A whole-house water filter works quietly in the background, helping filter water before it reaches the faucets, showers, appliances, and plumbing fixtures throughout your home. Because the system is often out of sight, it can also be easy to forget about regular maintenance.
Recently, our team at Arch Plumbing visited a home in Lake Saint Louis, MO, where the homeowner had been using the same whole-house water filter for approximately two years. When it was finally time to remove the filter, the difference between the old filter and a new one was hard to ignore.
What Happens When a Whole-House Water Filter Isn’t Changed?
Over time, a water filter collects sediment, debris, and other material from the water passing through it. As the filter becomes increasingly loaded, it may not perform as effectively as it did when it was new.
In this Lake Saint Louis home, the filter had been in place for around two years. After removing it, we placed the old filter next to a new one, making the buildup easy to see.
The old filter was heavily discolored compared with the clean replacement. While every home’s water and filtration needs are different, this is a good reminder that whole-house water filters require regular attention and maintenance.
How Often Should You Change a Whole-House Water Filter?
There is no single replacement schedule that works for every home. The right timing can depend on several factors, including:
- The type and size of the filter
- Your household’s water usage
- The quality of your incoming water
- The manufacturer’s recommendations
- The amount of sediment or other material in the water
Many whole-house filter cartridges need to be changed much more frequently than every two years. Some systems may require replacement every few months, while others may have a different maintenance schedule.
The best place to start is with the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific filtration system. If you are unsure when your filter was last changed or whether it is still performing properly, a plumbing professional can help inspect the system and recommend the appropriate maintenance.
Signs Your Whole-House Water Filter May Need Attention
You may not always be able to see what is happening inside your filter housing. However, a few changes around your home may indicate it is time to inspect the system:
Reduced Water Pressure
As a filter becomes clogged with sediment and debris, it can restrict water flow. If you notice reduced water pressure throughout your home, the filtration system may be one possible cause.
Visible Discoloration
If your filter housing allows you to see the cartridge, heavy discoloration can be a clear sign that the filter has collected a significant amount of material.
It’s Been Longer Than the Recommended Replacement Interval
Even if you have not noticed an obvious plumbing problem, it is important not to ignore the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
You’re Not Sure When It Was Last Changed
If you recently moved into a home or inherited an existing filtration system, you may not know when the filter was last replaced. Having the system inspected can help you get back on a proper maintenance schedule.
Don’t Wait Until the Filter Becomes Difficult to Remove
During this particular service visit, the homeowner was unable to remove the filter housing. After being in place for an extended period, it required some extra muscle to get it loose.
Waiting too long between maintenance visits can sometimes make routine service more challenging. Regular filter changes give you an opportunity to inspect the housing, connections, and overall condition of the filtration system.
Staying on top of maintenance can also help prevent the situation where you suddenly discover that your filter has been in service far longer than intended.
Need Help Installing or Changing a Whole-House Water Filter?
A whole-house water filtration system can be a useful addition to your home’s plumbing, but it needs proper installation and ongoing maintenance.
At Arch Plumbing, we can help homeowners in Lake Saint Louis and surrounding St. Charles County communities with whole-house water filter installation and filter maintenance. If changing the filter every few months or according to your system’s recommended schedule is something you would rather not handle yourself, our team can help.
Whether you need assistance with a new filtration system or need help replacing a filter that has been in place for too long, our family-owned plumbing team is here to help.
Schedule Whole-House Water Filter Service with Arch Plumbing
Don’t let an out-of-sight plumbing component become an out-of-mind maintenance problem.
If your whole-house water filter is due for a replacement, you’re not sure when it was last changed, or you’re considering installing a filtration system in your home, contact Arch Plumbing.
We’re proud to provide reliable plumbing service to homeowners throughout Lake Saint Louis, St. Charles County, and surrounding communities.
Need help with your whole-house water filter? Call Arch Plumbing to schedule service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-House Water Filters
How often should a whole-house water filter be changed?
The replacement schedule depends on the type of filter, water quality, household water usage, and manufacturer recommendations. Some filters require replacement every few months, while others have different service intervals. Always check the recommendations for your specific system.
Can an old whole-house water filter affect water pressure?
Yes. As a filter collects sediment and debris, it can become clogged and restrict water flow. If you notice reduced water pressure throughout your home, it may be worth checking the condition of your whole-house filter.
What happens if I don't change my water filter?
An old or heavily used filter can become clogged and may no longer perform as intended. Regular replacement helps keep the filtration system maintained and gives you an opportunity to inspect the housing and connections.
Can Arch Plumbing help change my whole-house water filter?
Yes. Arch Plumbing can assist with whole-house water filter installation and ongoing filter replacement and maintenance for homeowners in Lake Saint Louis and surrounding service areas.
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