Sunrise Specialty » How to Change Whole House Water Filter? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

How to Change Whole House Water Filter? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Just like every appliances, the whole house water filter needs to be checked from time to time. Changing your cartridge is a great way to keep it in good shape at all times.

But the big question is, how can you change your water filters? And how often do they need to be changed? What will happen if you fail to replace them? In this post, we will provide great insight on how to change whole house water filter.

What Are Whole House Water Filters?

Whole house water filters are specialized water filtering systems that filter water from all outlets in a home. These devices are installed in the main water supply, thereby allowing every other faucet in a building to dispense clean water.

The faucet water filter is an alternative to the whole house water filter. This, however, is installed on each faucet and filters water from only those particular outlets. You can install it under the sink or on the countertop of a particular room. A Gravity filter works great for your counter top.

But with whole house water filters, all faucets produce clean water for cooking, bathing, etc.

How to Change Whole House Water Filter

The below-listed steps will guide you on how to change the whole house water filter. However, ensure you put on safety gloves and goggles to prevent water splash from getting into your eyes.

Also, you will need an empty bucket when changing a whole house water filter. Place the bucket under the water filter unit to prevent water from spilling on the floor.

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply and Release Pressure

First, make sure you completely cut off the supply at the valve or main water feed. To release pressure, push the red knob. Be alert as water pops out whenever you push the pressure release knob.

Step 2: Take out Casing and Tidy up O-Ring

Take out Casing and Tidy up O-Ring

Screw out the casing and take out the big O-ring. The O-ring comes in the shape of large diameter with a small black plastic band which you will find in the casing. Clean the ring, and then put it back into its position. If it has gotten bad, get a new one.

Step 3: Throw Old Filter Away and Tidy Up Housing

Take out the old water filter and dispose of properly. Once you do this, the next thing you will have to do will be to clean the casing by removing the dirt in it.

After this, use warm water, kitchen soap and a cloth or soft sponge to wash the casing. Afterward, put 1/3 amount of water into the housing and add little amount of bleach to it and wash.

You should wash the casing gently and carefully in order not to cause any damages. Once you’re done, rinse it twice, and leave it to dry.

Step 4: Apply Lubricant to O-Ring

Apply Lubricant to O-Ring

Lubricate the O-ring with the use of clean silicone grease as this will help it to sit properly in its casing. Using silicone grease is very important as this silicone does not cause the rubber to soften or swell. Put the O-ring back to its groove. When seating the O-ring, make sure you do it carefully, or else the housing seal might break.

Step 5: Buy and Install a Brand New Water Filter Cartridge

Change the water filter. Whether you decide to buy a reverse osmosis system or any other water filter make sure you check the housing to find a standpipe at the middle bottom. It comes in the form of a circular-shaped device with a short pipe rubber.

It is very crucial to get the filter correctly over the water filter cartridge. The reason is that this device serves as a water port so all the water you use in your home is filtered here before it disperses into your house faucets. Ensure to place the filter at the center of the standpipe.

Step 6: Screw Casing to Cap

Screw Casing to Cap

Change the casing with the filter cartridge by screwing it manually to the cap. Ensure that the filter is in the center of the standpipe. You might not be able to see it, but the standpipe starts slipping into the cartridge opening easily. Avoid tightening the casing as this can cause it to crack.

Step 7: Turn Water Supply Back On and Test Pressure

To put the water supply back on, slowly turn the inlet switch to an “on” position. However, do it carefully as the water can gush out with force, removing the housing and even spoiling your entire unit.

Therefore, to do it right, turn the inlet handle very slowly and stop turning the inlet valve if water rushes too quickly. Always be cautious when replacing a whole house filter.

Test the pressure by pushing the red knob. Prepare to get wet a little as water will spray out. However, to prevent water from spraying, wrap a towel halfway across the unit before releasing the pressure.

Important Tips Regarding New Filter Replacement

After you have changed the filter and seal the housing, leave the water running without use for 6 – 7 minutes. Allow it to run for a while to help wash out dirt. The reason is that water sediments will probably have entered into the tap when making the filter replacement.

How Often Should I Change A Whole House Water Filter?

How Often Should I Change A Whole House Water Filter

Typically, the lifespan of most filters ranges between 1 – 6 months. Sediment pre-filters have shorter lifespans. The Post-filters can last for 9 months or more, and the carbon filters last the longest (14 – 15 months).

They are many ways to know when your filter is faulty. One of which is the unpleasant odor or taste that you start noticing in your water. Also, the water flow rate and pressure will change.

The old cartridge also says a lot about the state of your water filter. If it is worn out or old, then replace it earlier next time. But if it is still clean and new, you can go ahead and use it for a bit longer.

However, these factors below will also determine how often you need to change whole house water filter.

  • Their size, capacity, and type (rated in months or in gallons)
  • The quality of feed water (higher amount of impurities will reduce filter lifespan and increase replacement probability)
  • Sediment, iron content and other impurities.
  • Water hardness
  • Well vs. city water

Why You Need To Change Filter

One great benefit that comes with installing a whole house system is that you can change it whenever you want. Also, the system allows you to adjust the entire water in your home in just a fell swoop.

It advisable to purchase high-quality water filters cartridges because they last longer and work more effectively. Cartridges that are of high-quality can last up to 36 months, while others may last for just 3 months.

Changing your water filter from time to time is a great idea as it helps in enhancing its performance. When your cartridge needs a change, it shows signs such as weak water flow, unpleasant taste, etc.

If you do not know how to change whole water filter, check the owner’s manual of the unit. Always remember that a faulty filter doesn’t always mean the cartridge is bad.

Check to see if cartridge matches the type of contaminants in your water. A home water screening test can help you assess the contaminants in your water.

Wrap Up

Changing a whole house water filter is quite easy, and doing this reduces the rate of water-borne diseases in a home. Life gets better when we drink and bathe with clean water.

Ensure you use safety goggles when changing your water filter. Also, remember to carry out a water screening test if you find something unusual about your water supply.

Do you have any questions or comments on how to change whole house water filters? If you do, please drop your comment or question below!