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Water filters may do a fantastic job purifying water regularly; however, they need a replacement from time to time. It is essential that you can identify the signs that let you know it&#;s time to replace.

Not replacing your water filter can result in bacteria and algae building up. Hence, this article will look at some common signs of replacing a water filter.

What Signs Suggest That Your Water Filter Needs Replacement?

Let's look at the most common signs that suggest replacing your water filter immediately.

Indicator light turns on

Modern water filters have an indicator light which is the first sign that your filter needs a replacement. A green light represents that 40 gallons of water have been used. A yellow color indicates that 50 gallons of water have been used. Red light informs that it's time to replace the filter.

Water tastes metallic or emits an unpleasant odor like rotten eggs

The metallic taste of water is caused by the deposition of minerals. This happens when you filter water for an extended period. Mineral content like calcium and magnesium will likely get stored and add an awkward taste to the water. Thus, a metallic taste is a warning sign that you need to replace your filter.

Getting a foul odor from your water can be an unpleasant experience. This can signify your water filter is not working efficiently. Hence, chemicals like chlorine and sulfur are not filtered. You may find a hard time detecting these chemicals, but you should replace the filter.

Decrease in water pressure

Low water supply pressure clearly shows that something is slowing down the water flow. In most cases, you will find this happening due to clogged water filter connections. When you filter large amounts of water over a long period, it is natural to see an accumulation of salt and mineral contents.

These deposits narrow the water pipe, which allows less water to flow through it. Hence, you face a low water flow rate. The best way to get rid of this is to replace the filter.

Black mold in filtered water

Black molds can be a dangerous sign pointing towards fungal growth in your water. This is a serious issue that needs you replace the filter immediately. Black mold is known to affect your respiratory system negatively. It is also recommended to clean your water filter thoroughly to get rid of it and drink healthy water.

Scale buildup due to high TDS

TDS refers to total dissolved solids and should be kept in check while filtering water. A high TDS is usually caused by the deposition of minerals, salts, and other organic matter. This often leads to the building up of scales. This happens due to high deposits of minerals and salts resulting from filtering water for long periods.

Water feels slippery

Slippery water is the primary sign of soft water. Soft water contains a high amount of sodium and potassium ions. The absence of the scummy film makes it slippery. However, if it is soft even after being filtered, your filter is not working correctly. The filtered water is expected to be clear and must feel normal on your skin. 

Cloudiness in filtered water

Cloudiness in your filtered water refers to unclear water with a milky texture. It is a sign that your water contains dissolved pollutants that were not filtered. Drinking such water can be hazardous to your health. Such situations need an immediate filter replacement as polluted water signifies that the water filtration systems are not working anymore.

3 Crucial Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Water Filters

Once you buy and install a water filter in your home, the work is not over. You still need to bear the maintenance charges and replace the filter if you observe the poor quality of water. Read ahead to find out the factors that affect the life of your water filters. 

Type of water filter

There is a wide range of water filters available in the market. Every company claims a certain lifespan of the water filter. However, that may or may not be the same for you if your demands are different.

Water quality of your locality 

Even the best water filter fails to function properly if you feed highly contaminated water. The TDS levels in the water supplied to your building also decide how long your water filter will last. 

Daily water consumption 

The lifespan of a water filter is determined by the gallons of water it can filter before it needs replacement. Whether your family consumes that much water in a week or a month depends on your situation. 

3 Reasons Why Changing Water Filters Is Crucial

Cartridge FIlters work on the principle of passing water through porous media. The water percolates through the layers of the filter candle and leaves impurities behind. So, there comes a time when these filter media are saturated and need replacement. Here are the reasons:  

Contaminated water

You should be alarmed if you notice a bad taste, odor, or dirty appearance in your tap water, especially the drinking water. Your filters have worn out, and impurities can pass through.

Poor flow rate

If the flow rate of tap water has slowed down, it is a sign of blockage. As water filter cartridges have pores, large dissolved solids can easily block them and resist the passage of water. Thus, you will have to wait longer to fetch the required water. 

Water wastage

Cartridge water filters constantly supply clean water but also drain out unfiltered water. So, the lesser the amount of water filtered due to blockage, the higher the amount of drained unfiltered water will be.

