UV Technical Help and Tips to Maintain a UV Water Filter System

Ultraviolet water purification is an excellent method to ensure your water is safe and drinkable. But like all water treatment systems, a UV filter system needs routine maintenance. UV maintenance is relatively simple and trouble free.

Below are some suggestions to ensure optimal performance for your UV system.

1. Replace Your UV Lamp Annually

The most important aspect of maintaining a UV water filter system is changing the lamp regularly. A UV Lamp is the heart of the UV sterilizer system and it needs to be well maintained to ensure the UV system can keep harmful viruses and bacteria out of your water.

How Often should a UV Water Filter Lamp be Replaced?

Unlike regular light bulbs, UV Lamps do not burn out – they solarize. This means that over time they reduce in their light wave intensity to about 60% of what a new UV lamp provides. This point is reached usually after one year, or 9000 hours, of continuous use.

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to replace the lamp every year on schedule. New lamps will generate a UV light dosage of nearly 60 mJ/cm2. Over a year’s period the UV light dosage will drop to about 30 mJ/cm2-- the minimum dosage needed to effectively kill bacteria. At this point, the UV lamp should be replaced. Almost all UV systems are meant to operate continuously.

Learn how to replace a UV Lamp

Buy UV replacement lamp

2. Clean Your UV Quartz Sleeve Annually (and replace sleeve every 2 years)

Water running through a UV system often carries minerals, sediment, and other debris. These contaminants will eventually build up on the UV quartz sleeve that protects the UV lamp. This build up will cloud the sleeve and inhibit the UV light from penetrating the water – allowing microorganisms to pass by without being killed. In order keep the quartz sleeve clean and operating well, the glass must be cleaned regularly – at least yearly when the lamp is changed.

However, cleaning may need to occur more often depending on water quality. It is recommended that the sleeve be replaced periodically, typically every 2-3 years.

How to clean a uv quartz sleeve

Looking to buy a UV sleeve replacement? Click Here

3. Change Pre-filters or UV System Integrated Filters

If you choose UV, be aware that it’s highly possible that a separate prefilter (and even a water softener) may be needed in addition to the ultraviolet system. A prefilter will protect the UV unit and ensure that it functions properly.

Find UV filter replacements here: https://www.espwaterproducts.com/ultraviolet-uv/

Be vigilant in maintaining maintain any prefilters (such as sediment filters, carbon filters, water softener, and other systems) and regularly confirm they are working as expected. This will include periodic changing of filters and the addition of chemicals or other solutions, as needed.

4. Monitor Water Supply and UV System Performance

Water chemistry and contaminants can change over time, even if from the same water source or well. Because of this, water should be tested for bacteria every six (6) months (recommended) or at least yearly.

When test samples are taken, water should be sampled before and after the UV water filter system to test its performance. Water should also be sampled in areas where animals have contact with water fixtures as coliform bacteria regrowth and other contaminants may show up downstream of the UV unit in these areas. 

Learn more about what's in your drinking water. You might also want to read up on the difference between well shocking with chemicals and the long-term UV solution. 

5. Monitor UV Light Dosage (Make Sure UV Lamp is Working!)

Many UV systems are equipped with light intensity meters or sensors that indicate the penetration of UV light through the glass sleeve and the water. These sensors provide a warning signal when the UV dose is too low to provide adequate disinfection and indicate when it is time to clean the quartz sleeve and/or replace the UV lamp.

If a UV system does not have a sensor, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning and replacement – usually every one (1) year for the lamp replacement and sleeve cleaning; every two (2) years for sleeve replacement.

Looking for a UV lamp and sleeve? Click Here

What If UV System Power Goes Out, Does UV Operate?

Generally speaking, UV equipment is turned on and left on to fully sanitize water that passes through it. However, if the power goes out, many UV manufacturers have created Lamp-Out-Circuits (called “LOCs”) that notify the user of a power failure. Options include audible alarms to notify the user by sound, and solenoid valves that will shut off the water flow automatically. Each of these options relate to a valve that is ‘normally open’ or ‘normally closed’ (as noted by ‘NO’ or ‘NC’). To install an audible alarm, you would need a unit listed as LOC NO, and for a solenoid valve you would need a unit that features LOC NC. For any additional questions, give us a call at 877-377-9876.

During Installation Can UV System Be Installed Using PVC Pipe And Fittings?

UV systems should not be installed directly on PVC pipes but need a minimum 12" span of steel or copper pipe before PVC to allow dissipation of UV light waves. PVC will 'sun-rot' if left outside, so too will PVC pipe internal lining get damaged if exposed to direct UV light from the lamp. The 12" span of metal pipe allows UV light intensity to weaken.

Looking for a UV lamp and sleeve? Click Here

UV System Owner's Manuals and Manufacturer’s Instructions

While most UV systems share many similarities, there are often some differences in maintaining a particular system. Specific information from a system’s manufacturer will be critical to maintain your system from year to year. Always closely follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and instructions to avoid compromising the system. Proper maintenance will ensure your system’s effectiveness for years to come.

How to find the installation instructions or owner’s manual for your UV sterilizer system:

1. First, find your UV BRAND by selecting from this list.

2. Once you’ve selected the brand, select your model number from the listed options.

3. Any available user’s manuals and replacement parts will be displayed.

Note that owner's manuals for the systems/parts we carry are available on our site. Please contact the manufacturer or retailer directly if you did not purchase your UV water disinfection system through ESP Water Products.