Pelican Water
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Carbon replacement is an expensive, tricky, and time consuming process
After five years it was time for me to replace the carbon media in my PC-600. I called Customer Service for assistance. They were friendly and informative, however, that did not prevent me from having an unfavorable experience. First, it costs over $200 for the carbon replacement kit, which is basically a sack of coconut shell carbon plus about $10 worth of plastic parts. The replacement job is tricky, but it is expected to be a DIY. I did try calling two of the plumbers on the recommended list supplied by Pelican, including the company that installed the system, but neither returned my call. Pelican did supply a YouTube link which clearly explains the procedure, so I endeavored to do the job myself. Every step of the way I watched the video, and reviewed the written instructions and it went flawlessly up to the point where I emptied and discarded the old media, poured in new media, and left it soaking for 48 hours. The covering for my tube was made of plastic and it disintegrated when I removed it. I reported this to Customer Service and they informed me that Pelican discontinued using plastic, my five year old system did not guarantee replacement, and I would have to purchase as stainless steel cover from them for $143. So the 48-hour soaking period was extended several days while I waited for the new tube covering. When the covering came, it did not fit over my tube. Customer Service was pleasant and agreed to send me a new tube for no extra cost. I had to wait another week for it to arrive. Then I had to empty the soaked media from the old tube, remove the down tube and place it in the new tank, and carefully pour in the soaked media into the new tank. Now I am in the 72-hour period of not using high flow appliances, such as laundry and dish washer, and my water will be charcoal tinted for about 10 days. This part is normal for everybody. You replace the old carbon and soak the new for 48 hours. For the next 72 hours, you have to bypass the system when you use laundry of dishwasher. For me it took much longer. I have spent $350 and engaged in a month long process, just to complete the media replacement that needs to be done every five years.