Gallons Per Minute (Copper Tubing)

It is for copper pipe, but, should be in the ball park

According to the chart a high of 17 gpm for 20' of pipe and a low of 8 gpm for 80' (I wouldn't think you'd have more than an 80' run of pipe from the hose bib to the output in your trailer...). I should think the PEX would have the same impedence/friction coefficient as the copper or at least very similar. There are a lot of other variables that you would need to consider to get a real scientifically exact flow, but, those should be "close enough for government work" Any "restriction" that you add;i.e., a regulator, filter or filters, etc. will reduce that and the reduction can be considerable. Even the number of elbows in the pipes can cause a significant loss in flow rate for any given location.

[Tony Lee]

Filters rated at 1 micron and lower can be clogged by just a few gallons of town water containing suspended solids that are invisible to the naked eye. When that happens the flow rate can quickly drop to a trickle.

The only solution is to change the filter cartridge - or clean it if that is possible.

NB the pipe size and the number of elbows in the circuit aren't a significant factor in any practical installation feeding a fine-particle filter.

Flow Rate: 1/2 gallon per minute (0.5 GPM)

This is for a new filter running from a typical water pressure - say 45psi.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I'm getting good flow on the hot water so that can't be it. Thanks anyway!

So the hot water and the cold water go through one filter? How can they do that?

The hot water flow would have nothing to do with the cold water flow unless you have a whole house filter, then it would affect both, not just cold flow.

[Papa_Jim]

I had the same problem with the Everpure filter under the sink in our coach. I got tired of replacing it. I found it tough to change, and expensive to change. So I removed the filter unit. I have been using the generic filters at the tank fill. However, we don't drink the water stored on board. We carry two containers of Brita filtered water.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

So the hot water and the cold water go through one filter? How can they do that?

The hot water flow would have nothing to do with the cold water flow unless you have a whole house filter, then it would affect both, not just cold flow.

No, the hot water doesn't go through the filter. I was saying that since the hot water flow is good that the screen in the faucet has to be OK.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by webslave

I saw a chart...

Table 7-11.Capacities of Pipe in Gallons Per Minute (Copper Tubing)

It is for copper pipe, but, should be in the ball park

According to the chart a high of 17 gpm for 20' of pipe and a low of 8 gpm for 80' (I wouldn't think you'd have more than an 80' run of pipe from the hose bib to the output in your trailer...). I should think the PEX would have the same impedence/friction coefficient as the copper or at least very similar. There are a lot of other variables that you would need to consider to get a real scientifically exact flow, but, those should be "close enough for government work" Any "restriction" that you add;i.e., a regulator, filter or filters, etc. will reduce that and the reduction can be considerable. Even the number of elbows in the pipes can cause a significant loss in flow rate for any given location.

That chart is for 1/2" pipe. Isn't the pipe in RV's 3/8" ID?

[bldrbob]

If the filter is 6 months old and the flow is slow it is time to change it.The flow was probably fine when new.Seems like it is doing it's job.Just my opinion.

[MSHappyCampers]

I've been searching for a chart or calculator that will show what the flow rate should be on 3/8" ID plastic pipe at 40 PSI and can't find one. Any ideas?

[mga60tw]

take the cold water faucet out and see if an o-ring or something else is clogging the flow. but make sure you turn of the water before doing the removal)