You may have a whole house water system, or are thinking of getting one. What you need to know is that these systems are a little complex.
Whole house water filtration systems tend to have multiple different filters so that you can have safe, pure water in your home.
As these water systems are made up of many filters, you may be wondering how you are meant to maintain them, how often you should replace them, and how long these whole house water filters last.
If this is the case, then you are in the right place! We are here to help you, and give you all the information that you need about your whole house water filtration system.
What Is a Whole House Water Filter?
A whole house water filter is actually made up of not just one filter, but multiple different filters. This then provides you with the purest, safest and most hygienic water for your home.
This is because the filtration system is often made up of a sub-micron post-filter, a mineral stone filter, a UV filter, an activated carbon filter, along with a copper, zinc, or salt-free water softener for your convenience.
However, these vary from filter to filter and depend on the specific one that you have in your home.
What the majority of whole house water filters will have is a pre sediment filter. This acts as the first barrier and the first filter that water will pass through. This filter works to remove sediment, debris, silt, and rust from the water.
As this filter works to remove many various contaminants from the water, this will need to be changed or replaced regularly to keep your water safe, clean, and in the best condition possible.
In addition, you would also have to change the water tank every 3-10 years, depending on its size and capacity. This may seem like very low maintenance, but you may be wondering how often you have to replace the filters and what happens if you do not.
What Happens If I Don’t Replace My Filters?
The various filters in your whole house water filtration system, are specifically designed to prevent contaminants and bacteria from entering the water in your home.
The filters work to stop any sediment or microbes from flowing into your water supply and contaminating the water in your home.
Without replacing these after some use, you are increasing the chance of such contaminants spreading into your water, which would make it unsafe for drinking, but also these contaminants can cause damage to appliances that use the water.
The problem with not replacing or changing the filters in your whole house water filter system is that they may become worn out, or clogged up. This would reduce their ability to catch sediments, chemicals, and minerals that are naturally occurring in the water, making it unsafe for drinking.
If you do not replace the filters, then they will fill up, clog up, and stop working. These filters may then begin to grow mold, or microbes, which can seep into the water, affecting not only the flavor or quality of the water, but also the safety of the water in your home.
How Many Replacement Filters Are in a Whole House System?
The answer to this question will depend heavily on the particular whole house system you have, and your local water conditions, as some areas need more filters than others.
Most of the filters and components inside the whole house water filter system will not need changing regularly, however, there are some that will need replacing.
In most water filters, the only ones that will need replacing are the sediment pre-filter, and the sub-micron post-filter, both of which can be replaced by yourself.
If you have various other filters such as UV filters, activated carbon filters, copper, zinc, and mineral stone filters, or salt-free water descalers, then these will not have replaceable filters.
However, if there is an issue with one of these components, they will require a scheduled service visit from a professional, to keep your whole house water system in the best working order.
How Long Do Whole House Water Filters Last?
How long your whole house water filter lasts will mainly depend on the type of water in your area, meaning how hard these filters have to work to keep your water clean, and safe for use and drinking, and the types of filters that you have installed.
There are various different types of whole house water filters, with many different components and filters, so you should check with the manufacturer for a precise answer.
That being said, generally speaking, most filters will have a sediment pre-filter, which will need changing every three to six months to keep it in the best shape and ensure that any contaminants are being captured and removed.
In addition, you may have a sub-micron post-filter for cleaner water, which will need changing or replacing once a year.
Do the Tanks Need Replacing?
Typically, the tanks will need to be replaced on a regular basis, but this will have to be done by a professional.
The replacement time will generally also depend on the capacity of the whole house water filter, but in most cases, it will need to be replaced every couple of years, especially if there is a salt-free water softener involved.
However, some larger tanks can be changed every three to ten years.
Summary
If you have a whole house water filter, then you will need to know how to keep it in the best working condition possible, so that your water remains pure, safe and hygienic. In most cases, there are only two filters in whole house water systems that need replacing regularly.
These are the sediment pre-filters and the sub-micron post filter. The first of which will need changing every three to six months, and the latter will need replacing annually.
If you keep in mind the best ways to keep your water system maintained, then you can guarantee clean, safe water for your home and your family for much longer.