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When you make the decision to purchase an RV, you are taking on a lot of responsibility. You see, purchasing an RV is only the first thing you need to do. Once you own an RV there are a lot of things you need to do to ensure that everything your RV is in good condition. One thing you will need to worry about is the RV water filter. After you make your purchase, how often you need to change your RV water filter will become a major concern.
Your RV water filter is obviously important for water filtration. Without a water filter, you will not have clean water for showering, drinking, or washing dishes. Unfortunately, an RV water filter does not last forever. As a result, you will need to replace it every once in a while, but how often is that?
How often you need to replace your RV water filter largely depends on the type of water filter you have. However, you can usually expect to change each of your water filters once every three to six months. Typically, most filters require to be changed on the lower end of that time frame. The only water filters that lean towards the longer side are under the sink filters. Otherwise, you should consider changing it once every three to four months. It is better to change it too early than too late, so err on the side of caution.
How Long Do RV Water Filters Last?
Most RV water filters will last for three to four months. In some situations you may have a water filter that lasts up to six months, but those are very niche situations. Specifically, you can expect the water filter under your sink to last a little longer than other water filters. This is because this water filter does not do as much work as your typical water filter. As a result, it can last a little longer than your other filters.
With that said, it is important to make sure that you have replacement water filters on hand at all times. You should have an idea of when you need to replace your RV water filter, but that does not mean you cannot have an emergency. The last thing you want is to be out on a vacation away from civilization and your water filter breaks when you do not have a replacement. It is better to be prepared and bring replacement water filters on all trips with you. This way your whole vacation will not be ruined because of a faulty RV water filter.
Can You Clean an RV Water Filter?
The reason you will need to replace your water filter most of the time is because it will get incredibly dirty and clogged up. However, you do not necessarily need to throw it away and install a new one. Instead, you can clean the RV water filter and use it again.
Although cleaning an RV water filter is an option, it can be a dangerous one. Cleaning an RV water filter is not very difficult, but there are several things that could go wrong. The most significant thing you could do is damage your water filter. RV water filters are fairly fragile, so when you are cleaning it you need to make sure that are very careful with your cleaning. Otherwise you could end up in a situation where you are using a damaged water filter.
It can also be difficult to tell when you have damaged your water filter. Not all breaks will be obvious to you, so be careful. Instead, your RV water filter could get micro tears which are difficult to see, but they will significantly affect the quality of your water filtration.
Additionally, it is possible that when you clean your water filter that you do not do a perfect job. If this is the case, you may end up in a situation where you need to replace your RV water filter sooner than you would normally.
As you can see there are several things that could go wrong when you clean your RV water filter. That does not mean that you cannot do it, but it does mean that you need to be very thorough when you are cleaning. Otherwise, you would be better off replacing it. For that reason, many people opt to replace their water filters entirely instead of cleaning them.
Types of RV Water Filters
There are several types of water filters available to you. Some last longer than others, and some excel at different things. Here we will take a look at all the different types of water filters so that you know what to look for in the future.
Sediment Filter
A sediment filter captures and removes particulate matter like dirt and debris from your water. Sediment is a term that refers to any matter in your water that is not liquid. It is one of the most essential water filters that you can have in your RV. It is responsible for filtering out all the dirt, salt, and sand that can get into your water.
They are especially important because rainwater can carry silt, clay, soil, and sand. If you are using a well as one of your main sources of water, it is very likely that these things will get into your water. As a result, you need your water filter to ensure that your water is clean, and it is safe to drink.
Carbon Filter
A carbon water filter removes contaminants from the water via absorption. The filter absorbs particles to the surface like a piece of Velcro. Organic compounds will then bond or stick to the surface of the water filter and be removed from the water itself.
Carbon filters are very large and are great at reducing bad tastes and odors that can come from certain particles getting in your water. With its large surface area it is very effective at removing organic chemicals that could make your water toxic.
