If you own a water filtration system, you may be wondering how often you should replace your water filter cartridges...this is a question we get asked daily. Rather than give you a basic answer, we need to break it down to provide a little further understanding on why filters need replacing whether it be an activated carbon filter, undersink water filters, whole house water filter or another filter type.
How often do I need to change my filter cartridges?
The lifespan of a water filter system cartridge is dependent on the household's water usage and, ultimately the contaminants contained in the incoming water. On average, a family can expect their filter system to deliver filtered water for 6-12 months (however this timeframe can be shorter if your water contains high levels of contaminants).
The beauty of having a water filter system installed through Nutrien Water, is that we will follow up with you after 11-months to see how we can assist in new or replacement cartridges for your water filtration systems.
Installing a Puretec water filtering system makes filter replacements regular maintenance super easy and can be done by almost anyone. There are no set monthly fees, you can just pick up a replacement filter online, simply unscrew the housing, replace the filter cartridges and you'll have clean, filtered water again.
How long do water filters last?
As a general rule of thumb, Puretec home water filters last 6-12 months however, the more contaminants entering the water filter cartridge, the more frequent filter changes will be required.
Factors that will impact the longevity of your water filter.
While we can't control the incoming water quality and contaminants that enter your water filter systems, we know there are several factors affecting water quality that can affect the lifespan of your water filter. Water quality can drastically change from suburb to suburb, and from mains water and home to rainwater. However, a few factors can improve the longevity of your filters and reduce how often they need to be replaced.Â
For mains water, utilising a self-cleaning backwash filter before the filtration system's inlet allows for capturing and removing larger particles. Puretec also offers a cleaning brush specifically designed for rainwater applications to clean pleated filters and sediment cartridges.
In addition to water quality, water consumption plays a role in lifespan of your filters. The more water consumed by the property, the greater number of contaminants that can accumulated in the carbon filter's pore structure.
Another common mistake leading to shorter filter life is using incorrect filter sizing. For instance, using a 10-inch filter housing instead of a 20-inch for the WH2 whole house filter. If household water consumption exceeds a certain point, the 10-inch filter will quickly become clogged.
By considering these factors and taking appropriate measures, you can enhance the longevity of your water filters and minimise the need for frequent replacements.
Why should I change my water filter?
When it comes to why you should change your water filter cartridge, the answer is pretty straightforward. Water filtration systems are only as good as the maintenance you keep on them. Once the water filter cartridge is at its capacity, it will no longer effectively keep out contaminants and remove the sediments and chemicals entering your home. Think of it as a bucket you are filling with water. Once the bucket is full, each drop spills out the top and into your system.
Once water flow through a filter has reached its capacity, the many benefits of having a home water filtration system such as taste, and all-around better quality water are lost.
 What happens if you don't change your water filter?
As mentioned in the bucket analogy above, once your water filter cartridges reach capacity, they are no longer effective at removing the sediment and chemicals. If you don't change the water filter cartridge out when they reach this point, you won't have an effective water filtration system.
Where can I buy replacement water filter cartridges?
Here at Nutrien Water, we specialise in Puretec Water filtration systems and stock a large range of Puretec products, including replacement cartridges, whole-house filters and under sink water filters . Visit our online store for free delivery or pop into one of our many retail outlets across the country.
We hope we have given you some insight into your system's filter cartridge life. If you have any further questions, reach out to your local Nutrien store or contact us through our website.
The information provided in this publication is intended as a guide only. No one should rely upon the information contained in this publication without appropriate professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation.
