How Often Should I Change A Whole House Water Filter?
The service life of the filter is from one to six months. The exact life of the filters depends on various factors, considering the manufacturer, as well as the filter materials and the type of system.
For example, sediment pre-filters have a short life span of about three to twelve months.
Post-filters can work for about 9 months or more, but carbon filters will last you the longest (14-15 months). Carbon media (for tank based systems) last three to five years or longer depending on chlorine levels.
But there are several ways to know when your filter is not working and it’s time to change a whole house it.
- One of the signs of a malfunction is an unpleasant smell or taste that you begin to feel in your water.
- Water flow and pressure will also change.
- A lot about the condition of your filter will tell the old cartridge. If it’s worn out then replace it earlier next time. If it’s still new and clean, you can use it for a little longer.
There are other factors that we will point out below that will determine how often you will need to change a whole house.
- Size, capacity and type (measured in months or gallons)
- Water quality (higher impurities will reduce filter life and increase chances of replacement)
- Sediment
- The content of chlorine, iron and other impurities
- Hardness of water
- The softness of the water
- A well against city water
The easiest way to know when to change your water filter is to keep track of your water flow.
These are general recommendations based on the average filter life of our tested whole house filtration systems. You may like the idea of installing a pressure gauge on both sides of the system. When the pressure drops significantly after how the water has passed through the filters, it tells us that it’s time to change the filter cartridge.
You can mark your calendar so you don’t forget to change the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What is whole house water filter?
This water filtration system from every outlet in the building is better, more economical and more convenient.
The whole house water filter is located on the main water supply, so your house always has the same clean and filtered water, you can not only bathe in it, but also cook and wash it, and also have access to it wherever you are indoors. Whole house water filter work wonders behind the scenes, without your input.
There is another type of house water filter system that is installed on individual faucets to filter water. It is installed in each room separately either on the countertop or under the sink.
The tap water filter is an alternative to the general water filter in the house.
Like any technique, the water filter needs to be checked from time to time. Replacing a cartridge is a good way to always keep it in top working condition.
It’s simple? How safe and fast is it to replace the filter cartridge throughout the house? How to change the water filter in the house at all?
The items we list below will help you replace the filter cartridges or filter media in each of these systems. Just remember to wear protective gloves and goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
In this article, you will find answers to your questions about what happens if you your whole house water filter time.
What happens if you do not replace replacement filter for the whole house on time?
If you forget to replace your water filters when they reach the end of their service life, this can lead to various consequences:
- The filters can get very clogged and the water flow will become slower.
- Filters will not be able to filter pollutants, so they will become ineffective.
- Your water leaving the filter will be dirtier than the water entering.
- Bad bacteria will accumulate inside the filters. This can lead to various diseases.
- Household appliances will get dirty more often, and their efficiency will definitely decrease.
- The water will not taste good, it will smell bad or it will look terrible.
Please, Remember to change the water filter cartridge in the entire household filter at least once a year and replace the filter media every five years to avoid bad consequences.
What are the reasons for changing whole house water filter?
One of the main advantages is that you can quickly and easily change the cartridge and enable correctly the water throughout the house. High-quality filter cartridges for the home will show that you will be delighted with long-lasting and effective water filtration.
Good and high quality cartridges can filter water for almost three years; some are only 3 months old.
You definitely need to replace the filter to improve the performance of the whole house filtration system. You should consider replacing the filter if you see scale, dirt, bad smell or taste in the water, or slow or too fast flow.
For more information, see the seller’s recommendation, they are included with your system.
Be aware that a poorly performing filter may not mean that the cartridge is of poor quality: it is most likely just a compatibility issue. Buy a cartridge suitable for the type of contaminants found in your water, then it will work effectively.
To find out what contaminants are in your water, you can order water testing from a certified laboratory.
How to change whole house water filter?
