Today, there are many water filters that make sure that our tap water is free of harmful particles. PUR water filter is the one that stands out. But even though this faucet-mounted filter wears the crown among its colleagues, issues can still occur. Fortunately, you don’t have to replace the filter every time it reports a problem. Read on to see how you can easily diagnose and troubleshoot the most common PUR water filter issues.
PUR Water Filter – What Does it Remove?
Drinking clean water is, arguably, the most important part of our everyday life. But what exactly does ‘clean’ mean? If you fill a glass with tap water, you will most likely think that it is clean. But, just because there aren’t any particles that are visible to your eyes, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. PUR water filters were made for that purpose, to remove these harmful tiny particles.
PUR water filter removes:
- 99% of lead. Lead can easily enter through the plumbing and pipeline and cause not only kidney issues, but delays in your physical and mental development, as well.
- 96% of mercury. Erosion is what allows mercury to enter the water systems. Exposure to mercury leads to kidney damage.
- 99% of trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes appear when chlorine is mixed with water materials (organic and inorganic), and it is known to be the cause of many kidney, liver, and central nervous issues.
- 96% of industrial pollutants, which are harmful to ingest.
- 92% of pesticides. Agricultural runoffs allow pesticides to enter the water system. Consuming these pesticides can cause not only kidney and liver issues, but also reproductive problems.
- 94% of pharmaceuticals. Harmful traces of antibiotics and hormones are present in the water systems of most of the major metropolitan areas.
- 99% of microbial cysts.
PUR Water Filter Problems
Now that you know how beneficial the PUR water filter is, it is time to see what problems can occur while using one.
This article will help you determine which of the most common PUR water filtrations’ problems you are dealing with and offer clear instructions on how to repair them. These are the most common problems:
- PUR water filter problems with the light indicator
Whether the light isn’t working at all, or it is stubbornly showing red light, below you will find a way to fix that issue and will not have to worry about the PURity of the water you are drinking.
- PUR water filter problems with water flow
Whether you are experiencing a slow water flow or overflow, you will find the solution for that problem below.
- PUR water filter with leaking problems
Sometimes the PUR water filter leaks. Whether from the top or the faucet, I will solve this issue for you in an instant.
- PUR water filter with the filtering issues
Whether your PUR water filter fails to purify the water or it’s clogged, you don’t have to replace the entire system. The solution is simple and it is hidden in this article.
- PUR water filter problem of mixing filtered and unfiltered water
If filtered and unfiltered water mix, this article will help you ensure that you will only drink purified water.
So what are the problems specifically and how to solve them? I’ll walk you through one by one.
1. PUR Water Filter Light Is Not Working
The indicator light found on your PUR water filter is actually a timer. That means that the light isn’t actually connected to your water filter. It is just there to indicate when it is time for you to change the filter.
The fact is that the LED light is a helpful reminder, but the true indicator for filter replacement is the flow of water. PUR water filters have a life capacity of two to three months or 100 gallons.
The PUR water filter should be replaced every two months to three months (if your water is not seriously polluted), as recommended by the manufacturer. This means that after two or three months of drinking clean water, the light will remind you that you should change the filter.
Changing the filter is important because when the filter reaches its capacity it is no longer capable to get rid of the harmful particles. If not changed regularly, all of the water impurities will end up in your glass.
One of the biggest reported issues with the PUR water filter, and something that I have struggled with it in the beginning, is the light not signaling anything.
You may think how this can be easily solved if you choose to simply replace the filter after two months. However, keep in mind that the water quality is not the same in different geographic areas. In some areas where the water pollution is grave, you may need to change it in less than a month. That is why having a light that will tell you exactly when it is time to do it, is crucial.
2. PUR Water Filter Light Is Not Turning Green
When you pour water from your PUR filter, whether it’s a pitcher or a faucet filter, the indicator light will blink. Once you are done pouring, the light should turn green.
That is how the filter should be working, ideally. However, there are times when the light just won’t turn green. You may try to change the filter cartridge, but that will rarely fix this problem.
What's the real solution?
