Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water. But unfortunately, approximately 2.1 billion people all over the world still don’t have safe water sources within their homes. And if you’re drinking water from the tap that isn’t filtrated, that water probably isn’t as safe as you think.
If you want to be able to drink fresh and clean water straight from the tap, installing a Zip tap could be the solution you’re looking for. Your Zip tap will reduce or completely remove all the impurities from your home’s water supply.
But Zip water filters need replacements from time to time and if you want your system to operate as efficiently as possible, it’s going to require regular maintenance. And there’s no need to call a professional to help you with it, you can do it yourself. You just need to know-how.
How does a Zip tap actually work?
Zip taps can provide both chilling and boiling water. They use refrigerant compressors to keep the water cold, and they possess an immersion heating element that boils the water. And if you haven’t already, it really is time to try instant boiling water.
Zip filters possess a dispensing tap that is located underneath a sink for residential applications or a bench.
Water filters eliminate various dangerous materials, and to do this, Zip taps come equipped with a sub-micron filter system. This system can also eliminate rust, asbestos fibres, and dirt.
How to replace Zip water filters?
There are multiple steps that go into Zip water filter replacement. While you can contact a qualified professional to replace it, there is no need for that since you can do it yourself.
All you need to do is follow these six steps:
- First step. Turn off the tap. You can do this in your water mains, which is located next to your water meter, most likely at the front of your house.
- Second step. Turn on your tap to relieve any system pressure that was built up. You can collect any discharge by using a bucket.
- Third step. Take your Zip water cartridge from its packaging and remove the sanitary cap.
- Fourth step. Use water to moisten the O-ring and then place your new cartridge into the filter head.
- Fifth step. Turn the 1/4 turn of your filter cartridge to the right until it completely stops.
Sixth step. After you’ve gone through all of the previous steps, flush no less than 10 litres of water through the new Zip water filter you just installed. After that, you can start to consume the water from your tap again since your filter will be completely clean.
How long do Zip CO2 cartridges last?
Since Zip CO2 cartridges come in various sizes and everyone has different needs and requirements for their home, there isn’t a definite answer to this question.
How long your cartridge will last depends on the level of carbonation you use in your home. For example, if you have a 60L cylinder, it will be able to produce 60L of sparkling water.
We recommend you always have no less than three cylinders in your home. That way, you can always be sure you will have sparkling water any time you want and two backup cylinders just in case.
How do you change the CO2 on a zip tap?
The first step is to check if your CO2 cylinder needs to be replaced, which you can do by checking the pressure gauge. If it’s in the yellow zone (pointing to the left), adjust the regulator which is located at the top of the cylinder. If it doesn’t return to the green zone, it’s time for a cylinder replacement.
For this job, aside from the new CO2 cylinder, you will need a sponge, soapy water, and an old cloth you can use to clean up spills.
- Go to your unit.
- Select “Menu”.
- Select “Install”.
- Select “purge CO2”.
- Finally, select “Start”.
- Keep an eye on the needle on your gauge and when it reaches zero, press “Stop”.
- Remove your old CO2 cylinder by undoing the strap and disconnecting the regulator.
- Next, screw in the new cylinder onto the regulator.
- Slot and secure the bottle back into place. During this process, you might notice a slight discharge of CO2.
- Turn on the CO2 cylinder regulator and keep your eye on the needle on the gauge. Keep turning until the needle reaches the 2.7 bar in the green zone.
- You also need to check for gas leaks. You can do it by taking a soapy sponge and putting suds around the regulator, which will expose leaks. If there are leaks, you need to turn off the regulator, tighten the connections, and check again.
- The next step is to purge the gas liners by selecting “Menu”, “Install”, “Purge CO2”, and then “Start”.
- After the water stops flowing from your tap, wait for another 10 seconds and during this time you will be able to hear the CO2 gas escaping from the tap. And finally, press “Stop” which will end the purge, and press “Home”.
How long does a Zip water filter last?
A Zip water filter will last anywhere between 6 and 12 months. However, keep in mind that the expiration date will also depend on how heavy or light your water uses during the day are. If you use your filter more frequently, it will need to be replaced in less than 6 months.
If it’s been more than 12 months since your last replacement, it’s time for a new filter. Some signs that it’s time to replace your filter include reduced water pressure, bad tasting or smelling water, or a flash on your indicator light.
Why should you replace your tap filter?
There are certain components in commercial and domestic water filters that need to be replaced regularly so the filter can continue to function correctly. Sediments and debris constantly get trapped in filters and they can clog the system if the filter isn’t cleaned.
When this happens, the flow of the passing water will be reduced and in turn, so will the water pressure. When you implement a periodic maintenance program, you can be sure that your water supply is healthy and your system is at its optimal performance.
