Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to choose the right system.
Most customers can choose, order and install their system quickly. The key questions are answered below.
Q: Which system should I choose?
Stage One
Choose Stage One if you want to take water from canal, river, lake or rain and filter it into your tank for washing, showering and general domestic use.
Stage One + Stage Two Bundle
Choose this if you want Stage One to filter source water into your tank, and Stage Two to improve that stored water further after your onboard pump or accumulator.
Stage One + Stage Two + RO Combo
Choose this if you want the most complete setup, taking water from source filtration through to high-quality remineralised drinking water.
FinalStage RO
Choose FinalStage RO if you want the highest level of purification at a dedicated drinking tap.
Offgrid Rain
Choose Offgrid Rain if you want a system specifically designed for rainwater harvesting or other suitable clean source-water setups.
If you are unsure, most customers are choosing between Stage One, the bundle, or the full RO combo.
Shop Stage One Shop Stage One + Stage Two Shop Full RO Combo
Q: Is this difficult to get right?
No. Offgrid Water systems are designed for real-world use and are already used by well over 300 customers across boats and off-grid setups.
Most customers can choose the right system and get up and running quickly.
If you can draw water, connect a hose and follow instructions, you can install and use the system.
Q: What does Offgrid Water do?
Offgrid Water systems help you filter and use water from canals, rivers, lakes, rainwater systems and stored tank water.
Some systems are designed to fill your tank from untreated source water. Others are designed to improve drinking water that is already onboard.
Q: Why choose Offgrid Water?
Offgrid Water systems were developed from real-world use on London canal boats, then refined through customer feedback and field use.
They are built to be practical, reliable and straightforward to install, using standard filters with no lock-in.
Our focus is simple: products that work properly in the environments people actually use them in.
Q: Do you offer installation?
Offgrid Water systems are designed for straightforward DIY installation and most customers install Stage One in around 1 to 2 hours using basic tools.
If you would prefer to have someone install your system for you, we have a small number of trusted independent installers who are familiar with our systems. Installer fees are typically £150 to £250 depending on complexity and location - this is agreed directly between you and the installer.
| Name | Region | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Reza's Boat Maintenance | London - east of King's Cross | 07386 902646 |
| Samuel William Henry Rocket - Innovative Ecohomes | London + surrounding area | 07738 908510 |
| Matt Elliott - Wilderness Craft | Ashby Canal, Bosworth Marina | 07853 132110 |
| David - Wellhouse Plumbing | Somerset and Avon | 07861 222558 |
| Martini Marine | Uxbridge | 07766 542955 |
These are independent installers, not Offgrid Water employees. We cannot guarantee their availability, pricing or workmanship. Please contact them directly to confirm availability and cost.
Q: Do you provide installation instructions?
Yes. Please read the customer information and installation guidance fully before starting:
View customer information and instructions
Please read the guidance fully before cutting hose, mounting components or connecting fittings.
Q: What is the difference between Stage One, Stage Two and FinalStage RO?
Stage One is your primary source-water filtration system. It is designed to take water from canals, rivers, lakes or rainwater and make it suitable for general domestic use and as a feed into further purification.
Stage Two is a polishing filter for water that is already in your onboard tank or has already been filtered. It is installed after your onboard pump or accumulator and improves taste, odour and final water quality.
FinalStage RO is the highest purification level and is designed to provide ultra-pure remineralised drinking water through a dedicated drinking tap.
Q: What is the lead time?
Lead times vary by product and demand. Please check the relevant product page before ordering.
As a guide, Stage One and the bundle pages are typically around 1 to 2 weeks, while FinalStage RO is usually around 2 to 3 weeks.
Please check the live product page for the latest lead time before contacting us for an update.
Q: What are the dimensions of each system?
Please check dimensions before ordering and make sure you have enough installation space.
| Product | Approximate dimensions |
|---|---|
| Stage One | W64cm × D31cm × H40cm |
| Stage Two | W35cm × D15cm × H35cm |
| FinalStage RO | W14cm × D45cm × H40cm |
| Offgrid Rain | W74cm × D18cm × H55cm |
Q: What fittings do your systems use?
Standard fittings are supplied with each system.
If you have a specific setup or need something unusual, send a photo before ordering and we will confirm compatibility.