Usually, when the light doesn’t turn green, that is simply an indication that the filter should be cleaned. So, remove your filter and blow hard through it. Many people have found that a simple filter cleaning can get the light to work again.
If you have a faucet-mounted filter, simply turn the cap off, remove the filter, and do the same. You can also use water dental pick for this purpose. That will pulsate and clean right through the filter.
Do not worry, you will not break anything. The whole system is mechanical and pretty simple to handle. Freeing up the gear should jumpstart the filter instantly, which will nudge the light to signal green immediately.
3. PUR Water Filter Light Is Still Red
Like I said, when you are pouring water from the PUR filter, the indicator light will blink. When it signals green, this tells you that the filter is working properly and that the water you are drinking is purified.
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But what happens when the filter can no longer remove the impurities?
When the filter’s capacity is almost occupied, it will turn yellow to let you know in advance that you should change it soon. The yellow light serves as a warning sign and is there to prevent you from running out of purified water.
When the light turns red, that is a sign that the filter is no longer able to stop the harmful particles from getting poured into your glass, meaning that the water is no longer clean.
After getting the red sign, you should replace the filter immediately. Then, hold the ‘reset’ button for a few seconds and wait for the green button to turn on.
But what if it never does?
If your PUR water filter is stubbornly showing the red light even after changing the filter, then there are two ways to fix it:
First Alternative: Clean Thoroughly
Many people have reported that the indicator light kept flashing red after changing the filter. The reason is that sometimes debris enters the screen and it’s what gives the filter a false alarm that it can no longer purify the water.
So, the solution is just simple. This issue has mostly been solved by cleaning the screen out from minor debris. Simply rinse the entire filter housing off.
Second Alternative: Replace the Electronic Circuit
If rinsing the PUR filter housing does nothing to fix your problem, then it is probably a good idea to consider replacing the electronic circuit. When the electronic circuit needs to be replaced, the red light goes on.
4. PUR Water Filter's Flow Is Slow
Being able to drink clean and filtered water is beyond beneficial. But when the filter that purifies the water also slows down its flow significantly, it can be quite annoying. Don’t go all crazy purchasing different water filters because, chances are, the issue is easily fixable.
Low-quality water source
The first thing you need to consider is whether you use city water or your water supply comes from a well. If it comes from a well the slow flow here may occur due to the fact that your well water is fairly dirty. If that is the case, your filter may need some more time to remove the harmful particles before being poured, which results in decreased water flow.
Simple solution
If you use city water, then it has been proven that, in most cases, the problem may be inside the filter.
There are two curved wedges inside the PUR water filter that are in charge of holding the filter apart from its connection. If they are too short, this may restrict the water flow, as the end of the filter may be too close to ‘its shell’ which makes it hard for the water to flow properly.
The solution here is simple, you just need to purchase a plastic washer from the hardware store (find a very thin one that serves as a sort of a faucet diverter). Then, place this washer between the curved wedges and the connection to add enough space for the water to flow. And voila! There is your good water flow again.
5. PUR Water Filter Overflows
Just like the slow water flow, having water that overflows can be just as annoying. But, in order to avoid all of the splattering, you don’t have to change the entire water filtration system.
Most of the similar issues with the PUR water filter that have been reported have one thing in common – improperly adjusted filter.
You see, the thing is, most people tend to crank the water to full for some reason. When the water is set to full, the filter has no other choice but to overflow (or leaks!).
How to solve it?
Fortunately, the solution here is quite simple. Most of the new filters have basically the same design. They all have shorter ‘plastic lips’ which sometimes make the seal too tight. The only thing that you need to do is simply NOT TURN the filter all the way clockwise.
Simply set it before a full lock. And it will work like magic. No overflowing or leaking, but full water pressure.
6. How To Unclog PUR Water Filter?
One of the main bumps that PUR water filter users stumble upon is the fact that the filter gets clogged. But, despite the fact that this is usually seen as an issue, having an unclogged filter is actually a proof that it is working well.
I mean, think about it. What would you expect to happen if your tap water is rich in lead or other pollutants? These harmful pesticides will get stuck to the filter, which will eventually get it clogged.
