Is it normal for the water to come out black at first? I figured the carbon or charcoal might come through a little, but there seems to be a lot...this is my first shower filter...not sure if I may have done something wrong Is it normal for the water to come out black at first? I figured the carbon or charcoal might come through a little, but there seems to be a lot...this is my first shower filter...not sure if I... » Read More Is it normal for the water to come out black at first? I figured the carbon or charcoal might come through a little, but there seems to be a lot...this is my first shower filter...not sure if I may have done something wrong « Show Less
359493
Yes its normal. Just let the water run for about 5 mins and it should be good
359494
Yes it will come out black at first ,but don't worry that's just the charcoal dust and it should clear up in a couple of minuets.
1504063
I believe that is carbon residue. Before you install the filter for the very first time, rinse it thoroughly with tap water
1921014
Having filled the filter with the carbon, you must then flush it thoroughly with water to remove any powder residue. This is easily observed as the water goes from a murky color to clear. The filter is then ready for use. Our kitties have been drinking from the fountain for quite a while and so far they seem to love it and they are finicky, so I would imagine that once flushed thoroughly, the carbon does not produce any after taste or residue. I don't know for sure but if our kitties are anything to go by, I would say this doesn't leave any residue, once FLUSHED thoroughly.
515649
Yes, it happened to my last orders. This never happened to me. One filter had water drops in the bag. something sticks to the filter. I didn't use it. It is not safe to use. 2 filters, I used, always spitted black charcoal and white dust in the water. I posted pictures with my product review. I contacted Amazon, and returned them to get money back.
2036631
Angela, When I replaced mine with the filter here, there was no discoloration that I noticed. Maybe the filter's reaction to the water quality you added, but I'm unsure.
27917
It could be defective. However, I know after you replace one, and the older filter has captured a lot of particulates in it, the water flows through it slowly. When a new one is put in, it seem to flow through fast just because it hasn't captured any of the microscopic particulates yet. As the activated charcoal in the filter captures more particulates, it will begin to slow down some. I suggest you call Brita on their customer service number and express your concerns. Most of the time these companies are very interested in making sure you are satisfied, so call them.
15532
Yes. Initially, I thought it was just discoloration, and I did notice that sometimes the water would taste funny every now and then, almost metallic. Upon inspection today, I found out that the discoloration was a rust spot that penetrated from the interior wall to the exterior wall of the bottom chamber. Really disappointed about the quality control of this product, and wondering if the rust was contaminating our drinking water.
1208172
Hello! Well I will tell you. I ordered two replacement filters about three weeks ago and I have that same issue. It seems to filter the water and then it does come out slower. I don't know if its a real issue but I know exactly what you are saying. I am going to call culigan and find out for sure. Thanks
156126
Yes. That happens when you filter water for the first time using a brand new filter. Just pour out the black water and filter the water again and it should be fine.
1501608
The carbon particles are just residue from the filter, it took me three or more rinses before I felt it was clear enough to drink the water. The Stage-5 Carbon filter is a GAC (granular activated carbon) filter so it contains loose carbon media. When water runs through a new carbon filter, it is common for the filter to release a small amount of loose black carbon fines. Just continue to rinse until it is clear enough to make you fill comfortable. It's no big deal. Just check to make sure that the filter cartridge isn't cracked damaged from shipping.
941934
You may need to flush the whole filter- run the black plastic part under hot water. Or... Is the black stuff the charcoal leaking? Or is someone over feeding the fish?
150645
You need to rinse the charcoal filter in cold water before you add it to the tank. It's totally normal.
1535514
My water was cloudy for the first gallon. The instructions said something about running the water for the few minutes in order to clean everything out. If you followed this and it's still cloudy, I guess you should contact the company. Good luck!!
2050667
I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that using cold water. I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that... » Read More I don't regularly drink the water itself as we mostly use it for coffee and tea. I have occasionally used it for ice cubes and they had no real taste. I would make sure that the container that you put the water in is not the problem. The charcoal filter is small but important. If the still is not used regularly, the filter might develop something that affects the taste. I am on my third still in about 30 years and none have had this problem with my water, which is hard. I also usually fill my still with hot water, which will remove most of the chlorine and it will finish a bit sooner that using cold water. « Show Less
816258
Carbon I would at once every couple months, my method with all filters and water parameters is if it's not broken, don't try to fix it. This filter is horrible though, both replacements leaked about 3 gallons of water on my carpet, spend an extra hundre and get a fluval 206
541114
I have extremely hard water and have had this faucet for two years now. The place I noticed the beginning of build-up was around the chrome base, but with a weekly wiping regimen, this build-up has disappeared. No build-up noticed at all on the black part of the base.
1484084
Sometimes the black carbon particles come out of the filter. They don't get into the water and are caused by shipping and throwing around the box. These particles are harmless, and sometimes you will have a filter that doesn't do this as much. I was concerned, so I called Brita, which you can do as well.