So you’ve invested in and installed an Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System to make sure the water at your home, cottage or cabin is bacteria-free for your family, right? Great! 

For your UV system, you know that the lamp needs to be replaced after a year of use... but you're not sure how to replace it? Perhaps you're wondering... Can you do it yourself to save money or do you need a licensed plumber? How do you know which replacement lamp you need? How do you reset the countdown timer?

If you're a rural home, cottage or cabin owner who is looking to replace their UV lamp themselves to save on money and the hassle of arranging to have someone do it for you, I'll show you how to do that yourself right now.  

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

You can easily order your replacement UV lamp at a discount from our online store, then do it yourself! But how difficult is it really? I’m going to share all of my tips and tricks and guide you through the whole UV lamp replacement process using this Viqua VH410 as an example. Make sure you have your replacement UV lamp on hand and get ready to follow along!

>> Get Discount Pricing and FREE Shipping on all of our UV Lamps here!

>> If you’re not sure how a UV System works you may want to check out this video to learn a little more first. 

UV LAMP REPLACEMENT: A DIY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Before you begin, be sure to protect the areas below the UV system from some water being spilled during the process. You’ll need a bucket and rags to catch the water.  You'll also need some CLR or vinegar to clean the sleeve and some clean soapy water to wash out the pre-filter housing if you’re also changing the filter.  I always suggest having a spare quartz sleeve just in case you end up cracking or breaking it during the process as well (they are delicate!). 

IMPORTANT: Be sure NOT to touch the lamp or the quartz sleeve with your fingers. Handle by ends only or with a clean cloth or wear soft gloves. 

If you're ready, let's begin! 

1. 
   Unplug the system from the electrical outlet and turn off the water supply to the unit. Then release pressure by opening a faucet downstream of the UV until the water slows to a trickle. Close the valve after the UV system to keep the house water from draining back.
   
   
2. Carefully remove the lamp connector from the electrical end by squeezing the plastic locking tabs on the side of the connector.  Remove the lamp in an upward direction from the chamber and lamp connector base. 
   
   PRO TIP: Always hold the lamp by its ceramic ends! The lamp base can be very hot - be careful not to drop the lamp into the quartz sleeve as both are easily broken. 
   
   
3. Carefully slide the lamp out of the quartz sleeve and discard. 
   
   
4. Remove the bottom retaining nut, floating spring, and O ring. Remove the top retaining nut and O-ring.
   
   
5. 
   Remove the quartz sleeve. Clean the quartz sleeve with a cloth soaked in CLR, vinegar or some other mild acid and then rinse with water.
   
   NOTE: If the sleeve cannot be cleaned completely or if it is scratched or cracked, then you'll need to replace the sleeve.
   
   
6. Reinstall the quartz sleeve in the chamber allowing the sleeve to protrude an equal distance at both ends of the chamber. Slide supplied O-rings onto each end of the quartz sleeve.  Reinstall the top and bottom retaining nuts, floating spring, and O-rings respectively.
    
7. Insert the new lamp fully into the chamber leaving about two inches of the lamp protruding from the chamber.
   
   
8. Attach the connector to the lamp and note that the connector will only allow correct installation in one position. Push the lamp connector against the lamp connector base together until an audible click is heard.
   
   
9. 
   Hold down the timer RESET button and reapply power to the controller until you see RESET, then release the timer reset button. A 5-second delay will occur until you hear an audible tone and the LED display will read once again “365”.
   
   
10. Slowly OPEN shutoff valves and purge the air from the system at the nearest faucet. 
    
    
11. Ensure there are no leaks at the end caps before connecting the power to the system. 

NOTE: If the UV lamp is over one year old or water has been used in the home without the UV lamp, or you suspect there could be bacteria downstream of the UV light, all household plumbing lines should be chemically disinfected. 

>> Check out my video here on the process: WATCH NOW 

As you can see, you can definitely save money by replacing the UV lamp yourself! Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you, understanding what’s involved and planning the installation ahead of time will make sure you get what you need and save your family money. Hope this easy-to-follow DIY guide is helpful!