Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Aug 25, 2023
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Almost all whole house water filters require a little bit of maintenance every once in a while to perform at their best. Timely cartridge replacements usually do the trick.
But how do you do that actually and how often do you have to change filters? And what happens if you neglect your duties? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
These are the steps on how to change a whole house water filter:
Replacing a whole house water filter is matter of minutes as long as you have all the necessary tools and accessories at hand and know what you are doing. You don’t? Well, then this will help you out:
Too lazy; didn’t read? Check out this video:
This doesn’t really matter. Changing a well water filter works exactly the same like replacing one on a city supply.
If your filter housing is stuck and you’ve already opened one or more faucets to release some of the pressure inside of it and you’ve also used the pressure release button at the top, do not despair just yet!
There are a couple of things that might help:
Didn’t do the trick? Then it’s probably best to remove the entire unit from the water line and carefully grip it in a vice. Now you can open the housing with brute force. If you are sick of your old filter, check out our whole house water filter reviews to find a new one.
How can you prevent this from happening again? First of all, make sure that the O-ring is intact and free from dirt. If you find any cracks or other defects replace the O-ring. Then lubricate it with food-grade silicone grease as we’ve mentioned above. Also, make sure that its seat and the contact surface inside the head is clean.
How often you need to change the filter(s) of your whole house system depends on a couple of factors:
As a general rule, most filters will last anywhere between 1 and 6 months. Sediment pre-filters require the most frequent changes, whereas carbon filters have a higher life expectancy. Post-filters can last up to 9-12 months.
Helpful indicators are discoloration and unpleasant taste/odor as well as a drop in water pressure and flow rate which are hints that your filter has exceeded its capacity and is clogged.
You can also learn from the old cartridge. What condition is it in at the time of replacement? If it still looks brand-new, maybe use it for a bit longer. If it’s super dirty and worn out, change earlier next time.
We also advise you to consult your manual or contact the manufacturer directly. The customer support will give you a more specific time frame.
What happens if you don’t change your filter according to plan? It will lose its filtering efficiency. For instance:
An old sediment filter that is supposed to trap particles such as rust will allow some of the contaminants to pass through, which will then end up in your drinking glass and also compromise the performance of your other home appliances. Worst case scenario: The lifespan of your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, etc. will be shortened.
What’s more, most water experts recommend to replace cartridges at least once a year to prevent germs like bacteria and mold from growing inside of it. This is something you have to avoid at all costs to protect your health.
If you have any questions about how to change a whole house water filter, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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