wow thanks for the boil first idea, there is absolutly no doubt that this idea alone will make the distiller machine last ALOT longer. i am trying it right now to see how much faster it goes thow speed is realy not a factor for me as i live alone and only need enough for me and my wheat grass and strawberry plants. I use epsom salts to mineralise the water after its distilled ,but as i live in a very very cold climate most windows closed (unfortunatly) the flys from the soil are a real problem . I dont want to sterilise my soil because i want it to be ALIVE. Hmm havent got a solution for this yet. Also with the lac of sunshine my straw berries never go to fruiting stage. boy im so jealous of people who have the sun every day down south . I would sooo move in a second.