Whether you are using a faucet, pitcher, or whole house water filter, it can be hard to tell when exactly it’s time to change the filter. A worn-out water filter will be less effective at filtering out the various chemicals, minerals, and microbes that may be present in the water supply. This may become apparent to you from changes in the taste or odor of the water, but that is not always the case. Therefore, it’s important to keep track and change the water filter regularly, even if everything seems to be just fine.
How often to change the water filter depends on the filter type and the makeup and quality of your local water source. Below you will find a breakdown of the most common types of filters and how often they should be replaced according to plumbing experts.
A whole-house filtration system is a filter that removes contaminants from water through a filter connected to your water line. That means all water that enters your house will pass through the filter and you will get clean water out of every outlet, including appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
In general, if your water source is municipal it is recommended to change those filters every six months. However, if your home pulls water from a well, it would probably be best to change your filter every three months, as the water may have excess sediment or iron in it.
One of the telltale signs to change a home filter is a reduction of water pressure throughout your home. As the filter clogs with sediment, it restricts water flow and reduces the gallons per minute it allows into your home. The more significant the clog is, the weaker the water pressure will be.
Replacing these filters can be challenging. An experienced DIYer with a moderate amount of plumbing experience may be able to follow the filter manufacturer’s instructions, but in most cases, the task requires a professional.
Faucet filters are installed directly onto the spout and filter the water as it leaves the tap. Faucet water filters are common all over the world and are considered efficient in removing fluoride, lead, and other contaminants. Unlike whole house filters, they are easy to install and don’t require any complicated plumbing. The one drawback is that they can reduce the flow rate significantly.
How often a faucet filter should be replaced really depends on how busy your household is. A large family will need to replace the filter more often; every three to five months could be necessary. Smaller households will only need a replacement every six months. In any case, double-check what is recommended by the manufacturer of your specific filter.
Water pitchers have many benefits. They are convenient to use, inexpensive to maintain and they filter impurities in tap water by removing chlorine, zinc, copper, cadmium, mercury, and sometimes the metallic taste you just cannot seem to shake. It is important, however, that the filter is changed regularly for the pitcher to be efficient.
Exactly how often you need to replace them depends on how much water you use. On average, it should last about six months or about every 10,000 gallons of water usage. However, if the pitcher is in constant use, it would be a good idea to change it more often.
Share these important tips with others!
30 Genius Cleaning Hacks For the Bathroom
If you like your bathroom squeaky clean, then you simply must take a look at the 30 genius cleaning hacks in this video!
When To Replace 9 Household Items You Use Daily
It's easy to forget to replace these items on time. But if you don't do so, they become hotbeds for germs...
How to Revive a Dying Plant
If you have a dying plant on your hands, don't be too quick to lose hope. Here are 9 tips to revive a dying houseplant.
Discover the Effects of Drinking Dirty, Contaminated Water
How safe is it to drink contaminated water? Find out here.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gadgets For Cooking or Cleaning!
Once you learn these clever hacks, you will never have to buy another cooking or cleaning gadget.
How To Tell If a Mattress Contains Toxic Chemicals
Warning: toxic chemicals may lurking where you least want them - your bed! Find out how to tell whether a mattress contains toxic chemicals in this article.
Shocking Bathroom Items That SHOULDN'T Be in the Bathroom
Bathrooms get so damp and humid, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. And here are 8 surprising things we need to keep out of the bathroom.
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
Grow These Plants to Banish Mosquitoes For Good!
No one likes mosquitoes, but if you're smart, you can prevent them from bothering you by having these plants in your home.
You Don’t Need a Garden to Grow Fruits & Vegetables!
Why not grow your own produce in your own home?
Do You Have Dandruff? Here's How to Get Rid of It!
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, instead of buying expensive shampoos, try these 8 natural remedies instead!
10 Things You SHOULDN'T Store on Top of Your Refrigerator
Learn why these items shouldn't be stored on the top of your fridge.
The Best Peeling and Cutting Advice From Expert Chefs
Learn to peel and cut your food in new and beautiful ways.
9 Body Language Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making
most communication between people is through body language, make sure you're not conveying the wrong messages by avoiding the 9 mistakes.
One of These Facts May Save Your Life One Day
10 simple facts that we should all know, because they may save us some day.
We Bet You Never Knew Rubbing Alcohol Was This Useful!
