Filters have been referred to as the heartbeat of the water purification system. It is important equipment applied in removing impurities and contaminants from the water we drink every day. Changing water filter guarantees quality water, efficiency in the system, and completes the water filtration process. In this blog, we will highlight a step-by-step process in changing your water filter and why you should do so periodically.
Why Is Changing Your Water Filter Important?
A water filter is an integral part of any water purification system, designed to remove sediments, chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria from water. Over time, contaminants accumulate in the filter, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to water contamination.
If not replaced regularly, the filter can even act as a source of impurities, causing bad taste, odors, and various health risks. Knowing how often to change your water filter is essential to ensure clean drinking water and the efficient performance of your filtration system.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Filter
- Reduced Water Flow: When the flow rate in your water filter system begins to diminish, it is now time to replace the cartridges. At this reduced flow rate, the captured pollutants in the filter media block the filter, making the passage of water quite tough.
- Unpleasant Odor: In case there is a bad smell in the water, then the filter may be loaded with impurities. The issue tends to disappear after the replacement of the filter.
- Peculiar Taste: When the water taste changes, this may indicate a time to change your filter. Over time, overworking filters reduces their effectiveness in terms of adsorption of impurities or contaminants, causing off-flavor or taste in water.
Steps to Changing Water Filter
Follow these steps in order to know the steps of changing water filter correctly:
- Shut off the Water Supply: Switch off the water feeding to the system either at the main feed or a valve on the unit.
- Release Pressure: Before opening the filter, ensure that any accumulated pressure inside the system is released. You can do this by pressing the red release button on the filter.
- Remove the Old Filter: With the use of a filter wrench, turn the cover counterclockwise. Be prepared for slight water spillage as you attempt to remove it.
- New Filter Installation: Install the new filter in the housing, ensuring it is seated properly and centered.
- Secure the Filter: Using the filter wrench, tighten the housing securely. Also, let the cover tightly shut to avoid any leakages.
- Water Restoration: Once the new filter is fixed in its place, water flow to the system can be gradually restored. The system should then be observed for leaks.
Why Should Professionals Do it?
This may seem like an easy process, but replacement of water filters is better left to the professionals. A professional has the required knowledge to ensure that replacement is perfectly done in the shortest time possible. They have the necessary equipment and ability to investigate any worn-out parts, possible leaks, or malfunctioning systems that an inexperienced person might miss.
Meanwhile, the professionals know what each of the different water filtration systems entails, like changing water filter after a certain period of time, and that replacement filters are going to be appropriate for your system. This saves not just time and effort on your part but also ensures longevity and peak performance in your water purification system. The advantage of hiring a professional is that you get to enjoy clean and safe drinking water, with no margin for error in installation or maintenance.
How often Replace Water Filter?
Most water filtration systems will have a recommended frequency for replacing the filters in their operating instructions. The general rule is to replace your filters every 3-6 months depending on usage. A single person may simply be using up the top end of the cartridge life, around a year, whereas a big family might need to change them more often. Knowing how often to replace water filter at which to replace water filter cartridges will guarantee efficient performance, besides safety.
Types of Water Filters and When to Change Them:
- Sediment Filter: It needs to be replaced every 6 to 12 months or when water pressure goes down or visible sediments are found in the water.
- Activated Carbon Filter: It is recommended to be changed every 6 months or when water taste changes, or in cases of bad smell.
- Whole House Filter: You should replace the whole house filter every 6 to 12 months, depending on water usage and quality. Signs that it may need changing include reduced water flow, unpleasant odors, or changes in water taste.
- Micron Filter: Every 12 months or even sooner if the water becomes cloudy, or when you can notice some strange smell which would signal contaminants.
- Reverse Osmosis Filter: The reverse osmosis membrane should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, the pre-filters every 6 months, and the post-filters every 6 to 12 months, or if you notice a major drop in the water flow or an increase in salinity.
- UV Filter: UV Lamp replacement shall be replaced once every 12 months, or if you notice the UV lamp ineffective in killing the bacteria, water testing can reveal this.
Conclusion
Changing water filter will keep you and your family supplied with clean, healthy water. With regular cleaning of the system, you get pure water with great taste by replacing filters in due time. Knowing how often should water filters be changed will go a long way in reaping better quality water in our homes.
For more information about water filter replacement schedule or to obtain replacement filters, please do not hesitate to contact Pure N Safe Water Solutions 1 300 890 807. We are here to help you with all your water purification needs!