BRITA Water Filter FAQS
Commonly asked questions on BRITA's water filter tap systems
Cartridges
1. I already have a plumbed in water filter
that is not made by BRITA - can I use BRITA cartridges
in it?
A BRITA water filter tap cartridge only fits a BRITA water filter tap.
2. Who tests the BRITA tap water filter cartridges?
All BRITA products are regularly tested in our own
laboratories and by external institutes:
Strict internal quality controls of the
raw materials and the finished products as well as
the production process are performed continuously
and conscientiously to meet the high quality demands
in the BRITA organisation.
All BRITA water filter taps are WRAS approved
3. Do BRITA tap water filter cartridges remove nitrates from the water?
The BRITA tap water filter cartridge is not designed to remove nitrates.
Water companies have to comply with the standards
set down in the E.C. water quality regulations; this
includes a limit on nitrates. If you are concerned
about the presence of nitrates in your tap water
you should check with your water supplier
4. Can I order my tap water filter cartridges direct from BRITA?
Yes. You can buy your water filter cartridges directly from BRITA
by clicking here or by telephoning 0845 0770 035
5. Where can I buy replacement tap water filter cartridges?
You can contact BRITA on 0845 0770 035 to purchase
cartridges or obtain details of local stockists.
Alternatively, replacement tap water filter cartridges are available
online click here
6. How do I exchange my tap water filter cartridge?
The BRITA tap water filter cartridge is easy to exchange. Simply
unscrew the old cartridge. There is no need to turn
off the water mains, the cartridge fittings have
an ‘auto shut off’ for the water supply
to prevent any leaks and spills. Unwrap the new cartridge
and remove the yellow plug. Screw the cartridge into
place ‘hand tight’. Finally, run filtered
water thought your tap until it runs clear. For a
few seconds the water may appear to be slightly grey
in colour. This is just carbon dust from the cartridge.
To reset your cartridge lifetime indicator run the
filtered water and press the reset button on the
battery housing under sink. Once reset the indicator
will light up with a green light
7. I have grey/black water coming from my
tap, what is this and is it safe?
*The grey coloured filtered water that you are experiencing
is a result of carbon dust being released from your tap water filter cartridge..
The contents of the BRITA tap water filter cartridge are made up of
Ion Exchange Resin
Reduces hardness limescale from the water together
with heavy metals like lead, copper and aluminium
Activated Carbon
Reduces chlorine and organic impurities
Before arriving at your home the tap water filter cartridge may pass
through numerous chains of delivery and sometimes
during this process the contents may become dislodged.
To eradicate any carbon dust, which may be present,
you need to continue to flush water through your
system until the water runs clear.
8. How long will my BRITA tap water filter cartridge last?
The tap water filter has been designed to last for an average
of 3 months*. The traffic light system reminds
you when the cartridge is expiring. When the cartridge
is nearly exhausted the light will turn from green
to amber to remind you to get your new cartridge
ready. Once the cartridge has completely expired
the light will go red to let you know that it is
no longer working and needs to be replaced.
* Based on average usage/500 litres or 3 months.
Whichever comes first.
9. What happens if I go holiday and my tap water filter cartridge hasn't expired. Can I still use it when I get back?
Should your BRITA system not be in use for a prolonged
period, for example whilst you are away on holiday,
you can use your current cartridge on your return.
On your return simply flush at least 5 litres of water through the tap water filter cartridge to remove any water which may have sat in the cartridge whilst not being used.
10. What impurities does the BRITA tap water filter cartridge remove?
BRITA tap water filter cartridges reduce temporary hardness (scale) and other impurities from the water such as;
Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm any reduction
percentages, as this depends on the specific
water quality in your region.
11. Can the tap water filter cartridges be recycled?
The BRITA tap water filter cartridges are 100% recyclable.
To recycle the cartridges, please return them to a BRITA recycling point that are located in over 1000 stores across the UK.
Your nearest store can be found at www.brita.co.uk/recycle or by calling 0844 742 4800.
12. I’ve just started using your filters
and find the water tastes sharp?
Some users notice a slightly sharp taste with the
new cartridges; this will only last for a few litres.
It may take a couple of days for the user to get
used to the taste.
If you have been used to drinking tap water, then
you will certainly notice the difference, as many
of the substances that affect the taste of tap water
have been reduced.
13. Does the tap water filter cartridge remove fluoride from the water?
The BRITA tap water filter cartridge is not designed to remove fluoride.
Some fluoride is naturally present in tap water,
whilst some water companies add fluoride to the water.
