Peak Series Filter Flow Troubleshooting

Which products does this apply to?

This guidance applies to the following LifeStraw Peak Series products:

• LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
• LifeStraw Peak Series Solo
• LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Bottle
• LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity systems

This guidance does not apply to the LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Purifier.

Why is my filter flowing slowly?

Slow flow is usually caused by one of the following:

• Debris or sediment buildup inside the filter
• Trapped air inside the filter
• A filter that needs to be cleaned or backwashed
• A filter that has dried out after previous use

Regular maintenance helps keep water flowing properly and can help extend the life of your filter.

Step 1: Check for trapped air

Sometimes, reduced or stopped flow can be caused by an air pocket inside the filter. Because Peak filters use a single-entry flow system, air can occasionally become trapped and rise to the top of the filter. This can prevent water from moving through the filter properly.

Try these steps first:

Shake the filter firmly

Secure the filter and bottle or system, then shake it firmly for several seconds. This can help move trapped air out of the filter and restore water flow.

“Burp” the bottle or system

Loosen or remove the lid briefly to release trapped air. Then tighten the lid again and try drinking or squeezing water through the filter.

For squeeze bottles, this can be especially helpful if pressure has built up inside the bottle.

Step 2: Backwash the filter

For the Peak Solo, Peak Squeeze, and Peak Gravity systems, backwashing helps remove debris from inside the membrane microfilter.

How to backwash

1. Disconnect the membrane microfilter from the cap or system.
2. Fill the included backwash syringe with clean water.
3. Attach the syringe to the filter.
4. Push clean water back through the filter several times.
5. Reconnect the filter and test the flow again.

Backwashing regularly after use can help prevent clogging and maintain better flow over time.

Step 3: Disinfect the filter if flow is still slow

If backwashing does not improve flow, you can clean the filter with a diluted bleach solution.

Cleaning solution

Mix:

• 1/4 teaspoon household bleach
• 2 cups clean water

Use the syringe to flush the solution through the filter. After cleaning, rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water before using it again.

Do not drink from the filter until it has been fully rinsed.

What if the filter dried out?

If the filter has been used and then allowed to dry out completely, the membrane may no longer allow water to flow properly.

If your Peak filter has dried out and flow does not return after troubleshooting, the filter will need to be replaced.

To help prevent this, follow the long-term storage instructions for your product after the filter has been used.

What is different about the Peak Straw?

The Peak Straw does not use the syringe backwash method in the same way as the Peak Solo, Peak Squeeze, or Peak Gravity systems.

To help maintain flow:

1. After drinking, blow air back through the mouthpiece.
2. This helps push water and debris back out of the filter.
3. If flow slows, gently shake the straw to help release trapped air.

If the Peak Straw has dried out after previous use and flow does not return, the filter will need to be replaced.

Why is my Peak Squeeze slower when using the carbon filter?

A slower flow rate is normal when using the carbon filter attachment. The carbon filter adds a second stage of filtration, which can improve taste and reduce certain chemicals, but it may also slow the flow of water.

If the flow becomes very slow, remove the carbon filter and test the membrane microfilter by itself. This can help determine whether the slower flow is coming from the carbon filter attachment or the membrane microfilter.

When should I replace my filter?

Your filter may need to be replaced if:

• You have backwashed it several times and flow does not improve
• You have cleaned it with the recommended bleach solution and flow does not improve
• The filter has dried out after previous use
• The filter is damaged
• The filter has reached the end of its recommended lifespan

Still need help?

If your filter is still not performing as expected, please contact LifeStraw Customer Care. We are happy to help troubleshoot further.

When contacting us, please include:

• The product you are using
• How long you have been using it
• The type of water source you are filtering
• Whether the filter was stored after previous use
• What troubleshooting steps you have already tried