Doulton's FAQ
General Questions
When should I change my Doulton Water Filter?
For a family of four, we recommend changing your filter every 6 months.
If you notice your water flow (the speed the water comes out of your tap) dropping before 6 months, remove your filter and gently clean it evenly with a scouring pad. You can clean your filter as often as needed without damaging the performance. Find out how.
Are all ceramic water filters the same?
Absolutely not. Doulton Water Filters are the original ceramic filter manufacturers and a globally trusted brand. We have been updating our groundbreaking filter design since 1826. We are a UK ISO accredited company offering independently and regularly tested water filters. Certifications held with NSF, WRAS, Lucideon and many more.
What level of bacteria can my Doulton Water Filter cope with?
Our filter forms a physical barrier for pathogens, trapping the bacteria in your water on the surface of the ceramic while allowing clear, mineral-rich, great-tasting water though.
If your water flow lessens before you change your filter, remove and clean it before putting it back to extend its life. Find out how here.
What causes hardness in water?
Hardness is caused by Calcium Carbonate or metal salts in your water. Hard water is perfectly safe to drink, but doesn't allow soaps to foam as freely as softer water (water with less Calcium Carbonate).
Why do Total Dissolved Solids increase when I use a Doulton Water Filter?
With a Doulton Water Filter, the healthy mineral content in your water will increase, leading to a slight increase in your water's Total Dissolved Solids.
Why does the PH of my drinking water increase when I use my ceramic filter?
With a Doulton Water Filter, the healthy mineral content in your water will increase, leading to a slight increase in your water's PH level.
Does Doulton manufacture the Berkey filter range including the Black Berkey filter element?
No. Doulton is not involved in the manufacture of Berkey filter elements or any other Berkey branded filter products.
How do I know when to change my filter?
On average a family of four uses approximately 8 litres of water per day for cooking and drinking. Therefore, based on 10 litres/day for four people the life of your filter can be estimated in time rather than capacity.
Buying Advice
Is all Doulton plastic BPA free?
Yes, all Doulton and British Berkefeld plastic is BPA free, food-grade polypropylene.
When I change my EcoFast® filter element, do I need to change the plastic housing and pipework too?
No, you won't need to change the filter housing - all you need to change is the ceramic filter inside the plastic housing.
Which replacement filter fits my Royal Doulton ELITE® water filter?
Our Royal Doulton ELITE® M14 threaded ceramic filter elementis the perfect choice for your Royal Doulton ELITE® system.
I bought my Doulton water filter at Ideal Home Show. Which replacement filter fits my Ideal Home Show EcoFast® water filter?
Our M12 threaded Biotect Ultra is the perfect choice for your Ideal Home EcoFast® filter system.
When I replace my water filter and pre-filter cartridge in my HCP DUO Countertop or DUO Undercounter system, can I choose a different pre-filter from the one I had before?
When I replace my water filter and pre-filter cartridge in my HCP DUO Countertop or DUO Undercounter system, will I have to replace the housing?
No, when you replace your pre-filter cartridge and ceramic water filter you will only have to change the filters. You can keep the housing, pipe and tap fitment working as usual.
How big are the replacement filters for my British Berkefeld Gravity portable filter system, and what do they filter?
To filter bacteria, sediment, rust particles, particles, microplastics*, heavy metals (including lead); pharmaceuticals, oestrogen and chlorine, the filter element is 7” (22cm) tall and 2” (5cm) wide, available here.
*Claims based upon micro test dust filtration testing
When I replace my filter in my Stainless Steel Gravity Filter, will I need to replace the housing?
No, you won't need to change the filter housing - all you need to change is the ceramic filter inside the housing.
Which replacement filter fits my Stainless Steel Gravity Filter?
Our SS Gravity Filter can be paired with either the Ultra Sterasyl (formerly known as the ATC Super Sterasyl) or Ultra Fluoride filter elements.
The Ultra Sterasyl is designed to reduce common contaminants, chlorine and heavy metals within municipal water supplies to significantly improve the taste and odour of drinking water and ensure it is safe for consumption.
Ultra Fluoride is designed to reduce common contaminants, chlorine, heavy metals and fluoride within municipal water supplies.
We advise using a minimum of 2 filter elements for two people and a family of 4+ should use four filter elements in their gravity filter.
Which replacement filter fits my HFK portable gravity filter system?
Our HFK Gravity Filter can be paired with either the Ultra Sterasyl or Ultra Fluoride filter elements.