So, if you still decide that it is best to replace the water filter cartridge – then it’s time to take a look at how you will do this work yourself or you’d better call in professionals. Replacing a cartridge is not a difficult job and in most cases you can easily do without the help of a plumber.
You may need:
- Replaceable whole house water filter cartridge;
- Replaceable sealing ring. See if you have a ring in stock. You can also order or buy a new one;
- Food grade silicone grease. Only an approved food grade lubricant should be used, otherwise you may contaminate drinking water with it;
- Wrench (supplied with the system). You may not have a key or you have lost it, then buy or order a strap wrench for Lisle 60200 Heavy Duty filters. You will need a 1/2″ socket;
- Teflon tape. This is the thin white plastic tape you use to seal plumbing fixtures;
- An empty bucket or container. You can purchase a 5 gallon paint bucket available at any home improvement store. Place a bucket under the water filter so that water does not accidentally spill onto the floor;
- Soapy water and detergents (optional);
- Rags for cleaning up after you’re done. They should be clean and lint-free (cotton towels are best).
How long does it take to replace whole house water filter?
You can change the filter in 10 minutes, it happens quickly enough and even a person who has never changed cartridges can handle it.
How to change whole house water filter? Steps to replace whole house water filter cartridge:
Have you read the instructions? Let’s start! The following are simple steps applicable to filtration systems that use cartridges and filter housings:
– Step 1. Turn off the water supply
Take a close look at the water filter installation throughout the house and understand which direction the water is flowing.
Tip: fill a container with water before turning off the water. Thus, you will have water for domestic needs.
All appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, sprinklers, etc., must be turned off.
If you have never turned off the water before, it’s time to make sure that your valve can not only be closed, but also opened again. If you live in an apartment or apartment building, contact your property manager to find out where your unit’s shut-off valves are located.
Find the valve on the main water supply that regulates the water supply for the entire building and turn it off. If you have a bypass switch, it will ensure that water does not flow through the pipes during the change.
– Step 2. Relieve water pressure:
To relieve pressure, press the red knob. Be careful as water will come out when you press the pressure release button.
It is best to do this at the faucet with the lowest height to help relieve most of the pressure in the line.
Why is this needed?
If you open the faucet in the upstairs bathroom and change the water filter in the basement, you will have two more floors of water.
– Step 3. Activate the pressure release button:
Locate the pressure release button on the filter housing and press it to release pressure from the system. This is to facilitate the replacement of water cartridges.
– Step 4. Unscrew the filter:
Take the filter wrench to unscrew the first filter canister from the body. Place an empty bucket under the water collection system to prevent water from dripping onto the floor.
Unscrew the housing and remove the large O-ring. It has a large diameter shape with a small black plastic band,which you will find in the case.
Quickly clean the ring with a cloth and set it aside. Remember where you put it, as o-rings are easy to lose. If suddenly the sealing ring is damaged or lost, buy a new one.
Sometimes people complain that they cannot unscrew the filter housing and complain about the plastic key for the filter.
This is either because they overtightened the filter or the system is still under pressure.
Be careful if the filter housing does not give in!
Do not press too hard on the plastic filter wrench. It might break! You can insert two filter keys. Or put a plastic tube on the end of the key, to get a long enough rod, with which you get a good lever.
Be careful not to tear the bracket mount off the wall or pull the pipe out of the wall.
– Step 5. Remove the cartridge from the housing:
Tilt the system to pull out the old filter cartridge. You can use the supplied wrench. If the filter is stuck, do not tap the housing hard to loosen it. If you have an o-ring, make sure it doesn’t come off during this process.
Set the old filter aside so you can responsibly dispose of it later.
Dispose of the used cartridge properly.
– Step 6. Clean the case
Housing cleaning is one of the most important steps to keep your filtration system in good working order.
After you have removed the cartridge, thoroughly clean and rinse the filter housing. Water enters from the outside of the filter, so all debris should be on that side of the filter.
Use warm, soapy water with ½ cap of detergent and a small washcloth to remove dirt, debris, dust, and other residue. Rinse with clean water, then dry the canister with a paper towel or cloth.
