Frequently Asked Questions
Aqua Safe provides a wide selection of Home Water filter systems that provide water purification to ensure good tasting water, free from impurities. Whether for your whole house or if you a looking for a simple undersink or benchtop system, we have a home water filter to suit your requirements.
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What does pH refer to
The chemical way of measuring acidity and alkalinity, on a scale of 0
to 14. Neutral is pH 7.0. 7 to 14 is alkaline with 14 being the most
alkaline. Below 7 indicates acidity with 0 being the most acidic. -
What is the difference between Nominal and Absolute rating of filters
Is the approximate grade or level of filtration delivered. This nominal rating means 60-98% of particles larger than the filter rating (usually in microns) will be removed or entrapped on or within the filter medium. As opposed to an absolute rating.
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What is water hammer and how to avoid it.
Any sudden very high pressure in a pipe caused by stopping the flow too rapidly. This can result in damage to the pipeline or attached equipment such as water filtration units. Usually caused by dishwashers and washing machines that have electronic solenoids to shut off the water. By installing water hammer arrestors, you can avoid this issue.
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How much water should I drink a day
As a rule of thumb or guide the average person should drink eight (8) 300 ml glasses of water every day. This equates to approximately 2.5 litres however this is dependent upon weight and exercise.
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What is an Ion Exchange filter
The chemical exchange of an undesired dissolved substance for another. Water softeners take in calcium and magnesium in exchange for the sodium (salt) they give out. This exchange is done with ion exchange resin media.
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Is there lead in Water
Lead can be present in drinking water from natural ground based sources or from household plumbing systems containing lead. With household sources the amount depends upon the type and age of pipes, water pH and hardness. Lead is a cumulative poison that can severely affect the human central nervous system. Lead can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion or placental transfer.
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What is the flow rate of a filter
This is the amount of water that is able to pass through or discharge from a filter in a given period of time and is usually expressed in litres/second, litres per minute or litres per hour.
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What is water hardness
Is generally the level of calcium and magnesium irons present in the water although other cations such as strontium, iron, manganese and barium can also contribute. Hard water requires more soap than soft water to obtain a lather or soapy bubbles. It can also cause scale to form on hot water appliances, air conditioners.
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Water Filtration
The units size wise are essentially exactly the same, they have the same pressure rating and the cartridges fit both units. The Big White housings are much stronger though, built from a harder more dense material than the Big Blue units hence we offer a 10 year warranty with the Big White and a 3 year warranty with the Big Blue. The Big Blue are more popular due to price. If kept out of the weather and used in rural applications the Big Blue units should last as long as the Big White however we would recommend Big White units for town water or higher pressure applications.
Bore water can have a great many contaminants in it, from high hardness, salt, iron, heavy metals, Arsenic and bacteria to name a few. Without a water test we are unable to recommend any cartridges. If the water supply is of unknown quality it may be best to use reverse osmosis filtration as these systems provide the highest degree of filtration or seek an alternative higher quality supply.
An electrode, rod or pole through which a low voltage electric current flows. This low voltage causes a process called electrolysis whereby salts in the water collect on the electrode or the electrode erodes by oxidation.
This is a form or type of activated carbon. Anthracite is a hard, compact variety of mineral coal that is graded to size and quality and used in commercial water filters due to its very high carbon content and low impurities. High grade and ultra high grade anthracite are generally only used in water filtration.
A naturally occurring element that forms a number of poisonous compounds. Organic arsenic is less harmful than inorganic. Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood, insecticides, pesticides and weed killers. Pentavalent arsenic is generally the most common form found in surface waters while the trivalent form is found mainly in ground waters and deep lake sediments. The concentration of arsenic in drinking water should not exceed 0.007 mg/L.
These are an electronic device that regulate the flow of current through a Ultra Violet (UV) lamp. -
Water and your Health
This is a single celled parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tracts of humans, animals, birds rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish and cockroaches.
The most frequent symptoms are abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. It was originally thought to be protozoan but is now classified as a stramenopiles. Other stramenopiles include brown algae, mildew and diatoms. They all have 4 various life cycle stages including cyst forms. The blastocystis cyst form can infect humans with 9 species able to do this.
The blastocystis cyst form is the way the infection is transmitted. It is also very resistant to chemicals in this form and is able to survive in harsh conditions because of its multi-layered cyst wall. Blastocystis can remain in the intestines for weeks, months or years with many people having no symptoms at all. This parasite is very common in developing countries although it is also prevalent in many parts of Australia.
