A water filter is your first and strongest line of defense to keep your drinking water clean and fresh, but a single unit won’t last forever. Changing it at the appropriate time keeps everything clean while ensuring maximum lifespan and managing costs. But how do you know when it’s time for a replacement?
Each type of filter has a unique lifespan, and various factors impact how long it lasts. Here are the top signs that your system needs replacement, and an estimated guide on how long you can expect each type to last.
What Affects Water Filter Lifespan?
It’s hard to pinpoint how long a water filter will last, though each unit has a finite lifespan. How quickly you reach the end of that lifespan depends on a few things, like how much and how often it’s used, the original quality of the water being cleaned, and the type of filter at hand. When determining the best bid to submit, we consider each client’s unique water quality, usage levels, and preferred filter type.
- Usage: The frequency of the system’s use and the quantity of water flowing through it impact the filter’s lifespan, with higher-traffic systems requiring more frequent changes than moderate-traffic or low-traffic systems. Your water pressure and flow rate may also affect the quantity of water that flows through it. Lower water pressure may not recruit optimal performance and lead to clogging, while excessive pressure can damage the filter. A consistent, moderate flow is best for a long lifespan.
- Water Quality: How contaminated is the H2O flowing through it? Local sources that may hold more contaminants and sediments require the filter to work harder to clean itself, wearing the filter out much quicker. When the water has heavy metals and chlorine, these contaminants accelerate degradation. Larger sediments also clog the filter faster.
- Filter Type: Some filters are designed to last years, while others require more frequent replacement. Advanced selective filtrations of multi-stage systems distribute the workload, allowing the materials to resist breakdown for longer. Reading the manufacturer’s guide will provide insight into the expected unit duration.
Woder filters have a fine screen on the inlet side that can become clogged with sediment, rust, or dirt, especially if your water source experiences disturbances such as nearby construction. This clogging reduces water pressure and can shorten the filter’s lifespan, so maintaining a clean source is key.
Water Filter Types and Their Longevity
When we submit bids to filter a water supply, we consider the client’s needs to determine which filter type best suits their specific application. The type of filter used partly determines its longevity, so we also consider the filter’s lifespan and how that would work as part of their current operation.
Before you buy a water filter, learn how long each type will last you on average so you can set realistic expectations.
Under-Sink Filters
Most under-sink filters last about 6-12 months, with higher-capacity models lasting longer (up to 3 years). However, the total lifespan depends on contamination levels and usage.
Inline Quick Connect
Inline quick-connect filters are similar to under-sink models in terms of longevity, lasting an average of 6-12 months. This type of system has an easy replacement design, so it’s simple to replace when the time comes. You’ll want to pay close attention to this filter, as its performance drops gradually until a much slower water flow rate eventually points to the need for replacement.
Woder filters, designed exclusively for municipal water, typically maintain pressure and filtration quality for two to three years under regular use. The cartridges come with a one-year warranty, the minimum expected service period. It’s crucial to avoid well water, hot water, softened, or salty water with these filters, as they can reduce lifespan and damage connectors designed solely for cold water.
Pitcher Filters
A much smaller option is the pitcher filter, which primarily uses gravity to feed the liquid through a small activated carbon layer and remove impurities. Pitcher filters tend not to last very long, with most needing replacement every two months or so, or after 40 gallons have been passed through them.
Refrigerator Filters
Refrigerator filtering models ensure clean H2O comes out of your refrigerator’s spigot. They need frequent replacement, usually recommended every six months or so. Most of these have built-in filtration indicators, which are helpful in learning when it’s time to replace. The good news is that these models consistently perform until the end.
Faucet Filters
Faucet filters that attach directly to your sink’s faucet are somewhere between the longevity of a pitcher and a refrigerator filter. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 2-4 months, depending on usage. When you see a visible reduction in flow, that’s a good sign that it’s time for a replacement.
Whole House Filters
A whole-home filter ensures top-quality cooking, drinking, laundry, and bathing water. It’s a point-of-entry system that works before getting to your pipes. Most models use a series of filters to target different-sized contaminants, from the calcium and magnesium that create hard water to pesticides, rust, sediment, and chlorine. Thus, each layer has a different lifespan. Sediment pre-filters may expire every 3-6 months, while carbon filters can last up to a year. Specialized filters may have their own timelines, so stay on top of each expected lifespan to keep the system working efficiently.
5 Signs Your Water Filter Needs Replacement
Not sure if it’s the right time to replace your system? In some cases, it’s hard to know. Arm yourself with the knowledge of the five biggest signs a change is needed so you can protect your drinking water quality.
Change in Taste or Odor
A properly working water filter keeps everything tasting and smelling fresh and clean. If you notice a metallic taste (which could point to heavy metals) or a foul smell like chlorine, it’s a good sign that the filter is no longer effective.
Slower Water Flow
The amount of sediment trapped in the filter can impact the flow rate. When it becomes bogged down with contaminants, the water may come out much slower, telling you it’s clogged and needs a replacement.
Filter Change Indicator
Sometimes, your filtration system may have an indicator that tells you when a replacement is necessary. Refrigerator and pitcher systems are both commonly used indicators. Pay attention to these signals and change the filter as soon as possible.
Visual Sediment Present
Your filtered water should smell, taste, and look clean. If you can see sediment or discoloration, the filter is no longer doing its job well, and it’s time to replace it.
Poor Water Testing
Water tests are a great way to learn more about the quality beyond what you can see, smell, or taste. If you get poor results from a quality test, it’s almost certainly a sign that the filter is no longer effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Water Filters Be Replaced?
The frequency of changing your water filter is determined by the type in place, the usage level, and the initial quality. Most will need replacement at least once a year, while pitcher and refrigerator filters need replacement every few months.
Can Using an Expired Walter Filter Cause Any Harm?
Using an expired filter likely will not cause more harm than using and drinking your water without a filter. However, one that is too saturated with contaminants to work properly may release captured contaminants back into your water.
Routine Replacement Maintains Filtration Quality and Compliance
Water filters work hard for you in the background to keep your drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry water clean and fresh. But they’re not a one-and-done fix. All systems have a finite lifespan, which your usage levels, quality, and filter type can impact. Learning what impacts lifespan and what signs indicate it’s time for a replacement will ensure your water stays high-quality.
Woder provides high-quality, US-made filtration systems to businesses, organizations, municipalities, school districts, and more. We pride ourselves on creating long-term customer relationships and meeting diverse needs through our range of products, such as under-sink filters or inline filters.
If you’re interested in getting cleaner water for your business or organization, let’s talk. Reach out to learn more about our discounted quotes for businesses and enjoy the freshest water with help from Woder.
