How to easily change a water filter cartridge: pros and cons of doing so

 Changing water filter cartridges regularly will ensure that your water filter system is functioning optimally.

This guide is all about how to change a water filter cartridge in different types of water filter system. We’ll also give you the low down on why changing a water filter cartridge is so important and troubleshooting tips on the common issues that people face when changing a water filter cartridge.

When you buy a water filter cartridge from Fountain Filters, you’re in safe hands.

As water filtration specialists we make it our business to understand everything there is to know about changing water filter cartridges, that’s why people come to us when they want to know when and how to change a water filter cartridge.  

What are water filters and why change the cartridges?

Keeping it simple, water filters work by removing or reducing ‘things’ that may be present in water.

These ‘things’ could include fluoride (if you’re in a fluoridated area), chlorine, chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, forever chemicals, microplastics, bacteria, and limescale, to name but a few.

The continued effectiveness of your water filter is based on you changing the water filter cartridges every 6-12 months, depending on what type of water filter system you have.

It’s important to understand that over time, the performance of the water filter cartridges diminishes. They get saturated with contaminants. So, changing water filter cartridges regularly is vitally important to ensure you’re getting the water that you want.

Common issues with water filter cartridges

Over time, under sink water filter cartridges and whole house water filter cartridges become less effective at keeping contaminants at bay. That’s why it’s important for you to learn how to change a water filter cartridge, and when.

You’ll enjoy reading our in depth article on when to replace a water filter cartridge where we explore the common issues that tell you when time’s up on your water filter cartridges.

From flow rate reduction to changes in water colour, clarity, and taste you’ll gain valuable insight into the benefits of changing your water filter cartridges regularly.

How to change a water filter cartridge in 11 easy steps 

Follow our steps below for how to change a whole house water filter cartridge or under sink water filter cartridge.

1. Wash and dry your hands to ensure they are clean before you touch the new water filter cartridge.
2. Find the stop cock and turn off the water supply. Open the tap to release the pressure. If there’s a red button on the top of the housing cap, press this down.
3. Using the spanner or wrench that came with your water filter system, slide it up from the bottom of the housing bowl until the lugs allow you to unscrew the bowl from the housing cap. Rotate from right to left looking straight on, or clockwise if you view it from above. If you haven’t mounted the housing to the cupboard wall you may need to brace the cap somehow.
4. The housing bowl will be full of water so proceed carefully to minimise spillage. Once unscrewed lower the housing bowl away from the cap and remove to the sink or a bowl on the floor.
5. Empty the water and remove the used water filter cartridge.
6. Rinse and wipe out the housing bowl. This prevents build-up of dirt and debris.
7. If the black O-ring is 2-3 years old this is the time to replace it. Otherwise, ensure the O-ring is not damaged or compressed. It’s worth coating the O-ring with food grade silicone grease if it’s a bit dry. Replace it in the groove, ensuring the O-ring is properly seated.
8. Unwrap the new water filter cartridge and place it inside the housing bowl, making sure it slips onto the small standpipe in the base of the housing bowl. Handle the new cartridge at the ends.
9. Screw the housing bowl back onto the cap, turning anticlockwise until hand tight – do not over tighten as it may damage the seal.
10. Turn on the water supply and allow the water filter system to refill. Once done, close the tap and check the housing bowl to cap for leaks. If there are any leaks, use the spanner to tighten the bowl a fraction. You may need to either turn off the water supply and release the pressure again to do this.
11. Finally, once you’re certain there are no leaks, open the tap and allow the water to run for 3-5 minutes to flush out any manufacturing debris such as residual carbon dust that was trapped in the new water filter cartridge. Discard this water.

Do not use the spanner to tighten the housing bowl – this will make it very difficult to undo at the next water filter cartridge change. You only use the spanner if there is a small leak, to give it another nip.

How to change a water filter cartridge in the Fountain Filters ECO3

If you have the standard model of the ECO3 Replacement filter system changing the cartridge is the same process as the 11 steps above.

If you have the ECO3 Slimline replacement water filter, then follow the steps below.

• Turn off the water supply and open the tap to release the pressure.
• Remove the tubing from both ends of the inline filter cartridge by holding down the collets and pulling on the tubing or grey elbow out of the push-fit connector.
• Pull or slide the filter body out of the retaining mount.
• Push the new water filter cartridge into the retaining mount – inlet at the bottom.
• Push the bottom tubing or elbow into the push-fit connection.
• Push the remaining tubing into the outlet connection at the top.
• Turn the water supply back on and let the tap run for 3-5 minutes to flush out the system.