The cyst form varies enormously in size between 1 and 200 microns with an average size of 6-40 microns. Standard high quality 1 micron filtration should remove this parasite from the water although sub-micron absolute filtration would be recommended as a better preventative measure.
Boron is a non-metallic element found in the ground and many food products. It is used in glass manufacture, cleaners, antiseptics, flame retardants, fertilizers, algaecides, insecticides and herbicides. The concentration of boron in drinking water can be reduced by activated carbon or lime softening. High doses of boron are poisonous to humans leading to gastro-intestinal problems, skin eruptions, etc. Based on health considerations, the concentration of boron in drinking water should not exceed 0.3 mg/L.
Calcite is a crystalline calcium carbonate found in marble and other limestone. It is processed, graded to size and quality and used in specialised water filters, re-mineralisers & Pi-filters to raise the pH of the water.
As many know the stomach is highly acidic in order to digest the food we eat. The stomach pH value is maintained at around 4. If we eat and drink alkaline food and water, the pH value inside the stomach goes up. When this happens a feedback mechanism in the stomach detects this causing the stomach wall to secrete hydrochloric acid into the stomach to bring the pH value back down to 4. As more alkaline food and water is consumed more acid is produced.
The cells in our stomach wall must produce hydrochloric acid instantly as needed. To do this carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O) and sodium Chloride (NaCl) or Potassium Chloride (KCl) are required. When combined together they produce Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and a by-product called Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO³) or Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO³) which goes into the blood stream. These bicarbonates are the alkaline buffers that neutralise excess acids in the blood. They dissolve solid acid wastes into liquid form. As they neutralise the acidic wastes, carbon dioxide is released as a by-product which is discharged through the lungs.
After the food in the stomach is digested it moves the small intestine where the pH needs to be raised to avoid damaging the intestine wall. To do this the pancreas produces alkaline pancreatic juice. This juice is essentially sodium bicarbonate and is mixed with the acidic food coming out of the stomach. In order to produce bicarbonates the pancreas also produces hydrochloric acid as a by-product which goes into our blood stream. If we consume acidic food and drinks the stomach can become more acidic with no ability to raise the pH and no bicarbonates are produced to neutralise excess acids in the blood.
As the human body ages the alkaline buffers reduce, (a condition known as acidosis) lowering our ability to dispose of the bodies waste products, one of main causes of ageing. These solid wastes build up in the body in the form of cholesterol, fatty acid, kidney stones, phosphates etc, causing ageing.
If we just look at the pH value of the stomach it seems drinking alkaline water has no benefit to the body, however when you look at whole body, there is a net gain of alkalinity that greatly benefits our health and well being.
Alkaline water is not a medicine to cure disease however if consumed regularly it will gradually reduce the accumulated acid wastes. Other benefits include declines in blood sugar levels, improvements in liver function, ulcers, hypertension, hypotension and allergic disorders such as asthma, urticaria, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
Water and in particular clean water transports the nutrients in food to all the body’s cells and in turn removes toxic wastes.
All the nutritional requirements that the human body has, all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and fatty acids that the human body needs to survive are found in fruits and vegetables and other foods we eat.
The nutritional requirements are carried by water into your intestines where almost all nutritients are absorbed.
Having good quality clean chemical free drinking water is the best thing you can do for your body and health. Since the human body is over 70% water it is best to eat a lot of food containing a high water content such as fruit and vegetables.
While some nutrients (a very small percentage) can be obtained from the water we drink, all can be obtained from the food we eat.
It is best to remove the chemicals and pollutants from the water we drink along with some of the nutrients than drink unfiltered water and consume many of the cancer causing chemicals.
The majority of fluoride is either a by-product of aluminium production or artificially produced. It is sold to government and councils around the world saving companies millions of dollar in disposal costs. This chemical is injected into town water supplies to reduce the incidence of tooth decay in children. Many studies have been undertaken over the last 50 years to prove or disprove the effectiveness of the product in preventing tooth decay. From the evidence available there appears to be as many studies concluding the benefits of its use as there are those concluding the dangers and ineffectiveness of the product.
The fluoride used in town water is either a by-product or artificial and man made as opposed to natural fluoride found in rocks and soil. Artificial fluoride is a different product altogether. It is an extremely corrosive dangerous chemical. While many dentist support its use there is an ever growing group of those who don’t.
Fluoride is currently included in just about all available toothpastes. Many countries and towns that have been putting fluoride into their water supplies for many years are now discontinuing this.
