How Often To Change Water Filter? (All Types)

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Written By John Roe Stephen

It is recommended that a water filter be replaced every two to six months. A new whole-house water filter, or a water filter already in place when you move into a new home, might leave you wondering how to maintain it properly.

You are aware that you need to do so, but finding out how frequently might be a challenge on the internet. What is the solution? It all comes down to context.

If you are new to whole-house water filtration, it is easy to get confused by the varying maintenance needs of the various filters. Even so, we are here to provide some guidance.

How Often To Change Water Filter?

Water filter cartridges need to be cleaned or replaced every two to six months. While it is OK to wait until you notice that the watercolour has darkened or that the water flow has slowed, you ought to do it sooner rather than later. There are several variables, including:

Filter Type

The lifespan of a water filter is mainly determined by the kind of filter used, with some lasting longer than others. Their design, filtering technique, and size all impact their longevity. Estimates for various water filtration systems may be found here:

Compared to a big media tank, sediment pre-filter cartridges in an entire home water filtration system may only last a few months.

  • An R.O. system’s carbon block post-filter may last for two years.
  • Every few months, it’s necessary to change the water filter in the faucet.
  • When it comes to filter life, pitcher filters come in at the bottom of the list, lasting just 30 to 120 gallons on average.

The Quality Of Your Water

The more polluted and unclean the water, the faster the filter will wear out and need to be replaced. In contrast, a water filter will last longer if the water is already clean and has just a few contaminants.

The residue left behind by an overworked and malfunctioning filter might interfere with the performance of fresh filters. This residue must be removed before replacing any filter cartridge, so be careful to do so.

Consumption Of Water

Your water filter’s lifespan might be shortened or prolonged depending on how much water you use in your house. This holds for both entry-level and end-user devices.

The number of residents and bathrooms in a home affects the amount of water used. Your water filter will have to work overtime if you have a large household. It will inevitably die sooner than expected.

If this is the case, you may need to disregard the manufacturer’s suggested replacement period and make the switch sooner. Here is our breakdown by each main type of filter:

Filter For Water In The Sink

The size of your under-sink water filter necessitates regular filter replacement. You should do this procedure every six to twelve months, depending on the model. According to some estimation, the filter should be replaced every:

  • Nine months if used by everyone in the household (high water consumption)
  • A year for a married couple (average water consumption)
  • For a single user, fifteen months (low water consumption)

Filter For The Shower

In addition to removing chlorine, these filters also remove abrasive sediment and heavy metals from your shower water. As a result, your skin will be less irritated.

Whether you choose a showerhead with a built-in water filter or one to which you have to connect a separate filter, the decision is entirely up to you.

The amount of water you consume will determine how frequently you need to change your shower filter. Filters should be replaced every six months on average.

You will probably have to do it as soon as you utilize 10,000 gallons (37,854 l) of water. The amount of people living in your home is the most important consideration here.

Shower filters, for example, should be replaced every two to three months if you’re using the shower often. Once every 4 to 5 months is advised if you shower once a day. It is best to replace it after six months at the earliest in any event.

The showerhead filter’s transparent housing is a significant selling point. There is a noticeable difference between a brand-new filter and an old, worn-out filter.

The filter should be replaced if you observe a greenish or blue tint because there is an excessive chlorine accumulation. The faucet and filter may be replaced in the same way.

Countertop Water Filters

In the United States, countertop filtration systems are all the rage. These devices are small, simple to install, and very effective. Active carbon blocks, alkaline, or even coconut-based shells are some of the filtering technologies available.

A simple hose and adapter are required to connect them to your faucet. The water may be switched between filtered or unfiltered on-the-fly. There are a few differences between countertop water filters and other types.

Some cleanse a set number of gallons and cannot be replaced. For example, specific versions can filter over 10,000 gallons of water before they are useless.

Within 3 and 12 months, most countertop filtration systems need to be replaced. The quality of the filter, the manufacturer, and the water quality all have a role. It is possible to inspect the filter by removing the case.

Osmosis Water Filtration Systems

Reverse osmosis membranes have a longer service life than other filter components. The average model has to be replaced every two to five years. The post-filter should be replaced regularly because leftover pollutants will enter your drinking water if it isn’t.

How Often To Change Keurig Water Filter?

As with any other home equipment, regular maintenance is required to keep it running like new. Keurig machines need regular maintenance to keep brewing you a cup of coffee every morning.

The filtration system is among the essential parts of a Keruig machine and requires regular maintenance. However, how frequently should you replace the filter in your Keurig to maintain it in good operating order?

After around two months of usage, a Keruig filter must be changed. Another sign that it is time to replace your Keurig filter is a change in flavor.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Keurig Water Filter2 weeks40
Keurig Six Water Filter Cartridges  1-2 weeks30
Keurig Two Water Filter Cartridges  3 weeks60
Charcoal Water Filters, Replaces Keurig  4 weeks80
Keurig Water Filter Refill Cartridges  2-3 weeks50

How Often To Change Refrigerator Water Filter?

