Are Neti Pots Dangerous?

What Happened? 

Recent news articles have linked Neti-Pots with users dying, so we wanted to pass along what we know and what you should consider.

Celebrity endorsements and maybe just the times has resulted in large numbers of us using Neti Pots whether to ward off colds or to clear sinus infections. So if something is supposed to be good for you, how can we stay safe.

From what we have been able to find, there have been 2 deaths directly linked to Neti Pot use. In both cases, a rare water borne amoeba was the cause. This little creature is generally only dangerous when it is introduced directly into  the brain - like through sensitive sinus tissues.

We don't know if these users were using treated water, but treated water - even if it kills 99% of these organisms - could still pose a threat.

The salt solutions should generally sterilize the water, but to be on the safe side, we are recommending to use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up your solution.

Demand on our water systems, new measurement methods and new techniques are constantly changing our thoughts about water. We try our best to keep informed so that we can better keep you informed.

Reverse Osmosis Maintenance

REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING

Normal maintenance includes regular replacement of prefilter and post filter. System should also be sanitized periodically. Maintenance procedures are in your manual or on our website www.holmeswater.com.

If your system is not working properly please call us to service the system. If you wish to troubleshoot on your own, you will find some steps in the owner’s manual. In order for us to diagnose problems and make recommendations without checking the unit, we need to know the following answers.  

1. What equipment do you have? Make and Model? If you purchased it from us, we should have a record for you. 
2. How old is the system? 
3. Are you running out of water with the same usage pattern as before when you didn’t run out? 
4. Is the water quality okay? 
5. When were the prefilter and post filter last changed? 
6. When, if ever was the membrane or RO filter changed? 
7. Are all of the valves turned on – Main supply valve, Leak Controller, Tank Valve? 
8. With all valves still turned on and you are experiencing the problem: 
1. Does the storage tank feel full? An empty tank weighs a couple of pounds - full, it may weigh up to 20#. 
2. Can you hear any water running at the unit? 
3. Open the faucet to drain the water from the system – it should slow to a steady drip or trickle 
4. Measure the water dripping from the faucet. You should get 1 cup in less than 5 minutes. How long to get 1 cup? 
5. This is the best time to take a water sample for purity. What is the Total Dissolved Solids measurement? (you may need to bring a sample to our office) 
9. Close the main supply valve, leaving the faucet turned on 
1. With the storage tank empty, measure the air pressure in the tank using a suitable tire gauge,etc. Air pressure should be 5-7 psi if the unit is under the sink, 10 psi if it is in the basement. Air pressure? 
2. Disconnect the drain line. 
3. Direct any water from the drain line to a bowl or other suitable collector 
4. Open the main supply valve 
5. Measure the water dripping from the drain line – How long to get 1 cup? 
6. Turn off the faucet  
7. Does the water dripping to drain stop within a few minutes? 
10. Don’t forget to reconnect everything and open all valves when finished. 
11. If these instructions do not make sense to you, we suggest you have one of our certified service technicians repair your system.

These tips are provided as a convenience for our customers to provide a guide for self service. They will not apply to all systems. 

As always, be careful when working on water treatment systems. Double check that water is turned off before taking anything apart and that everything is reconnected properly before turning on the water.