Pur Water Faucet Filter Leaking From The Top? (Fix It Now!)
Pur water filters are one of the most popular water filter brands and are used in most homes. Some are attached to the faucet, while others are connected as a whole-home system. Whether it is a private well or municipal water, there are times you may find beads of water leaking.
When the filter leaks, it is usually a slow leak, but it could be a steady stream in some cases. Either way, it should not have any leaks, and it needs immediate attention. What are the causes, and how do you repair a leak from the top of the Pur water filter?
There could be debris stopping the seal from working correctly or a split O ring seal. Either the top is not screwed on tight enough, or the seal is busted. It will need to be cleaned or replaced to fix the leak.
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Find Out What is Causing the Leak On the Pur Water Filter
There are a couple of steps to see what is causing the leak from the water filter’s top. Using the owner’s manual and knowing the type of system you have is a reasonably straightforward process. It is a process you can do yourself, but once these steps are completed, and leakage persists, contact a plumber.
Step 1: Prep for the Project
There are not many tools needed for this project, but these are the items you need to have nearby while working.
- Filter wrench (Usually comes with the filter)
- A pair of pliers
- Plenty of towels and rags to soak up the water
- A mop and bucket just for precaution
Step 2: Check the Connection at the Faucet
Several times, this may be the only issue causing the leakage. The filter may not be tight enough at the faucet connection. Take the pliers and make sure the connection is snug and screwed on correctly.
Take a rag and wipe the excess water around the top of the filter and run the water. If the leaking stops, congratulations, you have fixed the problem. However, if the leaking is not from the connection, continue with the remaining steps.
Step 3: Turn Off the Main Water Valve
Locate the main water valve to the home and turn to the off position. Run all of the faucets till there is no more running water. This will also release the pressure as you take off the filter.
Sometimes you may not be able to locate the cutoff valve. Older homes require cutting off the water at the meter, which you will not be able to access. In these situations, you will have to run all the faucets and work quickly.
It is a safety-first issue in case pressure builds up in the lines while you are working. It will also lessen the amount of water being sprayed everywhere in the home and causing slippery floors. Not to mention, you will have less to clean up after the project is completed.
Step 4: Take Off the Filter Housing
Use the filter wrench to remove the filter housing from the top and check the O ring seal.
Step 5: Check for Debris and Clean Housing
Pass your finger along the top of the O ring seal and remove any debris on top. While the filter housing is off, clean it, removing any debris inside or around. Check for splits in the O ring.
Step 6: Replace the O Ring if Needed
If the O ring is cracked, replace it with a new one. If it is not damaged, clean off the top and put a silicone-based lubricant for a better seal.
Step 7: Put the Housing Back On
Make sure the O ring is secure in its channel and screw the housing back into place. Put it hand tight first, then tighten with the filter wrench no more than a quarter of a turn. Do NOT overtighten.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
Take a rag and wipe off any water that may have dripped around the filter’s top or on the housing. Turn the water back on from the mainline and check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, clean up the sprayed water on the counters or floors.
What To Do If the Filter is Still Leaking
It is safe to say 90 percent of the time; there was something wrong with the O ring concerning leakage. Debris will always find a way in between the O ring and the connections. We find that well water has sediments that are the cause of the debris.
If you notice you are constantly having to clean the O ring, try changing the water well’s sediment filter. It will become a habit once you do it regularly. This should eliminate the problem if water keeps dripping from the top of the Pur water filter.
If water is still dripping, there is still hope you will not have to call a plumber yet. There are a few more things to check before unnecessary spending.
- Check the top of the housing. There may be a red button that is used to release the pressure when changing the filter. If water is coming from there, press the button several times to remove the pressure and any extra debris.
- There is an O ring below the pressure release button. Turn the water off and release all of the pressure. Remove the bottom of the housing to remove the screw under the button.
- The O ring is attached to the screw. Clean it off and lubricate it with a silicone-based lubricant. Replace the O ring if it is damaged.
- Putting everything back together without overtightening the screw is critical. If there is still leakage, you may have a cracked housing. If nothing stops the leaking from the top of the filter, you will then need a plumber.
Please Note: When using lubricants, DO NOT use petroleum jelly (Vaseline). These will cause the O ring to expand and no longer fit in place.
Some Other Helpful Tips
When doing a DIY project, the last thing you want to do is double work. Being safe can keep you from having to work longer and harder than necessary. Water is the healthiest thing on earth, but it can also kill you and your family.
Thousands of people die from electrocution every year. When you are working to repair or replace the water filters, make sure there are no electrical components or outlets. Keep in mind that if the water is spraying on electrical outlets, a fire can break out.
Another issue that deals with water are mold. Mold can make people inside the home deathly ill, killing people with weak immune systems. Ensure all the water is cleaned up and the floors and walls are dry when the job is done.
Double-check Your Work
If you have a leakage problem from the top of the filter after installing, you may want to try again. It is better to do the project over rather than facing water damage to your home. If the leak occurs on the backside, you may not notice until it is too late.
When installing, the two biggest problems are not screwing on the parts the right way or not screwing it tight. Other times over screwing tends to be a significant issue. Both cause water leaks.
It is easy to miss the threads when installing. It can damage the threads at the same time; it will not seal. Over tightening will also ruin the threads, and it will stay loose if the threads are damaged.
Be sure to install correctly as the water outlet is on the bottom of the filter. Another thing to check is making sure the filter is in the housing perfectly and all the way.
Other Reasons for Leaking Filters
Sometimes it is the manufacturer’s fault. Pur has stated that they have an issue with the plastic design connecting to the faucet’s metal. Leakage has been reported at the connection.
When this happens, Pur made good on their product by delivering, free of charge, a metal adaptor. By installing the metal adaptor, it eliminated the leakage problem.
Need a Water Treatment and Purification System Installed or Replaced?
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Related Questions
Which has the better taste running through the Pur filtration system, municipal or well water?
It is only something an individual can answer according to preference. Municipal water does have chemicals in it that the filter removes. Well water has the purest taste.
How much do O filter rings cost?
It depends on the size needed, which you need to measure the diameter before ordering. The ranging price is $7 to $11. Most will come in a two to three-pack.
How often do I need to change the O rings?
It is wise to change the O rings every two filter changes. This will drop the chances of having unexpected leaks over time, which can cause water damage. When the O rings go out, it is the leading cause of water leaks.
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