
How to Replace Whole House Water Filter
- First Step: Switch Off Water Supply, and Release Water Pressure ...
- Second Step: Pull Casing Out and Clean Up O-Ring ...
- Third Step: Toss Old Filter Out and Clean up the Housing ...
- Step 4: Rub Lubricant to O-Ring ...
- Phase 5: Purchase and Install A New Water Filter Cartridge ...
- Step 6: Fix Casing to Cap ...
- 7th Step: Switch the Water Supply On, and then Check the Pressure ...
Full Answer
How often should you change your whole house water filter?
Whole House Water Filter. This filter is installed in the main supply of your home, allowing clean water to flow through every faucet. It’s recommended that you replace this every six months. However, depending on your primary source – municipal or well water – this filter may need to be replaced every three months.
How to get a stuck whole house water filter off?
What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial
- Piece of Cloth. Particularly, when dealing with a stuck quarter-turn filter, it is important to have a piece of cloth ready for protecting the filter’s cap.
- Standard Pliers. This tool is only needed when your filter is a quarter-turn filter. ...
- A Receptacle for Water. This would be needed if you are dealing with an open and pop-up door filter that’s stuck. ...
How to replace a whole house sediment filter?
- Turn off the water supply. ...
- Next, mark a section of pipe to remove in order to accommodate the filter system.
- If your whole house water filter consists of a single unit and does not include a separate pre-filter, refer to the template included with your filtration system. ...
Why do you need a whole house water filtration system?
- Clean, filtered water emerges from every water source in the house
- Healthier showers & baths
- Extended life of water using appliances and household pipes
- Softened water with scale free showers and spotless glasses
- Softer, brighter and longer lasting clothing
- Healthier skin and hair, free of contaminants

How do you change a whole house water filter?
0:003:58Changing a Whole House Water System Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the handle on the top of the housing to the off position use the rubber handle of a hammer or aMoreTurn the handle on the top of the housing to the off position use the rubber handle of a hammer or a rubber mallet to tap around the threads.
Can I install my own whole house water filter?
DIYers with a moderate amount of plumbing experience can learn how to install a whole house water filter. If you'd rather leave whole house water filter installation to a professional, consider using The Home Depot's water treatment services.
How much does it cost to replace whole house water filter?
The average cost of a whole-house filtration system can range between $2500-$5000, while whole house water softeners may cost between $2000-$4000. Although other water filtration systems that provide filtration as well as water softening when installed may cost up to $9000 or more.
How long does the average whole house water filter last?
On average, whole house water filters will last for the following lengths of time: Pre-Filter: Three- to Six Months. Carbon Filter: 12 Months. Post-Filter: Up to One Year.
Is whole house filtration worth it?
It not only aids in preventing rust stains in sinks, tubs, dishwashers, and toilets, but offers softer, brighter and longer lasting clothing. A carbon filter effectively removes chlorine, chloramines, and odor. The outcome is chemical free, clean, fresh drinking water for the whole household.
How long does it take to install a whole house water filter?
two to four hoursInstalling a whole house filter system could take an experienced plumber two to four hours. If you're installing it yourself, then it may take a little longer depending on your level of experience.
What are the different types of whole house water filters?
There are a few types of whole house water filter systems based on what the system itself is made of (stainless steel or plastic housings) or the type of filters (mesh, carbon, ultraviolet, or reverse osmosis). Your type of whole house water filter should be based on your particular water supply.
Where should a whole house water filter be installed?
Usually, the best place for a whole house water filter is near your main water shut-off valve, which is usually located in a basement or on the perimeter of the house in a utility closet or other such area if you don't have a basement.
Does a water filtration system increase home value?
Does water filtration systems increase home value? Research indicates that adding a water softener to your home can increase its equity anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
What happens if you dont replace a water filter?
If you do not replace it on time, pollutants such as bacteria, pesticides, lead, fluoride, and many others, can build up inside the filter. As the filters clog, it becomes harder for the water to pass through the system. This decrease in flow can have a dramatic impact on the water pressure inside your pipes.
Why does my whole house water filter get dirty so fast?
