MSR Guardian Purifier Pump Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair and Replacement parts

Guardian Purifier Information
Manual:

• Guardian Purifier Manual

Guardian parts that can be purchased from our website:

• Guardian Maintenance Kit
• Guardian Purifier Replacement Cartridge
• Prefilter & Hose Assembly
• Piston Assembly
• Piston Nut
• Pump Housing
• Universal Umbrella Valve

Guardian Troubleshooting:

If you notice water leaking where the filter cartridge threads into the housing, your first instinct might be to tighten it more. Resist that urge! In many cases, loosening the connection slightly can actually fix the issue.

Overtightening can:

• Prevent the internal O-ring from sealing properly
• Deform the filter housing over time
• Make the leak worse, not better

Instead, try backing off the threads just a little and see if the leak stops.

Try Lubricating the Threads

If loosening doesn’t help, try this:

1. Unscrew the filter cartridge completely
2. Apply a food-grade silicone lubricant to the gasket and threads
   • Available in the Guardian Maintenance Kit or most hardware stores
3. Reassemble and test

In the field? If you don’t have silicone lubricant, lip balm is a common and effective alternative.

Regularly lubricating all threads and gaskets is a great maintenance habit to ensure smooth, leak-free performance.

Other Leaks?

Base threads of the filter cartridge are the most common source of leaks but sometimes the O-rings a the filter head can wear out causing a leaks or the if the O-rings are not lubricated occasionally the increased friction can lead the to a crack in the piston nut assembly. This is a relatively quick fix. In fact, with a little practice this entire unit can be taken apart serviced and reassembled in just a few minutes. 

Videos:

Blogs:

• Blog - Behind the Guardian Purifier's Technology and Design
• Blog - Why You Shouldn't Dry Out the Guardian Purifier's Filter
• Blog - Hollow Fiber Membrane Filters: Advantages in Backpacking Water Filters
• Blog - 3 Ways the Guardian Purifier Improves How You Travel
• Blog - MSR Water Products and Treatment Systems Guide
• Blog - Water Filters vs. Water Purifiers

If you are still having trouble, need an unlisted part or feel that the product may have failed while within the 3 year warranty. Please Submit a Request. Include a receipt if applicable and photos or description of the issue; our support team will follow up as soon as we can. 

A concise list of part numbers are just below for reference when placing an order, please copy/paste your part number and description to prevent errors: