Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, Jason from Our Life In The Philippines provides a comprehensive guide on maintaining and optimizing a home water filtration system. He shares his personal mistakes, such as using the wrong line sizes and brands, and demonstrates a DIY "backwash" manifold system designed to extend filter life and improve water pressure.
Key Takeaways for Home Water Maintenance
• Size Matters: Ensure your filter housing matches your main line size. Jason explains how switching from a 3/4" line to 1/2" filters restricted his home's water pressure [01:19].
• Brand Comparison: He recommends Smos filters over Voda due to the Smos brand's superior rubber O-rings and brass fittings, which prevent the leaks common in plastic-ported models [01:36].
• DIY Backwash System: Learn how to build a manifold that allows you to reverse the water flow (backwashing) to flush out sediment and sand without removing the filters [07:24].
• Filter Washability: Discover how many "disposable" pre-filters (pleated and string types) can actually be washed and reused, saving significant maintenance costs [22:50].
Video Chapters & Timestamps
• [00:14] Common Mistakes: Why buying the wrong filter size (1/2" vs 3/4") kills your water pressure.
• [01:36] Equipment Recommendations: Comparing Voda and Smos filter housings and O-ring quality.
• [03:04] Current Filter Setup: An overview of Jason’s 4-stage filtration manifold.
• [04:01] Pre-Filter Types: Comparing foam (5 micron), pleated paper (5 micron), and string (1 micron) filters.
• [05:23] Installation Tip: How to identify the "top" vs "bottom" of a carbon filter [05:36].
• [07:24] Backwash Strategy: Designing a T-junction and valve system for easy cleaning.
• [10:02] The Pump House: A look at the 75-gallon air-over-water pressure tank and its operation.
• [12:35] Fixing Leaks: Addressing issues caused by insufficient plumber's tape on plastic-to-brass fittings.
• [15:39] Testing the Backwash: The first trial of the reverse-flow cleaning system.
• [19:08] Pressure Tank Maintenance: How to drain sediment and repressurize the tank [19:51].
• [23:02] Filter Removal: Using the filter wrench and checking the condition of dirty filters.
• [25:24] Washing Filters: A demonstration of how well pleated and string filters clean up with just a garden hose.
• [26:41] Reinstallation: Tips for aligning the gaskets and nipples inside the filter canisters.
• [29:22] System Restart: Refilling the canisters and bleeding the air out of the lines [30:11].
#PhilippinesExpat #WaterFilter #Citihardware #SaveMoney #DIYPhilippines #ExpatLife #WaterPressure
In this video, Jason from Our Life In The Philippines provides a comprehensive guide on maintaining and optimizing a home water filtration system. He shares his personal mistakes, such as using the wrong line sizes and brands, and demonstrates a DIY "backwash" manifold system designed to extend filter life and improve water pressure.
Key Takeaways for Home Water Maintenance
• Size Matters: Ensure your filter housing matches your main line size. Jason explains how switching from a 3/4" line to 1/2" filters restricted his home's water pressure [01:19].
• Brand Comparison: He recommends Smos filters over Voda due to the Smos brand's superior rubber O-rings and brass fittings, which prevent the leaks common in plastic-ported models [01:36].
• DIY Backwash System: Learn how to build a manifold that allows you to reverse the water flow (backwashing) to flush out sediment and sand without removing the filters [07:24].
• Filter Washability: Discover how many "disposable" pre-filters (pleated and string types) can actually be washed and reused, saving significant maintenance costs [22:50].
Video Chapters & Timestamps
• [00:14] Common Mistakes: Why buying the wrong filter size (1/2" vs 3/4") kills your water pressure.
• [01:36] Equipment Recommendations: Comparing Voda and Smos filter housings and O-ring quality.
• [03:04] Current Filter Setup: An overview of Jason’s 4-stage filtration manifold.
• [04:01] Pre-Filter Types: Comparing foam (5 micron), pleated paper (5 micron), and string (1 micron) filters.
• [05:23] Installation Tip: How to identify the "top" vs "bottom" of a carbon filter [05:36].
• [07:24] Backwash Strategy: Designing a T-junction and valve system for easy cleaning.
• [10:02] The Pump House: A look at the 75-gallon air-over-water pressure tank and its operation.
• [12:35] Fixing Leaks: Addressing issues caused by insufficient plumber's tape on plastic-to-brass fittings.
• [15:39] Testing the Backwash: The first trial of the reverse-flow cleaning system.
• [19:08] Pressure Tank Maintenance: How to drain sediment and repressurize the tank [19:51].
• [23:02] Filter Removal: Using the filter wrench and checking the condition of dirty filters.
• [25:24] Washing Filters: A demonstration of how well pleated and string filters clean up with just a garden hose.
• [26:41] Reinstallation: Tips for aligning the gaskets and nipples inside the filter canisters.
• [29:22] System Restart: Refilling the canisters and bleeding the air out of the lines [30:11].
#PhilippinesExpat #WaterFilter #Citihardware #SaveMoney #DIYPhilippines #ExpatLife #WaterPressure
