Why Cleaning and Maintaining Your Water System Matters

Water is life. It's the most essential thing you’ll ever feed your body, and it deserves your attention. While water filtration and ionization systems do a fantastic job of purifying and revitalizing your water, like anything exposed to natural elements, they require care and maintenance to function at their best.

One of the most common questions we hear is: Why do I need to clean my water system? Isn’t it supposed to keep itself clean? Let’s break it down.

The Nature of Water: A Double-Edged Sword

Water is incredible—it’s the universal solvent, capable of dissolving and carrying minerals, nutrients, and contaminants alike. But that same property makes it prone to carrying tiny particles that can settle in your system over time. This, coupled with moisture, warmth, and stagnation, creates the perfect environment for organic growth, like mold and biofilm.

• Mold: A type of fungus that grows on organic material when there’s moisture and warmth. It’s visible, often fuzzy, and can impact the taste and safety of your water.
• Biofilm: A slimy, often invisible layer of microorganisms that can cling to the inside of pipework, housings, or filters. It’s more resistant to cleaning and can harbor harmful bacteria.

It’s not a fault in your system—it’s the nature of water. No matter how advanced your system is, regular cleaning is essential to keep it working properly.

How to Clean Your System Effectively

When it comes to cleaning your system, you have options that depend on your setup and situation. Whether your system is powered, non-powered, or built-in, regular maintenance ensures your water stays pure and healthy.

1. For Mold and Stagnation

If your system has been sitting idle, mold may form inside the pipes or filter housing. A deep clean is necessary:

• Use citric acid (found in the baking aisle) to create a cleaning solution. Mix 2-3 tablespoons in 1 liter of warm water.
• Alternatively, use white vinegar as an effective natural cleaner. Use it undiluted or mix it 1:1 with warm water.
• For systems with self-cleaning functions, run the cycle twice with one of these solutions for a thorough clean.
• For non-powered or built-in systems, manually flush the cleaning solution through the pipework, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and rinse with fresh water.

2. For Biofilm

Biofilm can cling stubbornly to surfaces, so deep cleaning is essential:

• Disassemble components if possible and scrub with a brush or sponge dipped in citric acid or vinegar.
• For built-in systems, ensure you flush the cleaning solution through all internal components and pipework.
• Replace filters to ensure no residue remains.

3. How to Flush the System

Flushing is a critical step to ensure the cleaning solution effectively removes contaminants without leaving residue. Here’s how we do it in our warehouse:

1. Prepare the Solution: Fill a bucket with your cleaning solution (e.g., citric acid or vinegar and water mix).
2. Set Up a Pump: Use a pump to circulate the solution through the system.
3. Remove Filters: If possible, remove the filters before flushing. If not, use old filters that can be discarded afterward.
4. Flush Through the System: Run the cleaning solution through the pipework and components, ensuring it reaches every part of the system.
5. Let It Sit: Allow the solution to remain in the system for a few hours to break down stubborn buildup.
6. Flush Again: Rinse the system thoroughly with fresh water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
7. Inspect and Replace: Where possible, replace old pipework or fittings if they show significant buildup or wear.

4. Preventative Maintenance

The best way to tackle mold and biofilm is to prevent them from forming:

• Use your system regularly to avoid stagnant water.
• Replace filters on schedule to prevent buildup of organic matter.
• Periodically clean with citric acid or vinegar, even if your system has a self-cleaning feature.
• Keep the area around your system dry and ventilated to minimize humidity.

Why Upgrading Your System is Worth It

Like any equipment, water systems age. Older systems might lack the advanced features or materials designed to resist mold and biofilm. If your system has seen better days, it may be time to upgrade. A new, well-maintained system:

• Provides better water quality.
• Improves efficiency and longevity.
• Reduces maintenance demands.

Remember, your water system is an investment in your health. Giving it the care it needs ensures you and your family get the best, cleanest water possible.

Water is Your Lifeline—Treat It That Way

Your water system isn’t just a tool—it’s your partner in health. Maintaining it is not a hassle but an essential step to ensure you’re giving your body the clean, vibrant water it deserves. So, whether you’re cleaning out an idle system, upgrading an old one, or simply staying on top of maintenance, know that every effort you make is worth it.

After all, the water you drink impacts every cell in your body. Give it the attention it needs—you’ll feel the difference. If you have questions about cleaning, flushing, or upgrading your system, our team is here to help. Stay hydrated, stay healthy!