Watts Water Filter Replacement Instructions
Watts water filters remove impurities, improving water quality in your home or business. Since sediment buildup eventually reduces their effectiveness, replacing the cartridge regularly is critical. If you’re looking for guidance, these Watts water filter replacement instructions explain how to change out the cartridge quickly and easily.
These instructions for carbon filters apply to under-sink residential models, including the H2O-DWCFL100 lead filtration, Premier RO-PURE reverse osmosis and the Filter Pure UF3 three-stage model, along with the PWICE2 commercial ice machine filtration system.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Clean Cloths
- Filter Cartridge
- Screwdriver (for the ice machine system housing)
- Pen, Marker or Phone (for noting the installation date)
Replace the filters every 6 months or sooner if filtration performance declines. For systems with more than 1 filter, replace all of them at the same time.
Under-Sink Filter Directions
Preparing the System
- Step 1. Turn off the faucet - Make sure that the sink faucet is shut off before beginning the filter replacement procedure.
- Step 2. Place a towel under the filter - Put a towel under the cartridge to catch any possible drips or leaks.
- Step 3. Turn off the water supply (H2O-DWCFL100 only) - Cut off the sink’s water supply if replacing an H2O-DWCFL100 cartridge. For RO-PURE and UF3 models, the system shuts off water automatically, so no additional step is needed.
Changing Out the Filter
- Step 1. Remove the old filters - Take out old H2O-DWCFL100 filters by turning them to the left and then pulling downwards. For other models, lift up the filters to form a 90-degree angle with the wall, press the button above the cartridges and then pull downwards at an angle.
- Step 2. Discard the old filters - Throw away the used cartridges once they’re removed.
- Step 3. Install the new filters - Position H2O-DWCFL100 cartridges below the system head with the label turned 45 degrees to the left, push them into position and then twist to the right until they lock into place. When replacing RO-PURE and UF3 filters, simply insert the cartridges into the valve head until you hear a click.
Finalizing the Installation
- Step 1. Note the installation date - Write the installation date on the filters or save it in your phone to ensure timely replacement in 6 months.
- Step 2. Remove the towel - Wipe up any drips or leaks that occurred during installation and then pick up the towel.
- Step 3. Check for leaks periodically - Look for leaks over the next 24 hours. If you see drips, tighten the filters.
Ice Machine System Instructions
Pre-Installation Procedure
- Step 1. Turn off the ice machine - Shut off the unit before beginning the following procedure.
- Step 2. Shut off the water supply to the filtration system - Close the inlet and outlet ball valves to cut the water supply to the water filtration system.
- Step 3. Relieve water pressure - Open the 1/4” drain valve on the system outlet to relieve water pressure in the housings.
Replacing the Cartridges
- Step 1. Remove the housings - Take off the housing by loosening the screws.
- Step 2. Pull out the old filters - Remove the used filters and then discard them.
- Step 3. Clean the housing sump - Wash out the housing sump with warm water.
- Step 4. Sanitize the bowl (optional) - Disinfect the housing by filling the bowl with water, adding a teaspoon of bleach and letting it soak for 5 minutes. Discard the solution and rinse out the bowl with clean water.
- Step 5. Install new filters - Insert new cartridges into the housings.
- Step 6. Reinstall filter housings - Return filter housings with the new cartridges to the machine. Make sure the o-ring is undamaged and positioned properly.
Finishing the Installation
- Step 1. Restore water supply and pressure to the filtration system - Open the inlet ball valve slightly and the 1/4” drain valve fully. Once normal water flow is fully restored, open the inlet ball valve all the way.
- Step 2. Flush out the system - Allow the water to flow for 5 minutes to flush out any loose debris or air pockets before closing the drain valve.
- Step 3. Reconnect water flow to the ice machine - Open the outlet valve to restore water flow to the unit.
- Step 4. Record installation date - Write the date on the cartridges or save it in your phone to ensure timely replacement.
If you found this article helpful, take a look at the large library of Watts manuals and diagrams on our site for more information on operating, cleaning and troubleshooting your equipment.