It's possible that you're simply dealing with water that's too dirty by default. In this case, it will cause additional wear on whole house filters and decrease their lifetime faster than intended. There's not much you can do here, other than to take note and make sure to replace your filters more often in the future.
When should I replace my whole house water filter?
Whole House Water Filter It is installed on the main supply line, delivering clean water to every faucet. Though it costs more to install a whole house water filter, you won't have to think twice about the water quality throughout your home. A whole house water filter should be changed every three to six months.
Where should a whole house water filter be installed?
Usually, the best place for a whole house water filter is near your main water shut-off valve, which is usually located in a basement or on the perimeter of the house in a utility closet or other such area if you don't have a basement.
Should a whole house water filter be installed before or after the pressure tank?
You'll want to make sure that you place your filter on the pressure side of the pump, after the pressure tank. This helps to ensure that you're protecting the pump. It also allows the filter to be cleaned without losing any pump prime.
How do you install a GE whole house water filter?
0:312:31Installation - Smart Whole House Water Filtration System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse 5 16 inch screws for the mounting location. And loosely hand tighten the wall bracket into placeMoreUse 5 16 inch screws for the mounting location. And loosely hand tighten the wall bracket into place. Slide a quick connect fitting on each side of the pipe push the quick connects.
What are the different types of whole house water filters?
There are a few types of whole house water filter systems based on what the system itself is made of (stainless steel or plastic housings) or the type of filters (mesh, carbon, ultraviolet, or reverse osmosis). Your type of whole house water filter should be based on your particular water supply.
How do I change the water filter in my house?
To change a water filter, you should switch off your water supply, then open the filter housing, untwist the old filter, and slow the replacement f...
How long is a whole house water filter good for?
Cartridge filters are usually good for 3-12 months, depending on the filter type. Filter media usually lasts for between 3 and 5 years. The unit it...
How do you know when to change your water filter?
The easiest way to know when to change your water filter is to monitor flow rate. When flow rate begins to slow, it tells you that one (or several)...
How often should a whole house carbon filter be changed?
A whole house carbon filter cartridge should be changed once every 6-9 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer, or when your water flow slows...
How much do replacement filters cost?
It depends on which filters you're buying, for what type of system, and from which manufacturer. Let's start with the cost of cartridge filter repl...
Is replacing a whole house water filter difficult?
No. Most people should be able to replace the filters themselves. Even if you hired a professional to install the system, you'll have no trouble re...
How to loosen a whole house filter?
Use the filter wrench or strap wrench to loosen the filter housing. You need to turn counterclockwise. Go slowly especially when unscrewing the filter housing because it’ll still be full of water. Also, don’t underestimate the weight of filter housing + filter cartridge + water. If you’re working with a big blue whole house filter you better use both hands!
What Is a Whole House Water Filter?
Whole house water filters are also called POE or point-of-entry water filters. That’s because they filter the water at the point of entry, meaning immediately after it enters your home. This has the benefit that all the water gets filtered whereas a point-of-use water filter only provides filtered water for a single tap, faucet, shower head, and the like.
How long does a whole house water filter last?
Generally speaking, a whole house water filter cartridge lasts one to six months on average.
Why do you need to change your water filter?
Another reason to change a (whole house) water filter in due time is to prevent bacteria and other disease-causing germs from accumulating in the inside.
What to do if filter doesn't open?
If the filter housing doesn’t open and you fear of breaking it, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the housing wrench. Don’t worry, it’ll open eventually.
How long do granular filter media tanks last?
Systems that consist of large tanks filled with granular filter media are a different story. Usually, they last for many years before they require replacement. When the time has come, you either need to dispose of the entire tank or replace the filter media inside.
What does a water filter do for a house?
And not only that; a powerful house water filter can also protect pipes and home appliances by removing aggressive chemicals, heavy metals like iron [1], and sediment.
What is a whole house water filter?
A whole house water filter, known as a point-of-entry filter, primarily removes harmful contaminants from your water for general use applications. Given its size and capacity, a whole-house filter is a wise investment.
How to know when it's time to change a water filter?
If you notice sudden changes in the look, taste, odor, and flow rate of your water, they’re evident warning signs that it’s time to buy a new filter.
What type of filter is needed for odor and taste?
A simple taste and odor water treatment will probably need a two-stage filtration: carbon and sediment filters.
