When is the right time to change the water filter in your kitchen?

As you savor a cool, refreshing drink from your kitchen faucet, ever wondered how much longer your water will retain its natural taste and crystal appearance? 

Of course, water filters eventually give in if they are not replaced promptly. As they work in the background, they accumulate impurities over time, and their effectiveness slowly diminishes, and this compromises the quality of your water. That being said, knowing when to change your water filter is crucial so that your family is not exposed to health hazards. According to the WHO, contaminated water is linked to preventable health issues like cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid.

So, if you want to know when to change the filters in the kitchen, continue reading. In the end, you’ll be able to discern when it's time to change filters in the kitchen, the right frequency of kitchen filter changes, and the benefits of doing so. Let’s dive in!

Signs that you need to change your kitchen water filter

To minimize the chances of exposing your family to unclean water because of a broken or expired water filter, there are some indicators you must know. Here are the signs to change kitchen water filters:

Slowly decreasing pressure

If you notice a decrease in the pressure from your kitchen faucet, it could be because debris, sediment, and contaminants are clogging the purifier. After some time, this can limit the flow of water. This may be more noticeable when you are using hot liquid or more than one source of water at once. It may be necessary to replace the device if this occurs.

An unpleasant odor or taste

When your kitchen water gives off an unpleasant smell or taste, it may be an indication that contaminants are present. In many cases, hydrogen sulfide gas is responsible for the unpleasant smell. Not only can the odor permeate the liquid itself, but also any food or beverage prepared with it.

Water feels slippery

When water feels slippery, it shows it may contain high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, commonly known as hard water. This can leave residue on dishes and appliances, making them appear dull and dirty. 

Additionally, hard water can lead to clogged pipes and reduced liquid flow over time, which further underlines the importance of kitchen filter maintenance. 

Cloudy water

Cloudiness in your drink can be a sign that your purifier is no longer effectively removing impurities. The liquid may contain sediment, dirt, or rust suspended in it, which may negatively affect its taste and quality. Microbial growth — which poses a risk to health if consumed — is sometimes also the cause of cloudy drinks.

Scale buildup due to high TDS

Water with high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels can cause scale buildup in coffee makers, kettles, dishwashers, and other kitchen appliances. Consequently, the liquid flow may be reduced, and heating elements may be damaged.

Presence of black mold

Typically, black mold is found in moist environments. Usually, it occurs as a result of organic matter and minerals building up in the filter over time. To avoid respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and serious associated risks, you should replace your purifier immediately if you detect black mold growth. This will save you from a lot of potential health risks.

The indicator light is activated 

Modern purifiers come with a color-coded system that keeps track of the device’s lifespan. When a green light illuminates, it means you've used 40 or more gallons of liquid; a yellow light means you've used 50 gallons; and a red light indicates you need to change the filter.

Drains or faucets start to make odd noises

Generally, strange gurgling, bubbling, or whistling sounds from your kitchen faucet or drain suggest there’s a problem with your plumbing system. And one possible cause is a clogged or dirty purifier, which may be restricting the pressure and cause air pockets to form in the pipes. This can create unusual noises.

Benefits of regularly changing your filter

Maintaining kitchen water filters ensures that your drink is free of harmful contaminants. Your liquid also will taste and smell better and be more enjoyable to drink and cook with. 

Furthermore, you can prevent mineral buildup and sediment from damaging appliances like your refrigerator and dishwasher when you change your filter. This is especially important if you have water filters for refrigerators. What’s more, in the long run, you’ll save money by eliminating or minimizing the need for costly repairs.

How regularly should you change your filter?

Have you ever wondered when a kitchen filter needs to be changed or how often to replace a fridge water filter?

Well, the ideal frequency of filter replacement in the kitchen depends on factors like the volume of liquid used in a household and the type of filter purchased. This is because the lifespan of different kitchen water filters may vary depending on the quality of the purifier. Experts generally, however, recommend that for optimal performance, it should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

A more frequent replacement may be needed for households with high usage or poor water quality. Whether you’re installing a purifier in the kitchen or water filters for the whole house, the devices need to be changed regularly to maintain output quality and protect filtration systems.

Conclusion

Changing your purifier regularly is important for maintaining a clean and healthy water supply and should not be overlooked. Additionally, changing your filter frequently can also reduce clogs and leaks and extend the lifespan of your appliances. You do not want to incur the unintended costs of fixing your appliances time and again because of negligence.

Asides from the general rule when making a water filter replacement, it’s imperative to also consider your usage level as well as the type of filter you have. Don't wait until a noticeable change in water quality occurs. Instead, make water filter replacement a regular part of your kitchen maintenance routine.