LifeStraw Home | LifeStraw Home Flow Rate: What to ExpectUpdated 8 minutes ago
When first setting up your LifeStraw Home pitcher or dispenser, you may notice that the filter starts with a slow drip, while another filter may begin flowing more quickly. Both experiences can be normal.
LifeStraw Home membrane filters use very small micropores to provide a high level of filtration. Flow rate can naturally vary from one filter to another, particularly during the first few uses. Some membranes become fully saturated quickly, while others may take several fills to reach their typical flow rate.
If your filter starts slowly, the good news is that flow should gradually improve as you continue using it.
What flow rate should I expect?
After the first three batches of water, the expected flow rate is approximately 85 to 225 mL per minute, or roughly 1/3 to 1 cup per minute.
This is a range, so you should not expect every LifeStraw Home filter to flow at exactly the same speed. Some may operate toward the faster end of the range, while others may operate toward the slower end.
For a 7-cup pitcher, this means filtering approximately 7 cups of water may take about 7 to 20 minutes once the filter is flowing within the expected range.
Here is how that range is calculated:
At 225 mL per minute, approximately 7 cups filters in about 7 minutes.
At 85 mL per minute, approximately 7 cups filters in about 20 minutes.
A new filter may initially flow outside of this range while the membrane becomes fully saturated.
Flow can also vary based on factors such as:
How recently the membrane was installed
How fully the membrane has become saturated
The quality of your source water
The amount of water available above the filter
Proper filter care and maintenance
Manufacturing processes that support initial membrane wetting, including glycerin application
Why might my new filter start slowly?
A new membrane needs to become fully wetted before it reaches its typical flow.
Small pockets of air can remain within the membrane during initial use. Until this air is displaced and water has fully saturated the membrane, filtration may be slower.
Some filters complete this process quickly, while others may take several batches. This is why two new LifeStraw Home filters may not initially flow at exactly the same rate.
What can I do if my new filter is very slow?
If your new filter is starting more slowly than expected:
Run several batches of water through the filter.
Fill the pitcher and pour out the filtered water 4 to 5 times. This helps move water throughout the membrane and displace trapped air.Keep the membrane installed in the filter housing.
Remove the filter housing from the pitcher with the membrane still installed.Gently tap or shake the housing.
A gentle tap or shake can help move water and trapped air within the membrane.Reinstall the housing and continue filtering.
Flow should gradually improve as the membrane becomes fully saturated.
What should normal flow look like?
There is a normal range of flow, so your filter does not need to look or perform exactly like another LifeStraw Home filter.
Once the filter has completed its initial start-up period, an expected flow of approximately 85 to 225 mL per minute is normal.
The video below shows an example of flow after the filter has been used for several passes:
Watch: Water Flow for Home Filter
What if my filter was flowing normally and has slowed down?
If your filter has been in use for some time and then begins filtering more slowly, this is different from a slow start with a new membrane and is expected over time.
Reduced flow over time can be related to water quality, trapped air, cleaning, storage, or normal accumulation within the membrane. Regular care and maintenance can help restore and maintain flow, but flow will slow or stop as an indicator that it is time to replace.
Still have questions?
Please contact us at [email protected]. We’re happy to help.