If you are concerned about the presence of fluoride
in your tap water, you should check with your water
supplier.
14. Does the tap water filter cartridge remove the calcium from the water?
The BRITA tap water filter cartridge will remove some but
not all of the calcium which is present in water
in the form of temporary hardness as Calcium bicarbonate,
Calcium in the form of permanent hardness (Calcium
Sulphate and Calcium Chloride) is not removed by
the BRITA filter.
The amount of calcium remaining in the water will
depend on a number of factors including the composition
of your tap water (your water supplier may be able
to help you with this information) and the amount
of water passed thought the cartridge. It is therefore
not possible for us to give an absolute reduction
figure for your tap water.
It is generally understood that temporary water
hardness does not provide a good source of dietary
calcium, as this form is not as easily utilised by
the body as the calcium found in dairy products and
green leafy vegetables.
Back to the top
Filtered Water - General
16. Why do tea, coffee and soft drinks taste
better with filtered water?
Water is a very good natural solvent and helps develop
the aroma of coffee and tea. The amount of temporary
hardness (limescale) in the water affects the dissolution
of aromatics, for example in tea and coffee. The
higher the proportion of limescale in the water,
the lower the ability to dissolve. The aroma of tea
and coffee develops better in water with a low limescale
content.
16. Am I drinking enough water?
Drinking plenty of water is crucial to good health.
Yet research has shown many of us may be dehydrated,
with only one in ten of the population consuming
the recommended amount :- about eight large glasses
or 2 litres a day.
Water, like oxygen, is crucial to our survival.
We can go for weeks without food - but without water
we would die within just a few days.
In the UK, we take water for granted. This simple
chemical compound is one of our most precious resources
- worshipped throughout history for its life-giving
qualities, and as a source of health, healing and
even spiritual renewal.
17. How much water does the body need?
BRITA research has shown that only 1 in 10 of people
in the UK drink enough water and more than 1 in 4
do not drink water at all. To find out how much we
need to drink, what happens when we don't drink enough
and how to make sure we drink enough read on.
Water makes up two thirds of the body by volume.
It forms a major part of our blood, helps to lubricate
our joints and eyes, and is essential to the chemical
processes that take place within our cells.
Drinking water not only quenches our thirst - it
is essential for many vital bodily functions. These
include transporting food through the digestive tract,
flushing out waste and toxins, maintaining fluid
balance and regulating body temperature. Not least,
it keeps skin fresh, smooth and hydrated.
How much water you should drink depends on many
factors, such as how tall you are and how much
you weigh. Eight glasses is a good rule of thumb
for
most people.
18. What happens if we don't drink enough?
When the weather is very hot, we need to drink more
- some experts recommend a large glass of water every
hour. And anyone who spends a lot of time in dry
environments, such as overheated or air-conditioned
offices or homes - will also need to compensate by
drinking more water.
Water loss can begin to affect the normal functioning
of the body even before we actually feel thirsty.
The early signs of dehydration can include lethargy,
headaches, irritability, an inability to concentrate
and constipation. Other symptoms include aches and
pains, nausea, dry or cracked skin, dizziness, increased
pulse and reduced blood pressure.
Certain people need more water and should increase
their intake, these include pregnant and breastfeeding
women, those who exercise, dieters and anyone with
a fever, sickness or diarrhoea.
19. What is a tap water filter?
The BRITA water filter tap uses replaceable cartridges
that reduce chlorine and other impurities such as
lead, copper and aluminium that can affect the taste
of your tap water. The BRITA tap water filter cartridge also reduces
limescale that creates the unsightly scum on tea
and coffee and the fur in your kettle.
20. Why do I need a tap water filter?
BRITA filtered water will provide you and your family
with clean, clear, great tasting drinking water and:
Makes great tasting coffee and tea, and is ideal
for diluting squashes or cordials.
May improve the colour and texture of foods cooked
with water and can reduce the amount of scum
produced during cooking.
BRITA filtered water is ideal for mixing infant formula.
BRITA filtered water provides an excellent solution for pregnant women
who need to increase their intake of water during
this time.
BRITA filtered water reduces limescale build-up in kettles
and coffeemakers.
BRITA filtered water is a favourite with family pets who can be sensitive
to chlorine in tap
BRITA filtered water helps cut flowers last longer and household plants
thrive.
Impurities that affect your tap water's taste, odour,
and colour include:
Chlorine: Chlorine is used nationwide in our water
supply as a safe disinfectant. It has an unpleasant
taste and odour.
