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Alb Filter FAQ
Drinking water filter
All questions and answers on the subject of drinking water filters in the household sector (Under-sink and taps) can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
The following points must be taken into account when selecting a suitable filter:
- Which pollutants should be filtered?
- Should the filter be installed under the sink (Element) or directly on the tap (Duo)?
- Do I have a boiler or a low-pressure fitting?
Choice of filter cartridge:
1. Active and Active Plus+
We generally recommend starting with a broadband filter such as the Active or Active Plus. These filters are able to filter chlorine, taste, chemical compounds and hundreds of pollutants from the water. Even with a harmless water analysis, there are countless harmful substances that have not been tested for and can be affected by the broadband filter. The cartridges also filter particles such as microplastics and asbestos fibers.
2. Nano
The nano germ barrier is used to reliably filter microbiological contaminants such as legionella, E. coli and faecal bacteria from the water. It also filters ultra-fine particles down to a size of 0.1 µm.
3. Active/Active Plus + Nano (Fusion)
If both cartridges are to be connected in series to cover the entire filter spectrum, you should opt for the Fusion Under-sink set, as the Duo water filter housing can only accommodate one cartridge.
Do I have a low-pressure tap?
A low-pressure tap has three connections: two for the hot and cold water supply and one for the connection to a separate hot water tank, such as an under-sink boiler. This distinguishes them from conventional high-pressure taps, which only have two connections.
With a low-pressure tap, you cannot install a Duo tap filter and should install a Under-sink variant:
Summary:
Low-pressure fitting available -> Under-sink
Install a cartridge -> Faucet filter or Under-sink
Two cartridges are to be installed -> Under-sink
Our primary aim is to filter pollutants effectively.
Lime or calcium and magnesium carbonate is not a pollutant in this respect. However, there are two practicable ways to measurably reduce lime:
- Conversion by means of ion exchange
- Filtration with an osmosis membrane
The Active Plus+ filter cartridge is the only cartridge that measurably reduces limescale thanks to a built-in ion exchanger and is primarily intended to improve the taste of coffee and tea.
Important: Limescale is not completely converted, but reduced depending on the water hardness. Unfortunately, it is not technically possible or desirable to completely convert the limescale, as the conversion of the minerals produces sodium (table salt), which changes the taste of the water.
Limescale residues will still accumulate in the kettle. Streaks in the tea may be visible after the conversion, depending on the amount of limescale!
In general: Even the best water filter can be contaminated. It is therefore important to observe the specified replacement intervals.
To protect against contamination, we always recommend adding a germ barrier (nano) filter cartridge. To protect the membrane and extend the service life of the filter cartridges, it makes sense to reduce the germ rate in the cartridges with the following tips:
Note: Please do not place the cartridge in rice or store it in the refrigerator or in a sealed plastic bag.
Tip: When installing and removing the cartridge, you should pull it out slowly with a gentle twisting motion
Filter cartridge Active, Nano
We generally recommend rinsing or using the cartridges daily to counteract bacterial growth.
- If the cartridges are not to be used for a longer period of time, we recommend removing them from the housings and drying them in the air. The cartridges can also be placed in the oven at 50 °C for 6 to 8 hours. They should also be stored in a well-ventilated and dry place.
Active Plus+ filter cartridge
The Active Plus+ filter cartridge is very sensitive to drying out and must always remain moist. Therefore, this cartridge cannot be dried. However, the new Bioton filter medium inherently inhibits bacterial contamination without the use of an antibacterial coating or silver.
We generally recommend rinsing or using the cartridges daily to counteract bacterial growth.
- Leave the cartridge in the filter housing even if it will not be used for a longer period of time.
Changing the cartridge is child's play with Alb filters and can be done in just two minutes. You can find the instructions for changing the cartridge here: https://www.alb-filter.com/anleitungen/
Yes, all drinking water and shower filter cartridges from Alb Filter are compatible. A drinking water filter can also become a shower filter and vice versa.
Used cartridges must be disposed of in the residual waste. Here the cartridges are sent for incineration, as harmful substances have accumulated inside, you must not dispose of the cartridges in any other way.
In terms of microbiology, the use of the nano germ barrier ensures that pathogenic bacteria are safely filtered out. Most other pollutants in water are never removed but always reduced, as they are filtered adsorptively or catalytically. In the best case scenario, the individual pollutant is no longer detectable after filtration. However, the final result depends on a number of factors:
- Input concentration of the pollutant
- Flow rate of the water through the filter medium
- Quality of the filter medium
- Water parameters: pH value, oxygen content, temperature and much more.
In summary: Microbiology and undissolved particles such as microplastics are reliably filtered. Other pollutants are always filtered proportionally, depending on the type.
The PPM, µS or TDS value is a quantitative value that measures the amount of dissolved substances in the water. However, it does not provide any specific information about the pollutant content or the quality of the water. The measured value merely indicates the conductivity of the water, which is mainly caused by salts, minerals and metals. Although pollutants can also contribute to conductivity, they normally only make up a small proportion. Therefore, a low conductivity value does not necessarily mean that the water is free of pollutants.
Unfortunately, there are many false statements on the internet on this topic, which can confuse consumers.
The measurement method is typically used in reverse osmosis technology to ensure that the membrane is working properly by retaining salts and minerals that can increase the PPM value. Our cartridges leave salts and minerals in the water, which is an advantage over other methods. However, activated carbon-based filter cartridges can initially increase the value as carbon compounds can be released into the water.
