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How Long Do Water Filters Last: What You Need To Know
As humans, we tend to want to get the most out of everything we buy, and our water filters are no different. Even if it works good enough for you after a few years, you should never run a water filter system on your entire home’s plumbing without getting it serviced or maintained.
Getting it regularly maintained and serviced will ensure that its taste is consistent and that it remains pure. So, how long do water filters last?
How Long Do Water Filters Last
There is no definite answer to that question. How long do water filters last will depend on a lot of combined factors. These factors will include conditions set out by the manufacturer, how often you use your filter, how much water passes through your filter, and the type of water that you have running through the filter.
Hard or soft water coming through your pipes can also contribute to the lifespan of your filter.
Why Should I Change My Filter?
You change your filter for the same reason you will change your clothes or a baby’s diaper—because it gets dirty. When a filter is overused, it does not function as it is supposed to. A filter works by preventing rust and sediments from contaminating your water supply.
When you don’t change your clogged or dirty filters, the very elements that filters are designed to filter out will make their way into your water stream.
When these particles enter your water stream and are dispensed from your faucets, shower heads, and other appliances. You are increasing the wear and reducing the lifespan of these items.
Apart from cost savings by having an increased lifespan for your water dispensing items, you are protecting yourself from having bad tasting water and water that is filthy.
Filter Cartridge
Your home water filtration system may require that you replace one of two filters, the sediment pre-filter or the sub-micron post filter. Not all filtration systems have the sub-micron post filter. Other filters making up the system are not replaceable like the sediment filter.
Generally, a sediment pre-filter filter is replaced every six months, and the sub-micron filter may be replaced annually. Some homeowners may be fortunate to get a year’s use of both filter cartridges.
How Many Cartridges
You should know, that some filters come with replacement cartridges and others do not. If you like to save time, you should order replacement filter cartridges so that you can change it immediately when there is a problem.
Some filters may also have optional parts that you may choose to add on such as a UV Filter or Water Softener and Descaler.
Tank Replacement
Before a filter is replaced, usually just the parts need replacing first. The filter is usually in a housing unit. Whole house water filters come with tanks that also need to be replaced. They do not need to be replaced as frequently as filter cartridges. They are somewhat long to medium term staples in a household.
Generally, you may be advised to change your tank between three hundred thousand and one million gallons. If there is no estimate of how much water has been consumed, you can use a rough average of three, six or ten years as a guide.
This will, of course, be determined by the rated capacity of the water filter. The rated capacity is indicated as FB300 or FB1,000.
How Long Do Water Filters Last: Factors To Consider
As mentioned before, several factors will influence how long do water filters last. Indications that your water filter needs to be changed will be recognized by not only you but the entirety of your family. The first indication is the quality of the water that is being dispensed.
The water dispensed may taste funny and have a strange smell. Apart from these noticeable signs. Your water pressure will decrease because your filter is clogged and the cartridge needs to be replaced.
If your cartridge is not changed, the filter becomes ineffective against trapping particles. Soon, your filter will be a battleground for bacteria. Some filters are ‘smart’ and have a built-in alarm that will notify you when it is time to change your cartridge.
Some filtration companies are big on customer service, so they will call you every eleven months or so to remind you to change your cartridge.
What Influences Filter Change
Sediments
Sediments in your water just mean that it has a lot of residues. Depending on where you are living, your water may have more sediments than the average. That is probably one of the reasons why you installed a whole house water filter system in the first place.
A lot of sediment in your water means that your filter will have a lot of work to do and if your cartridge is not replaced regularly. Your water quality will deteriorate.
Usage
Water coming through taps is sometimes described as being “hard water.” Hard water, is water that contains a lot of ions and minerals. Your filter is responsible for separating some of these elements from your water.
If you live in a house with six persons, and you all shower twice a day and use a lot of water. Your water filter is going to get a lot of work, and it might become clogged quickly.
How Long Do Water Filters Last: The Takeaways
Based on what you have read, you will realize that it is not the water filter that needs replacing as much as its parts like the cartridge and tanks. The water filter itself can last pretty long. But the cartridges inside the filters housing have a lifespan of six to twelve months depending on your usage. And the tanks have a lifespan of three to ten years depending on its size.
It will be a good decision to get a large tank because they last longer than the smaller tanks.
You should also be sure to replace your cartridges as soon as you realize your water tastes bad or its pressure has slowed down. Generally, its maintenance is not that hard. If you have any difficulties, you should hire a professional to do the replacements for you.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / 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.