MiniWorks® EX Replacement Parts

  • MSR MiniWorks® / WaterWorks® Ceramic Element
  • MSR Water: MiniWorks® EX Filter Maintenance
1 3

MSR

MiniWorks® EX Replacement Parts

$80.95
$80.95
Sale Out of Stock
Part

No Hassle,
30-Day Returns

Free Shipping
over $50

Warranty
Protection

Assorted replacement parts for the MiniWorks® EX water filter.
  • Replacement Part options:
  • • MiniWorks/WaterWorks Ceramic Element
  • • MiniWorks/WaterWorks Replacement Hose
  • • MiniWorks EX Inlet Assembly
  • See our video for tips and instructions.
    • Made in Market
    View full details

    Description

    Individual parts to repair and replace on the MiniWorks® EX and retired WaterWorks water filters.

    Tech Specs

    MiniWorks/WaterWorks Ceramic Element MiniWorks/WaterWorks Replacement Hose MiniWorks EX Inlet Assembly
    Country of Origin Made in USA of US and Imported Materials Made in USA of US and Imported Materials Made in USA of US and Imported Materials
    SKU 56453 13929 14378

    Video Gallery

    FAQs and Documents

    Can I upgrade my old MiniWorks with an EX filter?

    Marathon™ EX ceramic cartridges are compatible with all WaterWorks and MiniWorks microfilters, old and new. Using it in a pre-2003 filter will increase a MiniWorks filter's output by approximately 25%, thanks to the new AirSpring Accumulator™.

    What are the materials in the EX filters?

    The Marathon ceramic element is made from diatomaceous earth that's heated to the point where it just begins to melt. Most particles are caught within about .005 inch of the surface. When it clogs, you abrade away the clogged pores, making them immediately ready for more use, with almost 100% recovery after each cleaning. Marathon ceramic provides long-lasting protection from protozoa and bacteria. A block carbon core reduces tastes, odors, some chemicals, and many pesticides. The WaterWorks microfilter also incorporates a PES (polyethersulfone) membrane filter, which passes the test for a sterilizing or pharmaceutical-grade filter. It serves as a safety net, providing a second fail-safe seal.

    How long will my ceramic filter last?

    How long a filter lasts will vary radically from one water source to the next. The ceramic element can last up to 2000 liters. Filter-life ratings are based on best-case scenarios because the testing is performed with clean lab water. Generally you can assume that your filter will last between 50 and 100% of the rated life.

    How much water will my filter pump before clogging?

    Normal conditions may allow a user to filter between 10 and 20 liters between cleaning. Please note that water quality varies a lot with the season and water source. In general, the more turbid (cloudy) the water, the more frequently your filter will require cleaning and eventually replacement. The MiniWorks is one of the most cost-effective portable treatment devices currently available.

    Why is the handle on my filter so hard to push?

    There are three possible causes of this. The most likely is that one of the microfilters is clogged. Review the instructions for cleaning the ceramic filter. The PES membrane (WaterWorks microfilter only) may also be clogged. It will have to be replaced or removed altogether. Lastly, the piston O-ring may be very dry, causing friction. Lubricate it with the silicone lubricant provided in the maintenance kit (or use lip balm or petroleum jelly).

    Why is the handle on my water filter so hard to pull?

    If the handle is hard to pull, something is obstructing the flow of water into the filter. Clean the inlet foam and remove any kinks in the inlet hose.

    Why does the handle on my filter feel limp when pumping?

    The most common reason for a limp handle is dirt under the umbrella valve. Remove the head of your water filter to expose the umbrella valve. Rinse under it or pull it off and rinse. Reinstall.

    Why does my filter squeak when I am pumping?

    The squeaking you hear is probably caused by actuation of the pressure-relief valve. This valve is designed to release when there is excessive pressure. Water goes back out the intake hose so you stay dry. You can tell if your relief valve is releasing by watching bubbles in the intake hose—if they go back and forth when you pump, the relief valve is working. It may be time to clean your ceramic filter (reference your owner's manual for complete details), or maybe you are pumping too fast. Do not pump faster than one stroke per second for best efficiency. Older MSR filters sometimes squeak in the pump head, piston pins, and bushings. You can eliminate the squeak with a tiny dab of lubricant on these parts. Newer MSR filters have the lubricant molded right into the pins and bushings, eliminating the squeak.

    How should I store my EX filters?

    Remove the ceramic element and air dry for 3–5 days. This will prevent growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Wash and dry other filter parts thoroughly before long-term storage.

    I forgot to dry out my filter before putting it away—what should I do now?