If you want to test the level of pollutants or limescale in the water, you should use a spectrometer or a laboratory to analyze a water sample.
Light-colored flakes in the glass are most likely precipitated minerals, i.e. lime. Such flocculation is normal for water filters with a porosity fineness. Precipitation is also possible with the Active Plus cartridge, as the water is only partially softened.
Tap filter (Duo)
To be able to attach the Duo tap filter to the tap, we need a thread. To do this, unscrew the aerator from your tap and use our thread guide to determine whether you need an adapter:
Thread guideIt is completely normal for the cartridge to drip for several seconds, as the pressure inside the cartridge only reduces very slowly. The finer the pores of the cartridges, the stronger the effect. It is not technically possible to prevent this effect. It can sometimes help a little if you switch the switch lever back to the "unfiltered" position.
Dimensions
Width: 69 mm
Height: 120 mm
Weight
approx. 300 g (aluminum-magnesium alloy housing)
approx. 400 g (stainless steel housing)
Connection type
M22 internal thread on the bypass (axle connection)
M22 external thread on the filter outlet
Under-sink (element)
Installing an under-sink filter is generally quite simple and can be done in a short time. You need to integrate the filter with the enclosed connection between the cold water corner valve and the inlet hose of the tap.
You can find an installation video and instructions here:
Dimensions
Width: 69 mm
Height: 120 mm
Weight
approx. 300 g (aluminum-magnesium alloy housing)
approx. 400 g (stainless steel housing)
Connection type
1/2 inch female thread (inlet side)1/2 inch male thread (outlet side).
The installation direction of the filter housing has no influence on the filter performance. You can install the housing in any position.
Technical questions
When using our Alb Filter Duo for the tap in conjunction with unpressurized boilers, please note that due to the high fineness of the cartridge, a pressure is built up in front of it (approximately at the same level as the mains pressure), which only reduces slowly. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to damage to the non-pressurized boiler.
However, there are also pressure-resistant boilers to which the above restrictions do not apply. You can recognize these, for example, by the type plate " max. Operating pressure ... ". This must be at least 4 bar. However, these types of boilers are generally somewhat more expensive to purchase than non-pressurized boilers.
Alternatively, our Alb Under-sink-variants which are approved for use in unpressurized systems.
The Nano cartridge is certified to ASTM F838-15A for maximum safety.
This allows it to be used in the event of acute legionella infestation, even in public facilities.
If you are interested in a specific ingredient in relation to the performance of individual filter cartridges, please use our contact form.
Filter cartridges
This depends on the filter cartridge installed. The following temperatures should be maintained:
| Filter cartridge | Operating temperature |
|---|---|
| Active (drinking water) | 5 - 45 °C |
| Active Plus+ (drinking water) | 5 - 45 °C |
| Nano | 5 - 65 °C |
Yes, each filter cartridge and its filter medium have a certain effect on the water pressure and flow rate. If installed under the sink, the water flow rate will be reduced. In order to compensate for this disadvantage, a separate stand-by tap or a 3-way tap could be installed.
This primarily depends on the quality of the input water and differs depending on the filter cartridge used.
Filter capacity Active cartridge*: ⌀ 3000 liters or max. 4 months with continuous use
Filter capacity Nano cartridge*: ⌀ 5000 liters or max. 6 months with continuous use
* Average values - The capacity of the cartridge is highly dependent on the quality of the input water.
Active cartridge:
Cartridges that adsorptively and catalytically filter or bind pollutants become saturated over time. However, the service life depends on how many pollutants are present in the water. For German Tapwater we assume an average capacity of 2000-4000 liters.
Another important aspect is hygiene. As bacteria can colonize the filters and grow through the filter block over time, the cartridges should be replaced approximately every 4 months. This prevents bacteria from entering the system or affecting the downstream germ barrier (Nano).
Nano cartridge:
The nano cartridge is a hollow fiber membrane whose flow rate decreases the more contaminated water is filtered through it. Inside the cartridge are fine hollow fibers whose pores can become clogged with bacteria and other solids.
The service life of the cartridge therefore depends heavily on the quality of the input water. An exact specification in liters is not really possible, as it can vary in a wide range from a few liters to several thousand liters.
The Active Plus cartridge works according to 2 principles:
"double" water softening through classic ion exchange and structural modification of limescale compounds. (Limescale adheres less to surfaces).
Note: Limescale is not removed 100%, but is reduced depending on the water hardness. A new filter cartridge is able to optimally reduce the water from a hardness of 18 °dH to 9 °dH.
Details:
Descaling with the Active Plus+ cartridge is directly related to water hardness. The following principles apply:
1. the higher the hardness of the water (>= 18 °dH), the more challenging it is for the cartridge to carry out softening effectively. Accordingly, the descaling capacity of the cartridge is also exhausted more quickly.
2. the faster the water flow rate (> 2 l/min), the more effective the conversion of calcite into a different, less adhesive crystal structure (see method 3 at: https://alb-filter.com/en/pages/active-plus-water-filter-cartridge).
If you discover "white dust" in your kettle, this is due to the calcite crystals that are still present. These always form when water evaporates, but have a less adherent structure.
The Active Plus+ filter cartridge is very sensitive to drying out. It is important to keep it moist at all times, otherwise it may crack or become damaged. This filter cartridge is not designed to be dried.
Please note that the Active Plus+ cartridge is designed for continuous use. However, if you need to take it out of service for a period of time, we recommend storing it in distilled water. This will keep it moist and extend its service life.