Frequently Asked Questions
General and Background
1. Is Stefani the name of the product or the manufacturer?
Stefani is the family name of the four brothers who founded the company, Ceramica Stefani in Brazil, 60 years ago.
Click here for the story and slide show of the Stefani factory tour in Jabbotibicabal, Brazil.
2. How mature is the product in the marketplace?"
The Stefani Water Purifiers are in use in many parts of the world like Australia, South Africa, East Africa and now England and the US. The products have been in longer use in the warmer countries as the cooling and filtarion process are welcome in countries where "refrigeration space" is prime.
The products were launched in the Canadian Marketplace at the Green Living Show on April 27, 28, 29 of 2007 by LifeSpices the exlcusive distributors in Canada."
Filtration & Comparison with other systems
3. How effective is the filtration process is the top question asked?
This is addressed under the How it works section.
Download Independent Laboratory Results for Stefani Candle Filtration.
4. How does the Stefani Purification System Compare to other Counter-top Filters?
- The Stefani Purification System has a more effective particle retention membrane, therefore filters the water more finely;
- They are longer lasting then other commonly used filters , each Stefani candle lasts 700 liters while some those of others only support 151 liters;
- Besides filtering and dechlorinating the water, the Stefani purifiers also sterilize the water by the properties of colloidal silver;
- They have a higher biodegradable composition percentage;
- They cool the water naturally using the natural evaporative properties of terracotta;
- They are handmade by Brazilian Artists, being considered an artistic expression of the Brazilian culture, therefore also used as decorative products.
For additional information click here.
5. Is there risk of any lead in the clay reservoirs?
None. The clay is sterilized and cleaned before use.
6. Is there any risk of mildew?
None with proper maintenance and cleaning. The purifiers are coated with mildew retardant. Also, the bottom chambers for all the models in Canada are coated with Silver colloidal providing further protection against bacteria. We recommend you place the unit on a rigid, water resistant grid to create aeration around the unit.
Maintenance & Assembly
7. How do I set-up my new Water Purifier?
- Before use rinse out the top and bottom chambers of the purifier to remove any dust that may have settled.
- Soak the candle in the kitchen sink for 2 hours; this gets rid of any fibre or loose particles.
- Fit the tap into the hole in the lower chamber with a seal on each side of the terracotta chamber. Wet the seals first to create a tighter fit.
- Hold the locking nut in place and tighten by turning the tap from the outside.
- Install the Candle in the top chamber (sits vertically in the top unit with the spout flowing down into the lower chamber).
- Attach the float valve (if provided with model).
Then, simply fill the top chamber with water, which will drip through the purifying candle to the bottom chamber - Gravity flow will purify about 1 litre per hour. When you are first setting it up it does seem like eternity but this is most noticeable when you are starting it up.
The reason for the 2 chambers is to keep the water flowing from the top to bottom. You don't have to worry about waiting for the top chamber to completely empty as the flow valve in the bottom unit below the filter takes care of shutting of the flow and stopping any overflow.
8. How do I maintain my new Water Purifier?
- Exterior walls:Simply clean the water purifier with a damp cloth;
- Interior of the Purifier: Rinse with cold water;
- Never use soap or other detergents;
- Never use HOT water.
9. I rinsed the unit out several times and the water still has a clay taste?
The clay taste will eventually disappear and it can take up to 21 days. However, you might want to try the following to accelerate the process:
- Soak the units overnight;
- Allow the water to flow through the entire unit for about a week. I put my purifier on the edge of the sink and just left the tap open and kept filling the top with water.
- If you are a user and know of other helpful techniques, please share these with us using our contact form.
"I had to flush the water through the filter about 10 or so times. In other words, I had to let the water drip through, which took many hours, and then do it again about 10 times. At first I too was disappointed because the water tasted strange but after flushing it through (and it did take about a week), it tasted really fine. I hope your client 's are very cool and appreciate the simplicity of the Stefani but they have to be patient. The filter has lasted about six months but now the water is tasting like the filter is not working anymore. I really like the look of the Stefani and the water stays cool." -- D. Turnbull, May 25, 2007
Filter Maintenance
10. How do I maintain the Ceramic Filters?
- For Best results, the ceramic candle needs to be cleaned regularly and should be replaced periodically.
- The frequency will depend on the condition of the water supply.
11. How do I clean the filter?
- First remove it from the purifier unit.
- Hold the candle under gently running water and using a stiff brush removes the visible impurities from the candles surface.
- Clean the ceramic filter with a soft brush
- Running water briefly in reverse through the filter candle will remove any possible blockage.
- Never use soap or detergents on the candle.
12. The water filtration is really slow?
A reduced flow of water into the bottom chamber is an indication that cleaning is necessary. Solid contaminates in the water are blocking the fine pores on the surface of the ceramic candle and must be cleaned off.
13. Water has stopped flowing through the filter?
The Filter is blocked with impurities and needs cleaning. Follow instructions in point 11 above.
14. How do I know the filter needs replacing?
The activated charcoals in the purifying filter overtime, will eventually get saturated and become ineffective. This is an indication that the purifying candle needs replacing.
Each filter should have a life of around 4-6 months (depending on water usage). Replacement filters are readily available from lifespices or calling us at 416-619-9131.
The Stefani Water Purifiers are designed for use with municipally treated tap or well water.
LifeSpices,the distributor makes no claims beyond the manufacturer's and available tests done by laboratories.
The Manufacturer Ceramica Stefani is a founding member of the US Water Quality Association and is currently in process for an application for certification with NSF (the authority on water standards in North America).
