Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions - Franke FilterFlow mini Installation Manual & Technical Information

SeCtIon 7:
FRequentlY aSKeD queStIonS
limescale still forms in my kettle
The FRF02 and FRF01 cartridges supplied as standard with
Franke FilterFlow systems will not reduce limescale. They are
first and foremost a health and security cartridge, designed to
significantly reduce possible harmful waterborne contaminants
in both hard and soft water regions. Calcium and magnesium,
the minerals associated with limescale in water, are left intact
as they are considered beneficial to health and contribute to
its pleasant taste. However, if the cosmetic concern relating to
scale reduction is your primary concern, you can switch to an
FRF05 Carbon Dealk cartridge on your next cartridge change
date. Visit www.FrankeFilterFlow.co.uk for more information
and to view the range of specialist cartridges.
unsightly deposits on the surface of a cup of tea
In hard water areas a 'scum' can appear on the surface of hot
tea. Although unsightly it is completely harmless. The cause is
related to the precipitation of calcium and magnesium in hard
water regions and a reaction with the tea bag material.
Changing tea bags will often remedy the problem. Alternatively
you can consider switching to a FRF05 cartridge (refer to
previous paragraph).
milky water
With a new system a significant amount of air is trapped in the
microporous structure of the cartridge. This will form tiny
bubbles and give the water in the glass a milky appearance that
will soon disperse when left to stand for a few moments. This
may continue for 2 to 3 weeks until the cartridge is fully
conditioned..
tiny black specks in the water
Tiny black specs may appear initially in the water. These are
harmless particles of carbon; residues from the manufacturing
process. Allow the filtered water to continue flowing for a while
until they are completely flushed through.
the filtered water flow slows to an unacceptable level
FRF02 cartridge- A significant reduction in flow is an indication
that the ceramic shell of the cartridge is blocked with contami-
nants. This often occurs soon after a new system is installed
due to plumbing residues, solder fluxes etc, becoming trapped
on the surface of the filter cartridge. If this happens inside the
recommended 6 month change cycle you may clean the
cartridge to restore the flow. Remove the cartridge (refer to
cartridge change instructions), hold the cartridge under warm
running water and abrade the outer surface vigorously with a
non soapy abrasive pad sufficiently to restore the white colour
of the surface.
FRF01 cartridge– The FRF01 cartridge is not cleanable and will
therefore need to be replaced once it becomes blocked with
contaminants.
6
SeCtIon 8:
CHanGInG tHe CaRtRIDGe
In YouR FRanKe FIlteRFlow
Cartridge Replacement Cycle
The recommended filter cartridge change cycle is 6 months
Important. The period between cartridge replacements is not
guaranteed; it is an estimate based on filtering mains water of
average quality. Please bear in mind that water quality varies
from locality to locality and situation to situation. In areas with
higher than average turbidity (particle contamination) more
frequent cartridge changes may be necessary.
before you begin
No special tools are required for this operation. All you will need
is a suitable receptacle to catch any spillage and a cloth or a
sponge handy. A rubber glove is provided to hold the wet
cartridge.
lubricating the rubber seals
For ease of assembly we recommend that a film of silicone
grease is applied to the filter housing 'O' Seal, at least every
other cartridge change, to maintain the smooth operation of
the unit. Important note Only a WRAS approved silicon
lubricant should be used for this purpose. Small tubes of a
WRAS approved silicon grease can be purchased from Franke
FilterFlow at www.FrankeFilterFlow.co.uk
Disposing of the Spent Cartridge
You may dispose of the cartridge in your normal household
waste. Both the ceramic and carbon components of the FRF02
& FRF01 cartridges are biodegradable. You are welcome to
return either the plastic parts or the complete cartridge to
Franke FilterFlow for recycling. Should you decide to return the
cartridge please allow it to dry naturally and return it in the
original packaging.