Sediment: This is inorganic matter or natural vegetation.
Sediment can cause build up in household pipes
and bad tastes and odours.
Water Hardness: Hard water contains dissolved minerals
such as magnesium and calcium. These 2 elements in
time cause limescale to build up in kettles, hot
water appliances. It also affects the taste of water.
21. Is filtered water the same as distilled
water?
A BRITA tap water filter removes substances from tap
water which can affect the taste and appearance;
it is therefore only partially de-mineralised. Distilled
water is totally de-mineralised and therefore filtered
water cannot be used where distilled water is required,
e.g. car batteries.
22. What causes the stains around my cup?
These are a result of carbonate hardness in the
water, which turns into scale when water is boiled.
The scale absorbs the tea extracts that change the
colour and cause the unsightly appearance and produce
a bitter taste.
This disappears when BRITA filtered water is used
as the BRITA cartridge reduces the temporary
hardness that causes this scale Tea will also be
clearer and
flavours will develop fully.
23. Is filtered tap water suitable for use in Baby Formula?
Yes, filtered tap water is ideal for babies as they
can be particularly sensitive to the taste taints
that may be present in tap water. There is sometimes
confusion between softened water (which is not suitable
for babies) and filtered water, but unlike softened
water filtered water does not add sodium to the water.
When using filtered water for babies it should be
treated in the same way as tap water. When mixing
formula feed always boil the water after filtering
and allow to cool before mixing the formula, following
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many health visitors advise that water is the best
option when weaning babies onto solids when drinks
other than milk are given. It introduces the good
habit of drinking water at a very early age, which
can be continued as they grow up. For babies up to
six months of age it is generally advised to boil
water and allow to cool before giving it to baby.
Filtered water should be treated in the same way,
filter then boil and allow to cool.
24. Is filtered tap water suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the carbon granules are made from coconut husk
and are therefore suitable for the dietary restrictions
of vegans, vegetarians and certain religions.
The coconut husk comes from GM Free Coconut Plantations
25. What is the difference between a water softener and a tap water filter?
Water softeners are usually plumbed into the mains
water system and are used to remove temporary
hardness from the water to prevent limescale build
up in plumbed
in household appliances, central heating systems,
showerheads etc.
Water softeners do use a form of ion exchange resin
but this is regenerated using common salt (sodium
chloride), which is added to the softener regularly.
In this way the calcium ions in the temporary hardness
are replaced with sodium ions, thereby increasing
the sodium content of the water. Due to the increased
sodium it is not recommended that sodium softened
water is used for drinking, cooking or food preparation.
A separate tap with untreated water should be provided.
BRITA tap water filters reduce the amount of temporary
hardness in the water but do not remove the permanent
hardness. This is called de-carbonisation rather
than water softening. BRITA filters do not add
sodium to the water.
26. If I have a water Softener on my water
supply, can I still use a BRITA water filter tap?
Sodium regenerated water softeners can add sodium
to the water and for this reason it is not recommended
that sodium softened water is used for drinking,
cooking or food preparation. A separate tap with
untreated water should be provided. It is possible
for this untreated water supply to be from a BRITA
water filter tap. Filtering the untreated supply
will reduce the level of temporary hardness in the
water and reduce other impurities, which can affect
the taste and appearance of tap water.
27. Why can I only keep BRITA water for
48hrs?
Water is a foodstuff and as such it can deteriorate
if left standing for too long
Water, which is left to stand around, becomes stagnant
and algae can begin to grow. This does not just apply
to filtered water but to any water, including tap
or bottled water which is left standing.
Filtered tap water should be treated as a foodstuff
and should be used within 48 hours of filtering.
28. I have kidney problems is filtered
water suitable for me?
Individuals with kidney disease or those who have
to monitor their potassium intake should be aware
of the possible increase in potassium in the early
litres of water filtered through each new BRITA cartridge
and may wish to discuss this with their doctor.
BRITA tap water filter cartridges contain potassium partly due to
the production process and partly from naturally
occurring potassium in the activated carbon. This
potassium is gradually released into the filtered
water over several litres; the rate of release depends
on the hardness of the water. The higher the hardness
the faster the potassium is washed out.
Potassium is considered to be a beneficial mineral
and there is no maximum limit for potassium in the
drinking water standards. In comparison to the amount
of potassium in other food (see below) the amount
of potassium in BRITA water is negligible and not
relevant at all for people with normal health.