The Ultra Sterasyl is designed to reduce common contaminants, chlorine and heavy metals within municipal water supplies to significantly improve the taste and odour of drinking water and ensure it is safe for consumption.
Ultra Fluoride is designed to reduce common contaminants, chlorine, heavy metals and fluoride within municipal water supplies.
We advise using a minimum of 2 filter elements as standard and a family of 4+ should use filter elements.
Things We Filter
Will my filter element remove Arsenic?
Filtration does not remove Arsenic from water.
How effective is my filter element against Legionella bacteria?
Our water filters are trusted worldwide to filter bacteria from drinking water by thousands of people. However, whilst our ceramic forms a barrier to bacteria, Legionella is capable of slow regrowth downstream of the filter so it's important to disinfect downstream of our filters where Legionella is suspected.
Does my filter element work against Nitrates?
Yes, our undercounter Duo systems come with the option of a Nitrate specific pre-filter that filters Nitrates.
Does my filter element work against Oestrogen and Synthetic Oestrogen?
Yes, the activated carbon in our candles reduces Oestrogen and synthetic Oestrogen in drinking water. Tested with Estrone.
Which minerals will my Doulton filter leave in my filtered water?
Your water's mineral content will depend on where you live. Doulton and British Berkefeld water filters will leave healthy minerals in your filtered water while filtering bacteria and pathogens. The best way to find out your individual water mineral content is to check with your local water provider. Your local water provider will be able to let you know.
Will my filter element remove Manganese?
Manganese will not be removed by a filter element.
Will my filter element reduce Fluoride?
Yes, our undercounter Duo systems come with the option of a Fluoride specific pre-filter that filters Fluoride. Find out more here.
Our Stainless Steel gravity-fed systems can be used with our Ultra Fluoride ceramic candle that filters Fluoride. Find out more here.
Does my filter element remove Chloramine?
Our Biotect Ultra ceramic filters take out monochloramine, improving the taste and odour of drinking water.
Does my filter element remove Aluminium?
Our ceramic filters remove aluminium in particulate form. >99.99% will be removed at 0.9 micron or >99.99% at 0.5 to 0.8 micron. Filtration is not suitable for dissolved aluminium.
Does my filter element work with hardness?
Yes, our undercounter Duo systems come with the option of a Limescale specific pre-filter that filters Limescale.
Water Filter Care
How do I clean a ceramic filter candle?
We recommend a gentle, evenly applied buffing with a scouring pad until the whiteness of the ceramic returns.
Rubber gloves are recommended to be used during cleaning and NEVER use soap or detergents. If rubber gloves are not worn, we recommend that you wash your hands before and after servicing the filter.
Ensure that the end of the plastic mount does not come into contact with unfiltered water.
How do I know when my ceramic filter element needs cleaning?
When your water flow (the speed water comes out of your tap) lessens, it might be time to clean your water filter.
Why is my ceramic filter element discoloured?
This is great news - your filter element is working! All that discolouration has been trapped on the filter's surface and is safely removed from your drinking water.
My ceramic filter seems to block up regularly; is it working correctly?
Absolutely, this means that your ceramic filter is trapping dirt and bacteria that would otherwise be in your drinking water. If you find your filter blocking too often, look at using our Duo systems with a Sediment pre-filter that will help stop the blockages.
Do I need to sterilise the candle after cleaning?
No, there is no need to sterilise the ceramic candle. All our filters have bacteria inhibiting features built in.
How do I keep the inside of my filter housing clean?
The filter housing is best cleaned by unscrewing the body from the head and wiping the surface and the inside of the body with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Do this when you change your water filter.
What happens if I leave the filter unused for a period of time?
If the filter is left unused for more than 24 hours, run at least 2 litres of water to waste before dispensing to drink, to ensure that your filtered water is fresh.
Will hardness affect the performance of an Biotect Ultra filter element?
No.
Why has my water flow lowered?
When in use, particles such as rust or sediment can get trapped on the surface of your filter, causing the flow rate to drop. If so, your filter may need a clean between changes.
Can I recycle my old ceramic filter?
You should be able to recycle the plastic mounts* and compost the old filter element or use it to help with drainage in the bottom of your plant pots.
We suggest safely removing the mount using light pressure with a hammer to break it from the filter element. Next, cover the ceramic with an old rag and gently break it into small pieces, again using light pressure with a hammer.
* Check with your local recycling centre regarding PPO and ABS recycling.