Boroux Water Filter Maintenance Guide
I’ve said it before, but it’s the simple things like quality sleep, real food, and truly clean water that have the biggest impact on health. A high-quality water filter system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your tap water is free from harmful contaminants. Over the years, I’ve tried several types of water filtration systems, from pitcher filters to countertop options. But for over a year, we’ve been using the Boroux Water Filter, which has become an essential part of our home. If you’ve looked into these, you may be wondering about the Boroux Water Filter Maintenance.
Since my Boroux Water System Review last year, I’m often asked if it’s hard to maintain and clean it. Good news! It’s not hard, but it is important. Keeping your Boroux Water Filter system clean and in top shape not only improves its performance but also extends its lifespan—giving you pristine water every time. In this post, I’m sharing an in-depth Boroux Water Filter Maintenance Guide so you can take excellent care of your system and get the most out of it.
If you were a fan of Berkey, you can also check out my Berkey Water Filter Review for a side-by-side comparison of these two gravity-fed filters. And here’s an update on what happened to Berkey.
Boroux Water Filter Maintenance Guide
If you’re new to the Boroux Water Filter system or considering one, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your unit. I’ll break down how to use it properly, how to clean it, and the best practices for keeping it in excellent condition for years to come. Whether you’re using Boroux Foundation Filters alone or with fluoride filters, these tips apply and will help you maximize the system’s effectiveness and longevity.
This post will be especially helpful if you’re aiming to consistently produce pristine water, avoid premature wear and tear, and ensure your Boroux system lasts a long time.
Wondering about your local water quality? Plug in your zip code to this database to see what’s in your water.
What Is The Boroux Water Filter?
The Boroux Legacy Water Filter is a stainless steel gravity-fed water filter system designed to remove contaminants from tap water and deliver clean, safe drinking water. It features high-quality filtration elements known as Boroux Foundation Filters. These filters are designed to last up to 12,000 gallons, which makes them incredibly cost-effective over time.
What sets the Boroux apart from other water filtration systems is its commitment to delivering foundation-level filtration with an elegant, durable design. They’re also adding fluoride filters really soon which is harder to find with some water filtration systems. You can pre-order the fluoride filters here.
How to Use the Boroux Water Filter
To get the best performance from your Boroux system, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are a few practical tips:
Prime the Filters Before First Use
Before using your Boroux Foundation filters, you need to prime them. This ensures water flows properly through the filtration elements and helps them perform efficiently from the start. The Boroux Legacy System comes with a blue priming tool (shown below). It fits over most faucets and you push the stem of the filter into the small hole at the bottom. Then run cold water until you see water bead through out the surface of the filter (about 1-2 minutes).
Side note: The primer fits on most faucets, but our kitchen faucet is pretty large so I have better luck using the smaller one on our wet bar.
Use Clean, Cold Tap Water
Avoid using hot or warm water in your water filter system as it can damage the filters. Always use cold tap water to protect the integrity of the filtration elements.
Place It on a Level, Sturdy Surface
The stainless steel housing needs to rest on a flat, stable surface to ensure water flows evenly. Uneven placement can result in uneven filtration and leaks.
Refill It Often
Keeping a consistent water supply helps maintain better flow rates and keeps the filters from drying out. We try not to go more than 24 hours without refilling it in our house.
How To Clean the Boroux Water Filter System
Regular cleaning is a must for any water filtration system, and the Boroux Water Filter is no exception. Here’s how I keep mine clean:
Clean the Stainless Steel Chambers Monthly
At least once a month, disassemble the unit and clean both the upper and lower stainless steel chambers with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface. You can also put the steel chambers in the dishwasher, but I prefer to hand wash so the filters don’t dry out while I’m waiting for them!
Scrub the Filters Gently
Every 3-6 months, gently scrub the foundation filters with a soft brush or scrubby side of a sponge under running water to remove buildup (just water- don’t use any soap on the filters). This keeps the filter surface clear and allows water to flow through more efficiently.
Check the Spigot and Seal
Remove the spigot periodically and clean around it to prevent mold or bacteria from forming. Make sure the rubber gasket is intact and reseated properly when reassembling. I usually wash this whenever I clean the stainless steel chambers.
In my experience, this cleaning routine makes a noticeable difference in water taste and filter performance.
How to Maintain the Boroux Water Filter System
Keeping your Boroux unit in good shape is simple when you follow a few key steps:
Monitor Filter Lifespan
The foundation filters are designed to last up to 12,000 gallons (per set of 2), but that number can vary depending on your water quality. If you notice a slower flow or a change in taste, it may be time to replace the filters sooner. Your water quality will impact the filter life. We don’t have a high amount of minerals or sediment in our water here, so our foundation filters last us about a year.
Replace Fluoride Filters Every 6 Months
Fluoride filters tend to have a shorter lifespan and should be replaced every 6 months or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain optimal water filtration.
Store It Properly During Long Absences
If you’re leaving home for more than a few days, empty the system completely, remove the black foundation filters and allow them to dry. This helps prevent bacterial growth and extends the life of your unit. You do need to reprime filters upon return.
Keep an Eye on Water Quality
Even if the filters are within their expected lifespan, be mindful of any changes in taste, smell, or flow rate. Your senses are the first indicator that it’s time for maintenance or a filter swap.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found the Boroux Water Filter to be an excellent investment in our family’s health. With its sleek stainless steel design, long-lasting Boroux Foundation Filters, and the ability to remove most contaminants including fluoride, it’s a high-quality water filtration solution that truly delivers pristine water. We can taste and smell a big difference in our water!
When maintained well, the Boroux system is a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective way to ensure your home always has access to clean, safe drinking water. You’ll enjoy your Boroux Legacy Water Filter System for years to come!