How to change a Franke water filter cartridge

Fountain Filters stock a screw in (M15) and push fit (PF) Doulton replacement water filter cartridges for Franke systems. Franke systems are either stainless steel or plastic housings.

How to change a screw in Franke water filter cartridge

Here’s how to change a Franke water filter cartridge in a stainless steel housing for the M15 screw in mount. It’s a straightforward and simple job.

• Trace the inlet tube from the filter housing back to the pipework. Shut off the mains water supply by using the stop valve that was supplied with your Franke filter tap.
• Turn the filtered lever on your tap to the ON position. This will release the pressure in the water filter system, making it easier for you to unscrew the filter housing from the cap. You’ll also see that the water is off.
• Place something suitable under the filter housing so you can catch any water.
• Lift the filter housing from its bracket. Grip the cap with one hand and with the other hand turn the housing bowl anti-clockwise so that it comes away from the cap.
• Pour the water out of the housing bowl and set the bowl aside.
• Grip the cap with one hand, and with the other hand unscrew the used cartridge.
• Wash the housing bowl in warm soapy water and rinse it well.
• Screw your new water filter cartridge back in. Only tighten it enough to make it seal. If you overtighten it you may snap the threaded section or break the ceramic cartridge. If you do, the cartridge is unusable.
• Reassemble the housing by screwing the filter housing back onto the cap in a clockwise direction. Ensure the housing bowl is fully engaged with the cap. Before, you do this, you can rub some food grade silicone grease onto the rubber seal that sits in the housing cap.
• Place the water filter system back onto its bracket and turn the water supply back on.
• Run the water for 10 minutes to condition the water filter cartridge and check for any leaks.
• Your water is now ready to drink.

Here’s how to change a Franke water filter cartridge in a white plastic housing for the M15 screw in mount.

• Turn off the mains water using the shut off valve.
• Turn on the filtered water tap to release the pressure in the system. Leave the tap turned ON.
• Place a dish under the housing bowl as there will be water in the housing when you remove it. Grip the housing bowl and turn it anticlockwise; just enough to loosen it.
• Lift the filter housing off the two supporting screws.
• Hold the housing bowl over the dish and continue to unscrew it. Once the bowl has separated from the cap empty the water out and leave it to one side. Unscrew the used cartridge and discard it.
• Unwrap and screw the new cartridge into the head. Tighten it to create a seal. Do not overtighten as it may cause the threaded section to break off.
• Replace the housing bowl by screwing it back onto the housing cap. Tighten it firmly by hand. Re-mount the housing back onto the two supporting screws.
• Turn the mains water back on and check the system for any leaks. Leave the tap running for 10 minutes to flush the system.
• Your water is then ready to drink.

How to change a push fit (PF) Franke water filter cartridge

Here’s how to change a Franke water filter cartridge in a stainless steel housing for the PF mount.

• Turn the mains water off using the shut off valve.
• Turn on the filtered water tap to release the pressure in the system. Leave the tap in the ON position.
• Place something suitable under the filter housing so you can catch any water as the housing bowl will be full of water when you remove it.
• Turn the housing bowl anticlockwise and pull it down. The housing bowl and cartridge should come away together. If the water filter cartridge doesn’t dislodge with the housing bowl release it with an index finger by pushing down on the plastic rim.
• Tip the water out of the housing bowl into the sink and remove the used cartridge. Lubricate the O-ring with some food grade silicone grease.
• Unwrap and place the new cartridge in the housing bowl.
• Refit the housing bowl to the housing cap until it is fully engaged.
• Turn the water supply on and check for any leaks.
• Leave the water running for 10 minutes to flush the system.
• Your water is now ready to enjoy.

How to change a UV lamp (UV water filter system)

The system controller on the UV water filter system will tell you when to change the UV lamp, but basically you should change the lamp every 12 months to ensure your water remains safe to consume.

The following steps are detailed in the Luminor Blackcomb manual on pages 9-11 and assume that you already have the complete UV water filter system installed. You would have received this manual when you purchased your UV system.

The user manual comes complete with installation diagrams that make it easy for you to follow when you want to learn how to change a UV lamp.

If you prefer visual instructions this video will take you through the lamp installation process.

Troubleshooting after changing the water filter cartridge

If you notice any problems after you’ve changed the water filter cartridge then it’s important to resolve them.

