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How Long Do Water Filters Last? Explained Guide For 2023

how long do water filters last

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It is wise to use everything correctly, and If you don’t use something accurately, it will go bad. Similarly, the water filters that we use in our homes have shelf life. After this, they need replacement. Due to the constant filtration of dirt, their potential wane, and they provide dirty water. 

Whenever you start buying filters, the question that comes to your mind is, how long do water filters last? So we will try our best to answer this question and satisfy you completely. This blog will cover

  • How long do water filters last?
  • When do you need to change it, and signs of replacement?

What do water filters do?

Water is a basic necessity for every living species in this world, but for many reasons, access to safe drinking water is a privilege for people. Water filters serve as a tool to purify water to make it safe and healthy to consume. It eliminates impurities and containments such as rocks, sediments, and sand. With the advancement of technology, different water filters are introduced, each serving its purpose.

For example, carbon water filters or activated carbon filters filter out organic compounds from the water. The sink water filters eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses from water for household use. Backpacking water filters get rid of waterborne bacteria and protozoa found in the water during hiking and camping.

How long does the water filter last?

We’ve explained each of the water filters that we’ve covered.

how long does water filter last
how long does the water filter last

How long do under-sink water filters last?

To dispense clean water from the taps for household use, under-sink water filters are installed. The product’s lifetime in constant consumption is limited but not definable; it depends on various factors. These factors include but are not limited to filter type, the utilization of filters, and unfiltered water quality. A high-quality under-sink water filter coupled with low usage of filtered water would imply a longer life for the filter. Similarly, constant filter maintenance with good quality unfiltered water ensures effective long-term use of the under-sink water filter. 

The under-sink filters that are used for commercial purposes have a lifespan of 4-6 months. The filters used in residential areas have a life span of every 6 to 12 months. Reverse osmosis membranes and alkalization filters have a longer lifespan, like 2-4 years.

How long do refrigerator water filters last?

Refrigerator water filters consist of several filters working together to produce clean, odorless, and tasteless water. It has activated carbon filters coupled with other carbon water filters to filter off sediments, suspended solids, and organic compounds. A refrigerator filter is necessary for drinking water to be free from bacteria, containments, and impurities; thus, changing the filter as often as possible is detrimental. Most refrigerator filters require replacement after every six months or more, depending on water quality and frequency of use. 

How long do shower filters last?

To evaluate how long shower filters last, we need to note the shower filter type, the usage of the filter daily, and the quality of the water. A shower filter can last for up to 6 months or handle the use of 10,000 gallons to 12,000 gallons of water in its lifetime. Regular maintenance can ensure a longer lifespan of a shower filter.

How long do faucet water filters last?

The lifespan of a faucet water filter varies depending on its material, usage, and amount of containments in the water. A plastic faucet water filter might wear out quicker than a stainless steel faucet water filter: plastic is not as sturdy as stainless steel. Besides material, faucet water filters usually come equipped with replaceable filter cartridges, which means you do not have to change the entire filter setup. Depending on the utilization of the faucet filter, filter cartridges last approximately 2 to 3 months, whereas a faucet water filter setup can last up to 4 years. 

How long do the water filter pitchers last?

Each water filter pitcher has the same task, i.e., to eliminate impurities from the drinking water. Activated carbon water filters eliminate harmful organic compounds in the tap water, such as nitrates, lead, copper, and mercury. Activated carbon filters are most helpful in reducing foul odor and taste from the tap water, so the water is useable. The replacement time of a water filter pitcher is highly dependent on the company and the quality of the filter. Most companies recommend changing the filter every 2-3 months, but the filter’s lifetime can be extended to 6 months, depending on the filter’s usage. 

How Long will a whole house water filter last?

Whole house water filters are connected to create a hassle-free water provision. It has multiple other water filters working together to produce fresh and clean water. These water filters include pre-filter, activated carbon water filters, and post-filter. It is essential to perform maintenance and replace each water filter yearly to avoid costly repairs. To know how long a carbon water filter lasts or the pre-filter lasts, it is vital to know the make and model of the filter. The Whole House Water filter’s lifetime can extend contingent on size, material, and usage with good routine service.

Usually declaiming, a whole house water filter lasts for 12 months. As long as you understand when to change your filter and signs that it’s time to do so, you never have to concern yourself with waiting too long.

How long does the countertop reverse osmosis water filter last?

Countertop reverse osmosis water filters have become increasingly popular, providing an easy and accessible way to crisp and fresh water from a kitchen countertop. Most reverse osmosis filters are installed underneath the sink and have various maintenance requirements; countertop reverse osmosis water filters are no different but not installed underneath the sink. Each reverse osmosis filter has tiny pores, allowing the water molecules to pass through them, thus increasing its efficiency. Maintenance and sterilization of the osmosis membrane are required annually to maintain its efficiency.

