Water Filter Cartridge Types and Lifespans

Water filter cartridge guide: types, lifespans and when to replace them

Filter cartridges do most of the hard work inside a water filtration system. They reduce chlorine, sediment and other contaminants that affect water quality, taste and odour. 

Like any consumable product, filter cartridges don’t last forever and need replacing at regular intervals. Understanding the different types of filter cartridges, how long they typically last and signs they may need replacing can help you maintain water quality and keep your system working efficiently.

Key facts:

• Different filter systems use different cartridges and water treatment technologies because different water quality problems require different solutions.
• Most filter cartridges need replacing every 6 to 12 months, depending on the filter system and water source.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes usually last 2 to 4 years because they provide an additional level of filtration after sediment and carbon pre-filters have removed larger particles and contaminants.
• Some specialist cartridges are independently certified to reduce specific contaminants and improve water quality.
• Homes supplied by bore or rainwater, and in parts of the Pilbara, may need more frequent cartridge replacement due to higher sediment and mineral levels.

What does a sediment cartridge do?

A sediment cartridge is usually the first stage of filtration in most water filter systems. Its job is to capture larger particles like silt, rust, sand, algae, scale debris and dirt. 

For most Perth homes on mains water, chlorine, taste and odour are usually a bigger concern than sediment. However, in the Pilbara and regional WA, more properties rely on bore and rainwater. Sediment filtration matters more here, since the water may carry higher sediment and mineral levels. Filter cartridges in Karratha and Tom Price homes often require more frequent cartridge replacement than filter systems in Perth homes supplied by municipal mains water.

When should a sediment filter be replaced?

As a sediment cartridge fills with trapped particles, water flow can gradually reduce. In many cases, there are no obvious signs that a cartridge needs replacing, which is why regular scheduled servicing and filter replacement are so important. Left unchanged for an extended period, a filter cartridge can potentially result in reduced water flow, discoloured water and unpleasant tastes and odours. 

What does a carbon filter do?

Carbon cartridges improve the taste and odour of drinking water. They reduce chlorine, chlorine by-products and other contaminants that can affect the smell and overall quality of drinking water. 

For most Perth homes on mains water, the carbon cartridge does the majority of the work to improve your drinking water. Carbon filtration doesn’t remove calcium, magnesium, fluoride or dissolved salts. These water quality issues require different treatment technologies, depending on the water problem being addressed.

When should a carbon filter be replaced?

Most residential carbon cartridges need replacing every 6 to 12 months, depending on household size and water source. Larger households and homes supplied by bore water may need more frequent filter replacement. 

One of the first signs a carbon cartridge may need replacing is the return of chlorine taste and odour. The water is not unsafe, but the filter is no longer doing what it was installed to do.

If a carbon cartridge is left too long, its ability to reduce contaminants gradually declines. Regular filter replacement is essential to protect water quality and keep the system working effectively.

Specialist Cartridges for Heavy Metals and Scale

Some water quality issues require more than standard sediment and carbon filtration.

Water2water offers specialist filtration solutions designed to address specific water quality concerns, including heavy metals and scale reduction.

Heavy Metal Reduction Cartridges

Homes with concerns about lead, copper or other heavy metals in the water supply may benefit from a heavy metal reduction filter cartridge.

Water2water’s Twin Heavy Metal Filter System is designed for homes where lead, copper or other heavy metals in the water supply are a concern. This includes older Perth properties with copper pipework, and bore water properties with high mineral, sediment and iron levels.

Scale Reduction Cartridges

Scale reduction cartridges help reduce scale buildup caused by calcium and magnesium. They can be useful for protecting appliances such as coffee machines, ice makers and hot water equipment. 

It is important to understand that scale reduction cartridges help reduce scale buildup but do not soften water. 

Reverse osmosis membranes and pre-filters

Most reverse osmosis systems use several stages of filtration to reduce a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, fluoride, heavy metals, calcium and magnesium that standard filtration cannot remove. 

Before water reaches the RO membrane, sediment and carbon pre-filters remove dirt, sand, chlorine and larger contaminants. This protects the tiny pores in the delicate semi-permeable RO membrane. Replace sediment and carbon pre-filters every 6 to 12 months.

RO membranes typically last 2 to 4 years, depending on source water quality and usage. As the membrane ages, the system may produce water more slowly and take longer to refill the storage tank. Regular servicing helps identify when the membrane needs replacing and keeps the system performing as intended. 

Homes supplied by bore water or in areas with a high calcium often place greater demands on filtration systems due to higher sediment and mineral levels. After 25 years servicing homes and businesses in regional WA, we understand the right filter change schedule needed to protect your drinking water quality. Our reverse osmosis filter range covers the systems and replacement parts we install and service.

Mineralising Filter Cartridges

Mineralising cartridges are most used with reverse osmosis (RO) systems to replace healthy minerals, like magnesium removed during the RO process.

Reverse osmosis provides a deep level of filtration to remove up to 99% of contaminants, minerals and dissolved substances from water. Some people prefer to reintroduce minerals like magnesium after treatment.

A re-mineralising cartridge sits after the reverse osmosis membrane and adds selected minerals back into treated water before it reaches the tap. Mineralising filters don’t remove additional contaminants, they alter the mineral content and taste of treated water.

Choosing the Right Specialist Water Filter Cartridge

Different water filter cartridges address different water quality issues. When comparing products, independent certification from NSF International can provide additional confidence that a cartridge has been tested for the contaminants it is designed to reduce.

Delaying a Cartridge Change

Over time, water filter cartridges become clogged up with the dirt particles and contaminants they collect. 

One of the first signs a carbon cartridge may need replacing is the return of chlorine taste and odour. The water is not unsafe, but the filter is no longer working effectively. 

Regular filter replacement is essential to protect water quality and keep the system working effectively. 

Leaving a cartridge change too long can make the next service more involved. It may mean extra flushing, sanitisation and, in some cases, housing replacement if scale or debris has built up. A reverse osmosis membrane may also need replacing sooner than expected.

Preventative servicing and maintenance including regular filter replacement is the most reliable and cost-effective way to look after your system and keep your drinking water tasting great.

If you’re unsure which water filter cartridge your system uses or when we last replaced it, our water filter cartridge range lists the replacement options by system type. We can also check the log card for your unit. Once you know the system, our guide to water filter service intervals covers how often each system type needs attention in WA conditions.