·        How do I know if there are Zebra Mussels in my lake?

·         Studies have shown that the Zebra Mussel has the potential of contaminating every fresh water lake in North America. (See the animated map to see if your area has had any reported sightings) Look for the Zebra Mussel on your dock leg, bottom of your boat, or their favourite spot, the foot valve of your pump.  If you find sharp shells on the beach, than you have an active colony.

·         Why do I need a filter?

·         The ZeeStop filter unit is a mechanical device, which filters the water before it enters your system removing sand, silt and Zebra Mussels. Adult Zebra Mussels will cling to the outside of your foot valve and plug up the water flow from the outside.  The microscopic Veliger (the stage before adult hood) will enter your system and mature in the line.  They will cling to each other and eventually form an obstruction, which stops the water flow from the inside.  As the Zebra Mussel dies in your line at the end of their life cycle, the shells will be released and go through your pump and into your water supply.  Enough sharp shells going into your pump and kitchen equipment could cause damage.  With two square feet of filter area per bag the Zee Stop unit stop the adult Zebra Mussel from completely covering the outside of the water intake and it also protects from the microscopic Veligers from entering your system.

·         Will the ZeeStop filter unit fit on my submersible pump?

·         ZeeStop currently offers a filter unit for a submersible pump price on request.

·        I have a piston pump. Will your filter work with my pump?

·         Yes. The ZeeStop filter unit is designed to connect ahead of your existing foot valve on your piston or jet pump. You must keep in mind that it takes a certain amount of power to pull the water through the ZeeStop filter unit.  An old pump in poor condition or a pump at its maximum capacity before you install the ZeeStop unit may have difficulty moving the water through the filter. Or will seem to plug up after only limited use.  A strong pump with the proper offset and lift (distance and height) from the lake will have no problem operating properly.

·         Can the filter be used year round?

·         The filter bags come in 2 different micron sizes. The standard filter bag shipped with every ZeeStop E model is a 25-micron nominal ( 100 absolute ). This filter bag is suitable for year round use. 

·  The optional filter bag is 1-micron nominal (25 absolute) bag that should not be used in under ice conditions.

  (See web page section)

·     For winter applications we suggest using two ZeeStop units together for under ice use.

·    I have Zebra Mussels on my dock.  Should I install a filter?

·         If you have Zebra Mussels on your dock then you most certainly will have some on or around your water intake. The Zebra Mussel relies on water movement to bring food to them.  The lapping of the water against your dock leg is movement, and so is the water being pulled into your cottage.

·         How long will the filter bag last?

·         Depending upon the clarity and the volume of water used, the life expectancy of the bag will vary. Generally, for cottage use one bag will last a season. Lawn watering and particularly dirty water will drastically reduce filter bag life.

·         Can the bags be cleaned?

·         Yes. The bags can be cleaned by gently brushing the debris off with a nylon brush.

·         Do I have to shut off the water to clean the bag?

·         The water does not have to be shut off to clean or to change the bag. You must however not try to draw water into the cottage when the unit is above the surface.  Starting the pump with the unit above the water may cause you to lose the prime.

·         What is the surface area of the filter bag?

·         The bag has 2 square feet of surface area.

·         Can I install this unit myself?

·         The ZeeStop unit is easily installed the only tool required is a screw driver. See slide show for installation instructions.  It is so easy any cottage handyman can do it. Or if you prefer your local plumber can install the unit.

·         Do I need any other fittings to install this?

·         The Zee-Stop unit will attach using your existing 1 1/4" adaptor and foot valve. No other fittings are required.

·    Can I tie the filter to the leg of my dock?

·    Yes many customers prefer to tie the unit to their dock just below the surface of the water.

·    How deep does the water have to be for the filter to work?

·    The water only has to be deep enough to cover the filter. However four to five feet is ideal

·    Can I wash the bag in my washing machine?

·  Filter bags should be cleaned by hand with a plastic scrub brush so the sealing surface is not damaged. You are trying to keep the Zebra Mussels and their Veligers out of your system. Don’t invite them in on a dirty bag.

·    I put a new bag on and it plugged up after a few weeks.  What can I do?

·    Heavy debris in the water from spring run off, storms, a lot of sediment in the water or very high usage like lawn watering will cause the filter bag to plug up faster than normal. Try to find a location for the filter where the water is cleaner.  The bag does requires periodic cleaning. If you require higher water volumes than you may connect several units together to increase capacity.

·    My pump runs and runs and I have no water.  What is wrong?

·    The filter bag may need to be cleaned or replaced.

·    I put the ZeeStop unit on but my pump won't pump water.

·    Make sure the plumbing connections, done during installation are watertight and the pump is primed. The ZeeStop filter must be fully submerged to work.

·    What can I do about the Zebra Mussels all ready in my pipes?

·    Chlorinating will kill zebra muscle Veligers and adults in your water intake. You may want to have your local plumber do this for you.

·    Do I need to replace my water line when I install the filter?

·    If you think there may be muscles already living in your pipe you should replace or chlorinate the line.

·    The top of the filter sticks out of the water. Is this ok?

·    To get the full 2sq. ft. of surface area from your filter and to make sure you don’t lose the prime in your pump the entire filter must be underwater.

·    The bag looks dirty now should I replace it?

·    The bag is white and will look dirty soon after it is installed. It will need to be replaced when the pump can no longer draw water through it. Periodic cleaning will extend the life of the bag.

·    My old foot valve looks yucky.  Is it ok to use?

·    You may replace your foot valve, adapter and clamp when you install the ZeeStop unit for piece of mind, but the old ones are ok to use providing they are in good working condition and clean.

·    Can I just lay the filter on the rocks like I did the foot valve?

·    The ZeeStop unit will operate on its side but must be protected from rubbing against the bottom as this may ware a hole in the bag.

·    Can I water my lawn and garden using the filter?

·    The life expectancy of the filter bag is directly related to the clarity and volume of water used the more water used, the sooner the bag will need to be replaced.

·    Can the Zebra Mussels get into my cottage pipes?

·    Without a properly sized filter on the intake line the Veligers can be drawn in with the water when the pump is running. They can then make their way into your pipes and kitchen appliances.

·    We live at the cottage all summer and have a washing machine and dishwasher.  Will one filter unit be enough?

·    A single filter unit is normally enough for a single-family dwelling using the average amount of water, depending on the clarity. If your water is particularly dirty all summer long you will need to clean or replace your filter bag more often.     

·    We are only at the cottage on weekends and do not do laundry there.  Do we need two filter units? 

·    Two filter units on a low volume system would be recommended only as a convenience for the cottage owner.  With twice the filter area the bag would be cleaned half as often.  Two ZeeStop filter units are always recommended when units are for use under ice.

·    Can the Zebra Mussels get into my well?

·    Zebra muscles stop reproducing when the water temp. drops to 12 C.  Our information is that they would not thrive in water as cold as well water.

·    Will your filter make the water safe to drink?