Durand Stoneware & British Berkefeld "Gravity" Systems

Care, Maintenance
&
Frequently Asked Questions

Filter Parts The ceramic filter candle has a plastic base with a long plastic nipple. On the nipple is one washer and a plastic nut.

Fitting the Royal Doulton filter candle to the system:-

• Remove the nut and washer.
• Put the plastic nipple through the hole at the bottom of the filter container, with the filter inside the container.
• Place the washer on the end of the nipple which should now be protruding from the outside of the container.
• Place the plastic nut and tighten firmly.

Cleaning your filter -

Filters can be cleaned every two weeks to remove the residue build up on the outside. If you are on tank, spring, creek, or any alternative water supply to town water, you may find you need to clean or scrape your filter more often. This will depend on the amount of algae and suspended solids in your water.
Remove the filter, remember to be careful when working with a wet filter, always hold it by the plastic fitting on the bottom. Clean your filter with a brush or even a knife, like cleaning a carrot. Never use soap or detergents on the filter candle! After removing the build up of residue, simply fit the filter back to the filter container. If the filter does not restart see "How to restart your filter if it has an airlock" below.

This filter is actually stained by iron from old water pipes, and this is from "town water".

Replacing your filter-

"Royal Doulton" Filters need to be replaced every 2000 litres of water filtered.

Warning:-   Higher levels of chlorine, chemical contamination, or sediment, in your water supply will shorten the life of the filters.

Here's a quick filter replacement guide. The filter container of the "Durand Water Filter Systems" holds approximately 3 litres, so if you refill your filter container once a day on average, you will filter just over 1000 litres per year.

Cleaning your system-

Your system needs to be cleaned thoroughly every 3 months. Disassemble the whole system and remove the tap. Put the replaceable ceramic filter aside. Remember wet filters are fragile, always remove them by gripping the plastic base at the bottom of the filter. Never use soap or detergents on the filter itself. Take the rest of the parts and wash thoroughly with warm soapy water, rinse and dry (in the sun is best). Then re-assemble your system. If the filter does not restart see "How to restart your filter" below. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why is my new filter a different size than before?

Your new filter cartridge is our new standard size, chosen because being shorter than before, the filter remains completely submerged for longer during the filtration process and thus the filtration rate is (on average) increased.

Note:-British Berkefeld & "some" twin filter systems still require the "Slimline" filters.

   Standard :-: Slimline  

What if my filter is not working or has slowed down? 

1. If you have a new filter you may need to soak it to remove an airlock, see below.
2. If your filter has filtered around 2000 litres you need to replace your filter.
3. You may need to clean your filter. Filters need to be cleaned about every 2 weeks to remove any build up of residue on the outside surface.( I have found if you are on town supply you probably won't have this problem, but on tank or alternative water supply you may need to clean even more frequently.)
4. The filter may have an airlock preventing the water to flow through. (see below)

How to start your new filter or restart your filter if it has an airlock-

1. Place your new filter, or remove the existing filter, soak it upside down ( with the plastic nipple sticking up and above the water line) in a glass of water for a few hours or overnight.
   

   Remember to be careful with the filter especially when it is wet as it is very fragile!
   Always unscrew or tighten the filter by holding on to the plastic fitting at the bottom of the filter.

2. Put it in a glass of water upside down and then suck on the protruding plastic nipple until the water comes out. Then replace it into the filter container.
3. Alternatively, if you are strong take the filter container about half full of water, with the filter still fitted inside, hold it above your head and suck on the protruding plastic nipple at the bottom (like siphoning). When the water comes through, hold it over the sink and ensure the water is still dripping from the bottom. Then place it back into your filter system.

How do I make the water colder?

The Durand Water Filter will keep your water naturally cool, an ideal temperature for drinking. If you do require chilled water, simply add ice to the filter container. (The ice does not need to be made from filtered water as it will be going through the filter anyway.) The unique design of this system will allow the ice to keep your water very cool, as it sits down inside the storage area. The stoneware material will keep the temperature cool as a thermos would. Important- If you are going to add ice make sure your system is placed on a protective cover on your bench or table, as condensation will occur on the outside.

What do I do if I am going away, and not using the system?

If you are not going to use your system for a week or more it would be best to empty it, and start over when you return. Possibly a good time to clean the whole system, see cleaning and maintenance above.

What if my system or tap is leaking water?

If the water appears to be coming from the bottom of the system itself -

1. It can be coming from where the tap is fitted to the container. To tighten your tap:
   Turn the tap so it is in an upside down position. Then grip the nut on the inside of the container, and hold the tap on the outside, tighten the nut until firm but not to tight. Then hold the nut, and turn the tap to the upright position. The tap should now be secure. 
2. If it is not your tap it may be due to condensation, especially if you have added ice to your system or the weather is getting cool at night. If this is the case, ensure you have your system sitting on a protective cover on your bench or table. note; there should not be much water in this case, just as much as a cold glass would leave on your table. 
3. If you find it is not the tap or condensation;
   Have you just set up your system? The system may have been broken or damaged. A hairline crack can result which is hard to detect. Contact your store, dealer or us immediately.
   Have you broken the system yourself? Contact your store, distributor or us for replacement parts.

If the water is dripping out of the end of the tap -

Simply tighten the cap on the top of the tap in a clockwise direction.

Parts of the tap Each tap comes with two washers one fits to the outside of the system and one on the inside of the container. There is a nut on the inside that seals the tap securely.  The black lever on the top of the tap should be pushed down to deliver the water. Directly underneath the black lever is a cap on the tap. Download printable instructions on how to change a tap.

 

---

We accept payment via direct deposit, money order,cheque, or credit card.
Purchases can be made over the phone, by fax or email.

Please email us at durandoffice@bigpond.com or phone us on (07) 55 333 611, or fax (07) 55 333 660.

Our office hours are 8am - 1pm, Monday to Friday.

or
SnailMail us at

Durand Water Filters
32A Jardine Road
Lower Beechmont, QLD, 4211

 

Retailers Resources