Brita Ultramax Filter Priming: Required Before First Use
Brita Standard (OB03) and Longlast (OB06) filters must be primed before installation. Hold the filter under cold running tap water for 15 seconds. This saturates the activated carbon media and flushes the loose carbon fines that cause black specks in the first few pours. Do not skip priming -- un-primed filters release carbon dust into the first pitcherful of filtered water, which is harmless but visually off-putting. After priming, snap the filter into the reservoir opening until it clicks.
First Fill and Flush Procedure
After installing the primed filter in the Ultramax reservoir, fill the upper tank with cold tap water. Allow it to filter through completely into the lower storage section. Discard this first filtered batch -- it flushes remaining manufacturing residue and stabilizes the carbon bed. Fill and filter a second batch; this water is safe for consumption. The filter is now fully commissioned and will deliver approximately 40 gallons (Standard) or 120 gallons (Longlast) before replacement.
Brita Stream Pitcher Setup
The Stream filter (RF-100) installs in the pour-spout housing rather than the reservoir. Remove the pour spout cap, insert the RF-100 filter with the flat end facing the pitcher body, and press until it seats. There is no priming step for the Stream filter -- it is designed to filter as you pour, and the media is pre-conditioned at the factory. Fill the Stream pitcher with cold tap water. The first pour may be slightly slow as the filter media wets; subsequent pours flow at the rated speed.
Brita Hub Under-Sink Faucet Installation
The Brita Hub requires shutting off the cold water supply, tapping into the cold supply line using the included saddle valve, connecting the filter housing in-line, and running a supply tube to the dedicated Hub faucet. The Hub faucet requires a 1.375-inch hole in the sink deck. Follow the Hub installation manual for the complete step sequence, as the saddle valve installation varies by supply line size (3/8-inch vs 1/2-inch). The Hub cartridge snaps into the housing without tools -- no wrench required for cartridge changes.
Filter Status Indicator
Brita Ultramax dispensers include the Brita Memo filter replacement sticker -- a paper wheel you rotate after each replacement to track the replacement date. Electronic filter indicators (BPA-free LED counter) are available on the Brita Everyday and Stream pitchers but not on the base Ultramax model. If you lose track, replace the Standard filter every 2 months and the Longlast filter every 6 months under normal residential use rather than relying on appearance, since a visually clear filter can still be exhausted.