How the T-18 Whole House Water Filter Works | 8-Stage | Crystal Flow H2O

Crystal Flow H2O

916-400-0725 Buy

916-400-0725 Buy

The TipaTech T-18 is a patented whole-house system engineered to help release undissolved air and oxygen-derived gases, help reduce lead leaching from household plumbing, and deliver mineral-preserving whole-house filtration. Here's how the 8-stage process is designed to work — actual performance varies by source water quality and installation conditions.

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Free U.S. shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee · 5-year limited warranty

Direct installation in Northern California · partner installers coordinated nationwide on request · 916-400-0725

T-18 8-Stage Filtration System Diagram

Stage 1 – Air Release

Engineered to help release undissolved air and certain gases (sulfur-related, radon-related, chlorine, ammonia). Helps manage corrosive conditions and limit microbial growth within the system.

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Stage 2 – Semi-Precious Metal

Engineered to help reduce limescale formation (up to ~99% in pipes/tanks, varies by water hardness), and to help reduce chlorine and certain heavy metals.

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Stage 3 – Ceramic Balls

Adsorbs arsenic, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and industrial contaminants.

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Stage 4 – Mg²⁺ (Optional)

Optional magnesium enrichment up to ~60 mg/L, designed to help maintain balanced mineral composition and improved taste.

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Stage 5 – PF Filter

~1-micron polypropylene fibers engineered to help reduce cyst-sized particulates, microplastic fibers, rust, and sediment.

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Stage 6 – Multi Magnetic Sleeve

4 Neodymium magnets cause flocculation; particles captured by PF filter. Reduces red water.

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Stage 7 – Jet

Centrifuges water, washes away contaminants. Self-cleaning maintenance stage.

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Stage 8 – Flushing Faucet

Drain contaminants without opening filter. 30-sec monthly flush, ~5 gallons. No electricity.

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Click any stage above for full details

1

Air Release

Patented Technology

The first stage is designed to help release undissolved air and oxygen-derived gases from the water stream. Where present in source water, this process is engineered to help reduce certain gases that can affect water taste and odor — including sulfur-related, radon-related, chlorine, and ammonia gases. Some are detectable by smell; others are not.

By helping reduce undissolved gases within the system, the design is engineered to help limit internal conditions that can support aerobic microbial growth within the filtration pathway. This step is also designed to help manage corrosive conditions that can contribute to lead leaching from pipes, and to help reduce limescale formation.

Engineered to help release undissolved air and certain gases (sulfur-related, radon-related, chlorine, ammonia)
Subject to source water composition and system configuration
Designed to help limit internal conditions that support aerobic microbial growth within the filtration pathway
Engineered to help manage corrosive conditions in household plumbing
Designed to help reduce lead leaching from pipes (varies by plumbing and water chemistry)
Engineered to help reduce limescale formation without salt or chemical softeners

Why it matters: Patented air-release design is a core differentiator of the TipaTech platform. Actual performance varies by source water quality, plumbing configuration, and operating conditions.

2

Semi-Precious Metal

Scale & Chemical Treatment

Water passes through a semi-precious metal stage engineered to:

Help reduce limescale formation in pipes and tanks (up to ~99%, varies by water hardness and operating conditions)
Support steady water flow by helping limit scale-related restrictions
Help protect heat-transfer surfaces of boilers and cooling systems from scale buildup
Help reduce long-term maintenance related to scale
Help reduce chlorine and certain heavy metals (subject to influent water quality)

Result: Helps support longer appliance lifespan and steadier water flow. Actual savings vary by water chemistry, household usage, and appliance condition.

3

Ceramic Balls

Adsorption Media

Water flows through ceramic adsorption media designed to:

Support adsorption of certain contaminants, including arsenic-related compounds (subject to influent water quality)
Help reduce contaminants associated with agricultural runoff, where present in source water
Help reduce certain industrial chemical residues and pesticide-related compounds
Help reduce certain radioactive-element compounds (per TipaTech literature, including uranium- and thorium-related constituents), subject to influent water quality
Contribute to overall multi-stage contaminant reduction

Optional anti-radioactive cartridge: TipaTech offers an optional anti-radioactive cartridge for source-specific applications. Schedule a free 10-minute consult if your tap or well source has documented radiological concerns.

4

Mg²⁺ (Magnesium Enrichment) — Optional

Optional Mineral Enrichment

The optional fourth stage is designed to introduce magnesium ions to help maintain balanced mineral composition in treated water (target levels up to ~60 mg/L, depending on configuration):

Supports balanced mineral composition and improved taste characteristics
Particularly relevant for low-mineral or desalinated source water
Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral commonly discussed in nutrition science
Delivers smoother-tasting water with naturally balanced mineral content
Actual mineral levels vary based on source water composition and configuration

Note: Magnesium plays a role in normal physiological functions when obtained as part of a balanced diet and hydration routine. Water treatment systems are not medical devices and do not treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

5

PF Filter (Polypropylene Fibers)

~1-Micron Nominal Filtration

A polypropylene-fiber filter stage with nominal ~1-micron performance designed to help reduce:

Cyst-sized particulates commonly associated with organisms such as Giardia (depending on source water)
Microplastic fibers
Rust particles and sediment
Fine particulate matter that contributes to cloudiness and turbidity

For context: ~1 micron is roughly 1/100th the width of a human hair. Actual reduction levels vary by source water, flow rate, and operating conditions.

6

Multi Magnetic Sleeve

Magnetic Flocculation

Water passes through a multi-magnetic sleeve made of pure silicone containing:

4 strong Neodymium magnets creating a constant symmetrical magnetic field
Causes flocculation to light metals such as Calcium and Ferrum (Iron)
Makes particles stick together so they can be stopped by the PF filter
Decreases levels of "red water" from passing into your home
Improves overall water clarity

💡 Innovation: This magnetic flocculation stage is engineered to help reduce dissolved-metal particulates that would otherwise pass through standard filters.