Clean the threads of the canister and the canister holder attached to the wall. You can find trash stuck here after opening the canister. Use a Q-tip or toothbrush to clean everything well and then wipe it with a rag.
– Step 7 Lubricate the O-ring
The filter housing has a black O-ring which is a food grade gasket. It helps prevent and is critical to preventing leaks. Sometimes people think they just need to pull harder instead of realizing what they need new.
Inspect the O-rings for damage and replace if necessary. Clean the O-ring path with a cotton swab. Do not use any detergents or solvents for this.
Lubricate the o-rings with silicone grease, as this will help him sit well and properly in the case, as well as silicone does not cause softening or swelling of the rubber. You can put some silicone lubricant on your fingers and rub a light coating on the ring.
Place them carefully. The o-rings must be located inside their small recess in order for the housing to be airtight. Be careful when installing otherwise the body seal may break.
– Step 8. Wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the filter housing
Take the thread sealing tape and wrap it several times around the threads. Make sure your thread is set up correctly the first time, otherwise you’ll have to delete it and start over.
Slowly turn the canister clockwise (right tight) works best.
Before you do this, make sure you have the new filter in the housing!
– Step 9. Replacing the cartridge and filter replacement
It is very important to correctly install the filter above the water cartridge whole house system. If you have a reverse osmosis system or any other water filter, make sure you check the housing to find the riser in the middle at the bottom. Place the filter in the housing so that it is exactly in the center.
If it is off-center or if you tilt it while screwing it in, you will likely damage the top of the filter.
Take a look at your filter in the canister and the threads you are screwing it onto.
– Step 10. Check for leaks
When all the previous steps have been completed, turn on the faucet again and gradually let the flow throughout the house. If you notice a water leak, turn off the water and tighten the connections more tightly. Now you can enjoy fresh, filtered water from every faucet in your home again.
– Step 11. Repeat
Repeat all steps with all of your sediment and carbon filters in the system that need to be replaced.
– Step 12. Turn on the water
Carefully turn the input switch to the “on” position and turn on the water supply and let the water flow from several taps, to wash the new filters according to the user’s instructions. Always be careful when replacing the whole house filter.
To prevent splashing of water, wrap the device halfway in a towel before releasing pressure.
Outcome:
Finally, after you have changed whole house filter and secured the housing, turn on the taps and let the water run for 6-7 minutes. He needs to work a little time for the dirt to go away. It is possible that when you changed the filter, water deposits could get into the faucet.
Replacing whole house filter is a simple and important task, it is of great importance for the health of your life, as well as for the quality of life of everyone who lives in your home.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is very important!
How to change the filter material in the tank filtration system?
And now consider the option of how to replace the filler in the tank-based whole house water filter .
You may need:
- Replaceable carbon carrier
- Flexible platform and KDF carrier (and any other necessary carriers) Funnel (optional)
- Maybe, need to replace the tank head.
- Items for washing and soaking the medium (provided by the manufacturer)
Follow the next steps:
Step 1. Turn off the water
Turn off the water and reduce the water pressure by opening several taps in the house.
Step 2. Bypass water and inlet valve
Switch the bypass or inlet valve to divert water.
Step 3. Remove the tank
Remove the tank completely from the water line. Or you can just unscrew the tank from the connections, you may also need to use different tools to detach the system.
Step 4. Turn on the water
Turn the water back on. Check several times that the bypass valve is preventing water from entering the system, then turn the water supply back on.
Step 5 Remove the media
Take the tank out and the tank sleeve/lid.
Carefully remove the reservoir head and carefully tip the reservoir on its side (ask for help if the reservoir is too heavy for you). You need to flush the old carbon fill down the drain. Don’t worry, the carbon carrier is non-toxic.
Step 6 Wash out the remaining medium
To fill the tank with water, you need to lay the tank on its side on an elevated surface and run water from a garden hose into it.
