Excessive water contaminants may require changing your Brita filter more often. But even if you dont use a lot of water, the quality of your tap water can also play a role in how often your filters will need to be replaced. Filters can last indefinitely as long as they are properly stored and the package is intact. No, you shouldnt use an expired Brita filter. The key point to take away from this is that a Brita filter that is removing high levels of copper from your water due to corrosion of the copper plumbing in your home may not last very long before your water will develop a metallic taste to it. This means that the activated carbon in a Brita filter will lose its effectiveness at some point, whether the water being treated is full of contaminants or not. We hope you find this site informative and helpful. The guide above is just that: a guide. Your email address will not be published. Here are Britas guidelines for when to replace your filter: One of the main factors that affects how long your water filters last is water usage. because it will contain some carbon dust (aka, those black particles you see floating in the pitcher). How long do Brita, Berkey, zero water, our filters last - AquaHow What Is a HEPA Filter and How Does It Work? The average person will drink 10 to 15 gallons of water in a month. I leave it attached until we return 2-3 months later. The exact amount of chlorine in your water will affect how long the Brita filter can remove this chlorine. Brita pitcher filters last a very long time. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its not clear exactly what this is, but its more advanced than the activated carbon granules in the Brita Standard filter. We list the top seven signs its time to replace your filter below. Freewateradvice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Dedicated to Clean Water EducationWater Defense is an online resource for Water Quality, Filtration & Softening guides. You will then be able to send the filter for free to be recycled. Not only does he write about durable and buy-it-for-life (BIFL) products, he gets hands-on to find the very best. Second, the indicator blinks green continuously to show the filter status is fresh. Brita Filters: Which models remove lead from drinking water? If you cant be bothered, you can place them directly into the container of your unit without pre-soaking them, but youll still need to wait for 15 minutes before they start working. How Does All Brita Water Filter Indicator Work? - Alkaline Water Point It is a very effective way to make your water better for you and your family. Brita pitcher filters last a very long time. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. Now lets say your water contains high levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and hardness minerals. At the current price of Brita filters, a gallon of Brita-filtered water should average about 10 cents. If you can gauge how much water you are using, you will know exactly when to change the filter. The Answer Might Surprise YouDo Brita Filters Remove Chlorine? There are several factors that affect the lifespan of a Brita water filter, including: Your Water Quality The filter media shouldnt have the chance to develop mold or algae if youre replacing your filter regularly. You should also keep the filter out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The exception to this is the blue Brita Longlast+ filter, which can be used for up to six months. How Long Does a Brita Filter Lasts (Feb, 2023) | WaterSoftenersBlog They also recommend storing them in a cool, dry place. It then calculates how many uses the filter still has based on this estimate. Leaving a Brita water filter in your dispenser for too long may mean that it will develop bacteria and make your water worse rather than better. You might think you can get away with using your Brita filter beyond the end of its filter life. Just like bad-tasting water, bad-smelling water can be caused by contaminants. This activated carbon loses its ability to remove contaminants the more that it is used. A Comprehensive Look. The smaller the quantity of water that passes through the filter, the fewer contaminants can build up in the media. How Much Does A Brita Filter Cost? The light on the top of Brita models typically serves as an indicator of the filters condition. We went straight to the source to find out everything you need to know about how and when to replace your Brita filter. You only use your Brita filter a handful of times per day. Brita filters do not expire. If your filter has been in service for longer than that, its time to replace it. . Standard filters must be rinsed under cold water for 15 seconds before you remove . Keep reading to learn more about how long you Brita filter lasts and the importance of changing it regularly. If your household filters much more or way less, feel free to adjust your schedule. As I mentioned above, it depends on how much water is filtered, but there are standard timeframes based on standard usage. Once a week, get some detergent and a sponge and clean out the inside of the pitcher. Place the new water filter in the reservoir and reset the filter indicator light (if you have one). Contrary to popular belief, unused Brita filters do not expire. The Long last Filter which is mostly blue can be replaced after every 120 gallons or can last for about six months. This is because once the package is opened, moisture can enter the filter and allow