How frequently should I replace the water filter in my refrigerator? You are not the only one struggling with this problem right now! Refrigerator filters are often overlooked for ensuring that you always have access to clean, fresh water.

To maintain good health, you must have access to safe drinking water. Heavy minerals, germs, and other impurities may be found in the water delivered to your home’s pipes. The filter’s purpose is to remove all of those impurities when using the dispenser in your refrigerator. 

According to manufacturer recommendations, refrigerator water filters should be changed at least once every six months. Various variables influence the frequency with which water filters need to be replaced.

If you use the dispenser and the icemaker frequently enough, it will take longer for your water filter to fill up. It is possible to utilize test strips to discover whether there are any toxins in the water in your house.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Wildberries Replacement for Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter   4 weeks80
Arrowpure DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Cartridge  4-3 weeks70
Refresh Replacement Refrigerator Water Filter  3 weeks60
Bristi DA29-00020B Refrigerator Water Filter  3-2 weeks40
Maxblue NSF 53&42 Certified 5231JA2002A Refrigerator Water Filter2weeks30

How Often To Change Zero Water Filter?

So far, your ZeroWater filter has been operating well. It works, as said, removing 99.6% of dissolved particles from your water, and it tastes better as a result. You may wonder how long this will carry on.

Your ZeroWater filters will need to be changed at some time. So, how often should you change your zero water filter? Learn how to recognize when it’s time to replace your ZeroWater filter and how to make the most of the system’s other clever features.

As a result, the quantity and frequency with which you use your Zerowater filter will determine how long it will last.

Generally speaking, a Zerowater filter will last between two and four months, although the exact time frame depends on the user.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Zero B Eco RO +High Recovery RO Water Purifier  5 weeks90
Zero B Surkasha Pro 15-Litre Water Purifier  4-5 weeks80
Zero B UV Grande ESS Active Silver  4 weeks70
Zero B Grand 6-Litres Wall Mountable  2 weeks40
Zero B UV Grande ESS with Active Silver ions  1-2 weeks30

How Often To Change Whole House Water Filter?

Since you had whole-house water filter installed, your water has always been crystal clear and free of contaminants.

Even if this is the case, you are still unsure how often you need to replace the filter cartridge. Is your whole-house filter cartridge being replaced often enough?

This may vary depending on how much water you consume, what kind of filter cartridges are used, and what is filtered. Change the filter often enough to avoid pressure loss or until particles are no longer screened.

Several variables influence how frequently a whole-house filter has to be replaced. How frequently you need to replace your water filter depends on how much you know of your whole filter, so the more you know, the easier it will be to figure out when to do so.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
KENT Gold Gravity Water Purifier  2 weeks40
Eureka forbes Aquasure From Aquaguard Amaze  4 weeks60
REETIK FASHION HUB Activated Carbon Faucet Water Filters  4-5 weeks80
TATA Swach Cristella Advance Blue Water Purifier   4 weeks70
Epsilon Tap Water Filter Purifier  1 week30

How Often To Change Well Water Filter?

Certain wells need sediment filters to be replaced every two months. It is necessary to change carbon filters regularly (every three to six months). And we propose that you stick to the low end of the scale of this price range.

If you wait six months, algae and mold may form. Therefore, it’s preferable to act quickly.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
FRP Blue Well Water Filtering System   5 weeks80
Whole House Well Water Filtration System  4-5 weeks70
iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System   4 weeks60
Balson Max Pro Centralised Water Filtration System for Whole House Application  3 weeks40
Big Blue CTO Carbon Block Water Filters 4.5″ x 10″ Whole House Cartridges   3-2 weeks30

How Often To Change Big Blue Water Filter?

Big Blue filter housings are long-lasting and durable. According to the manufacturer, it would help if you replaced it every ten years.

You should probably replace the housing if it’s been in existence for ten years. Water pounding happens every time you turn off a faucet when water runs through this filter housing.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Marine Blue BIG BLUE Jumbo Wound Water Filter Set  2 weeks30
Marine Blue BIG BLUE SLIM PREE FILTER  3 weeks60
OCEAN STAR Big Blue Filter Housing  4 weeks70
KRPLUS 20 Inch Big Blue Jumbo Pre Filter   6 weeks90
Bluedrop 20 INCH SLIM BOWL FOR COMMERCIAL WATER FILTER3 weeks40

How Often To Change Brita Water Filter?

Every 40 gallons, or roughly every two months, you should replace your Brita Stream® Filter. Filters may need to be changed more often if you have hard water.