Step 7. Rinsing
Repeat the rinsing process until the water is clear to completely remove all media.
Step 8. New environment
You need to add a new medium: Open the bag and carefully pour the medium into the tank.
Carbon media replacement kits are provided with a funnel to make your job easier. But you can also use your own funnel.
Step 9. Check the order of all media
If you have multiple media, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the order in which you add them.
Step 10. Screw the reservoir head back on
Replace the reservoir head or, if the manufacturer sent you a new one, screw the new reservoir head into place. Put on the sleeve or reservoir cap again.
Step 11: Soak the media
Refer to the user manual for media soaking recommendations and instructions.
For some media, the manufacturer recommends soaking for up to 48 hours before the system can be reinstalled in the water line.
Step 12 Wash the medium
After the soak time has elapsed, the medium in the tank will need to be rinsed several times. To do this correctly, be sure to read the instructions for your system.
Step 13. We return the tank to its place
Return the filter system to its place on the water supply line and fasten it well back into place.
Step 14. Flush the tank
Carefully open the bypass valve on the bypass valve to allow water to flow back into the tank. Turn on the faucets so that water begins to flow through the system, leave the water open for about 10 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 15. Check for leaks
Check for leaks. If you see a leak around the tank cap, immediately close the bypass valve and tighten the cap well, then reopen the valve.
Step 16. You can turn on the water supply
When the water pressure is restored, turn off the taps.
Filter Replacement: Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
If you have a cartridge water filter, we recommend that you replace the filter yourself.
It will be easy for you to replace the cartridge. All you need to do is unscrew the water filter housing, remove the old filter, and insert the replacement filter in place of the old one.
You’ll also need to lubricate the O-rings with clean silicone grease, but that shouldn’t be too difficult.
But replacing the media in a tank-based water filter can be more of a challenge for you.
You need to strictly follow the instructions! The filter change process involves tipping the tank and soaking the medium for up to 48 hours.
If you have problems with this, you should find someone to replace the media for you. In this case, it is better to hire a professional!
Of course, you don’t have to be a professional.
Your neighbor or family member can help you, but sometimes people find peace of mind by asking a qualified person to do the job for them. The cost of this procedure is approximately $50-100. It depends on whether your plumber charges a flat fee for the service or an hourly fee.
We conclude: Is it difficult to replace the water filter in the whole house?
Of course not. Most people are able to change filters themselves. You do not need to remove the entire system from the plumbing. All you have to do is just unroll and twist and rinse.
Can’t remove water filters. What to do?
One of the most common problems with cartridge water filtration systems is filter sticking. When you start changing the filter, you may feel like your filters are stuck in the bracket and you can’t get them out. This is most likely caused by too much pressure in the system.
In this case, press the pressure release button to relieve it.
Also, a cracked or broken O-ring, as well as sediment in the filter housing, can cause filters to seize.
What to do with the o-ring?
Chances are the manufacturer took care of you and the filter came with a new o-ring, then make sure you remove the old o-ring. Be sure to check the O-ring for damage and replace it if necessary.
But sometimes the O-ring needs to be lubricated with silicone grease to keep the filter connections tight.
If you don’t have a replacement, don’t throw away the o-ring, order or buy a new one first. The ring may not seem like much, but it is essential to prevent leaks in the system.
What is the cost of replacement whole house water filters?
The cost of replacement filters depends on which whole house water filters you buy, for which system, and from which manufacturer.
Cartridge whole house water filters replacement cost:
. Whole house sediment filter – $25.
. Charcoal whole house water filters – $30.
. Postfilters – $20.
Sometimes manufacturers offer filter packs at a discounted price.
The cost of replacing the filter material:
$150 for media only
Up to $350 for a media replacement kit.
Read here where should a whole house water filter be installed?
Conclusion:
Replacing the water filter throughout the house is easy. This reduces the rate of waterborne diseases. Life is better when we have clean water at home.