These problems, while rare, could include leaks from the filter housing itself or the seal between the filter housing and filter cap, no water coming through the tap, and water filter cartridge damage.

Leaks

There are a couple of things to check here.

• Before you screwed the housing bowl back onto the housing cap, did you check the O-ring? O-rings are the little circular rubber seals that sit in a groove in the top of the housing, and they help seal the bowl to the cap. If they become cracked or compressed in any way, then your water filter system will be more prone to leaks. Or, you’ll have to tighten the housing bowl up more and more after each cartridge change, to the point where you’ll not be able to loosen it off again.
• Are any of the John Guest connectors damaged in any way? If so, they’ll need to be replaced.
• Is the water filter housing damaged in any way and leaking water? If so, you’ll need to replace the housing.

No water coming through the tap

There are a couple of scenarios here, but again they happen rarely.

• Water filter cartridge is upside down - We’ve only seen this happen when people put the replacement cartridge for Pearl DUC upside down in the housing bowl. Despite what people think this cartridge is not open both ends. Just take the cartridge out and turn it the other way around.
• Air lock in the system - It’s very rare this happens because the pressure of the water trying to come through would push it out. Try removing the water filter cartridges and then screw the housing bowl back on. Turn the water on and open the tap. The extra pressure should clear the air lock.

Types of water filter cartridges

Fountain Filters stocks a wide variety of water filter cartridges that vary in size and composition.  

Different types of water filter cartridge are suited to different filtration requirements.  

Let’s look at some of them.

• Sediment water filter cartridges – this type of water filter cartridge is made from either spun polypropylene (often called melt-blown water filter cartridges) or pleated polyester. They tend to be used for the removal of dirt, silt, sand, and rust from water, and as a pre-filter for ultraviolet water filtration systems. Different micron ratings are available, from 1 up to 50, depending on how fine the particulate matter is that you need to remove. The smaller the micron rating, the faster the water filter cartridge will clog up.
• Carbon block water filter cartridges – a very versatile water filter cartridge! Carbon block cartridges can either be solid such as our replacement water filter cartridge for our Pearl T or loose, like our granular activated carbon water filter cartridge which removes heavy metals. Carbon block is extremely effective at reducing chlorine, volatile organic compounds, odours, and generally improving the taste of household tap water.
• Ceramic water filter cartridges – the microscopic pores in a ceramic water filter cartridge allow it to trap pathogenic bacteria, most cysts, and suspended solids.
• Reverse osmosis membranes – you would generally replace an RO semi-permeable membrane every couple of years. When water is forced through this type of water filter cartridge, dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, and many other contaminants are removed.
• Ultra-violet glass lamps – in the true sense of the word, a UV lamp is not a water filter cartridge as they don’t physically filter the water; they sterilise it. UV filtration works by using ultra-violet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microbiological contaminants that may be present in the water.
• Loose media – such as our OneFlow scale reduction or Fluoride reduction filter media. This is sand like media that we measure out and put into empty plastic canisters.

Benefits of changing your water filter cartridge

If you’re going to invest in a water filter system and benefit from clean, safe, fresh tasting water Fountain Filters urges you to keep it well maintained, and that means learning how to change a water filter cartridge every 6-12 months.

When you properly maintain your water filter system you get a much more efficient system that lasts many years.

You’ll benefit from improved water quality that’s cost effective because you won’t be wasting your money on bottled water. Not buying bottled water also helps reduce plastic waste.

Cons of changing a water filter cartridge

Fountain Filters cannot think of any downsides to changing a water filter cartridge regularly to ensure access to clean and safe household water for you and your family.

How Fountain Filters can help you getting the water filter cartridge you need

One of Fountain Filters core goals is to make changing your water filter cartridge easy for you.

We do this by sending you a cartridge renewal reminder email every 6 months, with the aim of putting this on your ‘to do’ list. This email links directly to the product/s you need for your water filter system.

Now, you may not need to change your water filter cartridge every 6 months, but this email acts a reminder so you can purchase one and have it ready for when you do want to change the water filter cartridge.

If you experience any problems with how to change a water filter cartridge, Fountain Filters never leaves you high and dry. We are problem solvers, and we will always come up with a solution for you.  

Our feedback is testament to this.

We also make it easy to get in touch with us. If you like to chat then our number is 01352 838 281 or if you prefer to write things down, our helpdesk is waiting for your message.