SteriPEN safe drinking water anywhere
AT backpacker using SteriPEN

“During my climb of Kilimanjaro the rest of my party used traditional pumps and filters. Needless to say one by one they all asked to use the SteriPEN™.”

~ Richard Wiese, President,
The Explorers Club, NYC

Frequently Asked Questions and Service

General FAQs

  1. What is SteriPEN?
  2. How does SteriPEN work?
  3. Can you tell me more about UV light?
  4. Is UV light dangerous?
  5. What SteriPEN models are available?
  6. What is the difference between the Adventurer and Traveler Models?
  7. How fast does the SteriPEN work?
  8. Is there anything special I must do to the water before/while I use the SteriPEN?
  9. How effective is SteriPEN?
  10. Can SteriPEN be used in cold temperatures?
  11. Which SteriPEN is right for me?
  12. Will the SteriPEN be effective in water from ______ (insert country or destination name here!)?
  13. When should I take a SteriPEN with me?
  14. Why should I take a SteriPEN instead of a pump, filter, or chemicals?
  15. Is the SteriPEN safe to use?
  16. Does the SteriPEN effect taste or add any chemicals?
  17. What type of containers can I use my SteriPEN in?
  18. Can I use my SteriPEN in my hydration bladder?
  19. Where can I buy a SteriPEN?
  20. How can I become a SteriPEN Dealer?
  21. Can I carry my SteriPEN on an airplane?
  22. Do the SteriPEN products come with Batteries?
  23. Where can I buy batteries?
  24. Does the SteriPEN take care of the water droplets on the threads of my water bottle?
  25. I am with the Media and I need more information, product photography, and /or samples. Who do I contact?
  26. Do the SteriPEN models come with a warranty?
  27. Is SteriPEN certified?
  28. I have lost my user guide, can I get a replacement?

Technical FAQs

  1. What type of batteries does the Classic take and how many doses will they provide?
  2. What type of batteries do the Adventurer and Traveler take and how many doses will they provide?
  3. What type of batteries does the Journey take and how many doses will they provide?
  4. Which SteriPEN Models is the Solar Charging Case compatible with?
  5. How long does it take to charge the Solar Charging Case using the solar panel?
  6. Can I use my SteriPEN on water with ice in it?
  7. Can I use my SteriPEN on boiling water?
  8. Can I use my SteriPEN in liquids other then water?
  9. Does the water have to be clear to have the SteriPEN be effective?
  10. Is SteriPEN effective against giardia?
  11. Is SteriPEN effective against cryptosporidium?
  12. Is the SteriPEN effective against leptospirosis?
  13. How long is the UV lamp good for?
  14. Can the UV Lamp be replaced?
  15. What should I do if there are particulates in the water?
  16. Do the Adventurer and Traveler models mate with the Pre-Filter like the Classic and Journey models do?
  17. How do I clean the Pre-Filter?
  18. Is SteriPEN Effective against Cyclospora?
  19. Is the SteriPEN effective against worm eggs?
  20. The pen doesn’t start when I push the operating button. What can I do?
  21. Why did the SteriPEN only treat my water for 38 seconds?
  22. Why did the SteriPEN treat my water for 58 seconds?
  23. Do SteriPEN water purifiers work in snow melt waters?

Troubleshooting FAQs

April 2009: Hydro-Photon, Inc. (HPI) recently became aware of a potential issue with the quality of some of the rechargeable batteries packaged with the SteriPEN Solar Charging Case or Adventurer Solar Charging Case bundle. If you recently purchased a Solar Charging case and the included rechargeable CR123 batteries are not holding the charge, please contact Technical Service at support@steripen.com or call 207-374-5700.
  1. After pressing the button and submerging the SteriPEN lamp in water, the green LED keeps blinking (Classic, Adventurer, Traveler) or the LCD display’s counter (Journey) does not initiate.
  2. After pressing the button and submerging the SteriPEN lamp in water, the lamp comes on for several seconds and then shuts off. The red LED then turns on solid - not blinking. (Classic, Adventurer, Traveler) or the LCD (Journey model) display shows an unhappy face icon but NOT an unhappy battery icon.
  3. What happens if I get . . .
  4. I do not see any visible blue light when using my SteriPEN, what does this mean?
  5. What does it mean if the LED light will not come on?
  6. The batteries in my Solar Charging Case do not seem to be charging from solar power, what do I do?
  7. The batteries in my Solar Charging Case do not seem to be charging from wall power, what do I do?
  8. What does it mean if my SteriPEN's visible light is dim?
  9. The pen doesn’t start when I push the operating button. What can I do?

End User Return / RA

  1. My SteriPEN is defective, how do I return it for repair?
  2. I have gotten an RA number. What address do I send my SteriPEN to?
  3. How can I check the status of an RA?

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