    The ceramic cartridge, which comes as standard equipment in the WaterWorks and MiniWorks, can be boiled to kill bacteria that may grow in it. Always let the water cool down before removing the ceramic cartridge from the water. Removing it early can damage the plastic end caps. (Cold water can be added to the hot water to speed this process.) Dry thoroughly before storing. FYI: Because the WaterWorks microfilter has a bacteria-proof membrane immediately downstream from the ceramic cartridge, bacteria cannot get into the water you drink even if it grows in the ceramic.

    What happens if my filter freezes?

    If you anticipate that you will encounter freezing temperatures, make sure you drain the filter of excess water after each use to protect it from damage. If the filter does freeze, bring it inside the tent or other warm place to thaw, or follow the directions (in the instructions) for boiling the cartridge.

    Can I use the Sweetwater® Purifier Solution with the MiniWorks?

    Unfortunately, no. The SweetWater Purifier System and Solution are regulated by the EPA and have undergone extensive laboratory testing to verify their efficacy as a system. SweetWater Purifier Solution is carefully formulated to inactivate viruses remaining in water that has been pumped through a SweetWater Microfilter. Filters vary in performance and it is likely that more or less disinfectant may be required to achieve purification with other filters. Along the same lines, for the solution to work independently of a filter, you would need a very strong dose—to the point of tasting offensive. The wait time would also be much longer than five minutes. Finally, cryptosporidia, which would have been removed by the filter, would not be effectively inactivated by use of the SweetWater Purifier Solution alone.

    Shipping and Returns

    Free Shipping on Orders over $50

    We offer complimentary FedEx Ground shipping for orders over $50. Learn More

    Orders Shipped in 1-2 Days

    We do our best to get all orders out within one business day, Monday through Friday. Learn More

    No Hassle Returns

    We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. All returned items must be in new condition. Please be sure no dirt, grass or pet hair is on the item you are returning. Learn More

    We Believe in What We Build

    At MSR, we take pride in engineering the highest-quality outdoor gear available, and we stand behind everything we make. MSR gear is built to be exceptionally durable and easily repaired. And we back it up with the best service in the industry, all to keep your gear performing for you—and out of landfills. Visit our MSR warranty page for more info.

    Portrait of our repair shop crew

    Overall rating: 4.95 / 5 from 20 reviews.

    AI Generated Review Summary

    Summary topics

    Review topics: ["performance","replacement","fit","filter","shipping","bottle"].

    Review highlights

    Reviews

    Perfect fit and replacement to

    "Perfect fit and replacement to renew my filter! Easy ordering shipping had everything in stock."

    — Jeremy W. (5/5)

    Replacement Hose

    "Replacing the hose was easy assembly - you need to use a little moisture in order to get the hose to slip onto the filters' attachment points. We now have a nice clean filter & hose to use going forward."

    — Patrick L. (5/5)

    Fits my good old Waterworks

    "Fits my good old Waterworks 2 filter. I dropped my old one carelessly when dismantled for cleaning. It lasted for years before that. Big whoops! Glad to get a replacement. I need a reliable filter out on the trail and now I’m ready to go again. Thanks MSR."

    — Annike W. (5/5)

    The first one held up

    "The first one held up forever. I have complete faith the new one will work just as well"

    — Richard L. (5/5)

    I’m using this hose to

    "I’m using this hose to extend the outlet side of my MiniWorks filter to make filling Smart Water bottles easier. Instead of having to hold the bottle and filter together in one hand while the other operates the pump handle, I attach this hose to the bottom of my filter and set the non-Nalgene bottle off to the side with the other end of the hose. This allows me to operate the filter with both hands. Super easy, fits inside the storage bag with the filter, the weight added is negligible, and if the inlet hose fails I have a back up."

    — James L. (5/5)

    Worked great, fast shipping.

    "Worked great, fast shipping."

    — Tynan W. (5/5)

    Perfect fit

    "Perfect replacement for the best filter ever."

    — Jeff W. (5/5)

    works great. Filter body is

    "works great. Filter body is > 20 years old and have only replaced cartridges and some o-rings. No odor or bad taste in filtered water despite filtering out of some putrid stock tanks. Friends filter resulted in tainted water taste."

    — Eric B. (5/5)

    Couldn't be happier

    "I own several MSR water filter pumps. I became frustrated with the slow flow even after cleaning. I thought I'd buy a new ceramic, instead of a whole new pump. Outstanding choice!!! It like a brand new pump. I couldn't be happier and I saved $ as well."

    — Jerry D. (5/5)

    This is an excellent product

    "This is an excellent product , my last one I used for over a decade. It’s a very reliable and user friendly design. Also the customer service is excellent. I really think these people in this company actually care about the customer."

    — Michael G. (5/5)

    Q&A