The Nazis under Hitler used fluoridation during WWII to reduce the resistance of the masses to domination, control and loss of liberty. The Russians have also used fluoride/fluoridation in the past for the same reason.
There are maximum levels set for the dosing of fluoride into town water supplies, however the chemical has a different weight and density to that of water and can therefore accumulate in water mains overnight or during the day. Water then used from these mains can have higher levels of fluoride.
High levels of fluoride can cause fluoridosis or tooth decay. Fluoride and Fluoridation has also been said to cause cancer based on studies carried out in America in 1980.
Consumers need to make up their own mind as to whether they want to leave it in their drinking water or remove it although it is a difficult chemical to remove and requires specialised filters or reverse osmosis systems.
Orders & Shipping
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How much does shipping cost?
Shipping within Australia is free when spending over $75. Excludes some extra large items to remote locations
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How soon are orders dispatched.
Shipping of your order is generally undertaken within 24 hours of the order being place. You will receive tracking once the item has shipped. For special or large orders, this may vary. Please contact Aqua Safe if you have a specific query on your order.
Home Water Filters
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What if I require assistance with installation?
A well respected or known local plumber is often your cheapest and easiest option if you are unable to install yourself. Aqua Safe also has a network of installation experts who may be able to assist.
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How much does system installation cost?
Installation costs can vary depending on location, type of system and the installation specifics. Please contact us for more information.
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How will I know when my filters are due for replacement
Aqua Safe offers a free courtesy filter reminder service for all systems and filters.
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How often should you change the system cartridges?
As a general rule, most filter manufacturers recommend filters be changed every 12 months from date of installation. This can also be impacted by the type of system, usage and incoming water quality.
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What is the Filter Micron Rating
Water filter cartridges are rated in microns. The lower or smaller the micron rating the finer the filtration, the more contaminants will be removed. In high sediment water, the lower the micron, the quicker the filter may block
Under Sink Water Filters / Reverse Osmosis Filters / Fluoride removal Filters
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What size hole in the benchtop or sink is required for installing a separate drinking water faucet?
The tap hole size is the same for all systems with a separate faucet. A 12-13mm hole is required.
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What is included with the filter system connection kits
The kit includes everything that should be required for the most common installation on the unit. Included is 2 metres of ¼” water tube, an inline shut off valve, a 350kPa pressure limiting/ non return valve and ½” or ¾” Tee/Connection fittings. If any other fittings or tube are required please contact Aqua Safe
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Why have a prefilter or sediment filter on a water filtration system
Pre-filters are usually supplied with twin-filtration systems and are designed to remove sediment and other suspended materials prior to the carbon filter. This prevents the more expensive carbon filter from blocking allowing it to remove more difficult contaminants. The pre-filter is designed to protect the carbon filter.
Sediment filters are available in a number of different pore or micron sizes ranging from 0.3 to 50+ microns. They can also be absolute or nominal micron ratings.
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What is the Filter Micron Rating
Water filter cartridges are rated in microns. The lower or smaller the micron rating the finer the filtration, the more contaminants will be removed. In high sediment water, the lower the micron, the quicker the filter may block
Whole of house Water Filter Systems
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What is the difference between the Big White and Big Blue Whole of house filters?
The units size wise are essentially exactly the same, they have the same pressure rating and the cartridges fit both units. The Big White housings are much stronger though, built from a harder more dense material than the Big Blue units hence we offer a 10 year warranty with the Big White and a 3 year warranty with the Big Blue. The Big Blue are more popular due to price. If kept out of the weather and used in rural applications the Big Blue units should last as long as the Big White however we would recommend Big White units for town water or higher pressure applications
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What information does a pressure gauge provide on a whole house filter system
Pressure gauges are a useful tool that can help to indicate when the system filters are blocked. For an accurate representation, a gauge is required before and after each filter. The pressure difference between them when the system is under normal or design flow indicates the pressure loss across the filter cartridge or how blocked it is. Most customers can assess when the water flow in the house changes, it may be time to change the filters
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Why have a prefilter or sediment filter on a water filtration system
Pre-filters are usually supplied with twin-filtration systems and are designed to remove sediment and other suspended materials prior to the carbon filter. This prevents the more expensive carbon filter from blocking allowing it to remove more difficult contaminants. The pre-filter is designed to protect the carbon filter.
Sediment filters are available in a number of different pore or micron sizes ranging from 0.3 to 50+ microns. They can also be absolute or nominal micron ratings.