Minerals, microbes and various chemicals may contaminate the water supply. Neglecting your water filters can lead to system malfunctions, clogging, and compromised water quality. It is advised that you change your filters as instructed by your manufacturer.
Over time, minerals and particles build up and eventually clog the water filter. Failure to clean it properly can result in excessive debris, obstructing the flow of water.
It can be dangerous to drink filtered water after the water filter needs to be replaced because bacteria builds in the filter over time and then the water which subsequently flows through the bacteria-filled filter will be contaminated with the same bacteria. The longer you wait, the more bacteria collects.
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.
Consume Harmful Bacteria
If you neglect to change your refrigerator's water filter, it will become clogged with these substances and fail to do its job, causing these harmful microbes to get into your water. From E. coli to fecal coliform, your health can be impacted.
Contaminants and Health Risks
A neglected water filter becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. These contaminants can cause various health problems, ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe respiratory infections.
Depending on your filter type, after 2 months, 6 months or 6 years, your filter could be covered in bacteria, rendering it unable to perform up to optimal spec, and turning it into a petri dish for all other contaminants to thrive, and those very contaminants that you tried to prevent from entering your house will be ...
Because they're susceptible to the build up of dirt and debris, old fridge water filters may not be able to prevent contaminants from tainting drinking water as well. To ensure drinkable, fresh tasting water for your family, be sure to change your fridge's water filter every six months.
Unhealthy and Poor Air Quality
Unkempt air filters may negatively affect indoor air quality by spreading pet dander, dust, and other allergens throughout your home. This may lead to irritated eyes, nose, and potentially breathing problems.
Filters can be a good place for bacteria to grow because there is plenty of water present, filters are dark and warm, and bacteria can feed on the organics present.
Most household drinking water filters last between 6 to 12 months and need to be changed to maintain effectiveness. However, some filters like those in pitchers have shorter lifespans and may need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months. On the other hand, some whole house water filters can last between 5 to 10 years.
Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.
It actually may be worse for you to drink from a pitcher with an unchanged old Brita filter than from the tap because Brita filters, over time, will grow bacteria.
Although filters can be helpful in removing harmful chemicals from our water, they sometimes strip away beneficial minerals too. These include magnesium and calcium, as well as iron and manganese, which are eliminated to make water softer and prevent discolouration, respectively.
If your filters aren't properly rinsed, they can produce cloudy water for weeks after installation. This is due to air and loose carbon being flushed through the system. If you're experiencing this, don't worry, it's an easy fix.
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.
Every water filter comes with a manufacturer-recommended lifespan, typically measured in gallons filtered or time used. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to a significant decrease in water quality, as an expired filter loses its ability to effectively remove contaminants.
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.
Consumer Reports have shown that while some off-brand filters can perform reasonably well, brand name filters consistently outperform their generic counterparts in both filter quality and water purity.
Ultimately, changing your water filter every 12-24 months can help you save money in the long run while ensuring that your family has access to clean and safe drinking water. Changing water filters every 12 to 24 months provides peace of mind for homeowners and their families.
While unused water filters don't have an expiration date, we don't recommend stockpiling them excessively because natural degradation can occur over time, and filter manufacturers often introduce new and improved alternative filters.
The Effects of Contaminated Water
The effects can range from an upset stomach to long-term health issues, depending on what contaminants lurk beneath the surface. Invisible metallic contaminants may silently accumulate in your system, damaging vital organs over time.