1) the duration of the filter use (or liter capacity) hang heavily on the hardness from the drinking water: While you create at a carbonate hardness of 10 150 liters (or about 6 weeks), there are at a carbonate hardness of 15 only 100 liters (or about 4 weeks). In addition, of course, water consumption even for the useful life is important :-)
The increasing contamination of the filter and the filter performance for heavy metals are independent, and must be considered in the re-use of recycled filter. If the filter is used for too long, the previously filtered out heavy metals are released back into the water.
Depending on the location of the water heater (light irradiation, temperature) I would the filter after 2 months to change, and the container thoroughly clean (dishwasher)
2) The decalcification used filter can be set via citric acid or (my tip) high purity amidosulphonic without additives (!) To restore.
2) mixing ratio in amidosulphonic: about 5 grams of the granules (about a teaspoon) in 0.5 liters of lukewarm water. Dissolve or about four teaspoons) - With 20 grams of citric acid per 0.5 liters of water. NOTE: It is important that the granules completely (!!!) is dissolved because rinsing bask takes a long time.
2b) Allow the acid solution to run three or four times through the filter.
2c) TIP: Whether the filter is fit again, you can easily check by dipping his finger in the permeated solution and licks - it tastes sour (lemon ...), the filter is reactivated - otherwise the procedure with a freshly prepared Repeat solution.
2d) Then the filter at least (!) 3 liters of water rinse (the water can be used for watering plants).
3) amidosulphonic is significantly more effective than citric acid, the environmental impact and the costs thus correspondingly low. Health incompatibilities are the usual for details acids; more at amidosulphonic because this is more reactive (see GESTIS database)
4) mainly due to contamination and adverse filter properties of the activated carbon (which can not be regenerated) should be this recycling process highest 2 performed once - by pressing the cost per filter cycle to about 1 Euro, and remains health on the safe side.
For corrections or additions I'm always thankful!
