LifeStraw Home | My new LifeStraw Home is filtering really slow. Is this normal?Updated 3 days ago

When first setting up your LifeStraw Home pitcher or dispenser, you may notice that the filter starts with a slow drip. This is normal. LifeStraw filters use very small micropores to provide a high level of filtration, so they can take a little more time to become fully saturated and reach their expected flow rate than some other filters.

We know waiting for water to filter can feel a little like watching water boil. Patience may be a virtue, but the good news is that the flow should gradually improve as you use the filter.

After the first three batches of water, the expected flow rate is approximately 85–225 mL per minute, or about 1/3 to 1 cup per minute.

For example, with the LifeStraw 7-Cup Pitcher:

• One full filter housing should take approximately 7–10 minutes to filter.
• Filtering a full 7 cups of water may initially take approximately 20–25 minutes, with flow generally improving as the filter becomes fully saturated and is used regularly.

Flow rate can vary based on factors such as the quality of your source water, the amount of water in the filter housing, and proper filter care and maintenance. The video below shows what a typical flow should look like once the filter has been used for a few days.

If you have been using your filter for some time and notice that filtration has slowed, this is often related to routine maintenance rather than a filter defect. Regular care helps keep the filter performing at its best.  Below is a video of the filter after several passes.  

Please reach out via [email protected] if you have any questions!