Frequently Asked Questions

Can DuPont™ Water Filters really improve my water's taste and quality?
Why is Microban® product protection so important on water filters?
How do DuPont™ Water Filters compare to other brands of water filters?
What are the 4 Phases of Protection & of Filtration that are featured in the Pitcher and Faucet Mount Filters?
Which replacement cartridge should I use for my DuPont™ Water Filter?
How does filtered water compare to bottled water?
How do I know if my drinking water is safe?
Is the replacement cartridge recyclable?
When I install a faucet water filter, will the water flow at the same rate?
How long does it take to fill my water pitcher?
Are there any helpful tips for changing the cartridge in my Faucet Mount?
If I install a shower water filter, will it reduce the water pressure coming out of my showerhead?
What is the difference between Pre-Filters and Final Filters? Should I use both?
How long does it take to install a Whole House or Drinking Water Filter?
Do I need a “Heavy Duty” Whole House System?
What does “Universal” mean?
What are the benefits of a QuickTwist™ system?
What is a "System Performance Rating"? 

• Can DuPont™ Water Filters really improve my water's taste and quality?
  Yes. DuPont™ Water Filters have been independently certified to reduce specific toxic chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. In addition, the filters contain patented filter media, which is superior at reducing selected contaminants including heavy metals like lead and mercury. This reduction in contaminants results in improved water quality, taste and odor.

• Why is Microban® product protection so important on water filters?
  Microban® protection, present in the Pitcher and Faucet Mount filters, works continuously to help keep filter surfaces clean and provides protection that lasts the useful life of the product. The presence of Microban®   technology in the filter components is not intended to purify drinking water, or prevent disease, but to fight the uncontrolled growth of bacteria on the filter itself, which could adversely affect the filter life and performance.

• How do DuPont™ Water Filters compare to other brands of water filters?
  DuPont™ Water Filters feature top quality products with improved technologies in antimicrobial product protection and contaminant reduction at affordable prices.  Our proprietary ingredients reduce heavy metals without sacrificing the filtration capacity.

• What are the 4 Phases of Protection & of Filtration that are featured in the Pitcher and Faucet Mount Filters?
  Phase 1:   Proprietary ingredients reduce lead and mercury.
  Phase 2:   High quality carbon reduces chemical corruption and improves taste.
  Phase 3:   Sediment reduction clarifies the water.
  Phase 4:   Patented antimicrobial technology protects the filter.

• Which replacement cartridge should I use for my DuPont™ Water Filter?
  For best results, DuPont™ Water Filters and Replacement Cartridges are color-coded to allow you to easily match your water filter with the correct replacement cartridge. There is a colored banner on the front of the faucet mount and pitcher water filter box that matches the colored banner on the front of the box for the corresponding replacement cartridge. The important thing to remember about DuPont™ Water Filters and Replacement Cartridges is that they are interchangeable. Any DuPont™ Faucet Mount Replacement Cartridge fits any DuPont™ Faucet Mount Water Filter and any DuPont™ Pitcher Replacement Cartridge fits any DuPont™ Pitcher Water Filter.
  

  NOTE: Filter cartridge replacement is essential for these products to perform as represented.  Please follow all recommended guidelines for filter cartridge replacement. 

• How does filtered water compare to bottled water?
  Less Expensive: In a direct gallon-for-gallon price comparison, filtered water is a fraction of the cost of bottled water.
  Reduce Waste: Filtered water reduces waste; instead of disposing bottle after bottle, you only dispose the self-contained filter cartridge.  For example, a 200-gallon DuPont™ Faucet Mount Water Filter Cartridge replaces more than 1200 20-oz water bottles; bottles that may otherwise end up in landfills.  Using filtered water at home helps reduce the need for the 41 billion plastic bottles sold every year.
  Certified: Not all bottled water is the same. You don't always know the source of bottled water and you may not even know if it has been tested or certified. DuPont™ Water Filters have been independently tested and certified to reduce contaminants, and as a result help to improve the taste and quality of your water – all within the convenience of your own home.
  Convenient: Unlike bottled water, DuPont™ Water Filters allow you to conveniently enjoy quality, great tasting water directly from your faucet or refrigerator.

• How do I know if my drinking water is safe?
  Consult your local water provider for actual water quality reports or if you have a well, have your water tested by a qualified water testing laboratory. For more information about a qualified laboratory in your area, contact your state health department or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). You can also purchase home water analysis kits from home improvement, hardware and do-it-yourself stores. 
  

  NOTE: DuPont™ Water Filters are not designed to purify water.  Do not use DuPont™ Water Filters with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the water is filtered.

