3M Guidance For An Extended Water Filter Shutdown
3M Guidance for an Extended Water Filter Shutdown
3M water filtration systems are designed to be used on a continuous basis. If a system needs to be taken out of service (shutdown) for an extended period of time, there may be impacts to product performance. Please follow the instructions below to ensure consistent performance when the system is returned to normal operation.
System Shutdown Less than 6 weeks
•Filtration system should be shutdown and restarted according to instructions below.
System Shutdown 6 weeks or more
•Filtration system should be shutdown and all filter cartridges replaced prior to resuming use of the filtration system per the instructions below.
•To avoid replacing filter and membrane cartridges, users can simulate “normal” use by flushing the filter system at least once every 3 days while the filtration system is not in daily use.
In either situation, it is important to REPLACE FILTER CARTRIDGE no later than the scheduled filter change date. Even if the installed filter was not in use, the filter needs to be replaced no later than scheduled filter change date.
Instructions for Extended Water Filter Shutdown
If following the 3-day flushing protocol: Flush filtration systems at least once every 3 days by operating system and running the water to drain for a minimum of 5 minutes at each flush cycle. (The system shutdown and restart steps below are not necessary if following the 3-day flushing cycle)
System Shutdown
1) Make sure the equipment connected to the filtration system is shutdown per manufacturer recommendations.
2) Close the inlet water valve of the filtration system.
3) Open the filter flush valve or downstream valve for a few seconds to relieve pressure in the system.
4) Close the flush valve or downstream valve.
5) Leave cartridges in place installed in the heads.
Restart
• For extended shutdown period of less than 6 weeks or the filter system has been flushed at least every 3 days throughout the shutdown period, when resuming normal use of water filter system, follow the steps below:
1) Open the filter inlet water valve and check for any leaks.
2) Flush the system to drain for at least 5 minutes.
3) System is now ready for use.
• For extended shutdown period of 6 weeks or more and the filter system was not routinely flushed at 3-day intervals, when resuming normal use of water filter system, follow the steps below:
1) Discard the old filter cartridges.
2) Replace with new filter cartridges per the cartridge installation instructions.
3) Open the filter inlet water valve and check for any leaks.
4) Flush the system per the filter’s recommended flush instructions included on the Performance Data Sheet.
5) System is now ready for use.
Instructions for Extended Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Shutdown
If following the 3-day flushing protocol: Flush RO system at least once every 3 days by emptying the tank of the RO system to drain and allowing the RO system to refill the tank. (The system shutdown and restart steps below are not necessary if following the 3-day flushing cycle.)
System Shutdown
1) Make sure the equipment connected to the RO system is shutdown per manufacturer recommendations.
2) Close the inlet water valve of the RO system. (Additional step for ScaleGard HP system: Before the inlet water valve is closed, the ScaleGard HP system MUST be unplugged from the electrical outlet.)
3) Empty the tank and then close the tank valve
4) Leave cartridges in place installed in the heads.
Restart
• For extended shutdown period of less than 6 weeks or the RO system has been flushed at least every 3 days throughout the shutdown period, when resuming normal use of RO system, follow the steps below:
1) Open the filter RO inlet water valve and tank-valve on and check for any leaks.
2) Flush the RO system per the filter’s recommended flush instructions included in the product manual or Performance Data Sheet.
3) Sanitize the tank.
4) Allow the tank to fill up once completely and then fully drain it. Allow the tank to refill again.
5) System is now ready for use.
• For extended shutdown period of 6 weeks or more and the RO system was not routinely flushed at 3-day intervals, when resuming normal use of RO system, follow the steps below:
1) Discard the old cartridges.
2) Replace with new cartridges per the cartridge installation instructions.
3) Open the filter RO inlet water valve and tank-valve on and check for any leaks.
4) Flush the system per the filter’s recommended flush instructions included in the product manual or Performance Data Sheet.
5) Sanitize the tank.
6) Allow the tank to fill up once completely and then fully drain it. Allow the tank to refill again.
7) System is now ready for use.
This guidance applies to filtration systems serviced by potable water sources and does not apply to situations of boil-water order or advisory issued by applicable government authorities.
VERIFY THIS SYSTEM meets your water treatment needs by checking your incoming water source quality and comparing to the system’s capabilities described in the Performance Data Sheet. Check water source quality by contacting your local water authority and/or having water tested by a qualified laboratory. Check water quality regularly as it can change. After installation, check outgoing filtered water quality regularly to ensure system is installed correctly and meeting your treatment needs. Actual performance may vary depending on your local water and plumbing conditions and water-consumptions patterns.