Signs to Tell When Water Filter Needs Replacement FAQs

What does red on the water filter mean?

The modern digital water filters have colored light indicators to convey their condition. The red light indicates the need for prompt replacement of filter cartridges. Green and yellow color indicates safe and intermediate lifespan, respectively. 

How long do water filters usually last?

2-6 months is the average lifespan of most water filters, but it may vary. The lifespan of your water filter will depend on the type of filter, daily water usage, and impurity levels in the water to be filtered. It is essential to buy the right water filter with the capacity that suits your daily needs. 

What happens if the water filter is not changed?

It may lead to 2 consequences: the water flow rate will get slower, or the water might be contaminated again. The former happens due to blockage of filter pores, and the latter is due to the wear and tear of filter media creating larger spaces. Either way, you will suffer. 

How long should we run water after changing the filter?

After replacing the old filter candle with the new one, flush the system with water for at least 5 minutes. This practice opens the filter pores that might have some dirt and helps them adjust to the water flow rate of the area. We should also change the refrigerator water filters.

Can using an old water filter make us sick?

Yes, impure water resulting from the inefficient old water filter can make you sick. The high salt levels in untreated hard water, harmful microorganisms, and other dissolved impurities can potentially impact your health negatively. We can use water softeners to treat hard water.

When to Change the Filters at Your Home Water Purifier

When to Change the Filters at Your Home?

&#;Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.&#;

This is a famous quote from a renowned British-American poet W. H. Auden. But if we must drink to stay alive, why not get clean, clear, filtered water? Fortunately, more health-conscious American families agree and have continued to embrace filtration systems to safely enjoy their water daily.

However, water filtration systems are not a one-fix solution for healthy drinking water. The filters need to be maintained and changed regularly to ensure they continue to work as expected. But how do you know when to change the filters in your home?

Knowing when to change your water filters is quite easy. In this article, we&#;ll offer tips on the signs you should look out for when your filter replacement is due. Additionally, we&#;ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to replace the filters and highlight the lifespan of different filter types to ensure you stay on top of maintenance.

Signs It&#;s Time to Change Your Water Filter

Here are some early signs to change water filters:

Changes in Taste, Smell, or Appearance

One importance of filter replacement is its ability to trap certain harmful chemicals that cause an odor or smell from getting to the main house line. But when the filters are choked, they become less effective, allowing impurities that cause bad tastes or smells to slip into the supply.

Also, filtered water should be colorless and transparent. So, if it is not, it could indicate the presence of impurities. In this case, you may notice a cloudy appearance or turbidity when holding a full glass of water against the sunlight, making it unsafe for drinking.

Slow Water Flow

When filters are clogged with impurities, especially with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels, you will notice a slow flow. For this reduced water pressure, replace the filters to get your guaranteed filtered supply.

Filter Replacement Indicators

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Filter replacement indicators estimate how much service life is left by measuring flow rate, level of contamination, time the filter has been used, or the volume processed. The indicators get activated when a change of filters is due. So, if your purifier shows any signs, have it replaced immediately.

Higher TDS Levels

When the filters start wearing out, your water may taste salty, feel hard, and even leave white stains on the drinking glass; that&#;s a sign of high TDS levels (Total Dissolved Solids). You can check your TDS levels with a TDS meter and change the filters if there is a significant increase in TDS levels.

Brown Scaling or Sediments

A reliable filtration system should produce clean water free from dirt or harsh sediments. These filters are designed to trap particles like mud, dirt, and solid substances. However, when it&#;s time to change filters, water purifiers begin to perform less optimally, allowing brown scales or sediments into the water supply.

How to Replace Your Water Filter?

The importance of filter maintenance lies in its ability to trap harmful contaminants, ensuring the water is clean and safe to drink. But with time and regular usage, it may become clogged and less efficient, requiring frequent replacement as suggested by the manufacturer.

You can perform your replacement in a few simple steps. Start by identifying the filter you have, as each type often has a unique replacement process. Then turn off the water supply to your system while you replace the filter.

After shutting the supply, carefully remove the old filter and install the new one correctly and securely. You can now turn the supply back on and let the water run for a while to flush out any air or debris that may have accumulated during installation.

Check for leaks in the system and fix them immediately to prevent damage and conserve water.

