Re: GE R.O. Water Filter

[Pat <pat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Oops.  I meant this for alt.home.repair.  But, maybe someone here
knows.

Pat


On Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:54:45 -0500, Pat <pat@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>I installed 3 of the subject GE reverse osmosis water filters about a
>year ago.  (The model number is PXRQ15RBL).  My daughter wanted one
>(because she didn't like Los Angeles city water), so I stalled one at
>her place.  I liked the way it installed easily, so when I returned to
>my Ohio well water, I installed an identical model here.  Our well
>water wasn't bad.  There was an occassional slight sulfer odor, but
>testing indicated no harmful bacteria.  It is also softened.)  The
>filter seemed to work well, but I found myself also drinking water
>from a bar sink in the basement family room.  This seemed silly since
>I had installed the filter upstairs - so I bought another filter and
>installed it at the basement bar sink.  That's it for background - now
>to my question:
>
>The manual says to replace the "pre" and "post" filter canisters every
>6 months.  To make the product seem high tech, they even provide a 6
>month timer that lights an LED when the 6 months is up.  That is all
>it is - a timer.  It does not measure usage, flow rate, or
>contaminates at all.  So, how often do I really need to change the
>canisters?  The filter installed upstairs is used for making coffee,
>tea, and meals every day, while the filter at the bar sink is used for
>only a few ounces of water no more often than once a week.
>
>I can't imagine why both units need to have their filters changed at
>the same time.  Do the filters get clogged?  (Mine haven't even on the
>higher use sink).  Do the filters become contaminated with bacteria?
>In that case, the lower use one might be worse.  (In my case, there
>have been no foul odors nor reduced flow).  Both LED indicators went
>on at 6 months and blinked until the batteries died.  I just can't see
>spending $80 every 6 months for no reason.  Does anyone have any
>inside information or real experience regarding these things?  How can
>I tell when they really need to be changed?  Am I being reasonably
>frugal or risking my life?
>
>Pat