UV Water Purifier Maintenance: A Guide to Keep It in Optimal Condition

With pollution on the rise, having a water purifier at home has become essential to safeguard yourself and your family from waterborne illnesses. When it comes to water purifiers, the options typically include UV (Ultraviolet) and RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems. Both types serve the purpose of filtering out impurities from water, but they operate in different ways. UV water purifiers utilize UV rays to eliminate germs and microbes, whereas RO purifiers employ membrane technology to purify water through the process of reverse osmosis.

UV Water Purifiers: How do They Work?

One of the advantages of UV water purifiers is their ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness. The only ongoing expense is the replacement of UV lamps, which is typically done annually to ensure optimal performance. UV water purification systems utilize a UV light source that emits radiation to purify water. Additionally, these systems have low energy consumption, equivalent to that of a 60-watt bulb.

Due to their affordability and suitability for Indian homes, UV purifiers have gained popularity. Similar to RO purifiers, UV purifiers are assessed based on the TDS (total dissolved solids) levels in the water and cost considerations. Water with TDS levels between 45 to 70 is considered healthy for drinking. If your area has high TDS levels, commonly known as hard water, an RO purifier may be more suitable for your needs.

A UV water purifier primarily consists of two key components: the UV lamp (or bulb) and the quartz sleeve.

Change UV Lamp Annually

The UV lamp is a critical component of the purifier responsible for producing clean and pure water. It is crucial to change the UV lamp annually to maintain optimal performance. Unlike traditional burnout, UV lamps solarize, meaning their light wave intensity decreases over time, resulting in reduced effectiveness in killing bacteria. Therefore, even if the UV lamp appears to be functioning after a year, it is important to remember that it may not generate sufficient UV for ensuring healthy drinking water. To ensure consistent performance, it is recommended to replace the UV lamp without fail every year.

If you have recently replaced the UV lamp in your purifier but still notice a difference in the water color, it might be necessary to clean any accumulated debris from the lamp itself. Additionally, to keep track of when the next lamp change is required, certain UV water purifiers are equipped with an alarm feature that serves as a reminder for lamp replacement.

Maintenance and Replacement of the Quartz Sleeve

The UV lamp in a water purifier is safeguarded from water contact by a quartz sleeve. As water flows through the UV system, it commonly contains minerals, sediment, and other debris. Over time, these impurities accumulate on the quartz sleeve, which serves as protection for the UV lamp. It is crucial to keep the sleeve clean to maintain the purifier’s effectiveness. The sleeve is made of quartz glass, as it allows UV light to pass through more efficiently than regular glass. However, this also means that the sleeve is delicate and more susceptible to damage.

Cleaning the quartz sleeve at home is a simple and straightforward process. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Ensure to turn off the water supply and unplug the water purifier.

Step 2: Gently squeeze the tabs and remove the safety cap located at the top of the UV purifier. Take care to keep the lamp plug wires connected during this process.

Step 3: Proceed by detaching the lamp plug, followed by removing the lamp/sleeve assembly along with the sleeve bolt from the chamber.

Step 4: Using a firm grip on the sleeve bolt, unscrew the UV lamp. Afterward, unscrew the sleeve bolt and carefully remove the O-rings from the quartz sleeve.

To effectively clean the quartz sleeve, gather some vinegar and soft tissue papers. Begin by covering the exterior of the quartz sleeve with tissue paper, saturating the tissue with vinegar, and allowing it to sit for approximately 20 minutes. Repeat the same process for the interior of the sleeve. Finally, rinse the sleeve thoroughly with water. It is advisable to clean the quartz sleeve annually, coinciding with the UV lamp replacement, and consider replacing the sleeve every two years for optimal performance.

If you are unsure or lack confidence in following the aforementioned steps, we highly recommend seeking the assistance of a professional to replace the UV lamp and clean the quartz sleeve in your home. Their expertise ensures proper handling and maintenance of the purifier components.

Benefits of Owning A UV Water Purifier

• UV water purifiers are environmentally friendly as they do not result in water wastage.
• Compared to RO purifiers, UV purifiers require less time to purify water.
• UV purifiers do not leak any chemicals, eliminating concerns about chemicals in your water.
• UV purifiers offer a cost-effective solution while effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other microbes from water.
• UV purifiers are highly cost-effective.

Maintaining the optimal functionality of your UV water purifier requires regular servicing. Puritor offers professional UV Water Purifier for Home, Industrial UV Water Purifier, and Municipal Open Channel UV Water Treatment System. At the same time, we also provide you with professional consulting services including product maintenance. For additional information, just Contact Puritor.