If you notice an unpleasant taste, soapy water, or a salty aftertaste, it may indicate a problem with your water filtration system. Causes of these issues can range from incorrect settings to a lack of maintenance or a broken component.
The first one, the sniff test. Get some water out of an unfiltered faucet. Give it a sniff or a sip. Then do the same for the filtered water in the jug. If you can smell/taste the unfiltered water, but not the filtered water, you're good to go.
A clear indication that your water filter is malfunctioning is when your water starts to taste metallic or has a rotten egg odor. These are indications that the pollutants in the water you are drinking are not being filtered. Replace your water filter as soon as you observe these changes to avoid a more serious issue.
Look for changes in the taste, odor or color of your tap and drinking water, as any of these could indicate that your filter needs early replacement or your system needs service.
Sudden Bad taste or smell
One of the first signs that your water filter is not working properly is when it starts to have a bad taste or smell. This can happen for several reasons, including: A buildup of sediment in the filter.
An unchanged water filter can produce water with a foul odour or a strange taste. A dirty or clogged water filter can also affect the mechanical actions within your refrigerator, such as the Ice dispenser. A refrigerator with a water dispensing function is a significant investment and really should be treated as such.
Filters in residential settings should be changed every 6 to 12 months. Reverse osmosis, membranes, and additional alkalisers only need to be changed ever 2 years or 4 years, respectively.
The filter looks dirty: This is simple but effective – look at your air filter. If it looks dirty, dusty, or has clumps of hair and dust, it's time to change it. Allergy symptoms worsen: If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, dirty air filters can make their symptoms worse than normal.
As long as you have followed the proper instructions to flush your new water filter with three gallons of water, you can usually drink the water right after you've finished the replacement. Check the instructions for your filter to make sure.
Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Testing your water to find out whether there are harmful germs or chemicals in it will help you choose a filter. If your water is free from harmful germs or chemicals, you may decide you do not need a filter. If your water has harmful germs or chemicals, choose a filter that removes those germs or chemicals.
Reduced Efficiency: As filters get clogged with contaminants, their efficiency in removing impurities decreases. This means you might be drinking water that's no cleaner than the normal tap water or in some cases, even worse.
Common Signs of Water Filter Clogs
Common signs of clogging include reduced water pressure and quality, such as an unpleasant taste or smell from the faucet and discolored water. This occurs because the water cannot flow through the filter normally. Instead, flow is restricted because the filter needs to be changed.
The water filter valve is clogged or damaged.
Additionally, the valve can become clogged due to accumulated dirt or debris, or from small errors during installation, leading to decreased lifespan and performance. To address this issue, you may need to replace the valve.
While a sudden change in the taste, odor, or color of your water can indicate that your filter is failing, high levels of important contaminants, such as pathogens, arsenic, lead, and nitrates, are not observable to your senses. The only way to truly know whether or not your filter is working is to test your water.
Water filters don't expire like food or medicine. But over time, especially in hot or humid places, they can become less effective. Bacteria or mold may grow inside, weakening the filter. It won't suddenly stop working, but it won't filter as well.
To maintain the best quality and reliability of your whole house water filter, it is recommended that you change it every three to six months. This helps to keep the water free from impurities and contaminants that can be harmful to your health, your home's plumbing system, and your appliances.
Under-sink water filters can deliver cleaner, better-tasting drinking water the old-fashioned way: from a spout. They're more effective at removing lead, chlorine, and other contaminants than popular refrigerator filters and water filter pitchers.
From an appliance maintenance perspective, an overused filter may become saturated with trapped particles, causing water to flow less freely and putting strain on your refrigerator's water pump. In extreme cases, it could lead to severe damage and costly repairs.
Yes you can change the filter without shutting off the water supply. Just unscrew the old one then screw in the new one.
Contaminants Build Up, Hampering Filter Effectiveness
If consumers continue to drink the water directly at this point, they may unknowingly ingest harmful impurities that can negatively impact their health.
Air may be trapped in the water system after replacing the filter. Press the dispenser cradle for at least 5 minutes to purge any air from the water lines.