Unclogging PUR water filter
To see if this causes the clogging, simply remove the filter and place it in a glass of clean water. Let it sit for a day without touching it. You should do the same with the filter in line. After a day, compare the two filters. If there are settled dirty particles, it is a clear sign that it is the dirt that has clogged your filter – which is a good sign.
In that case, the solution is to regularly clean and change the filters. Remember, the water that is running through the filter actually flows through the concentrated particles. If the filter is clogged, the flow will be significantly decreased.
Cleaning the filters on daily bases will also prevent it from clogging.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that hot water tends to support clogging. Avoid running hot water and let it run a little bit longer so your filter can last you longer.
7. PUR Water Filter Leaks
What are the reasons for leaking?
Remember how I said that setting the filter all the way to full water can result in water overflow? Well, the same thing applies to leaks.
So, if your PUR water filter is leaking, the first place to look is that lock. If it is all the way to full, make sure to turn it back a bit.
If, however, this doesn’t solve your problem and you are still experiencing leaking, the first thing to do is determine where the leak is coming from.
If the water leaks from the body or on/off selector, this may be a little bit trickier to fix, but not impossible. Usually, this thing happens as a result of the fact that the seal is not sitting properly.
How to solve it?
To fix this issue you may try pushing and pulling the selector knob firmly, in and out, and a couple of times. This may seem too simple, but this may help you re-seat the leaking seal and stop the leaks.
Give it a go now. If it is still leaking, then maybe the problem is more serious and requires unit replacement.
8. PUR Faucet Water Filter Is Leaking
If you are experiencing leaking from the faucet, especially after the installation or after filter change, then chances are that the leak is a result of improper tightening.
A pair of pliers is usually helpful with this. However, before you put them to work, there is another thing that you need to take care of.
Take the filter off. Make sure that there is a rubber seal and that the seal is clean. That is called the O-ring or O-shaped gasket. That is an essential part of the filter, so make sure that it is there.
The O-ring should be sitting properly inside the cup. Then, try to gently thread it back onto the faucet. This shouldn’t require too much strength as it can be easily done. You just have to make sure to tighten it well.
If this doesn’t work and there is still water leaking, then, you can take your pliers. Try to tighten up at the place where the filter screws onto the faucet. This is what usually causes the faucet leaking and can be easily fixed with a good and tightened connection.
9. PUR Water Filter Leaking from Top
If your PUR water filter is leaking from the top, that is usually a sign that it was not installed properly.
Re-installing the filter
What you need to do to fix this issue, is to remove the filter and try re-installing it. When doing so, pay a good attention to all of the pieces and make sure not only that the filter is centered and sitting properly, but also that it is tightened and screwed correctly.
When the filter is properly tightened, the water outlet should be right at the bottom of the unit. Keep in mind that this can be tricky with wet hands, so make sure to dry them before tightening.
If you have troubles re-installing the PUR water filter correctly, this video may offer clear guidance:
If, however, the leaking is just between the plastic and the metal, that is probably due to poor design. PUR has even confessed to not having the greatest plastic design and offers metal replacement adapters for those who experience these problems.
But, if you don’t want to go through that trouble, then a simple liquid epoxy may help.
Dab some liquid epoxy onto the rectangles of plastic exposing the metal, and the problem is solved – no more leaking from the top.
10. PUR Water Filter Low Pressure
We have talked about slow water flow and clogged filters earlier. Another similar thing that we mustn’t fail to address is the low pressure of the filtered water. Although it is true that this usually happens as a result of one (or both) of the two previously mentioned issues, it is helpful to separate this problem so we can find the best way to fix it.
Clogging or slow water flow
When the water pressure is low, you may want to look at this as a sign of clogging or slow water flow, and try to address the problem that way. But, if neither regular filter cleaning and changing nor adding plastic washers help you increase the water pressure, then perhaps you have to consider the possibility that the filter is not working.
Poor-quality water source
If you live in an area with increased water pollution, having the simplest water filter may not be the solution. Why? Because your filters will get clogged all the time, and let’s be honest, changing them on daily basis is not only costly, but super overwhelming as well.
