The Truth Behind 3 Phenomena That 90% of Users Mistake for System Malfunctions

During the operation of a water filtration system, some users may feel concerned when they notice unusual occurrences. However, what might appear to be a malfunction is, in fact, a completely normal and necessary part of the filtration process — often a sign that your system is functioning at peak performance.

Below are the most common phenomena you might observe, and why you can rest assured when they occur:

Backwashing – The system’s self-cleaning cycle

During the backwashing process, you may hear water flowing in reverse or notice light operational noises, leading you to believe something has gone wrong. In reality, this is a standard and essential maintenance cycle, particularly in multi-layer filtration systems such as the BWT Multi-C.

This is not a malfunction, but rather the backwash cycle - an automatic self-cleaning process programmed into the system. During normal filtration, impurities accumulate on the filter media, reducing efficiency. The backwash cycle reverses the water flow, flushing trapped particles and contaminants out through the drain line to restore optimal performance.

Benefits:

🔹 Maintains filtration efficiency: Keeps the filter media clean and operating at its best.

🔹 Extends system lifespan: Prevents clogging and reduces mechanical stress on pumps and valves.

🔹 Ensures hygiene: Minimizes microbial growth within the filtration environment.

When your system performs backwashing, it is proactively maintaining itself to serve you better.

Discolored or “dirty-looking” inlet pipes - A normal sign of untreated water

The inlet pipe carrying raw water (unfiltered water) to the system may appear discolored, rusty, or contain visible sediments, causing users to suspect the filtration system is ineffective.

This is completely normal. The inlet line simply carries raw source water that hasn’t yet been treated. Depending on your local supply, this water may contain minerals, iron oxide (rust), or sediment from the main pipeline. That’s precisely why a professional filtration system like BWT is essential to transform that “dirty-looking” water into pure, safe water right at your tap.

Discoloration or sediment in the inlet line is not a system failure but clear proof that your BWT system is doing exactly what it was designed to do: removing impurities and protecting your health.

Reduced water pressure: A reminder to replace your filter cartridge

The water flow from your tap feels weaker, and the overall pressure has noticeably dropped.

This is not a technical fault, but a natural signal that the filter cartridge is reaching saturation. Over time, the cartridge captures and retains contaminants such as rust, sediment, and microorganisms. Once full, it restricts water flow, leading to reduced pressure.

This indicates it’s time for a scheduled cartridge replacement. Timely replacement restores normal flow rate, maintains optimal water quality, and prevents undue strain on the entire filtration system.

Summary