What is the lifespan of a water filter?

Author: Kenya Pfannerstill  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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.

How often should you replace a water filter?

You should replace the filters in your water filtration system every 6 to 12 months. This helps keep your water clean and safe to drink. Always check the instructions from the manufacturer, as some filters might need to be replaced more often.

How to tell if a water filter needs to be replaced?

So we've put together a simple guide for you to tell whether this might apply to your cooler or water filter system.
  1. 1 - Reduced Delivery Volume. ...
  2. 2 - Water Tastes or Smells Bad. ...
  3. 3 - Strange Noises or Air Bubbles. ...
  4. 4 - Discoloured or Cloudy Water. ...
  5. 5 - Expiry Date or Visual Indicators.

How long does a water filter system last?

What is the replacement schedule for a whole house water system? The pre-sediment filter should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. If your water filtration system has a sub-micron-post filter, it should be replaced every 9 to 12 months. If your system has a salt-free water softener it should be replaced every six years.

Can a water filter last 5 years?

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.

This Hack Will DOUBLE Your ZeroWater Filter Life & Save $294/Year

How do I know if my water filter is expired?

The expiration date of a filter is usually printed on the packaging and should be followed. Keeping an eye on the expiration date of your filter can help ensure you're drinking clean, safe water.

Is it safe to drink water from an old filter?

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 ...

Do water filters go bad if not used?

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.

What is the best water filter?

The Best Water Filters

We found the iSpring RCC7 is the best under-sink option for most people. It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. Our favorite pitcher is the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher. It scored well for both taste and contaminant removal.

How can I make my water filter last longer?

If your home will be unoccupied for more than a month, there are several things you can do. First, you can turn off your home's water so the filtration unit doesn't receive any more water. You should also turn off the Clean Rinse function so the same water isn't filtered every 14 days.

What happens when a water filter gets old?

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.

How can I test if my water filter is working?

The most effective way to determine if your water filter is working properly is to test your water before and after it passes through your filter. Such analysis is called performance testing because it tests the effectiveness of your filter in reducing or removing potentially harmful contaminants that pass through.

Can you clean a water filter instead of replacing it?

Prolong the filter's life span: By removing buildup and debris, you can extend the life of your filter, saving money on replacements. Ensure safe drinking water: Cleaning your filter prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and other harmful organisms that can thrive in a dirty filter.

What is the life expectancy of a water filter?

In general, a water purifier can be expected to last between 5 and 10 years before requiring replacement. However, this estimate can vary depending on the factors discussed above. For example, a high-quality water purifier that is used frequently and maintained properly can last up to 10 years or more.

What happens if you never change water 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.

How often should I replace my refrigerator?

How Long Do Refrigerators Last on Average? Estimates range in terms of how long fridges last; some sources say 10 years while others say as long as 25 years. According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it.

What is the healthiest water to drink?

Alkaline water may be one of the healthiest waters to consume. The pH level of regular drinking water is a neutral 7. Alkaline water has a pH level of 8 to 9.5. It contains properties that may even protect your body from free radicals, which are often linked to inflammation and many chronic diseases.

What are the three best types of water filters?

Understanding the different types of water filtration systems is key to choosing the right one for your home. Countertop filters offer convenience and affordability, under sink water filters provide advanced filtration with minimal intrusion, and reverse osmosis systems deliver unparalleled contaminant removal.

Is Brita or Pur better?

The PUR filter removes more contaminants compared to the Brita filter. However, during our taste tests and TDS tests Brita performed notably better. Both Brita & PUR offer a variety of pitcher sizes and types.

How long does the average water filter last?

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.

What happens if you drink water right after changing the water filter?

Reason 1: Remove Initial Carbon Dust and Particles.

Flushing a new water filter is necessary to eliminate any initial carbon dust and particles. These impurities can accumulate during the production and packaging of the filter. If not flushed out, they can mix with your drinking water, affecting its quality and taste.

Can a Brita filter go bad?

The shelf life of an unused Brita® filter is indefinite as long as its pouch is intact and sealed. However, we do recommend pre-soaking older Standard filters in water for 15 minutes before using.

What are the side effects of filtered water?

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.

Do you throw away old water filters?

Refer to the local recycling facility for specific information on items accepted for recycling. While not recommended, it is safe to throw water filters in the trash.

Is drinking fridge water safe?

As long as the water is from a clean and safe source, refrigerating it does not pose any additional health risks. It can help to cool down the body temperature, especially in hot weather. However, the doctor warns against a few potential health issues that may be associated with drinking refrigerated water.

Previous article
Which room is most appropriate for carpet flooring?
Next article
Which rooms to clean first?