How long do sediment filters last?
Generally, sediment pre-filters have the shortest lifespan. These filters should be replaced every 6 months, but some models might require 3 months replacement. Sub-micron post-filters can last for nine months or more. In less demanding situations, carbon filters can go on for about 14-15 months.
How many stages are there in reverse osmosis?
For instance, a Reverse Osmosis system is often equipped with four separate filter stages: a sediment pre-filter, a carbon block pre-filter, a reverse osmosis membrane and a carbon block post-filter.
How is the overall capacity of a water filter measured?
The overall capacity of a water filter is often measured by how much water it can process before needing replacement. This is typically expressed in gallons or months.
Why is a whole house water filter important?
A whole house water filter is essential for your home because it treats hard water and various volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and toxic to the human body.
What is a water filter made of?
Most are made from polypropylene plastic and just filter out sediment from you water supply. Some filters are string wound water filters, others are pleated cotton and some even have charcoal fiber (usually coconut husk) to improve taste. The standard is 5 micron filtration.
What is the standard size of water filter?
The standard is 5 micron filtration. Going with a smaller micron size usually means diminished water flow in exchange for finer particle filtration. These filters trap physical debris in your water supply that you will see embedded on the outside of filter and at the bottom of the cannister.
How to turn a filter counter clockwise?
With the bucket under your whole house filter and your wrench around the filter go ahead and turn counter clockwise (once you figure it out mark an arrow on your housing so you won't have to use your brain). If you are slow minded like me you'll grab a jar and unthread the lid by holding the lid and turning the jar to visually compare which way you should be turning.
How to get water pressure out of a faucet?
Once you've turned off the water to your house go and open up a faucet sink valve or bathtub to let the water pressure release. Ideally do this at the faucet with the lowest elevation in your home to help drain out most of the pressure in the line. Why do this? If you open the 2nd floor bathroom faucet and are changing the water filter in your basement you'll have 2 floors of water still in the line when you open the filter in your basement - hence the bucket).
How many valves does a water filter have?
If you are lucky you'll have 3 valves which let you isolate the water filter setup. The valves are usually usually simple handles that turn 90 degrees. When the handle is flush with the pipe water is allowed to flow. When the handle is 90 degrees from the pipe it is shut off.
Why do you turn off the second handle on a water filter?
The second handle after your water filter you'll want to turn off. This prevents a back flow of water in the line from coming back to you when you open the filter housing.
What is the red button on a whole house filter?
Better whole house filter systems have a red button on top that lets you release the water pressure in the line to make it easier to open the housing. If you have this red button and your water is shut off go ahead and press it. If you hear pressure releasing you have just saved yourself a lot of arm wrestling with the wrench.
What Are Whole House Water Filters?
Whole house water filters are specialized water filtering systems that filter water from all outlets in a home. These devices are installed in the main water supply, thereby allowing every other faucet in a building to dispense clean water.
Why do you need to change your water filter?
Also, the system allows you to adjust the entire water in your home in just a fell swoop.
What is a faucet water filter?
The faucet water filter is an alternative to the whole house water filter. This, however, is installed on each faucet and filters water from only those particular outlets. You can install it under the sink or on the countertop of a particular room. A Gravity filter works great for your counter top.
How long do sediment filters last?
Typically, the lifespan of most filters ranges between 1 – 6 months. Sediment pre-filters have shorter lifespans. The Post-filters can last for 9 months or more, and the carbon filters last the longest (14 – 15 months). They are many ways to know when your filter is faulty.
How to prevent water from spilling on the floor?
Also, you will need an empty bucket when changing a whole house water filter. Place the bucket under the water filter unit to prevent water from spilling on the floor.
Where is the standpipe on reverse osmosis water filter?
Whether you decide to buy a reverse osmosis system or any other water filter make sure you check the housing to find a standpipe at the middle bottom. It comes in the form of a circular-shaped device with a short pipe rubber. It is very crucial to get the filter correctly over the water filter cartridge.
How to turn off water pressure on a water heater?
First, make sure you completely cut off the supply at the valve or main water feed. To release pressure, push the red knob. Be alert as water pops out whenever you push the pressure release knob.