7

Jet (Maintenance Stage)

Self-Cleaning Technology

The jet stage ensures proper operation and water quality:

Centrifuges water inside the filter
Washes away all contaminants accumulated in the system
Maintains filter efficiency over time
Extends the life of filtration media

Maintenance: This self-cleaning mechanism keeps your filter working at peak performance without requiring frequent manual cleaning.

8

Flushing Faucet

Easy Maintenance

The final maintenance stage allows for easy cleaning:

Drain all accumulated contaminants without opening the filter
No electricity required (automatic flush is optional)
Flushed water is safe for irrigation or can return to ground
Quick 30-second monthly flush recommended
Uses only about 5 gallons of water per flush

💡 Eco-Friendly: The flushed water is completely safe and can be used to water your garden. No harmful chemicals or waste — truly green technology.

How to Flush a T-18 (Monthly Maintenance — 30 Seconds)

The T-18 is engineered for hands-off operation. The only routine maintenance is a quick monthly flush via the dedicated flushing faucet built into the system. Total time: approximately 30 seconds. No tools, no electricity, no filter removal.

Locate the T-18 flushing faucet. On your installed T-18 system, locate the dedicated flushing faucet (typically on the lower portion of the filter housing). The faucet is engineered to drain accumulated contaminants without opening the filter.
Open the flushing faucet for approximately 30 seconds. Turn the flushing faucet open. The jet stage centrifuges water inside the filter and washes away contaminants that have accumulated in the system over the prior month. No electricity or tools are required.
Close the flushing faucet. After approximately 30 seconds (roughly 5 gallons of flushed water), close the faucet. The system returns immediately to normal operation; no rest, soak, or reset is required.
Direct the flushed water (optional). The flushed water is safe for irrigation or can return to ground. Many T-18 installations route the flush line directly to a landscape drip system, gravel bed, or graywater outlet. An optional automatic-flush kit is available if you prefer hands-off monthly maintenance.

Watch How T-18 Works

T-18 Manual (PDF) · Installation guide (PDF)

Technical Specifications

Flow Rate

~1,300 gal/hr

For 1-inch pipes - no pressure drops

Filtration

1 Micron

Traps parasites & microplastics

Cartridge Life

6-12 Months

Depending on water quality & usage

Maintenance

30 sec/month

Quick flush - ~5 gallons of water

Scale Reduction

Up to ~99%

Internal pipes & tanks (~50% external; up to ~99% internal & external with Omega Extension; varies by hardness)

Operating Pressure

30–80 psi

2.06–5.5 bar; install pressure regulator at max 58 psi if line > 80 psi

Connections

1" BSP/NPT

In/out 1" BSP female; 1" NPT adapters included

Warranty

5 Years

Limited warranty with registration

Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI/CAN 372-2022 (Lead-Free), IAPMO R&T, UPC, Water Quality Platinum Seal · Manufactured by TipaTech (in business since 2004); Crystal Flow H2O is the authorized U.S. dealer.

Important per TipaTech manual: The T-18 is designed for municipal water supplies. It must not be installed on hot-water lines, and should not be used with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown origin without adequate disinfection upstream. Performance varies based on the specific characteristics of the water being treated.

Optional Upgrade

Omega Extension

The Omega Extension is a dedicated upgrade module designed to connect to the T-18 and enhance performance where water conditions require deeper, more precise treatment.

What It Does:

✓ Boosts limescale reduction to 99% throughout entire plumbing (T-18 alone: 99% inside pipes, 50% outside)
✓ Assists in pH balancing and mineral stabilization
✓ Enhanced reduction of chemicals, pharmaceutical residues, pesticides (including arsenic-based compounds)
✓ Reduces organic compounds and unpleasant tastes/odors
✓ No electricity, no chemicals — same eco-friendly engineering as T-18

$199

Omega Extension Module

Omega Module

See the Omega Extension in Action

Source-Specific Add-On

Arsenic Extension + Seal

A source-specific T-18 add-on for homes with documented arsenic or radiological exceedances. The T-18 already includes ceramic adsorption media that helps reduce arsenic-related compounds; the Arsenic Extension adds a targeted layer for higher-exposure sources.

When to Add It:

✓ Your EWG Tap Water Database report shows arsenic above 1 ppb
✓ You’re on a private well in sandy or volcanic-bearing soil (common in Western U.S., upper Midwest, parts of New England)
✓ Documented uranium- or thorium-related radiological concerns
✓ Agricultural-runoff communities with arsenic-related compounds in groundwater
✓ Free U.S. shipping · Adds to T-18 only · Includes seal kit

Performance varies by source water and operating conditions; results not guaranteed. Per TipaTech literature.

$199

Arsenic Extension Module

Arsenic vs. Omega Extension — which do I need?

What Makes T-18 Unique

Patented Air-Release

Engineered to help release undissolved air and oxygen-derived gases from the water stream

Lead-Leaching Reduction

Engineered to help reduce lead leaching from household plumbing by helping manage corrosive conditions

Up to ~99% Scale Reduction

Engineered to help reduce limescale formation without full demineralization (varies by water hardness)

No Electricity Required

Fully hydraulic operation — designed to work during power outages

Ready to Experience 8-Stage Whole-House Filtration?

Join thousands of households with TipaTech systems installed — shipped and supported by your authorized dealer in Northern California.

Free U.S. shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee · 5-year limited warranty · Questions? 📞 916-400-0725

Not sure if you need the T-18, the LotusDY, or both? → See the T-18 vs LotusDY side-by-side comparison