Replacing water filters is an important part of maintaining any home. Not only do they keep your water clean and free of impurities, but they can also help ensure that your appliances run smoothly. Knowing how often to change water filters is one of the best ways to make sure your family has clean, fresh water. Let's explore the different types of water filters and how often they should be replaced.

Person getting a glass of water from a filtered tap.

An Overview of Water Filters

Most homes have several types of water filters in use. Faucet water filters are typically used for drinking and cooking, while refrigerator water filters help purify ice and drinking water. Pitcher cartridges are great for filtering large amounts of drinking water to store in the fridge, while shower filters help reduce the number of impurities in your shower water. Finally, whole-house filters provide filtration of all water used in your home. Water filters can also be found in air conditioners, humidifiers, and other household appliances.

So, how long do water filters last? That depends on the type of water filter and how much it gets used.

Faucet Water Filters

Faucet water filters should be replaced every two to three months, depending on the use and the type of filter used. The purpose of these filters is to reduce sediment, chlorine taste, and odor, as well as other contaminants like heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pesticides. Different types of faucet-mount systems will have varying filter efficiency and lifespans, so make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for more specific information about the contaminants they remove and when to replace them. Faucet filters also come with a few pros and cons, including:

Pros

Convenient
Low cost
Easy to install and maintain

Cons

Cold water only on some models
May leak or crack
Only delivers purified water from where the filter is mounted

A faucet water filter being used to fill a cup.

Be sure to research the right faucet-mounted water filter for your needs.

Refrigerator Water Filters

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle all starts with clean drinking water. Therefore, it's important to know when to change the water filter in your refrigerator. It's recommended to change them at least twice a year, or as often as the manufacturer instructs. Replacing the filter is a quick and easy task that ensures you always have clean and great-tasting water. Keeping a functioning water filter can save you time and money because you won't have to purchase bottled water; it also helps keep your family safe by reducing sediment, rust particles, and more from your fridge's water supply.

Person getting water from a fridge dispenser.

Refrigerator filter cartridges come in various sizes, so make sure you check the size before buying a new one online or at your local store. If you're still wondering how often you need to replace your refrigerator water filter, go ahead and set aside some time every six months or so to make the change, because investing just a few minutes of your time can make all the difference in the quality and taste of your water.

Pitcher Cartridges

Commonly found in households with refrigerators that lack a water supply line, pitcher cartridges are used to store and filter large amounts of drinking water at a time. Replacing a water filter for a pitcher regularly helps maintain the purity of the water you drink. Some of these filters work by trapping contaminants such as lead particles, sediment particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chlorine taste/odor from tap-water supplies before they enter your pitcher tank or glass carafe system. Just be sure to read the filter packaging label carefully, as no pitcher cartridge filter can remove every contaminant. Also, look for specific certification marks on filter replacement packages for each type of harmful contaminant, such as VOCs and heavy metals.

Man pouring water from a filter pitcher into a cup.

Pitcher cartridges should be replaced every two months, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, keep an eye out for changes in taste or odor, as that may also be a sign that the cartridge needs replacing early. It is always recommended to check and change your filter regularly to ensure you are getting the freshest and cleanest drinking water.

Shower Filters

The average water filter in a shower lasts six months before it needs to be replaced; however, how long your filter will last can vary greatly depending on how frequently your household showers are used. Some filters can last up to 12 months, however, if you notice a decrease in flow rate, which could be due to clogging from accumulated scale deposits inside the filter cartridge itself, you may need to replace the filter sooner. When it comes to how to tell when a water filter needs replacing, it's important to pay attention to water use patterns that may impact the lifespan of a filter.

Whole House Filters

Whole house filters usually require more frequent home water filter replacement because they are designed to remove sediment from all the water used in your home. To maintain the best quality and reliability of your whole house water filter, it is recommended that you change it every three to six months. This helps to keep the water free from impurities and contaminants that can be harmful to your health, your home's plumbing system, and your appliances.

Family washing hands under a kitchen sink tap.

Take a few minutes to change out the filter every three to six months to ensure your whole-house filtering system is working optimally. Knowing how often to change a whole house water filter is not just recommended, but also necessary for anyone looking to enjoy clean, fresh water for their home on a consistent basis.

Other Home Appliances That Use Water Filters

Beyond refrigerators, it's also helpful to consider how your water is filtered in other appliances, such as your dishwasher. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher filter helps ensure the appliance can operate in optimal condition. The recommended timeline for cleaning your dishwasher filter depends on factors such as water conditions and frequency of use, so it's a good idea to consult your manufacturer's manual to determine the schedule that works best for your appliance.

If you have a filter for your toilet tank, it will also require some maintenance. The water filter inside your toilet tank can help keep the water clean and free of sediment and particulates, so it needs to be checked every so often to maintain its effectiveness. Your toilet tank filter should be changed according to manufacturer recommendations to ensure debris and impurities aren't entering the tank.

Maintain Your Filters for Fresh, Clean Water

Knowing how often to change the water filters in your home is essential not just for maintaining clean-tasting and -smelling water, but also to keep appliances running smoothly and working their best. Always look for signs such as decreased water flow rate or discoloration when trying to determine whether it's time for a replacement cartridge.

Read up on more preventative house maintenance tips by checking out our Home Care Buzz blog. First American Home Warranty can provide you with a free home warranty quote so when a covered item breaks, we're here to help.

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