Tools Needed for Filter Replacement

According to Emmert Wolf, &#;A man is only as good as his tools.&#; With the right tools, filter replacement is quicker and easier. So for a proper replacement, you&#;ll need the following essential tools:

• Replacement pre-filter

• Filter housing wrench

• Bucket

• Towels

• Plumber&#;s silicone grease (not sealant)

• Waterproof gloves.

Replacement Water Filters

Step-by-Step Guide for Replacing Your Water Filter

You can follow these step-by-step guides to learn how to replace water filters:

Step Action 1 Close the main water shut-off valve and the outlet valve between the filtration system and the house (if your system has it.) This will prevent water from draining back from your house. 2 Push and hold the pressure release button on top of the filter housing. 3 Use the housing wrench to remove the housing and pour the water in the housing into a bucket. 4 Since the housings often collect dirt and bacteria, clean the inside with warm soapy water. Then rinse and dry the housing. 5 Now, place the replacement pre-filter in the housing and ensure it is seated. 6 Apply a thin layer of the plumber&#;s silicone grease on the housing&#;s rubber gasket. 7 Use your hands to screw the housing back before tightening it with the filter housing wrench. 8 After screwing the housing, you can turn on the inlet and outlet valves and check for leaks. 9 If there are leaks, quickly turn off the supply and tighten every connection. 10 Now, slowly open the supply and valves leading away from the unit. 11 Open faucets to flush the filter for a few minutes to purge air from your plumbing. 12 As soon as the pressure and flow rate return to normal, close all faucets, and that&#;s it!

The Lifespan of Different Types of Filters

On average, you should replace the filters in your filtration system once every 2-12 months. However, depending on their size and type, some filters last longer. Let&#;s explore the lifespan of different water filters:

Pitcher Filters

Pitcher filters do not last as long as other types because they&#;re small and use gravity filtration. As soon as they become clogged, the flow rate drops to a drip. Most pitchers need filter replacements every 2-4 months.

Faucet Filters

These filters are powered by water pressure and are small, just like pitcher filters, with a filter replacement frequency of 2-4 months.

Whole House Filters

Water filters for the whole house are installed at your main supply line and feature the biggest filter cartridges. The average whole house filter system requires filter replacements every 6, 9, or 12 months.

Refrigerator Filters

Refrigerator filters are small and compact, so they have relatively short lifespans. In-line refrigerator filters last longer (about 6 months) than integrated or built-in refrigerator models (2-4 months).

Under-Sink Filters

Under-sink filter systems often work with the best apartment water filters, including sediment, carbon, and polishing filters, all with different lifespans. While sediment pre-filters have the shortest lifespan of about 3-6 months, carbon filters can last around 9 months, and polishing filters last 9-12 months. On average, the under-sink system filters last 6-12 months.

Shower Filters

Shower filters are small and compact to blend with the shower unit and are powered by water pressure. Most shower filters last about 6 months, but some may need replacement every 2 months.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

The reverse osmosis (RO) system often has four filters: a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane, and a carbon polishing filter.

The reverse osmosis membrane typically lasts the longest, with an average lifespan of 2 years. However, the frequency of filter changes depends on the regular replacement of the sediment pre-filter every 6 months. The carbon filter lasts about 9 months, and the carbon polishing filter lasts around 12 months. On average, the filters in a reverse osmosis system last 6 months to 2 years.

Maintaining Your Water Filters

To maintain a healthy and hydrated household, it&#;s essential to keep track of when your filters need to be replaced. Ignoring the replacement schedule can lead to clogged filters, reduced water flow, and compromised water quality. By staying proactive about filter maintenance, you ensure that your filtration system continues to provide clean and safe drinking water for your home.

If you find it challenging to remember when to replace your filters, consider enrolling in a filter replacement service. Some companies offer subscription services that automatically ship replacement filters to your home based on your filter&#;s lifespan, helping you stay on top of maintenance effortlessly.

Although water filters produce clean water for your health, home, and family, you must know when to change filters for an effective water filtration system. You can continue to access clean water if you follow the replacement steps. However, if you prefer the services of experts, Filterway is a trusted water filtration company that offers professional filter replacement services. Contact our consultants today to check, replace, or install a reliable water filter

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