We all need water in our homes for drinking and for other tasks, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning, to name a few. When the quality of our water is in question, it’s necessary to take additional measures. One of the best ways to do this is to filter the water that’s coming into your home. The water will taste better, be cleaner and the filtration system will last for years. It’s tempting just to kick back and forget all about the water filter and enjoy the benefits, but like any piece of equipment, a filter needs maintenance. 
Is Water Filter Maintenance Difficult?
There are different needs that need to be met, depending upon the complexity of the equipment fitted. Changing a filter in a drinking water pitcher is a simple task, but carrying out maintenance on a whole house water filtrations system, should be carried out by a professional. For those that don’t mind getting their hands dirty, there are a few tasks that can be done by a dedicated DIY enthusiast.
Filter Cartridge Replacement:
This is the easiest and most common maintenance task that is required to maintain the quality of your water. The filter cartridge element of your water filter is manufactured with a lifespan that’s measured in both months and gallons of water used. This measurement is approximate because different people use different quantities of water. The two key factors are the amount of water used on a daily basis and the quality of the water being filtered. This raises a question, without regular water testing, how do you know when the filter needs changing? The water flow rate is a key consideration, sediment and particulates will accumulate over time, the filter cartridge will begin to clog and then the water pressure will drop.
Another consideration for drinking water is a change in the taste and/or odor of your water. This is subjective; it’s possible that you would not notice subtle changes over time and another reminder may be necessary. Mark your calendar when the cartridge is changed and be sure to make a note of the expiration date. This will provide a simple reminder of when the water filter will need to be replaced. Don’t go too far beyond the expiration date as the quality of the drinking water will degrade over time.
Outside Factors:
A water filtrations system should be replaced every 5-10 years on average. This can vary depending on the quality of water and the application. The water supplied from your municipality can change over time based on a number of factors, such as population demands, aging infrastructure, property development and environmental changes. Even bad weather conditions can increase the workload on your water filtration system.
To learn more about water filters, talk to a local water treatment professional. There are many different kinds of water treatment and water filtrations systems available to treat a wide variety of water quality issues. Make sure that you chose a professional who is fully WQA certified and you can be sure that they meet and possibly exceed water industry standards.
With more than 25 years experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Terry is a WQA (Water Quality Association) certified water specialist, LEVEL 3, as well as a WQA certified sales representative. Terry currently sits on EcoWater Systems (a Berkshire Hathaway Company) national Peers committee, as a water treatment expert advising other water professionals with less experience on best trade and technology practices. EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is one of the biggest water treatment and water delivery businesses in the state.