Q: Can I request different fittings or custom plumbing?
Possibly, but this must be agreed before ordering.
If you need a non-standard fitting size, hose arrangement or custom layout, contact us before purchase with clear details and photos if relevant.
Q: Do the systems include pumps?
Most Offgrid Water source-water systems include a pump for drawing water from a source such as a canal, river, lake or tank.
Stage Two does not include a pump and must be installed after your existing onboard pump or pressure system.
Do not use the Stage One pump to run Stage Two.
Q: What power supply do the systems use?
Please check the product page for the power requirements of your chosen system before ordering.
- Stage One: 200W, with 12V or 230V adapters supplied
- Stage Two: 0W, passive filtration
- FinalStage RO: 230V 3-pin plug, 75W, with a 12V option available
- Offgrid Rain: 230V, 200W while operating, 0W on standby
Q: What flow rate should I expect?
Flow rate depends on water source, filter condition and setup.
- Stage One: typically 10 to 12 litres per minute
- Stage Two: up to 16 litres per minute depending on your pump and setup
- FinalStage RO: approximately 1.6 litres per minute
- Offgrid Rain: typically 8 to 10 litres per minute on the pump version, and up to 15 litres per minute on the non-pump version
If flow drops noticeably, the first thing to check is filter condition.
Q: How often do filters need replacing?
Filter life depends mainly on the water source and how much water you use.
- Stage One: approximately 1,500 to 2,000 litres
- Stage Two: typically 4 to 8 months
- FinalStage RO: typically 12 to 24 months
- Offgrid Rain: approximately every 2,000 to 10,000 litres depending on source water
Reduced flow is often the first sign that a filter needs replacing.
Q: How much does it cost to run?
| Water type | Typical annual consumables cost |
|---|---|
| Urban canal water with RO | £150 to £170 |
| Rural canal water | £60 to £80 |
| Rainwater harvesting | £40 to £80 |
| Clean spring or stream water | £15 to £30 |
Q: Do you sell replacement filters and parts?
Yes. Replacement filters and related parts are available.
Please make sure you order the correct replacements for your system.
Q: Why is the system spluttering, drawing air, or losing flow?
This is usually caused by one of the following:
- a blocked or overdue filter replacement
- an air leak on the suction side
- a loose fitting or hose connection
- hose routing that allows air ingress or restriction
- an issue with source water pickup or feed arrangement
Check filters first, then check hose runs, seals and connections carefully.
Q: What if the pump stops working?
In most cases, a struggling or stopped pump is caused by a blocked filter that needs replacing.
Please check and replace filters first before reporting a fault.
If the issue continues, contact us with your order number and photos or video if possible.
Q: What if there is a leak?
Switch the system off and inspect all fittings, housings, seals and threaded connections carefully.
Many leaks are caused by a loose fitting, incorrect installation or a seal not seated properly.
If the leak appears to be from a component itself, contact us with photos or video so we can assess it quickly.
Q: What if a part is faulty, damaged or missing?
Please contact us as soon as possible after delivery with your order number and clear photos.
If a part is genuinely faulty, damaged in transit or missing from the order, we will work with you to resolve it.
Q: What if water quality or performance is not as expected?
Please first check that the correct system has been chosen for your use case and that it has been installed correctly.
Performance can be affected by source water quality, filter condition, installation method, pressure, air ingress and maintenance.
If you believe there is a genuine product issue, contact us with your order number and as much detail as possible, including photos or video where relevant.
Q: What warranty do you offer?
Offgrid Water systems include a two-year warranty covering mechanical and electrical components.
Pumps carry a one-year warranty.
Filters, UV elements and related consumables are replaced periodically depending on use.
Q: Can I cancel or return an order?
Please refer to our returns and cancellation policy on the website before ordering.
If you need to request a cancellation, contact us as quickly as possible with your order number.
Once a build has started or a system has been made to an agreed specification, cancellation or return options may be more limited.
Q: What if my circumstances change after ordering?
If your boat location, delivery needs or timing changes after placing your order, please contact us as soon as possible.
We will do our best to help where possible, but changes cannot always be guaranteed once an order is in progress or has shipped.
Q: What if I still have a question?
If your question is not answered above, please contact us by email or WhatsApp.
To help us deal with your query quickly, please include your order number and clear details.
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