When is the Right Time to Change the Water Purifier Filter?

Extra resources such as water purifiers and water filters in fridges are of great importance. Water filters function in a similar way to the lint trays in your washing machines. They capture excess dirt or particles that shouldn’t be there. Just as laundry lint catchers remove excess lint or dirt from your garments, so do water filters work similarly to remove pollutants leaving behind clean, uncontaminated water.

However, suppose you do not replace your water filter at the right time. In that case, it will cause scaling and deposits of hard minerals in both the water dispenser and your machine resulting in severe damage to the refrigerator. Even worse, the deposits will affect your system and cause a reduction in flow while simultaneously affecting the flavor of your water. 

Fortunately, just like you could detect problems with other small household appliances, you should be able to check if your water filter is due for replacements. You can establish that by checking out the early warning signs below;

Slippery Water

Whenever your water has a slippery texture as you run it through your fingers, it implies that the water is soft. Should you feel the texture is more slippery, it’s time to replace your water filter. Soft water typically has an increased concentration of potassium and sodium ions.

Expired Water Filter

You will be surprised that even a water filter has an expiry date. The rationale for the expiry date or durability of the filter is the same way vehicle components encounter problems and need to be replaced or maintained periodically. Ignoring the expiry date could allow impurities that make the water unpalatable and contaminants that make the water have an odor. Some filters can kill germs and fungi using specific chemicals. Replacing an expired water filter will help in supplying you with pure water continuously.

Low Water Pressure

Your reverse osmosis system is producing water but at a low pressure which is not normal. If you have a pressure gauge installed, you will notice the pressure drop. It is a sign that your filters are clogged and require replacement. Replacement of the sediment will prevent damage to your carbon filters, considering they are more expensive than sediment filters.

Presence of Odors

The foul odor in water that has not been filtered is understandable. However, when the same water has passed through the filtration system, and the smell still lingers, this should cause concern since your filter is not getting rid of them.

Build-up of Scale and a Metallic Taste

An increased amount of magnesium and calcium minerals lead to scale and hard water, resulting in reduced efficacy of your water filter. The metallic taste results from the hardness of the water and means you should replace your filter immediately. 

Reduced Speed

A typical water purifier would work by discharging purified water at a consistent volume; the same way it functioned was new. When you notice a reduction in the speed of purified water dispensed, there is a high probability of clogging in the system. The clogging occurs when excess waste is deposited onto the membranes of the water purifier and is an obvious sign to replace your water filter. 

High Percentage of Total Dissolved Solids

Whenever impure water passes through the filters continuously, the cartridges lose the properties that they had initially. TDS (total dissolved solids) usually is high in filters that have lost their absorption due to age. You can measure the TDS amount by comparing filtered and unfiltered water. A high percentage of TDS means that your filter is not working efficiently and needs replacement. Checking the TDS level should be done using a TDS monitor. 

Damaged Water Filter

Sometimes the water filter will be damaged by abrasion during cleaning or installation. You should immediately replace damaged filters since they are no longer functional and efficient. The passage of hot water through the filters can also cause damage since some membranes have a maximum temperature to sustain before membrane degradation occurs. 

General use and not shutting down the unit can also cause wear and tear of the membranes. Freezing also causes damage to water filters when water is left in the other connected filters and expands during freezing. Damage occurs to the structure of the filters in a way that you will not readily know. Small cracks will be formed in carbon and sediment filters rendering them ineffective.