Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a ceramic water filter?

A: There are important reasons why you should choose stoneware water purifiers:

1. Gravity fed ceramic water purifiers are easy to maintain, easy to use and are attractive additions to your home or office.
2. Ceramic water filters are highly portable, they need no plumbing and they need no electricity.
3. They are a highly effective barrier to particles and pathogens.
4. The replacement stoneware water filters are relatively inexpensive to use, a 6 month filter lasting 1000 litres normally sells for less than $30.00 making each litre costing approximately 3 cents.
5. Stoneware water purifiers are self-sterilising, they are made from 100% natural elements and they do not remove those minerals from the water which are beneficial to health.
6. Pottery water purifiers make the water taste better, they keep the water cool naturally.

If you purchase water purifier manufactured by Southern Cross Pottery you can choose from a wide selection of 40 colour combinations. Our water purifiers are all Australian made with high fire porcelaneous stoneware which is mold and mildew resistant.

When does a ceramic filter need cleaning and how do I clean it?

A: Once the flow out of the pottery filter becomes noticeably less than normal which is usually due to the buildup of sediments on the outer ceramic of the stoneware water filter. To clean simply remove the pottery filter from the stoneware purifier and scrape the surface with the back of a knife under running water or by using a scouring pad (similar to 3M scotchbrite. Never use soap or detergents as they can leave a residual.

When does a ceramic water filter candle need replacing?

A: Usually evry 12 months or 2000 litres.

What happens if I leave the stoneware filter unused for a period of time?

A: If normal use of the pottery water filter is interrupted by holidays or vacation, growth of harmless heterotrophic bacteria may result in a flat or stale taste for a period of time when use of the stoneware water filter resumes. Flushing the water purifier filter system for several minutes after any prolonged period of inactivity should eliminate the problem.

Will my water purifier remove flouride?

A: Yes if you purchase a SCP Fluoride Plus™ filter.

Does the pH of my drinking water increase when I use the ceramic filter?

A: There will be a slight increase in the pH of water passed through the ceramic filter due to the presence of the mineral Wollastonite in the ceramic. Wollastonite is slightly soluble and alkaline, so may partly dissolve in the water as it passes through the ceramic water filter causing a minor pH shift which is harmless.

Does the Southern Cross Pottery water purifier include a filter when a purchase is made?

A: Yes, either a 12 month Doulton Super Sterasyl or a 12 month SCP Fluoride Plus™ is included with a new water purifier.

Where can I buy replacement water filter candles?

A: Replacement water filters are available from most Health Food shops and many hardware shops as well as from Southern Cross Pottery. If purchasing from Southern Cross Pottery online there are two ways to purchase: If you are already buying a new water purifier, a filter or a number of stoneware water filters can be ordered with no additional freight cost, just follow the prompts in the checkout. If you are looking to purchase ONLY a stoneware water replacement, this can be ordered through the Replacement Component page of the website.

Does the filter for the ceramic purifier need to be the same as to what was included in my purchase?

A: No. Any gravity fed ceramic water filter will work including those manufactured by Australis, Waterco, Pozzani and Stefani but we highly recommend that you purchase a Royal Doulton Super Sterasyl or a SCP Fluoride Plus™ filter.

Can I buy a replacement filter direct online from Southern Cross Pottery?

A: Yes. As discussed in question 8.

Does Southern Cross Pottery have any retail outlets?

A: Southern Cross Pottery has dozens of outlets all over Australia but none overseas. Please see our Outlets page.

Are the water purifiers shipped from SCP exactly the same colour as displayed on your website?

A: We endeavour to match the colours as closely as we can but as all of our pottery water purifiers are hand made and hand decorated it is impossible to match them exactly. We have been perfecting these high fire stoneware reduction glazes over 20 years and the match is virtually the same except for the Contemporary Collection which are individual one-offs.

What happens if I purchase a water purifier and it arrives broken?

A: All water purifers that are sent from Southern Cross Pottery are insured and any broken piece will be replaced at no charge.

Does the water purifier come with a warranty?

A: Yes. The water purifier comes with a 12 month replacement warranty.

How fast does the gravity fed candle filter water?

A: Water is filtered at a rate of 1 to 1.5 litres per hour.