Dirty Outlet Tube of Water Filtration Unit?

LBubbLeT on 05/04/2016 - 00:11

I currently have a 2 stage water filtration unit under my sink and I recently changed the filters since it was about time to do so (its crazy how much dirt and stuff is in house water). I only noticed when I was just about to re-plug the outlet tube back into the outlet port of the filtration unit, the inside of the tube seemed to have a very light brown layer of whatever it was and it was quite revolting. I quickly replaced it since I had some spare from the install but could not help wonder why it was there.

Looked online and couldn't find anything. The inlet tubing is nice and clean so I wondered to myself if maybe after the water filtration, the water maybe be now susceptible to algae or whatever growth since there isn't any chlorine etc? Just a guess and I some clarification would be great. It could be just me but if you have a unit, it wouldn't hurt checking your own filter unit to see if its got dirty outlet tubing.

Food & Grocery

Comments

  • QuickToThePointless on 05/04/2016 - 00:42
    +1

    I think its just algae and harmless bacteria, totally fine

    People get too hung up on being hospital clean - its why we have antibiotic resistant superbugs

    Just remember this little rhyme "if its brown, drink it down….if its black send it back!"

  • Mad Max on 05/04/2016 - 11:28
    +1

    The brown layer is called biofilm and it is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. You are right, the filter removes any chlorine present in the water and after the filter the water does not have any chlorine left so bacteria can grow. Amongst the bacteria you are likely to have legionella (the stuff that has been a big problem in hospitals recently). It grows in water very well at room temperature (survives up to 60°).
    It is not a problem if you drink it, but it is a danger if you inhale it like aerosol (as in the shower when you open full blast) and a big problem if you are immunocompromised (like people that died for legionair desease in hospitals) or run down.
    Also a problem if you make ice with the water (bacteria survives dorment in ice) from the filter and then suck on the ice as some droplets may be sucked in your lungs.
    Domestic water filters are only good if you maintain them really well. You should change the filter or filters (for dual stage) every 6 months and thouroughly clean and dry all the housing and components. When you go on holidays for more than 3-4 days you should pull it all apart, clean all the parts and store the filters in the fridge to stop any growth. Reassemble when you get back after holidays.
    If you do not do that you are much better off without a filter.

  • BubbLeT on 05/04/2016 - 15:58

    Thanks for the replies. Will clean it with some of those fluffy pipe cleaners every time I'm away from home for periods of time.

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