• Is the replacement cartridge recyclable?
  The water filter cartridges are not recyclable.  By using a DuPont™ Water Filter, you are reducing waste and making a more positive impact on the environment.  For example, a 200-gallon DuPont™ Faucet Mount Water Filter Cartridge replaces more than 1200 20-oz water bottles; bottles that may otherwise end up in landfills.  Using filtered water at home helps reduce the need for the 41 billion plastic bottles sold every year.  

• When I install a faucet water filter, will the water flow at the same rate?
  Filtered water will flow at a noticeably slower rate than unfiltered water, because the filter media restricts the flow of the water.  This restriction helps the filter trap unwanted contaminants.  The slower flow rate allows the water more time to come in contact with the filter, thus optimizing the water treatment as the water flows through the carbon filter media and other contaminant-reducing additives.  For this reason, it is suggested that consumers use filtered water for both drinking and cooking.

• How long does it take to fill my water pitcher?
  DuPont™ Pitcher Water Filters will take approximately 5 – 8 minutes to fill.  This time may vary depending upon how well the cartridge was soaked before installation, how old the filter cartridge is, and the temperature of the water.

• Are there any helpful tips for changing the cartridge in my Faucet Mount?
  The filter cover on the Deluxe Faucet Mount FM350 is located at the rear of the unit.  (NOTE: Do not attempt to unscrew the electronic filter meter cover on the front of the Deluxe Faucet Mount FM350 unit).  The filter cover of the Premier Faucet Mount FM100 is located at the top of the unit.  Unscrew the cover to remove it.  Always support the bottom of the faucet mount when removing or inserting filter cartridges. This helps keep the seal with the faucet intact and prevents damage to the unit.  See Step 4 in the instruction manual for complete details.

• If I install a shower water filter, will it reduce the water pressure coming out of my showerhead?
  Our filtering showerhead has a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). The industry standard flow rate for non-filtering showerheads is 2.5 gpm as well. The standards of the 1960’s - 1980’s were not as restricted, and showerheads from these times were completely open allowing the flow rate to depend on the overall water pressure of the supply line to the house and the size of the pipes supplying the showerhead. However, 2.5 gpm has been a standard for several years.

• What is the difference between Pre-Filters and Final Filters? Should I use both?
  Pre-Filters are designed to help increase the clarity of the water used in your entire home. They reduce sediment such as rust and silt particles and extend the life of your household appliances that use or process water. They also prepare your water for Final Filtration and are effective at optimizing the life of your Final Filter.
  
  Final Filters are designed for point-of-use filtration at the sink, refrigerator or shower, for example. They work to improve the taste, odor and clarity of your water and can also reduce harmful contaminants. Your food & beverages will taste better when they are made with filtered water. These filters can also help protect small appliances that use filtered water. There are a number of reasons you may want to use both types of filters in your home.
  
  Using a combination of both types of filters will help optimize the filtration quality of your water. For example, if you would like to improve the taste and clarity of your drinking water with a Final Filter (point-of-use), a Pre-Filter installed on your incoming water line (point-of-entry) will reduce the incoming sediment and help extend the life of your Final Filter.

• How long does it take to install a Whole House or Drinking Water Filter?
  Whole House Filters & Drinking Water Filters typically take about 1 hour to install.  All hardware required for a typical installation is included with the filter system. Be sure to read the instruction manual before installing the system. The manual contains helpful hints and important safety precautions. NOTE: The hardware provided and tools suggested are designed for homes with standard metal or plastic plumbing. Additional materials and tools or a professional plumber may be required for homes with other forms for plumbing.

• Do I need a “Heavy Duty” Whole House System?
  Heavy Duty Whole House Water Filter Systems are designed with a larger diameter for a higher flow rate. These types of systems still use a 10" long filter cartridge but the cartridge is nearly 4" in diameter. Heavy Duty Filter Systems are recommended if you would like a higher flow rate and/or if you have a large home with extensive plumbing.

• What does “Universal” mean?
  Universal is an industry term used to indicate that the filter cartridge will fit into other major brands of universal filter systems. Likewise, a universal system will accept most other major brands of universal 10-inch filter cartridges. 

• What are the benefits of a QuickTwist™ system?
  Our QuickTwist™ Water Filters are proprietary systems designed for easy cartridge replacement. Simply twist the cartridge ¼ turn to remove it for rapid, no mess replacement. The self-contained cartridges have a built-in auto shut-off valve so you can replace the cartridge without turning off the cold water line.  Because of these special features, only DuPont™ Quick Twist Filter Cartridges will work in these systems. Please refer to the product instructions for complete installation details.

• What is a "System Performance Rating?"
  The performance rating system helps to demonstrate the relative performance of each DuPont™ Water Filter System or replacement cartridge to each other. The higher the ratings number, the more types of compounds filtered from the water relative to other DuPont™ filters. Each replacement cartridge's rating is based on the original product certification test. The performance rating system is not an actual product claim.