How Do I Winterize My System?Updated 3 months ago

Cascadian's Integrated Cartridge Solutions are often installed in vacation homes. Occasionally, we get asked about long term storage while the home isn't in use over a season.

Protection from damage and leaks 

A hard winter freeze is not just a risk for your home's plumbing but also Cascadian filters. If your winterization plans include a blowout of your pipes, we recommend removing the filter cartridges prior to doing so. You can find helpful information in Replacing Cascadian Filters where you learn to use the Air Vent to remove water.

After removing the filters, close up all the valves on the filter and proceed with your plans for winterization blowout. Refer to Pressure Limits and be careful not to overpressure the filter housing with compressed air.

Why removing the filters is important

Bacteria. Raw well water is rarely sanitized for bacteria unless there's a history of coliform or e. coli. While the harmless bacteria typically found in water is not an issue during use, a damp filter cartridge left in the housing after a blowout is a breeding ground for a large colony to develop. Especially when air-borne microorganisms from the compressed air used to perform the blowout get caught in the filter if it were to be left in during this process.

Reinstallation of used filter cartridges 

We strongly recommend against reusing filter cartridges for similar reasons. A damp filter after being exposed to air-borne bacteria is another breeding ground for large colonies to form. Due to the tight windings of fiber that make the filter cartridge, it is also impossible to fully dry the cartridge out in time to gaurantee that a colony didn't develop. Damp areas are perfect for bacteria like the Pink Slime in Basins and Toilets.