Gravity Water System Maintenance
New Assembly & Filter Replacement
Full System: Use a cleaning solution made of 5 mL (1 tsp) unscented chlorine bleach to 1 L (4 cups) of
water. Wash all plastic parts in cleaning solution. Rinse with clean tap water. Do not use cleaning
solution for the Ceramic Pre-Filter and 5-Stage Filter. Do not scrub plastic parts with coarse material like
scrub wool or steel wool.
Tap: Take apart the pieces of the tap and let them soak in cleaning solution while you prepare the filters.
Rinse with clean tap water. Install the tap.
Ceramic Pre-Filter: Soak the new Ceramic Pre-Filter in cool tap water for ten minutes. Do not use
cleaning solution or soap. Scrub the surface of the Ceramic Pre-Filter with cool water and a clean finetextured scrub sponge like the one included in the box. Install the pre-filter, making sure that 2 washers
are correctly placed inside and outside the upper tank and the nut is screwed securely (finger tight).
5-Stage Filter: Rinse the new 5-Stage Filter under cold running tap water until water coming from the
bottom of the filter runs clear; this should take about 3-5 minutes. Dry the outside of the 5-Stage Filter
with a clean paper towel. Screw the 5-Stage Filter into the Cartridge Connector. Install the Cartridge
Connector with 5-Stage Filter.
Mineral Stones: Remove stones from packaging. Boil stones for at least 1 minute to sanitize and
condition. Drain the stones and lay out on a clean paper towel or fabric towel to cool. Place stones into
the bottom tank. Note: Stones absorb odor. Do not use scented towels or towels with fabric conditioner.
Note: Water typically takes 2-4 hours to pass from the upper tank to the lower tank. When new,
however, the rate at which water passes through is slower; anywhere from 4-6 hours is typical the first
few times water is run through the system.
Weekly
Ceramic Pre-Filter: When the Ceramic Pre-Filter is noticeably dirty or running slow, scrub the surface of
the Pre-Filter with the grey sponge included in the box or another clean fine-textured sponge. Rinse
under running tap water. This may be once a week or as needed. Some water sources have more
sediment so more frequent cleaning may be required. The colour of a dirty Ceramic Pre-Filter depends
on the quality of the source water. Do not use soap or detergent.
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6 Months
Full System: Drain and disassemble the system. Use a cleaning solution made of 5 mL (1 tsp) bleach to
1 L (4 cups) of water. Wash all plastic parts in cleaning solution. Rinse with clean tap water. Do not use
cleaning solution for the Ceramic Pre-Filter and 5-Stage Filter. Do not scrub plastic parts with coarse
material like scrub wool or steel wool.
5-Stage Filter: Replace.
Mineral Stones: Transfer stones into a pot. Boil stones for at least 1 minute to sanitize and condition.
Drain the stones and lay out on a clean paper towel or towel to cool. Place stones into the bottom tank.
Note: Stones absorb odor. Do not use scented towels or towels with fabric conditioner.
Tap: Take apart the tap and soak in cleaning solution while you prepare the filters. Dirt or caked
sediment can be removed with a paper towel or cotton swab dipped in vinegar. Rinse with clean tap
water. Dry all parts with clean paper towel. Re-assemble and re-install the tap.
12 Months
Full System: Drain and disassemble the system. Use a cleaning solution made of 5 mL (1 tsp) bleach to
1 L (4 cups) of water. Wash all plastic parts in cleaning solution. Rinse with clean tap water. Do not use
cleaning solution for the Ceramic Pre-Filter and 5-Stage Filter. Do not scrub plastic parts with coarse
material like scrub wool or steel wool.
5-Stage Filter: Replace.
Ceramic Pre-Filter: Replace.
Mineral Stones: Transfer stones into a pot. Boil stones for at least 1 minute to sanitize and condition.
Drain the stones and lay out on a clean paper towel or towel to cool. Place stones into the bottom tank.
Note: Stones absorb odor. Do not use scented towels or towels with fabric conditioner. Replace stones
after 2 years.
Tap: Take apart the tap and soak in cleaning solution while you prepare the filters. Dirt or caked
sediment can be removed with a paper towel or cotton swab dipped in vinegar. Rinse with clean tap
water. Dry all parts with clean paper towel. Re-assemble and re-install the tap.
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Water Disinfection (source: US CDC -
Disinfection – To Be Used During a Boil Water Alert or When Mold/Mildew/Algae is Observed
The Santevia Gravity System is designed to be used only with microbiologically safe water. When in
doubt, consult the proper water authorities regarding the safety status of your drinking water.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/emergency_disinfection.html)
1. Boil water for 1 minute and store in clean covered containers; or
2. If you cannot boil water, add 2 drops of unscented household bleach per liter of water, stirring
well, and let stand for 30 minutes. Store in clean covered containers.
3. If possible, use bottled water.
Disinfecting the Santevia System:
1. Cleaning solution: Mix 30 mL (2 tbsp) of unscented chlorine bleach in 1 L (4 cups) of clean water.
Do not drink cleaning solution.
2. Alternate method for cleaning solution: Mix 250 mL (1 cup) of white vinegar in 750 mL (3 cups)
of clean water. Do not drink cleaning solution.
3. CAUTION: When making cleaning solution, do not mix methods. Toxic fumes can form when
mixing vinegar and bleach.
4. Disassemble system.
5. For Boil Water Alert, replace 5-Stage Filter and Mineral Stones.
6. For mold/mildew/algae contamination, replace 5-Stage Filter. Depending on the severity of
contamination, replace the Mineral Stones also.
7. Do not use cleaning solution for 5-Stage Filter, or Mineral Stones.
8. Soak all parts, pre-filter, washers and tap in cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes. Scrape off
any algae/mold using a clean soft sponge or cloth. Do not use a kitchen cloth or used sponge as
they usually contain bacteria from food particles.
9. Use a cotton swab dipped in cleaning solution to get to the corners and edges.
10. Rinse all parts soaked in cleaning solution with clean water.
11. Discard any mineral stones or balls with visible mold/algae. Boil stones and balls for at least 1
minute then allow to cool and dry.
12. Replace washers that are discolored.
13. Clean and recondition the Ceramic Pre-Filter.
14. Recondition the new 5-Stage Filter.
15. Reassemble the system.
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