Can't get water filter cartridge housing off

[moodog]

I can't get holder off so I can install water filter cartridge. I even tried using pipe wrench.

[Bama Rambler]

They can be a bear to get loose sometimes. Do you have the wrench made for removing the canister? It makes it a lot easier to remove. Even easier than a pipe wrench.

[CNYCamper]

Open a faucet, then try again.

[deartruc]

Mine was really tight too. When it "Broke free". This is what happened. Which then caused it to unscrew when it was re-assembled. I now have a coupler that replaces the filter.

[CNYCamper]

My post was a little too brief...was in the middle of making sauce. There is a lot of suction in the system and that can keep the canister from coming loose. Opening a faucet or two relieves the pressure. My first camper I almost destroyed the mounting bracket trying to free the canister. Opened a faucet and it came right off.

[Spikedog]

A strap wrench also helps. The type with a rubber strap really gets a grip. Plus the 'open faucet' trick CNYCamper mentions too. Gotta pop the canister open every year as part of winterizing - they just won't blow out completely with air, and you don't wanna fill them up with the RV antifreeze.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by Spikedog

you don't wanna fill them up with the RV antifreeze.

You kinda have to fill them up considering they are inline with the rest of the water line. Unless you put in some sort of bypass.

It doesn't hurt anything. Just take the filter out first.

[Spikedog]

Mine has a bypass. RV antifreeze will ruin a carbon-style filter; a plain white wound filter would probably survive.


All these pipe and strap wrenches are being used in conjunction with the supplied filter spanner wrench too, right? I've used an oil filter wrench too in the past.

[ebemis]

deartruc has the best response for you....if you get it off just go ahead and take the piece of junk out of your rig and install a straight pipe in its place!

Relieve all the pressure in your water system (no city water connected, water pump off, open faucet or two) and then using the supplied wrench, you have to apply pressure UP on the bottom to get the "knub" on the clear cylinder UP and clear of the "grooves" inside the white receiving head....its not easy or fun, guaranteed to splash water around, and most likely to rip the head right off the wall it is screwed to with those two stupid sheet metal/wood screws....don't ask me why I know this ;-)

Have patience it will come free but the likely hood of subsequent "automatic self removal" of this cylinder is VERY HIGH so if you choose to keep it installed, just be sure to keep a constant supply of towels around to commence drying up once it spins itself off the head and sprays water all over your nice RV!

I use the simple CAMCO inline (blue) water filters from on line, camp stores or Walmart..very cheap, easy to use, remains OUTSIDE my rig and I simply toss them in the garbage after about 6 months or so.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Iwritecode

You kinda have to fill them up considering they are inline with the rest of the water line. Unless you put in some sort of bypass.

It doesn't hurt anything. Just take the filter out first.

I have read where some people remove the filter and replace it with an empty water bottle so you no not need to use as much AF, ping pong balls would likely work as well.

[CNYCamper]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

I have read where some people remove the filter and replace it with an empty water bottle so you no not need to use as much AF, ping pong balls would likely work as well.

Great tip, Mr. Idaho

[ColoradoRick]

When I had a filter (last winter), I used an empty Snapple bottle, with the lid on, to fill the inside of the filter during the winter...fit perfectly. (I've since removed the filter and just connected the hoses.)

Did you get it off? If not, this handy filter remover (designed for automotive oil filters) should come in handy, can be found at an automotive parts store or Harbor Freight:

[Cookies & Chips]

We have a similar canister filtering system in our house, and they tend to stick hard as well. One trick I've found that works is to some of the plumbers silicone lube on the O-ring. Keeps it from drying out at the same time stops it from sticking hard.

[JohnGalt1061]

As others have said, turn off city water, turn off pump -open a spigot and once the pressure is relieved it should come right off. I just open my outdoor shower and let it run on the ground. Once it stops, filter housing turns easily.