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How to Change Water Filters: The Basics
This article will cover the basics of how to to change water filters. Nothing is new forever. There comes a time when certain things need to be removed and replaced. A water filter is no different; but before you decide to change it, you need to know how to change water filters. Sometimes, it is not the entire filter that requires changing but just a part of it, like the screen or membrane.
After using it a certain time, it needs to be changed because there will be too much waste trapped in the filter. Sometimes you just need to know how to change water filters!
When to Change Your Water Filter
The manufacturer will usually advise that you change your water filter after using a certain amount of water. However, this estimate may be a little difficult to gauge so you can look for telltale signs that your water filter needs changed.
If your filter needs to be changed, your water will taste different—that is the first warning sign. Another sign will be that the pressure of the filtered water is slower than usual. Water filters usually have a slow pressure, but it is a tad bit slower than normal when it needs replacing.
Your water may smell bad, and if the filter just looks filthy, those are also signs that the filtration system needs to be changed. Good homeowners will have an extra filter at home. Sometimes getting your filter replaced is not as easy as going to the store to get it, but it may require that you place an order online. It will take you a few days to get it if you place an order online unless same day shipping is available.
Why Does Your Filter Need to Be Changed?
As aforementioned, nothing lasts forever. With regular use, the life of an item is reduced. Your filter’s life will be affected by several factors. The use will affect the life of your device (the manufacturer has a recommended amount of water for you to filter before replacing it). To add, hard water generally causes a buildup of minerals which eventually stick to the filter. If your water contains a lot of contaminants, that too can affect the lifespan of your filter.
How to Replace Water Filter
The process of replacing a water filter on tap is pretty simple. However, for a home water system, how to replace water filter may be a bit more complex. If you are not into plumbing or doing things yourself, then you should hire the service of a plumber when it is time to replace your home water filter. On the other hand, if you are good at doing things on your own and following instructions, then you can figure out how to change water filter yourself.
The first step as with all replacement tasks (even electrical), is to turn off the water line to your house. The valve to switch off the water to your house is usually red. After turning off the water, you can go to your filter, unscrew its housing and wipe it before setting it aside. The cartridge filter is now exposed, and you can remove it and wash its housing before putting in the new cartridge. The same principle of new wine in an old wine skin bottle can be applied here.
When you are washing the housing, you can use a combination of bleach and soap. The bleach should never be used as is and should always be diluted with water. Be sure to rinse the housing properly so that suds do not remain in it. An O-ring should have been removed from the housing; advising you to lubricate it before putting it back. The ring acts as a seal for the housing.
Once everything is cleaned and in place, you can now install the new filter where the old one was and encase it in its housing. You should not tighten it too much just in case there is a leak and you need to open it again. After capping, you can turn back on the water supply to your house to test the system for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have done a good job. If there are leaks, then repeat the process and ensure that everything is where it is supposed to be.
After Replacing Your Filter
After replacing your filter, it is not advised that you drink from the tap immediately. What you should do, is to run the tap for about five minutes. Initially, the water may be dirty but wants the sediments are out of the pipes. The water is usually back to its clear color. You can also run the shower for a few minutes because sediments may have into that pipe too.
Rather than thinking of your filter as being too much work or money to replace. You ought to consider the benefits of having one that works for your entire house. It reduces rust, dirt, sand, scale, and silt in the water you drink. That is why completely removing a filtration system should never be an option. Because there are so many benefits to maintaining it.
How to Change Whole House Water Filters In 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: The first step as with all replacement tasks (even electrical), is to turn off the water line to your house. The valve to switch off the water to your house is usually re
Step 2: After turning off the water, you can go to your filter, unscrew its housing and wipe it before setting it aside.
Step 3: The cartridge filter is now exposed, and you can remove it and wash its housing before putting in the new cartridge. The same principle of new wine in an old wine skin bottle can be applied here.
Step 4: When you are washing the housing, you can use a combination of bleach and soap. The bleach should never be used as is and should always be diluted with water. Be sure to rinse the housing properly so that suds do not remain in it. An O-ring should have been removed from the housing; advising you to lubricate it before putting it back. The ring acts as a seal for the housing.
Step 5: Once everything is cleaned and in place, you can now install the new filter where the old one was and encase it in its housing. You should not tighten it too much just in case there is a leak and you need to open it again.
Step 6: After capping, you can turn back on the water supply to your house to test the system for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have done a good job. If there are leaks, then repeat the process and ensure that everything is where it is supposed to be.
Step 7: After replacing your filter, it is not advised that you drink from the tap immediately. What you should do, is to run the tap for about five minutes. Initially, the water may be dirty but wants the sediments are out of the pipes. The water is usually back to its clear color. You can also run the shower for a few minutes because sediments may have into that pipe too.
A Summary of Changing Your Whole House Filter
Replacing your water filter can be a simple exercise. If it seems a bit complex and you have no idea how to turn off the water supply to your house. Then you ought to consider hiring help. Turning off the water supply to your house is the most basic plumbing you will ever need. Even if you are uncertain of where the valve is, you should still hire help.
Before embarking on the DIY project, you should order the right parts or be sure of what to order. To avoid having to order parts in the future, you should consider ordering two sets. Before you start your filter replacement project, be sure to turn off the water supply to your house. It is very important that you do not forget this step.
Furthermore, another thing that you should remember after installation is to keep your pipes running for a few minutes to get rid of any sediments that may have been trapped in the pipes. Once your filter has been replaced, you are well on your way to continuing your journey of drinking purer and cleaner water.
Last update on 2023-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
About the Author Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson is a water treatment consultant as well as a topic researcher and post editor for all posts on bestpurifiation.com.