How Effective are Backflushing and Storage Practices for Squeeze Filters

[JCH]

I use an OG Squeeze with the platypus carbon element in a DIY gravity setup.  Works great.  Tastes great.

[JCH]

I previously posted about my filter storage experiment...here are my first results:

After 4 months being stored full of distilled water the filter immediately flowed as new.  I refilled with distilled water and expect the same results when I start my backpacking season in October.

I’m pretty sure I will never again struggle to restore water filter flow.  Prior to storage, flush with mild bleach solution to sanitize, rinse thoroughly, and store full of distilled water.  Prior to subsequent use, again flush with a mild bleach solution to ensure sanitation, rinse fully and get out in the woods.

[Josh J]

How do you store water in the filter? Do you keep in a jar filled and sealed?

 

Aqua blue states 1L in 5min.

[Jerry Adams]

to store water in filter – squeeze some water through the filter which will fill it with water.  Don’t shake the water out, just leave it

I always shake the water out of the filter and it’s never clogged for me

What I’ve read is worst for clogging a filter, is to put bleach into hard water and back flush (or forward flush) through the filter and either leave it in the filter or shake it out (which leaves the hollow tubes full of water).  The bleach reacts with the minerals in the hard water and forms a mineral precipitate which clogs up the pores.  Then you have to use vinegar or CLR to dissolve the minerals.

I just backflush with tap water (which has chlorine in it), shake the water out, and call it good.  I have soft water.

The hollow tubes in the filter are small diameter.  You can’t shake the water out of them.  There will always be water in them.  I suppose you could use high pressure air to blow the water out, but why?

[Brad W]

I backflush as allowed per manual with filtered water that has less than 5 ppm of disolved solids, then put it in ziplock bag-unzipped, in my hiking food bag inside the cupboard. I check it night before to make sure it hasn’t dried up.

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