Please keep track of when to change your filters by using your built-in electronic filter indication or SmartLightTM indicator.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
BRITA Marella XL German Made Water Filter   2-3 weeks40
BRITA MAXTRA+ German Engineered Water Filter Refill Cartridge  3 weeks60
BRITA MAXTRA+ German Engineered Water Filter   5 weeks70
BRITA Marella XL German Made Water Filter Jug 3.5 L Blue  2 weeks30
BRITA Marella German Made Water Filter   1-2 weeks20

How Often To Change Pelican Water Filter?

After five years, it’s time to service and clean your Pelican PC600/PC1000 Premium Whole House Water Filter.

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Pelican Water PSF-1R 3 Stage Replacement Filter  2 weeks40
Pelican Water PC40 10 in. 5 Micron Sediment Replacement Filter  3 weeks60
CFS COMPLETE FILTRATION SERVICES EST.2006 Compatible for Pelican Water   5 weeks70
Pelican Water PSF-1NH 3-Stage Premium Shower Filter Without Head  2-3 weeks30
Pelican Water 104863 Replacement Membrane Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System Filter, White  2 weeks20

How Often To Change Cat Water Filter?

There are several advantages to using a cat water fountain. Indeed, you don’t have to replace it even half as frequently as you do standing water. To keep your cat’s water supply fresh, it must be refreshed every day or even twice a day.

Cat owners who have a hectic schedule may find this problematic. Every two days, on average, you should change the water in a pet fountain.

Please clean the fountain itself to ensure that your water feature is as clean as possible. Detailed instructions may be found in the product’s handbook. 

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Goofy Tails 2 Litre Cat H2O Water Fountain for Cats  5 weeks90
Qpets® Cat Water Fountain with LED Light, 67oz/2.0L, Ultra Quiet Cat Drinking Fountain  3 weeks40
REHTRAD Cat Water Fountain,2L Pet Water Fountain  5 weeks70
Emily Pets Pet Water Fountain, 84oz/2.5L Healthy Cat Water Dispenser, Dog Cat Fountain2-3 weeks60
REHTRAD 2L Cat Water Fountain,Pet Water Fountain, Automatic Cat with LED Light and Filter for CatsWater Fountain  2 weeks30

How Often To Change Sediment Water Filter?

A decent starting point is every three months. However, each well is unique, and water quality may shift with the seasons, weather, and even how often it is used.

Keep an eye on your water pressure and the return of your sulfur odor to make sure that your water filter is in good working order. Even if you recently updated your filter, you need not be alarmed if it seems “dirty.”

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
Konvio Neer Water Purifier Spare Kit Consisting of Carbon and Sediment Filter Cartridge   2-3 weeks40
20” Spun Filter Cartridge 5 Micron pp Sediment Filter  3 weeks60
Konvio Neer Water Purifier Spare Kit Consisting of Carbon and Sediment Filter Cartridge   5 weeks90
Hi-Tech RO Melt Blown Replaceable Cartridge 10 in 5 Micron Sediment Filter   4 weeks80
AQUA DOVE Universal Carbon Sediment Kit Premium Filter Set for RO Water Purifier, All Kind of RO/UV/UF  2 weeks30

How Often To Change LG Fridge Water Filter?

The water filter should be replaced every six months, as recommended by L.G. The sooner you replace it, the better. It all depends on where you reside. When it’s time to change the filters in your L.G. refrigerator, you’ll get an alert.

The water filter may be found either on the rear or within the refrigerator in specific L.G. refrigerator models. 

Water filter modelsEstimated Time to ChangeEstimated Gallons (gal) to Change
2-Pack Replacement for LG LSXS26366S Refrigerator Water Filter – Compatible with LG  3 weeks60
3-Pack Replacement LG LMXS30776S Refrigerator Water Filter – Compatible LG LT800P, ADQ73613401 Fridge Water Filter Cartridge  3 -4 weeks80
IcePure RFC1200A-2pk Water Filter Replacement Cartridge for LG (Pack of 2)  4 weeks70
WaterSentinel WSL-3 Refrigerator Replacement Filter: Fits LG LT700P Filters  2 weeks30
Tier1 Replacement for LG LT500P, 5231JA2002A, GEN11042FR-08, ADQ72910902, ADQ72910907, ADQ72910901 Refrigerator Water Filter 2 Pack  1-2 weeks20

Conclusion

Finally, a water filter must be replaced since it loses its filtering capacity with time. How long a unit lasts depends on the kind of unit, the quality of your water, and the amount of water used.

Refrigerator and reverse osmosis water filters are the most durable, lasting several months to a year. Filter pitchers, shower filters, and faucet-mounted water filters often need to be replaced every few months. Every single whole-house water filter is different.

Sediment pre-filters can get blocked in as little as 1-2 months. A water filter may survive eternally if it is not used at all. The most typical symptoms that a water filter needs to be replaced include:

  • Terrible water taste and odour.
  • A reduction in water pressure.
  • Floating particles in the filtered water.
  • An overall decline in output water quality.

Filtration change indicators are another feature that some water filter systems use to alert you when a filter element is nearing the end of its service life.

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