How do you store your water filters?

[CamJam1]

Just trying to figure out what to do with our under-sink activated charcoal filter in between trips. We usually take a couple long trips per year (4-5 weeks each) which means the coach sits for a few months at a time. I removed the filter and drained it after the last trip, but I'm wondering what happens to any water that I didn't get out. Is it safe to reuse the filter? These filters are $20-35 each so I hate to buy a new one every trip if I don't have to.

We mostly drink bottled water, but we use the filtered water for coffee, rinsing vegetables, dog water, etc.

When I bought the coach the P.O. had left the filter in place, and the first time I ran water through it the blackest, smelliest water you could imagine came out of the line, so I don't think storing it with the filter full of water is a good option somehow.

[Dutch Star Don]

My first DP had an under sink filter with it's own spigot at the sink. I just changed it once a year for 10 years and never had an issue. I know some worry about their RV water, we're not one of those and have never had a water issue in 50 years of RVing.

On our current and last Dutch Star, it had a large wet bay filter. I change it about every six to eight months to keep the flow up. In between trips, it stays sealed in it's housing.

[Windward]

I have the same filter set up under the sink with similar experiences from PO. I remove the filter, let drain and dry out in the sink between trips. Reinstalling just prior to taking off again. I've been changing it out once a year.

I store rig with main tank drained and also sanitize the water tank at least once a year for good measure. I wouldn't get to concerned with what remains in the pipes if you sanitize at least once a year. Here's a link to the RV Geeks tank sanitizing instructions https://www.thervgeeks.com/sanitize-...-water-system/. I used 2 gallons of bleach for the 100 gal tank the first time per Country Coach instructions then flushed that all out which took a while but it did clean all the yuck out.

Once I got everything cleaned out from PO it has been working well.

[exrench]

My RO system filters go into the refrigerator in the house between outings if the interval is more than 30 days.

[chuckftboy]

If you plan to remove the filters and reuse them later it would be best to put them in a freezer bag and freeze them. Germs aren't very active at below freezing temps. Personally, I leave mine in and replace them annually.

[Mark_T]

I put mine in the freezer.

[exrench]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

I put mine in the freezer.

I have avoided freezing mine with the concern the freezing would break-down the carbon block element. That's just me!

[Winemaker2]

I tried to drain them but guessed the inside would never dry out and might be a moist, dark breeding ground for bad stuff.
I just poured in a little vodka to discourage bad stuff.
I've done the same with ice makers to winterize to avoid any pink.

Sent from my SM-T387V using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

[exrench]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

I tried to drain them but guessed the inside would never dry out and might be a moist, dark breeding ground for bad stuff.
I just poured in a little vodka to discourage bad stuff.
I've done the same with ice makers to winterize to avoid any pink.

Sent from my SM-T387V using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

Good idea. Interesting potential for the first drink of water!

[deandec]

I replace the whole house filter once a year just for General Principle.

Never had a problem.

The rig now sits unused a lot, just like me.

[Gidyupgo]

We read on one of the filter mfg sites recommending RVers pull the elements, drain them and store in the fridge at their sticks and bricks. After draining, we wrap each in a paper towel and put in the fridge between trips. We replace them annually.

[153stars]

I'm "RO dumb" is the 3filter setup prefiltering for the last RO part and your just quality filtering at the unit.

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

We read on one of the filter mfg sites recommending RVers pull the elements, drain them and store in the fridge at their sticks and bricks. After draining, we wrap each in a paper towel and put in the fridge between trips. We replace them annually.

Attachment 340792Attachment 340793

[CamJam1]

Originally Posted by Gidyupgo

We read on one of the filter mfg sites recommending RVers pull the elements, drain them and store in the fridge at their sticks and bricks. After draining, we wrap each in a paper towel and put in the fridge between trips. We replace them annually.

Thanks for the responses. This solution makes the most sense to me.

[Gidyupgo]

Originally Posted by 153stars

I'm "RO dumb" is the 3filter setup prefiltering for the last RO part and your just quality filtering at the unit.

Yes, that is my understanding, but we are not adding the RO step at the end. We just like this filter combination vs the blue inline.