Ceramic Filter
A ceramic water filter uses tiny pores on a small ceramic surface to remove bacteria from your drinking water. It is a very affordable option and can be installed in any household, RV, or trailer. It can also be used as a portable filtration device. A ceramic water filter uses a natural ceramic media as the most significant portion of the filtration device. This is where the water is processed, and contaminations are removed from the water. Ceramic filters can be used in a variety of situations and they can use several methods to remove contaminants. For example, they can be gravity-fed, under-sink, countertop, or sometimes they can even be used for an entire house.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is an alternate method for removing contaminants from the water you use in your RV. What happens is water flows from the more concentrated side or the side with the contaminants through an RO membrane to the less concentrated side. When the water passes through the membrane the contaminants are removed and you should be left with clean drinking water.
What Is the Best RV Water Filter?
Here we will look at a few of the water filter options available to you. Some will be high end options, while others will be low end options that you can purchase if you do not have extra money to spend. Regardless, they should all be effective and get the job done.
1. Best of the Best
This filter from Clearsource is an award winning RV water filter. It was featured in the 2018 TrailerLife Magazine’s “Essential Equipment For RV Camping” Gear Guide. It also received several other accolades throughout the rest of 2018 and 2019.
This RV water filter was engineered from the ground up for an RV owner. It has a powder-coated chassis, and stainless steel fitting. It also has oversized canisters to provide you with the maximum possible water flow.
The filter is built with NSF certified filter elements. Its five micron first stage filter effectively removes sediments from water. Its 0.5 micron second stage removes any chlorine, volatile organic compounds, cysts, giardia, and any other contaminants that are still in your water. The filter also has coconut shell carbon block technology that ensures that you will have great tasting water.
2. Middle of the Pack
This water filter from the Beech Lane Store is another good option for you. It uses lead-free brass fixtures to prevent leaks from your system. This will make sure that no dirty water will get through your system. They filter uses a dual water filter with 5 micron and 0.5 micron filters. This should ensure that you have maximum purity.
This filter is built to last as it has a very sturdy construction. It also improves the taste of your water and reduces any possible odors that can result from contaminants getting in your water.
We recently switched over to the Beech LaneWater filter and it has made a huge difference in our water quality. Buy this filter or the Clearsource and don’t waste your money on the cheapie filter.
Finally, this water filter has a lifetime warranty. So, if the filter does not fit the way you would like or if it breaks, you can have it replaced.
3. Better than Nothing
The final RV water filter we will be looking at is from Camco. It is not the best option available, but it will get the job done in a pinch. It will greatly reduce the sediment and chlorine levels in your water. Additionally, it will also reduce any bad tastes or odors that come from your water. You should note that this is all just a reduction. This water filter will not completely eliminate contaminants.
A beneficial aspect of this water filter is that it will last for six months, twice as long as your typical water filter. In addition to the regular places you would put a water filter, you can also place it on a standard gardening hose to provide you healthier drinking water.
The filter has a 20-micron sediment filter, which means that it will remove particles greater than 20 microns. It should also protect against any bacteria growth while the water filter is in use.
Additionally, the RV water filter contains a heavy-duty flexible hose protector that should help reduce the strain on connections without any kinking. The water filter is also compliant with all federal and state low lead laws.
Make Sure Your Water is Clean with the Best RV Water Filter for You
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need regarding RV water filters. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it is all information that you need to ensure that you have clean water on your next trip. Clean water is the most important thing to have on a trip out in your RV. Without clean water you will not be able to survive, and your trip will be cut short.
There are several RV water filter types for you to choose from, and the choice will largely depend on your situation. You will need to assess if you need a heavy duty filter, or if you can get away with using a lower end option. A big factor that will contribute to your decision will be the size of your traveling party. If you have a larger group coming with you on your trip, you will use more water. As a result, you will need a more heavy duty RV water filter.
We wish we could tell you what the best RV water filter option is for you. Unfortunately, everyone has different needs, and for us to assume that we knew yours would be irresponsible. However, you can choose any of the options above and be satisfied. If you do not choose any of the options above that is ok too. You just need to make sure that you do your research beforehand and make sure that you are purchasing an RV water filter that is high quality.
Are you a new or experienced RV owner? What type of RV water filter do you think you will purchase? Have you had RV water filter issues before? Let us know in the comments!
How do you store your water filter when not in use ????
You folks are very good.. I’m in the process of looking for an rv and am learning a lot so I know what to look for and what questions to ask. Very informative.
Thanks Jerry!
Glad you like the info we share!
Mike