Frequently Asked Questions

Triflow systems reduce a broad range of contaminants from water. These contaminants can be placed in three different categories - microbiological, chemical and aesthetic. Impurities within these categories that are reduced by the Triflow systems include - harmful bacteria, protozoan organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium cysts, chlorine, foul tastes and odours, specific chemicals, rust particles, sediment and numerous other undesirable contaminants down to 0.2 microns in size.

It is only over the last 100 years that man has really understood how crucial the quality of drinking water is to health and well-being. Great strides have been made in almost eradicating diseases like cholera, typhoid and dysentery - particularly in the developed world. The main contributor to this progress, however, has been chlorination of the water supply which,is not only harmful to one’s health but creates an unpleasant residual taste and odour. The majority of complaints received by water supply companies are due to taste and odour. Furthermore, over the last 100 years, industrialisation has resulted in pollution of our land and water courses, which causes contamination of our ground water. Indeed, we continue to learn more about the effect of trace contaminants on health, and the quality of drinking water is an ever changing science.

Triflow systems are designed to reduce harmful contaminants from water while retaining minerals such as magnesium, calcium and fluoride, that are essential to good health. Calcium, for example, contributes to the overall taste of drinking water and is a major component of bones and teeth and is essential for various bodily processes such as blood clotting. While some products such as distillers and reverse osmosis systems reduce calcium and other beneficial elements, the Triflow and Tri-Pure systems have been designed to reduce only harmful contaminants while leaving essential minerals intact.

Yes. Most people immediately notice a significant difference in the taste and colour of their drinking water when they install a Triflow system. The extent depends on the level of contaminants in the local water and individual sensory thresholds. Most complaints relating to the taste and odour of tap water are due to the presence of chlorine. As the system reduces turbidity and discolouration, people often notice a marked improvement in the clarity of the treated water. Filtered water enhances the flavour of tea, coffee, soups and cooking in general.

Triflow System has been designed to look similar to and work in much the same way as a conventional sink mixer. A unique feature of the system is the provision of an additional waterway and valve mechanism for the supply of filtered water. Hot and cold water are dispensed independently or mixed as required. Filtered water is obtained by selecting the centre handle on the tap body. (This does not apply to the single lever model designed by Zaha Hadid.) By selecting and turning the centre handle on the tap body, cold water is diverted to the filter system positioned under the sink. The housing of this unit contains the replaceable X02 Cartridge.
The cartridge is constructed in two parts:

1) An outer shell of microporous ceramic that reduces harmful bacteria, cysts, turbidity, dirt, rust, sediment, and other particles above 0.2 microns. For comparative purposes a red blood cell is approximately 7 microns in size while the lower field of human vision is estimated at 20 microns. Katadyn ceramic is impregnated with silver during the manufacturing process. The silver ions attract the DNA and enzymes in any bacteria that have been trapped by the ceramic, and prevents their reproduction.

2) An extruded matrix core which incorporates a scientifically formulated blend of materials dedicated to the reduction of a broad range of contaminants. These include aesthetic chlorine and other specific chemicals, foul tastes and odours and other undesirable contaminants. The extruded matrix core contains an additional material that will reduce heavy metals such as lead. After filtration, the water continues through its own separate channel and is dispensed independently with no risk of cross contamination from the hot and cold supplies.

After six months use the matrix core begins to lose its effectiveness. This is because the extruded carbon core becomes saturated and its efficiency diminishes. The white customer information wallet supplied with the system contains a registration card, on which is printed a unique serial number. Returning the card enables us to register your details which in turn will ensure you receive a reminder when a cartridge change is due. Registration will also assist us in dealing with any additional enquiries you may have.

The procedure for replacing the cartridge is very simple and takes only a few minutes. Full instructions explaining how to change the cartridge can be found in the white customer wallet and with every replacement cartridge.

Apart from the tap, which is a standard fitting of normal size, the system takes up very little space. The filtration unit is only 31cm high and fits neatly under the sink in any size base cabinet.

No. With the exception of the models by Zaha Hadid, the system has been designed to work from mains water pressure and does not require the use of any chemicals. The cartridge is constructed entirely of approved materials.

The system works on normal mains pressure. The maximum pressure the unit should be subjected to has been calculated at 75psi (5 bar). The minimum recommended pressure is 25psi (1.7 bar). Small dedicated pumps are available to deal with low pressure situations and pressure limiting valves can be supplied for people experiencing a higher than average water pressure.

On normal water pressure the average flow rate of the filtered water supply is usually around 1.5 - 2 litres per minute. For optimum reducing performance, adjust the service valve to set the flow rate.

The filter should never be subjected to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius as this can damage the structure of the matrix core and the housing. Damage can also occur if the filter is subjected to extremely hot water. The recommended maximum temperature of the hot water supply to the Triflow System in metal finishes is 85 degrees centigrade. For painted and powder coated finishes the maximum recommended is 65 degrees centigrade as temperatures above this may crack the finish.

No. Triflow System have been designed as a complete system with the filtration system as an integral part of it. Our Triflow systems are not designed to work with any other filters and adapting it to do so will invalidate the warranty.

No. Our Triflow Systems are not water softeners but can be used in conjunction with a household softener thereby supplying hot soft, cold soft and hard filtered drinking water. Hard water is good for drinking while soft water is beneficial for bathing and uses that do not involve the actual consumption of water.

No. A special fixing kit incorporating a tee piece is available locally thereby allowing further supplies of filtered water to be drawn off from a single unit.

Our Triflow Systems are not a water softener, and unlike some filters, they do not reduce the minerals essential to good health and taste. Calcium and magnesium, perhaps the most essential of these minerals, are the cause of scaling. When water is boiled, some of the temporary hardness in the form of calcium carbonate is precipitated out. In extreme cases this results in the appearance of white flecks in the boiled water or as a surface film on tea and coffee. A special cartridge is available for customers concerned mainly with scale prevention.

Care should be taken not to damage the plated or painted finish of the tap. To clean the unit all that is required is to gently wipe over the surface with a soft damp cloth. You should not under any circumstances use proprietary abrasive liquids, powders, or scouring pads to clean the tap.

No. Our Triflow Systems have been designed as a complete system with the filtration system as an integral part of it. Our Triflow Systems are not designed to work with any other filters and adapting it to do so will invalidate the warranty.

The system is not designed to reduce nitrates and while it will reduce a certain percentage this can be regarded as accidental. The actual reduction depends on whether or not any of the nitrate present is organically bound. There has been a lot of misinformation in the media about the dangers of nitrate in drinking water and a fact sheet dealing with this topic is available on request.

Yes. The base of the Triflow System conforms with International standards relating to the diameter of the tap base and mounting hole. An additional 30mm hole will be required for a Triflow with rinse. (This is an optional accessory.)