Most people use rubbing alcohol for cuts or to cool a fever, but it has so many other fantastic uses. Here's 15 of them.
Can't Stop Overthinking? This Insightful Guide Is For You
Do you overthink? This guide will help you manage your thoughts better.
These Handy Tools Are On a Whole Other Level!
Watch some of the most brilliant and helpful tools out there.
The Secret to REALLY Cleaning Your Microwave in 3 Minutes
There is a simple trick to cleaning your microwave in just a couple of minutes, and all it requires is a bowl of water and two slices of lemon.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
4 Stylish Haircuts that Take Years Off Your Face
Sometimes, all it takes to look years younger is a change in your hair style and color.
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
Banish Your Wrinkles With These Natural Face Masks
Keep your wrinkles at bay with these natural, easy to make face mask recipes.
Guide: How to Keep Street Cats Away Without Harming Them
This comprehensive guide provides you with a thorough plan of action for each strategy, ensuring that you can execute these tactics efficiently and effectively.
How to Make Your Own Beautiful Cold-Porcelain
This rose, and all these ornaments look incredible - but did you know they are made from cold-porcelain, which you can make yourself? Check out this recipe.
11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid
Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.
This Bizarre Soap Trick Can Alleviate Leg Pain
Did you know that placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms? Learn more about this odd trick.
8 Ways Your Home is Sneakily Draining Your Bank Account
Since your house cannot talk to you, here are some tips that will reveal the hidden ways in which your house could be costing you more money than it should.
These Winter Skincare Solutions Are Utterly Genius
The winter can take its toll on your skin, but that doesn't mean that you can't rectify problems quickly and easily. Find out about these 10 genius solutions.
What is Your MBTI Personality? Discover Now!
A great way to find out what kind of personality you have, using a scientific personality test.
Are They LIARS? 7 Signs to Look For
A regular person lies to prevent hurting someone's feelings or to protect themselves, but that's not the case when it comes to a compulsive liar...
How Observant Are You? Can You Spot What's Wrong Here?
So how's your observational skills and eye for detail? Can you identify what's wrong with this picture? See if you can spot all 21 mistakes.
Book Recommendations: 10 of the Best Reads for Dog Lovers
If your best friend is a dog, then you’ll this list of the best book about dogs.
7 Tips to Ensure You Never Buy a Bad Watermelon Again!
Watermelons are delicious, but before you buy one heed these 7 traits that indicate that the watermelon that you’re about to buy is bad.
6 Home Ingredients You Can Use to Clean Your Carpet
Got a carpet stain? Forget the dry-cleaners, try one of these methods instead.
10 Clever Ways to Eat Less While Staying Healthy
How to eat less and still enjoy yourselves? Here are 10 easy ways to do just that!
All About Women: 24 Facts About the Fairer Sex
These fascinating facts will probably surprise even our female readers. We gathered 24 facts that we best you've never heard about, and each of them will make you understand yourself and women a bit better.
Watch This and Become a Knot Expert!
Become a knotting expert with this educational guide. Some of these knots can be life-saving...
Who Needs a Professional Cleaner With These Tips?
These stubborn stains can easily be removed with a little guidance.
DIY: 12 Ways to Give Your Plastic Bottles New Life
Recycling is good but did you know there are lots of other things you can do with plastic bottles? Here are 12 ideas for do-it-yourself projects to create masterpieces out of junk.
Ten Golden Mantras for Growing Old with Grace
Ten golden mantras for those who wish to grow older with style and dignity to make life after retirement more pleasant, to enjoy and treasure the elder years of wisdom and intelligence..
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being Stressed
Can stress have a positive effect on your body and mind? Discover the health benefits of stress here.
12 Great Advantages of Being Bald
You thought hair loss and going bald was a BAD thing? Well, think again, as we go over everything that's great about being bald!
Give Your Feet a Treat With This Great Homemade Foot Soak
This simple, homemade foot soak uses only two ingredients to ensure your feet look and feel great!
Have You Been Eating Bananas Wrong Your Whole Life??
There are so many food items we have been eating the wrong way our entire life. Here are the right ways to eat these 10 foods.
16 Unique Uses For Coconut Oil Outside the Kitchen
There's more to coconut oil than its incredible health benefits. Here are 16 fantastic ways that it can be used outside the kitchen.
Clear a Clogged Drain Without Using Any Chemicals
The clogged drains of your house don't always need chemicals. These natural homemade cleaners provide great results, too.