Difficulty Level
Time Required
1 hr Every 6 MonthTools Checklist
Why Should I Replace My Water Filter?
Most cities run water through a municipal water treatment plant in order to clean it of toxins. However, the water becomes contaminated again after it is pushed through dirty water pipes on its way to people’s homes. Therefore, it is important to have an additional filtration system in place to reduce any impurities in the water. An inline water filter uses carbon canisters to purify the water and remove any possible pollutants. This task of removing potentially hazardous pollutants is exhausting and so it is important that these filters are replaced every six to nine months.
Thankfully, this is easy to do.
What Happens If I Don’t Replace My Water Filter?
Would you ever drink groundwater or saltwater directly from the ocean? No, of course not! You would not want to expose yourself to all those toxins and impurities that come from contaminated water. Since that is the case, why would you do the same thing by not replacing your water filter? Water filters act as a final layer of protection between the water that’s sitting in pipes underground and your body. By letting your water filter go past its replacement date, you are risking the water in your faucet and showers to be unhealthy and potentially fatal.
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Step-By-Step
- 1. Locate the Access Point
In order to replace your whole home water filter, you must locate the access point at which the filter is installed. This can vary depending on the application of the filter. Typically the filter is located on the pipe of the cold water supply under the kitchen sink.
Next Step
- 2. Turn off the Water Supply
Now that you have located the access point, it is time to turn off the water supply. Make sure not to forget this stage or you will have to deal with water all over your kitchen floor.
You can usually cut off the water supply by turning the knob under the sink. If you need to turn off the main supply to the house, it is usually located outside or, worst case, in a crawl space under your house.
Turn off the cold water. Remember that even with the water off, there still may be excess water that is following through the pipes. Keep a bucket on hand in case some of the water starts to leak.
Next Step
- 3. Examine the Connections
Before we replace the water filter, it is key that we examine the connections. There are two types of connections in inline filters – quick connect and brass connect. Quick-connect will allow you to place the hose through each end while replacing the filter. The brass connect requires an adjustable wrench and the loosing of the coupling on both ends of the filter hose. Check to see what connection is on your water filters so that you can have the right tools present.
Next Step
- 4. Replace the Filters
Now it’s time for the main event – replacing the filters. First, you will need to remove the old inline filters.
– If your old inline filter has brass connectors use pliers to loosen each end and pull the supply line from the filter. Once the supply line has been pulled, you should be able to remove the old inline filter. Wrap the new filter threads with plumber’s tape. You should put two layers of tape on. Then, screw the connectors into the end of the replacement in-line water filter. Tighten with pliers.
– If your old inline filter uses quick-connect, take your finger and push in on the rings that should be attached to each end. While still pushing in on the rings, pull the supply line from the filter. Once the supply line has been pulled, you should be able to remove the old inline filter. Discard the old filter. Then, use pipe cutters to remove around a ¼ inch of plastic tubing from the end of the original filter’s supply line. Install the tubing on your new filter.
Check the sides of your filter for an arrow. This arrow will indicate the direction that water will flow. Make sure that the arrow points either to the refrigerator or to wherever direction the water should be flowing. With quick-connect filters, you will need to press to make sure both ends are in place. For brass connectors, connect the hose couplings and tighten them with pliers.
You are almost done! Turn the water supply back and watch the new filter refill to make sure there’s no leakage.