How to find the right Zip tap cartridge?
When the time comes to replace your Zip water filter cartridge, it might take you some time to find the right one. Sometimes you might just get the same model you already have. But if your previous filter wasn’t performing great, you might want to look into getting a new cartridge.
There is a wide range of Zip tap cartridges you can choose from. If your water filter cartridge didn’t perform as well as you expected in the past, it was probably because it wasn’t used for the purpose it was intended.
For example, if you chose a cartridge that was intended for residential use but used it in a commercial environment, it probably didn’t perform well or didn’t last as long as it should have. In that situation, a filter intended for commercial use would have been the best choice.
When you install the correct Zip tap cartridge, you will see a lot of benefits. You will not only enjoy cleaner water but you will also have a cartridge that lasts for much longer. So make sure you know what kind of water filter you have before you choose the cartridge.
How to find the right Zip tap filter?
If you’re in the process of trying to decide on the type of Zip water filter replacement you need to buy, we’re here to help.
One of the first things you should do is find out in what type of environment your Zip filter will be used. This will help you determine the type of Zip tap cartridge you need.
Your Zip water filter will come with a rating that shows what size particles it can process without any issues. The most common ratings seen on these filters are 0.2 micron ratings Zip filters and 3 or 5 ratings. Certain ratings are more suited to commercial use while others are more beneficial for residential use.
Take a look at the table below and you will notice that all Zip water filters have a rating as well as some benefits.
Why is my Zip filter not going in properly?
Here are some some common solutions to try from our filter experts if you are finding it challenging to fit your new Zip filter.
The filter compartment in the Hydrotap seems too small for the new filter to fit in
It often seems like the 93702 and 93703 filters are too large to fit in the Zip Hydrotap filter cavity. If you’re replacing a 93701, 93702, or 93703 filter, these will definitely fit in your Hydrotap. To install, hold the filter at an angle so that the top of the filter goes up into the head first, then swing it vertically into place, and finish the installation.
My new Zip filter top is different to my existing filter?
Sometimes although you have previously been using the GlobalPlus head and buying those filters, if a Zip service technician has come out to service your unit, they may have updated the filter head to the latest MicroPurity style. These two types of filters are not compatible, so you will need to order the correct one. Check your filter code to make sure it is the right one.
For Zip Hydrotaps, the MicroPurity (metal casing) 93701, 93702 and 93703 filters are compatible with each other.
In the GlobalPlus range (filter head with a red lever), the 91289, 91290, 91291 and 91292 filters are compatible with each other.
I can insert the filter and turn it, but it just keeps turning without locking into place
This could be one of 2 reasons:
- The locking tabs are not located in the filter head
It can be a challenge to align the locking tabs of the filter to the filter head. We recommend a simple technique to overcome this. Hold the base of the filter with one hand and push upwards into the filter head while using your other hand to rotate the filter. Once you feel the filter locate, and ‘clunk’ upwards, finish turning it to the right until it stops turning. Test that it’s firmly in place by pulling downwards.
Quick Tip: Often the filter needs quite a lot of upwards force to go into place. Do not worry about breaking your HydroTap as the filter head is very strong.
- The top of filter is spinning
With the MicroPurity filters that have the metal casing, sometimes the top of the filter comes loose, and will spin. This means that when the filter is installed, you may twist it to lock it into place, but it still drops out of the filter head. To test whether this is the issue, hold the metal part of the filter in one hand, and the yellow plastic filter top in the other hand, and twist in opposite directions. If the parts twist independently, the filter is faulty and we recommend contacting your supplier for a replacement.
The new filter won't turn once I insert it into the filter head
If the filter is not the whole way up into the filter head, it won't allow you to turn it. Once you can feel the locking tabs have located in the right position, apply a significant amount of force upwards to ensure the filter is pushed in the whole way. Don't worry about breaking your HydroTap as the filter head is very strong. Then try turning the filter again, making sure you turn the filter to the right.
If it still doesn't turn, the non-return valve in the filter head may be jammed, preventing the filter from fully inserting.
- Turn off the water supply to the hydrotap in your cupboard
- Put the pressure release valve into a bucket and open up the valve
- Put your finger up inside the filter head and press upwards on the white stick in the centre. It is spring loaded and should move up and down freely.
- If it does, try install the filter again
- If you can't un-jam it, the filter head will need to be replaced
Summary
Tap water might seem safe, but unfiltered water can pose risks—not just for drinking but also for bathing and cooking. Many families trust a Zip tap to provide cleaner, healthier water. To keep it performing at its best, regular maintenance is essential.
Replacing components like the filter and CO2 cartridge is a key part of ensuring your Zip tap continues to deliver pure, great-tasting water. The good news? With a little guidance, you can handle these replacements yourself and skip the cost of hiring a professional.
