Here's why you should always use a filter

[RPAspey]

I regularly use a particulate filter every time we camp which is normally at our farm 4 hours away or at state pa. So a filter is par for the course. This weekend we stayed at a commercial campground. I was going to skip the norml filter set up assuming this place has good water. Well, as the weekend progressed, our water pressure kept dropping. This morning it was down to 20 psi. I figured its their system as everone was leaving. Nope. Check this out. You can see on the second pix that the filter did its job.

 

[Butcher]

Before/After picture would help.

 

[coastn]

Would the "before" pic show a snowy white filter?

 

[RPAspey]

Yes, i assumed they're all either white or charcoal grey. Here's a picture of what it looks like new ( not my pic)

 

[coastn]

UGH! Reinforces my every time use of a filter as well.

 

[ajg617]

I ran into problems at a campground in Indiana. It was off the beaten path a bit and mostly seasonal/permanent rigs with lake access. The 10 or so sites for those passing thru didn't get a lot of traffic. Since I always flush the hose before connecting I was shocked at the large (1/4") flakes of rust that came out - and the Ferric iron in the water didn't seem to stop. I wound up putting an in-line filter before the built in filter which really dropped the pressure. The in-line was toast after a few hours and I decided to run off the FW tank with water from home for the remainder of the stay. Huge contrast with the water quality we found at 7th Ranch RV in Garryowen, MT - well but the best soft water we've had.

 

[Butcher]

Assuming is not what I tend to do.

Thanks for the 'new' pic.

 

[jstchilln]

I take a few extra particulate filters for my three stage filter system. We were at a park and the water went down when they replaced the pump. Knowing water systems I know that sediment collects and replacing a pump can upset that sediment. The next day I checked the particulate filter and it was packed with gunk. Over the next couple of days I replaced it and went through three filters. BTW, we use a three stage filter then it goes through our water softener and for drinking we run it through a Berkey.

 

[RPAspey]

I starting to think about this.. my set up is this : first a particulate filter, water softener, carbon filter then pressure regulator before going into the rig. Both filters are 5 micron. Sound right?

 

[jstchilln]

I starting to think about this.. my set up is this : first a particulate filter, water softener, carbon filter then pressure regulator before going into the rig. Both filters are 5 micron. Sound right?

I run my filters before my softener but your set up sounds good too. I was always told to run a particulate filter before your softener.

 

[RPAspey]

My wife thinks the soften water has a funny taste thus the carbon filter after the softener.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

My wife thinks the soften water has a funny taste thus the carbon filter after the softener.

I've always thought softened water tasted funny. I know some people have unsoftened water to drink.

 

[Lavarocked]

Custer State Park has the grossest water I’ve come across in the last 2 years. This is after the in line filter. They were white as snow 2 weeks ago. Notice the GREEN
You can buy a filter, or be a filter.

 

[Mechanic Bob]

I have a three stage filter and now you have me thinking I should carry at least a spare first stage filter.
Side note: I have a Three Stage Whole House Filter at home. I change the first stage yearly and the second and third filters every other year. I did find that I should only order the "Carbon filters" no earlier than two months (max) before installation. Otherwise, susceptible to mold if stored in an out building.

 

[trailrydr]

I've always thought softened water tasted funny. I know some people have unsoftened water to drink.

Depends on how much salt you have to add your brine tank. At our stick built, after testing the well water out of the pump, we only needed to add a small amount of salt to reduce our hardness. Because of this, the salt in our water isnt noticeble.

Do recommend softened water for those with wells, septic systems, city water, and for home water appliances longevity. Its certainly pays for its self in the long run. However, bypassing the softener for drinking water and ice creation is a good idea if using a large amount of salt due to water hardness.

 

[Lavarocked]

Great thoughts, I use the BluTechnologies 3 stage w/water softener and for some stupid reason a Britta after that. The water softener does an exceptional job for hard water issues as far as cleaning and mineral buildup.

 

[RPAspey]

Great thoughts, I use the BluTechnologies 3 stage w/water softener and for some stupid reason a Britta after that. The water softener does an exceptional job for hard water issues as far as cleaning and mineral buildup.

Lol... Like i said our water is filtered and soften then carbon filter ... And ... My wife uses a water bottle with a carbon filter! I guess its a habit for her. I dunno. I just drink it.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

You can buy a filter, or be a filter.

Ha ha ha. Love it.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I use a UCS2 filter setup with a carbon filter and ceramic filter

 

[Mechanic Bob]

Great thoughts, I use the BluTechnologies 3 stage w/water softener and for some stupid reason a Britta after that. The water softener does an exceptional job for hard water issues as far as cleaning and mineral buildup.

Nothing stupid about an additional filter for your drinking water.