What is an Abode Aquifier tap, and what does it do?

All products with Aquifier in their name are three-way taps which deliver domestic hot and cold water as well as filtered ambient cold water from a separate channel. Every product is supplied with a filter which sits under the sink and should be replaced periodically in line with the consumption of filtered water in your household. 

What does an Aquifier filter remove?

Our Aquifier filters are designed to improve the taste, appearance, odour and effects of hard water as well as removing chlorine and other unwanted impurities that can make their way into our municipal supplies. Some examples of contaminants which can be found in water supplies include:

• Chlorine
• Coliform bacteria
• Heavy metals e.g. Iron and Lead
• Pesticides and other chemicals
• Dirt, sediment, rust and other debris 

These will all be removed or significantly reduced by an Aquifier filter. 

What are the wider benefits of an Aquifier tap?

Improved Water Quality

• Removes Impurities: Filters out contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment, providing cleaner, better-tasting water.
• Healthier Hydration: Reduces exposure to harmful substances and delivers safer water for drinking and cooking.

Convenience

• On-Demand Filtration: Provides filtered water instantly without the need for separate filtration systems or bottled water.
• Space-Saving: Eliminates the need for standalone water filter jugs or systems, freeing up counter and fridge space.

Cost-Effective

• Savings: Reduces reliance on bottled water, saving money over time.
• Durable: Our water filter taps are built to last, making them a cost-efficient solution in the long term. They can also be easily maintained over their lifetime if required by changing parts such as valves.

Eco-Friendly

• Reduces Plastic Waste: Minimises the use of single-use plastic bottles, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our high resin filter is also part of a FREE recycle scheme.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Less reliance on bottled water means fewer emissions from production and transportation.

Enhances Cooking and Beverages

• Improved Flavour: Removes elements that can affect the taste of water, enhancing the flavour of tea, coffee, and meals.
• Protects Appliances: Reduces limescale build-up in kettles and coffee machines, prolonging their lifespan.

Customisable Options

• Different Filtration Levels: We offer a standard filter for soft water areas and a high resin filter for hard water areas. 
  Stylish Designs: Abode strive to ensure the designs in our Aquifier taps offer give our customers a range of style and finish options to match their kitchen aesthetics perfectly without compromise.

Health Benefits

• Promotes Hydration: The convenience of filtered water on tap encourages drinking more water throughout the day.
• Safer for Sensitive Groups: Ideal for children, elderly people, or those with specific health concerns who require cleaner water.

Minimal Maintenance

• Easy Filter Replacement: Our Aquifier filters have an extremely simple push and lock functionality making replacements quick and simple. 

How long should the filter last and how do I know when to replace it?

This will depend on the quality of the incoming water, the amount of use and the flow rate that has been set. The filter replacement schedule is a maximum of 6 months for each filter regardless of its use and is required for hygiene and safety reasons. T help with this replacement schedule:

• We recommend you write the installation date on the filter cartridge at the time of installation
• We will remind you automatically by email if you have registered with us
• If you notice that the difference in the taste of the domestic cold supply and the filtered supply becomes minimal, it’s time for a filter change

How do I change the filter?

Simple step by step instructions are provided with each replacement filter or can be viewed on the replacement filter page of our website. It should take no more than five minutes and requires no tools.

1. Turn your mixer tap on so filtered water runs through it
2. Isolate the water supply using the quarter turn valve
3. Allow any remaining water coming from the tap to drain until it comes to a stop
4. Remove the filter cartridge from the filter head
5. Write the date on your new filter
6. Install the new filter by inserting it into the filter head and securing in place with the simple twist and lock function
7. Turn the tap off
8. Turn the lever on the isolator to the open position
9. Check for any leaks
10. Turn on your tap so filtered water runs through it, push out any air and continue until the water runs clear

How do I know which filter I should choose?

The ‘classic’ Aquifier filter (AT2002) is recommended for soft to moderately soft water types. 
This is a polyphosphate filter which deals with taste, odour and scale inhibition. 

The high resin Aquifier filter (AT2040) is recommended for harder water areas.
This is an ion exchange resin filter which deals with taste, odour and scale removal. 

Where can I purchase replacement filters?

Filters can be purchased directly from Abode here. 

We offer discounts for multiple purchases of the same filter in a single transaction.

How long can I store my Aquifer filter cartridge?

Each filter cartridge has a shelf life of 2 years if kept in a dry, chemical free environment away from direct sunlight. Once the filter has been exposed to any water the effective life of the filter must begin.

Can I install the filter horizontally rather than vertically?

No, the filter functions best if installed vertically. If space is at a premium, it can be relocated or installed at a slight off vertical angle if required.

Can I move the filter further away from the tap?

Yes, all our Aquifier filters connect using ¼” outside diameter plastic tube, this is available by the metre on request. You should try to plan the installation using the minimum amount of tube to reduce the amount of flushing required each time your tap is used.

My water runs a black colour when the filter is replaced, is that normal?

Yes. The filters use carbon granules to filter the water, during manufacture and transport these granules rub together to create a fine dust. When the filter is first used this dust is released into the filtered water, whilst visually unpleasant it is normal, harmless and will disappear with flushing. After changing your filter please flush the filtered water supply until the water runs completely clear. 

Why has the filtered water got a slight ‘milky’ appearance?

Our ‘classic’ Aquifier filter cartridge contains polyphosphate, if the tap has remained unused for an extended period the polyphosphate has dissolved to a higher concentration, this is harmless but to avoid it simply flush the tap for longer before use after extended periods of inactivity.

Can I use an Aquifer product instead of a separate drinking water dispenser often supplied with a water softener?

Yes. By law all properties with a water softener installed should have source of unsoftened drinking water available. In most cases this is done using a small ‘touch tap’ dispenser near the sink. A practical alternative to this extra dispensing tap is to connect the filtered water connection of an Aquifier tap to the original unsoftened water supply. If you wish to retain your existing kitchen tap, then a Swich diverter will allow an additional source of unsoftened water to the existing kitchen tap. Explore Abode Swich here.

Does the Aquifer filter contain silver?

No, some filter manufacturers use silver as an antibacterial agent, assuming the filter is replaced on schedule this additive is not required.

Are the Aquifer filters safe for use for babies and infants?

Yes, provided the filter is replaced on the schedule we advise. You should also follow any other normal preparation precautions as advised by the supplement manufacturer.

Are the Aquifer filters safe for people on a restricted sodium diet?

Yes, there are no special restrictions for people on a low sodium intake regime.

Why does the newly installed filter not appear to change the taste?

The most common reason for this is that the correct flow rate has not been set on the three-way tee after the filter was installed. With the tap turned on full, using a kitchen measuring jug and a timer, adjust the blue three-way valve lever to the appropriate rate.
The table below details the approximate flow rate (litres per minute) per quantity of water delivered:

If you cannot find the answer to your question above, please click here and complete the contact us form and a member of our customer service team will be in contact with you shortly.