Water Filter Cartridge 101: Use, Types and Replacement Considerations

A puretec whole house filtration system installed along a fenceline

Water filters are a great investment you can make for your health and well-being. While the tap water in Australia meets the national Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, that doesn’t mean it’s completely free of impurities. Impurities found in the water could range from chlorine and fluoride as part of water treatment to man-made chemicals like PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and trace contaminants like heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides.

These impurities can alter the water’s taste, smell, and look. In addition, they can also lead to gastrointestinal issues, risk of infection, and long-term health effects. That said, although a basic necessity, your household’s tap water can poorly affect your quality of life.

Luckily, it’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a reliable water filtration system. At the very centre of it, it all comes down to making the right choice of water filter cartridge as the essential component.

What is a Water Filter Cartridge?

A two cartridge water filter system installed on a copper water line

Think of it as the backbone of the filtration system, as it’s the very piece that’s responsible for the removal of impurities that the water passes through. A filter cartridge is a cylindrical component designed to be replaceable to make installation seamless and safe, and maintenance easier. Versatile, it’s also compact and doesn’t need much space to be able to give you the water quality you’re after.

As a device, the filter cartridge water system component consists of a substance chosen to trap, absorb, or modify the contaminants. It’s protected with a special filter housing that ensures it functions optimally and has a longer lifespan, though each brand comes with an indication on how often you’re advised to replace the cartridge for utmost safety and efficiency. The substance type in the cartridge depends on the contaminants you’re dealing with.

Some of the common solutions include activated carbon, ceramics, mesh, and fibrous materials used to capture, absorb, and remove particles like rust, dirt, sand, chemicals, heavy metals, and harmful microorganisms through processes like chemical reactions, sieving, and adsorption.

As such, it’s a crucial element not only for providing clean water in household applications with residential water filtration systems, but also in commercial ones like those in business and industrial settings.

What Are the Different Types of Filter Cartridges?

A diagram of an puretec water filtration system installed under a kitchen sink

With the availability of different quality water filter replacement cartridge options from top-notch brands like Puretec , it can be rather difficult to choose. Knowing the types based on filtration and size can help you pick out the perfect piece for your filtration system.

Common

Sediment - If you’re dealing with impurities in the form of particles like sand and dirt, it’s the sediment type of filter cartridge you would need.
Activated Carbon - This is a type specialised for drinking water purification as it improves taste and eliminates odour thanks to the activated carbon.
UV - Using ultraviolet light for the filtration, this is a solution that successfully eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Reverse Osmosis - Fit for both residential and industrial water purification, the reverse osmosis replacement water filters & cartridges are essential for removing impurities, from dissolved solids to heavy metals. If you’re unsure if this is your case, a test kit can help you with determining the issue.

Specialty

Carbon Block - In case you’re trying to eliminate chlorine or VOCs, you can count on the carbon block filters and cartridges for the job.
Industrial - Due to the unique filtering process and technologies that are required for industrial settings, there is an industrial specialty filter cartridge designed for this purpose.
Aquarium - As indicated by the name, these are filter cartridges designed specifically for aquarium filtration needs.

Sizes

Standard - When it comes to residential filtration cartridge sizes, you’ve got the 10-inch and 20-inch models. Be sure to check with your system’s type (from under-sink and countertop to whole-house and pitcher style designs), flow rate, liquid volume, and filtration method when choosing.
Custom - In specific commercial and industrial settings, there may be a need for something bigger to handle larger water volumes. This is where custom filter cartridge designs prove to be of help.

How Often Should You Replace a Filter Cartridge?

New and used water cartridges on display to show how dirty they can get

While buying from a trusted brand and retailer are key to ensuring you get a quality water filter cartridge, this isn’t to say you get to use this filtration system component for years on end without needing any replacement.

The good thing is each product comes with a specific lifespan indicated by the manufacturer, so you’d know what to expect beforehand and count on a timely replacement. As a general guideline by professionals, it’s every 6 to 12 months. There are, however, some factors that can weigh in on how frequently you’d have to replace this piece.

For example, frequency and amount of use, along with water contaminants and the reliability of your water system, are some aspects that can have a say in the matter. In addition to following the guidelines and manufacturer instructions, there are some things you can do to make the most of this investment, flushing new filters and doing professional regular system cleaning being some of them.

Lastly, pay attention to the system overall to be aware of changes and possible damage. Look out for alterations in the water pressure, strange water taste and odour, buildup or discolouration in the filter, and unusual cloudiness. Failing to replace the water filter cartridge not only shortens the lifespan of your filtration system as a whole but also leads to poor water quality and risks of health issues.

How to Replace a Filter Cartridge?

After making sure you check the specifics of your water filtration system to get an adequate water filter replacement cartridge for peace of mind, it’s time for the swap. Before you do anything, shut off the water supply or the water valve, as in the case with the whole-house system. This is to avoid any risks with leaks.

Some systems come with a pressure release button, and if yours does, press it to ensure there’s no built-up pressure in the filter housing. Once you’re done with this step, remove the used cartridge and give the housing a thorough clean-up. Warm and soapy water is enough to get rid of or prevent bacteria from building up in it.

Next up, it’s time to add the new cartridge. Check with the manufacturer’s instructions to get the installation in the housing right and avoid any leaks or spills by securing them tightly. For a test, run the water supply, and if there aren’t any leaks or spills, you’re done - you got your new cartridge ready for use.

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