Using a shower filter, we can protect our skin from chlorine, metals, and rough sediment. Assume you or a member of your family suffers from hypersensitive skin. Investing in a filter-equipped shower head or using a separate filter in your existing setup is one option for easing irritation in such a situation.
So, investing in the best shower filter replacement cartridges, you are guaranteed of safer and better-quality shower sessions. But how do you know when to change the filter? Let’s have a look!
1. What does the manufacturer have to say about it?
Shower filter manufacturers will usually offer you a time frame for how long the shower filter will last. That is usually based on testing done on the product by the producer in a controlled lab before it is released to the public. It is usually indicated in months, but it is more explicitly given in how many liters of water can travel through the shower filter cartridge before it needs to be changed. However, remember that most manufacturers often cap it at 37,000 liters in a controlled lab environment. When you get that shower filter home, it’s not the same as in the lab. All variables are regulated in a lab; the flow rate is controlled, the number of impurities in the water is controlled and the temperature of the water so that the capacity of a shower filter can be compared to other brands.
2. How frequently do you shower, and how is the water quality in your area?
People often overlook this critical factor while making a purchasing decision and considering how long a shower filter will last. How frequently will you utilize it? If your family of four showers twice a day, the shower filter will not last as long as a family of two that showers once a day. As a result, how frequently you use the shower filter significantly impacts how long it will last.
3. Indications that the filter cartridge has to be replaced
Using filters enhances the quality of your skin, hair, and nails by reducing dry, itchy skin, dandruff, and eczema. Your hair and skin should feel softer, with less chlorine odor, and your shower/hair products should lather up better. When those advantages “slow down” or stop, it’s time to replace the filter cartridge. As a rule of thumb, we recommend replacing the shower filter cartridge every six months at the very least. This will guarantee that the shower filter performs optimally.
However, the following “symptoms” suggest that a change is required.
a) Debris
If there is debris inside the shower filter casing, this is a clear red flag. Carefully cleanse the inside of the case after removing the old cartridge before inserting the new cartridge. Holding the showerhead upside down beneath a faucet, spray a strong stream of water through it. The idea is to rinse any loose dirt through the hole attached to the shower arm. If mineral deposits remain, scrape the showerhead with an old toothbrush and vinegar to dislodge dirt. If any of these don’t work, then maybe it is time to change the shower head and filter.
b) Seals/Washers
The shower filter features three seals to prevent water from spilling out. If these seals shift while changing the cartridge, the shower filter may begin to leak. If this happens, it is advisable to change it before it gets worse or more dangerous. Aside from these evident indicators, a leaking shower can cause far more catastrophic damage. When water enters the home’s substructure, it can cause moist conditions in the foundation and promote the formation of mold or mildew, which might contaminate the water and damage the building’s structure.
c) Colored Water
You may notice discolored water when you first run water through the new filter cartridge. This is due to the accumulation of carbon dust inside the cartridge. The discoloration is normal, and the water will revert to normal after a minute of running water through the cartridge.
Final Thoughts
A repulsive taste and/or odor in the water, a reduced flow rate, visual indication (a once brightly colored filter cartridge is now discolored), and visible biofilm — a clear gel around your cartridge — are a few of the signs that can indicate you may need to change your cartridge earlier than the time frame that is recommended. These warning indicators are easy to spot and provide unequivocal proof that it is time to replace the filters in your shower. Consider this a hint, and improve the efficiency of your shower as much as you can.
It’s important to consider how much water you consume when deciding how often to change a shower filter. Each 10,000 gallons of water you use, or about every six months, should be its prescribed lifespan. Change your shower filters when needed to ensure your skin stays protected.
