REPLACING CARTRIDGES IN WATER FILTERS Since cartridge replacement is not carried out often, users can forget about this critical process. But if you service the filter in time, the water filtration rate and the quality of cleaning will also stay the same. To avoid negative consequences and replace cartridges promptly, you need to know how often they need to be replaced with the help of a cheap RO repair service.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD CARTRIDGES BE CHANGED: BASIC RULES OF OPERATION AND REPLACEMENT
Each cartridge has a separate service life specified by the manufacturer. However, in addition to this, the service life of cartridges depends on several factors: The life of a cartridge can be measured in the volume of water that has been purified. It is usually calculated in weeks, months, or years. The level of contamination of the cartridges also depends on the degree of water contamination and the volume of its consumption (the more intensive the filter operation, the faster the cartridges become contaminated). However, most cartridges have an average service life. Often, it can be from 4 to 6 months; such a service life is indicated on all pre-cleaning cartridges. However, mineralizers and post-filters do not need such frequent replacement, and their service life is from 6 to 12 months.
If we are talking about carbon cartridges in pitcher filters, how often do you need to buy and service the cartridges? Since the filter elements in the jugs are small, they are replaced more frequently—approximately once every 1-1.5 months, but as in other purification systems, as water is consumed.
What happens if you don’t replace your water filter on time?
It won’t be a huge disaster, but it won’t be pleasant either: the filter will become useless. It will take up space, but it won’t clean the water. At the same time, nothing harmful will flow from the “overfilled” module into the water. But it will flow from the tap, and you need protection.
Polypropylene (in primary filters and pre-filtration modules) becomes clogged with sand, rust, and other large particles and eventually stops letting water through.
Activated carbon (in jugs and sorption stationary filters) also gets tired: its sorption capacity is not infinite. If no more places exist for the following pollutants to “land,” they will pass through the module into the cup in orderly rows.
The reverse osmosis membrane (in reverse osmosis filters) filters slowly, literally drop by drop, and if it also gets clogged, you won’t be able to drink it. The membrane can also be damaged if the pre-treatment modules are not replaced in time and stop working: the chlorine not absorbed by the carbon will cause chemical “injury,” and the large particles not retained by the polypropylene will cause physical damage. A damaged membrane is a poor protector; all sorts of impurities will start to penetrate the water.
Hollow fibre (a special “additive” to sorption filters) can also become clogged because the material’s pores are very small, only 0.1 microns. If a lot of impurities pass through such a “sieve,” then sooner or later, they will cover it with an even layer: bacteria and water will not pass.
Ion exchange resin (in softeners and softening modules to combat hardness) is the most durable material. The ability to regenerate with table salt returns its functionality. But if you do not do this in time, you will have to drink hard water, teas with a film, and cloudy broth. And any detergents and cosmetics do not foam well in hard water.
When does the entire filter need to be replaced?
All filters have a warranty period specified in the product passport. If the filter breaks within this period, you can safely demand decisive action from the company. If it seems to you that the filter is not coping well with its main duties, the water is not cleaned well enough, too much of it goes into the drain, or the housing itself is broken, contact the RO Service near me, and they will definitely help you.