0.1 kilo apple = 144 mg potassium
0.1 kilo wholemeal bread = 291
mg
0.1 kilo banana = 382 mg
0.1 kilo roasted peanuts = 777
mg
0.1 kilo French fries = 926 mg
29. What should I do with my tap water filter if my water supplier has notified me that there is a problem with the tap water?
Our advice to BRITA tap water filter users is to follow the recommendations
of the water company involved. If their instruction
is to boil all water before drinking, our recommendation
is to filter the water first and then boil as instructed.
Once the water problems are resolved and customers
can use their water without boiling, we recommend
that BRITA users replace their water filter cartridge as a precautionary
measure.
30. Does the removal of temporary hardness
affect calcium levels?
Yes, but mostly in the form of temporary hardness
or limescale which is not a good source of dietary
calcium. This will not have a significant effect
on the calcium intake of those on a normal diet.
Back to the top
Tap and fittings
31. When I buy a tap, what is included?
The water filter tap package has all you should need to install your
tap and use it. It includes the tap of your choice,
cartridge/tap fittings, a BRITA cartridge giving you
500 litres of filtered water and a full instruction
guide.
32. How does my traffic light, cartridge indicator
system work?
The traffic light system reminds you when the water filter cartridge
is expiring. When the cartridge is 9 days from exhaustion
the light will turn from green to amber to remind
you to get your new cartridge ready. Once the water filter cartridge
has completely expired the light will go red to let
you know that it is no longer working and needs to
be replaced.
33. My traffic light indictor doesn’t
seem to be working?
The traffic light indicator is powered by a CR2032
battery which will last around 12 months. These batteries
are available from most battery stockists. The battery
is housed in the cartridge fittings, just by the
cartridge. Open the battery drawer, exchange the
battery and close the sliding drawer. The LED should
now be working.
34. How is the traffic light indicator
reset?
To reset the water filter cartridge lifetime indicator, simply
press the reset button based on the electronics
box near to the filter and hold for 2 seconds.
Immediately the indicator light on the tap should
be seen solid red and then green.
35. How should I clean my tap?
All BRITA water filter taps are coated with a durable
chrome plate finish. To maintain the surface finish,
simply wipe occasionally with a mild detergent on
soft damp cloth. Dry using soft cloth and never use
abrasive cleaners or chemical household cleaners,
avoid contact with concentrated bleach.
36. What is my water filter tap made from?
The BRITA water filter tap is made from brass and
other approved materials, all meeting the appropriate
WRAS requirements.
37. Why are there 3 handles on the Titanium and Rosedale
models?
There are 3 separate tap handles to control supplies
of normal hot water (left handle) and cold water
(right handle) for use on standard sink fill
applications or with the use of the front handle
to dispense BRITA filtered water. Both hot and
cold taps are marked with coloured indicators
and the filtered water tap at the front is clearly
labelled BRITA.
38. What is Quarter Turn, Ceramic Technology?
Ceramic Disc Technology is the method used to operate
on and off flow control. Under each handle is a headwork
which is a purpose built housing that holds two highly
polished ceramic discs which rotate over each other.
As the handles are operated the ceramic discs will
open and close waterways. True benefits of ceramic
discs are that they provide easier and more precise
operation of flow.
Back to the top
Installation
39. What is BRITA Installation?
BRITA installation is a fixed fee, no hassle installation
service for BRITA water filter taps. All BRITA installations
are carried out by Streamline Ltd. Each engineer
is comprehensively trained by both BRITA and Pegler
to ensure you receive the best possible standard
of installation and level of customer service. If
you choose to use BRITA to install your water filter
tap you can expect to receive the following service:
1. BRITA will contact you to schedule your installation.
You can arrange a convenient date and time for
your installation to take place.
2. When we contact you we will ask you a few questions
to ensure your installation is quick and straightforward
with minimum disruption to your household.
3. On the day of installation you will receive
a telephone call to advise you of the engineer’s
estimated arrival time.
4. Upon arrival the engineer will show you his
official identification and carry out your installation.
5. Once the installation is complete and you
are satisfied the engineer will ask you to sign
his paperwork
and will leave you to enjoy your new BRITA water
filter tap.
40. Who is Streamline?
Streamline is a carefully selected company that
carry out installations of BRITA water filter taps
on BRITA's behalf. Their friendly team of engineers
is comprehensively trained by both BRITA and Pegler
to ensure you receive the best possible standard
of installation and level of customer service. Streamline
offer a nationwide installation service and an emergency
call out service in the unlikely event that you should
encounter any problems with your BRITA filter tap
once installed.
Back to the top
