A water filter is one of the easiest upgrades you can make at home — but like anything that keeps your water clean and fresh, it needs occasional maintenance to perform at its best.
Regular filter replacement helps ensure that every glass of water tastes crisp, clean, and refreshing. This guide explains why maintenance is important and how often different systems should be serviced.
Why Replacing Filters Matters
Water filters work silently in the background, absorbing and trapping:
- chlorine
- odours
- chemical tastes
- sediment
- tiny particles
- organic compounds
Over time, filters become saturated — not in a dangerous way, but in a performance way.
Replacing filters keeps your water tasting clean and ensures your system performs efficiently. Overused filters become less effective at removing chlorine, particles, and odours.
Maintenance isn’t complicated — it’s just a routine part of managing the health impacts of drinking water and keeping great-tasting water flowing.
How Often Should You Replace Your Water Filters?
The right schedule depends on the type of system you have and how much water your household uses.
Below are the typical recommended timeframes.
Under-Sink Filters (Most Household Systems)
Recommended: Every 6 to 12 months
Under-sink carbon filters handle chlorine, odours, chemical tastes, and small particles.
Replacing them regularly keeps water tasting as fresh as possible.
Households that drink a lot of water may benefit from replacing filters closer to the 6-month mark.
Zip and Billi Filter Systems
Recommended: Every 6 to 12 months
Zip and Billi systems rely on specialised filters designed to maintain:
- taste quality
- boiling/chilled water performance
- system hygiene
Timely replacement helps the unit deliver consistent, high-quality water and protects internal components.
Whole-Home Filtration Systems
These systems usually have two filter types, each with its own schedule:
Sediment Filters
Recommended: Every 6 months
They trap dirt, rust, and visible particles.
Replacing them protects plumbing, showers, appliances, and downstream filters.
Carbon Filters
Recommended: Every 6 to 12 months
They improve taste and reduce chlorine levels throughout the entire home.
Sparkling Water Systems (CO₂ Cylinders)
Recommended: Replace as needed based on usage
High-use households may require more frequent replacements.
This keeps sparkling water perfectly carbonated and consistent.
Signs Your Filter May Need Replacing
Even if you’re unsure of the last replacement date, your filter will often tell you it’s time.
Common signs include:
- a return of chlorine taste or smell
- water flow is slowing down
- cloudiness or tiny particles in water
- Tea or coffee tastes slightly different
- water not feeling as “fresh” as usual
None of these issues is harmful — they simply indicate the filter is saturated and deserves a fresh replacement.
Does Delayed Replacement Harm the System?
It doesn’t usually cause damage immediately — but it can lead to:
- reduced taste quality
- less effective filtration
- Higher workload on the system
- More sediment is passing into the appliances
- less efficient boiling/chilled units
Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly and prolongs the life of your equipment.
What Happens When You Replace a Filter on Time?
Most households notice the difference straight away:
- Water tastes cleaner
- The chlorine smell disappears
- Tea and coffee improve
- Showers feel fresher (whole-home systems)
- Appliances run more efficiently
It’s a small maintenance step with a big payoff.
Do New Filters Remove Healthy Minerals
No, not in most household systems.
Carbon and sediment filters keep beneficial minerals such as:
- calcium
- magnesium
- potassium
Your water stays balanced and healthy.
Only specialised reverse osmosis systems reduce minerals, and these are not commonly installed unless specifically requested.
Want Consistently Fresh Water?
Melbourne Filtered Water offers:
- scheduled filter replacements
- Zip & Billi servicing
- under-sink cartridge replacement
- whole-home maintenance
- CO₂ cylinder delivery
- friendly advice based on your system and usage
Keeping water fresh shouldn’t be a chore — get in touch with Melbourne Filtered Water if you need practical support.