What Restaurant Owners Should Know About Restaurant Re-Openings

As more and more states start to lift restrictions and restaurants are starting to re-open, we thought this would be a great opportunity for us to share a few things that restaurant owners and operators should know.

The information in this blog post is provided by our partners at Pentair.

We are aware that as a restaurant owner or operator, you are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your customers. Sanitizing surfaces, wearing face coverings, socially distanced dining, etc. are extremely important, but something that might not be top of mind is your restaurant’s filtration system.

Filtration systems that are used in restaurants are designed to be operated continuously with only relatively short periods of downtime (overnight and holidays). When a system is shut down for an extended amount of time, there is a potential for microbiologic growth. To address concerns with system operation after a shutdown, we’ve shared some instructions below.

These instructions apply to all Pentair filtration systems (i.e., pre-filters, carbon-based cartridges, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems).

For systems that can be periodically flushed: In cases where a system must be down for an extended amount of time, but are still able to be operated, the system should be flushed every 3-4 days.

For Filtration Systems:

Flush the system for a minimum of 5 minutes by letting the outlet water run to the drain.  For systems with multiple outlet ports, flush for a minimum of 5 minutes through all ports.

For RO Systems:

Empty the tank through the outlet port until the pump turns on. Once the pump is on, flush the system for 10 minutes by letting the outlet water run to the drain.  For systems with multiple outlet ports, flush through all ports.

For systems that have been shut down for less than or equal to 7 Days:

For Filtration systems:

When a system is ready to be put back into regular operation, flush the system for a minimum of 5 minutes by letting the outlet water run to the drain and then proceed as normal.  For a system that has multiple outlet ports, flush for a minimum of 5 minutes through all ports.

For RO systems:

When a system is ready to be put back into regular operation, empty the tank through the outlet port until the pump turns on.  Once the pump is on, flush the system for 10 minutes by letting the outlet water run to the drain and then proceed as normal.  For the systems with multiple outlet ports, flush for a minimum of 10 minutes through all ports.

For systems that have been shut down for greater than 7 days:

All Systems (Filtration and RO): 

Remove all existing filtration elements that are present in the system (pre-filters, carbon filters &/or RO cartridges) and dispose of. To disinfect the system, follow the proper instructions in the applicable Installation and Operations Guide for that specific system.

After the disinfection process is complete, replace the filtration elements with all new pre-filters, carbon filters &/or RO cartridges. Flush the system as instructed in the applicable IO Guide to complete the procedure.

For Softeners:

Initiate a manual regeneration.

For shutdowns greater than 30 days:

Softeners

Disinfect per the Installation and Operation Guide for that specific unit.  Generally speaking– it is adding some bleach to the brine tank before initiating manual regeneration.

The above information is provided with the following assumptions:

• Incoming water is potable.
• There is no boil-water advisory or boil-water order issued by the applicable public health or governmental authority.
• The system is being maintained within the normal operating temperature and other conditions as outlined in the applicable specification sheet.

If you have concerns or cannot confirm these assumptions for the system, follow the instructions above under the section entitled “For systems that have been shut down for greater than 7 days”.

For more information on how to replace your commercial water filter cartridge or how to choose the right commercial water filter cartridge, click here.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website or the WHO’s website.

Are you interested in purchasing Pentair filtration systems and/or filters for your business? Please email us at [email protected] or click here to learn more about FiltersFast.com Business Services.