To increase the water pressure, I suggest Purchasing the 3-stage PUR water filter to increase the filtering stages:
- The first stage is an added layer to trap the sediment
- The second stage is the contaminant removal
- The third stage is the filtering over natural minerals that allow refreshing taste
The three-stage filter offers an added layer of filtering which not only increases the water pressure, but also significantly reduces the time it takes for the filter to become clogged.
11. PUR Water Filter Is Not Filtering
Keep in mind that, unless the issues with your PUR water filter are due to manufacturing mistakes, they are usually easily fixable. So, before you start pointing fingers and blame PUR for creating such poor design, take a close look at your filter and see if it was maybe you who caused the problem.
The PUR water filter may stop filtering the water due to a couple of issues:
Improper Installation
If you have failed to install your filter properly, it is not a surprise that it may not do its job. Go through the videos I suggested above and learn how to properly install and change the filter. Make sure that everything is seated properly and that there aren’t any loose parts.
Light Is Not Working
If your light is not working, you may miss the sign that it is time to change the filter. Clean the screen and filter well, and see if you get the indication light. If not, maybe you should replace the electronic circuit.
If neither of these succeeds in filtering your water, then perhaps changing the filter will do the trick. Just remember to do it properly.
12. PUR Water Filter Is Not Fitting
Not all faucets are the same, and obviously, it is downright impossible to create a single filter that can fit every faucet perfectly. If you have bought your PUR water filter only to be disappointed that you cannot enjoy the benefits of clean water, don’t worry. There is a solution.
PUR has developed four metal adapters, called A, B, C, D. Depending on your faucet type, you can easily request a replacement adapter if the filter does not fit to your faucet. And the best part? You will get the adapter for FREE.
Simply, remove your faucet aerator. You can easily do it by twisting it off the faucet. Take a good look at the faucet and see if it needs an adapter. If your filter doesn’t fit, use the proper adapter and washer, if included. If not, request a replacement for free.
Then, place the washer inside the proper adapter, and place it up to the faucet.
13. Unfiltered and Filtered Water Mixed
If you pour your clean water through the PUR pitcher, then sooner or later, you will experience the biggest downfall of these pitchers. And that is when the filtered and dirty water is mixed.
But wait before throwing the pitcher in the trash. There is a quick fix to this problem, and it is quite simple:
- Step 1: The first thing you need to do is remove the filter from the pitcher. You can do this by simply twisting the filter from its position in the pitcher. Remove the filter out of the pitcher.
- Step 2: Clean the filter with cold water and soap, thoroughly. Make sure to rinse it well. Do the same thing with the pitcher. Let both the filter and the pitcher air dry.
- Step 3: Re-attach the filter by screwing it back into its place. You can do this by twisting to the right, and the filter will be seated properly. It is important to secure it tightly to the pitcher.
- Step 4: Fill the pitcher up and enjoy drinking Purified and clean water.
14. Unfiltered and Filtered Water Comes Out When You Pour
Another huge disadvantage of the PUR filter pitcher is that you may get both filtered and unfiltered water to come out of the pitcher as you pour. But, despite the fact that it may seem disgusting, there is absolutely no need for replacing your pitcher with a new one.
The solution here is quite simple. The first thing that you need to do is to simply take out the filter and clean it along with the pitcher, thoroughly, and allow to air dry, like in the three steps I mentioned earlier.
Then, there are only three things that you need to do:
- Fill the pitcher’s tray with water until it becomes almost full.
- Allow the water to be drained through the filter. Remember, you cannot use the pitcher before the entire tray is filtered.
- Now, pour the water into a glass and see how clean it is. The filtered and unfiltered water no longer mix.
Wrap-up
I really hope that this article was able to help you diagnose and troubleshoot the most common issues that users experience with the PUR water filters. If your problem, however, is still unresolved, you may want to contact PUR and seek professional help, as it is possible that you may be dealing with a technical issue.
Good luck with your effort and hope you can fix your PUR water filter’s issues after reading this. Do you have any other ideas for troubleshooting PUR water filter problems? Give your comments below!
Next, this is my recommendation for the five best PUR water filters. If you are considering buying a new one, this guide may help!