After the initial installment, countertop reverse osmosis filters can last up to 10 to 15 years with mindful use and sustainment. But generally speaking, the RO membrane lasts for 2-3 years.

USEFUL LINKS

We’ve reviewed the best of all reverse osmosis systems & countertop water filters that most people are now interested in & really useful to get safe, healthy, clean, as well tasty drinking water at home.

How to know when to change water filters?

The basic observation to know that it is high time to change your water filter is when it is not doing its only task: providing clean water. The water has visible impurities, a bad smell, and a foul odor. However, it is ideal for changing your water filter before the water condition worsens to the extreme. Some of the indications to look out for to know that it is time to replace your old water filter include:
The water pressure has decreased drastically or is decreasing slowly: since water filters collect impurities and containment, they clog up if not cleaned routinely. This clogging can lead to a decrease in water pressure,

  • which is a significant sign to replace the filter.
  • A routine check of the filter sensors and lights: Good quality filters come with visual sensors activated when debris buildup. A continual assessment of these sensors would alert you to change your filter on time. In some filters, the debris buildup is visible without sensors.
  • The drains and faucets are producing odd noise: sometimes replacement water filters are not installed correctly, making strange turbulent noise that needs to be checked or reinstalled.
  • What happens when a used water filter expires?

    A used water filter expires when it stops working efficiently, i.e., it stops filtering out impurities and containments of the water. Due to a debris buildup in the filter because of constant use, it clogs up. This clogs up worn out the filter, and the water produced then contains impurities such as black sludge, dust particles, sediments, bacteria, viruses, and harmful organic compounds. Coupled with this, it also makes smelly water.

    Do unused water filters expire?

    People tend to buy replacement water filters in bulk, so they don’t have to urgently run to the store to find a replacement water filter. The unused water filters do not expire unless steel-made, which sometimes corrodes when exposed to moisture. If any of the new filters do come in contact with moisture, they will need replacement at some point later on.

    What happens when you don’t change the water filter?

    When you don’t change the water filter at early signs of replacement, there is a high probability of the presence of bacteria, harmful organic compounds such as nitrates, viruses, and dust polluting your water. It could lead to multiple lung, liver, and kidney diseases, which could be life-threatening in the long run.

    Signs You Need a Water Filter Replacement

    The most obvious sign that you need a water filter replacement is perceptible containments in your water, such as black particles or detectable dust particles. Other than visual detection, these signs are an indication to order replacement water filters for your setup:

    Smell in water

    Terrible stenches or scents, like chlorine or sulfur (rotten egg smell), can emerge from a heap of various sources in your drinking water. Yet, the most likely scenario is that your water filter has reached its capacity to eliminate the foul odor. 

    Variation Water Pressure

    The water pressure will slowly decrease when your water filter is clogged up from filtering out sediments, debris, and containments. This decrease in water pressure is an indication to clean, sterilize, and change the water filter,

    Tasteless water

    If your filtered water has started to taste different than usual, it means that it is time to bring out one of the new replacement water filters for installation.

    The Benefits of Replacing Your Water Filters

    some of the benefits of replacing your water filters include:

    • ideal elimination of bacteria, containments, and impurities
    • a visible increase in water flow rate and pressure
    • a healthier and better taste of water
    • no foul smell

    Water Filter Care Tips

    Extending the lifespan of your water filters requires conscious effort and routine maintenance. Some of the ways you can take care of your water filters and cartridges include:

    USEFUL TIPS

    Cleaning and sanitization of the filter tank and setup consistently over time, which could be done using the company guide or hiring a professional.

    To avoid long-term damage and costly repair, it is essential to keep replacement water filters at hand, which are installed as soon as the used water filter expires.

    Keeping the exterior of the water filter tank and set up clean and furnished.

    CONCLUSION

    Water filters are a necessity everywhere since natural clean water is scarce, but everyone has different needs and requirements for a water filter. Each kind of water filter is equipped to perform a different task depending on the quality, usage, and purpose of water. The various water filters have their method of sustenance and lifespan. It is vital to consider the filter’s utilization, purpose, budget, and quality to choose the best water filter suited to your needs

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Some other questions’s answers for our readers that might be helpful for reading.

    How Long Do Backpacking Water Filters Last?

    There is no expiry date for a backpacking water filter, but it is preferable to change it once in 5-10 years as it gets brittle if used regularly. 

    How Long Do Countertop Water Filters Last?

    Countertop filters come into regular use, which implies that they need to be replaced every six months. The lifespan of the water filter can be reduced or extended depending on the quality and consumption of water.

    How Long Do Activated Carbon Water Filters Last?

    Activated Carbon Filters work to remove chlorine and organic compounds from the water, but most of them usually expire after 4 to 6 months, after which they need to be replaced.

    How Long Do Brita Water Filters Last?

    A lifetime of Brita Water Filter relies on the quality of water highly. The hard water filtration would require the Brita Water filter to be replaced within two months, or else it can last up to 2 months.

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