bacteria to grow. Slow flow rate is another key sign that you need a fresh filter in your Brita system. The maximum temperature Brita filters should be exposed to is 85F. A Brita Stream Filter (gray) lasts for about 40 gallons, or about two months. How long do Brita filters last ? If the light is still red after youve replaced the filter, its time to buy a new one. Hello Paula and thank you for the question. I decided to create this website so I could share some of my experiences and solutions to some of the problems that you may have with the water in your home. The service life of a Brita filter also depends on how much water you use. How A Brita Filter Can Improve Your Water, And For How Long. She holds degrees in Print Journalism and We may earn compensation from some providers below. If you dont change your filter regularly, the filter may start allowing contaminants to pass through with the water. Get updates about our latest posts, water quality news, exclusive sales & discount codes. One of the first indicators that your filter is spent is how long it takes to process the water. In months. In this case, your filter may last longer than advertised because its used less frequently than expected. Epic Water Filters' pitcher also uses carbon block technology to remove or reduce 200+ known tap water contaminants. Otherwise, soak the filter in cold tap water for 15 minutes, and you should be able to continue using it. Otherwise, moisture can enter the filter allowing bacteria to grow, making the filter unfit to use. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Remember to discard the first three pitchers of water, and always keep an eye on the filter indicator. Used Brita water filters should be sent back to Brita so the Brita recycling program can recycle them. The best way to store Brita filters is in their original packaging. Below are the most common types of Brita filters and when you should expect to change them. Brita states that their standard filter should be changed after 40 gallons of water have gone through it, or 2 months, whichever comes first. A clogged gravity filter will reduce water flow rate to such an extent that you may have no choice but to replace the filter early. 60 days. My name is Scott Winfield and researching and writing about water filters and other strategies to purify water has become my full time passion in recent years. If so, you may be wondering how long do Brita filters last. Eventually, the filters performance may be so hindered that you may as well be drinking normal tap water. Follow Amy on Twitter. The filters are designed to last up to six months and you can filter up to 120 gallons of water before needing a replacement. Brita recommends changing your filter based on the type you have. Brita, like all manufacturers, estimates its filters lifespans based on a certain test water quality and average water usage. If your Brita water filter has developed algae or mold, its not just a sign that you need to replace the filter its essential. (Find Out Now!) An old filter may add an unpleasant odor to your water as it passes through the filter. I always recommend keeping replacement Brita filters on hand but not to overstock on them. Even if your Brita filter is still filtering your water with a fairly good flow rate, if it has reached the end of its lifespan, its best to replace it to stay on the safe side. However, there are several risks of doing this: Too many contaminants in the filter media will eventually affect filter performance. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. Follow Amy on Twitter. Remove the new filter from the water and let it drip for a few seconds. How Long Do Brita Filters Last? How Long Do Brita Filters Last? There are too many potential contaminants to list them all in this article, but you can rest easy if you have a filter to filter them out. Articles about Brita Filters:Do Brita Filters Remove PFAS Real World Testing DataBrita Filters: Which models remove lead from drinking water?Do Brita Filters Remove Fluoride? Yet, when the indicator shows a yellow blinking light, it indicates that there is remaining only 25% of life the Brita water filter that will typically continue to blink the yellow light until it retains 1% of filter life. While a Brita standard filter is purely made from coconut carbon block, the Brita Elite also contains pleated media that extends the lifespan of the overall filter. Brita states that their standard filter or bottle filter should be replaced every 40 gallons or 2 months, Faucet Mount Filter every 100 gallons or 4 months, and their long last filter, every 120 gallons or 6 months. You have figured out how long Brita filters last, and you are concerned that yours should be lasting longer. The two most common water filtration systems are under-sink water filters and water filter pitchers. Your filter could even be cracked, allowing unpleasant-smelling contaminants to leach into your water. Brita filter manufacturer has different products with varying lifespans. That said, its important to periodically hand wash the pitcher with mild soap and change the filter regularly so that your Brita system continues to remove contaminants and produce great tasting H2O. The answer may surprise you. If youre using a Longlast+ filter, follow these steps. What factors affect a Brita filter lifespan, and how do you know when you need to replace your filter? Join our 1 Million+ strong water defense community and get updated on the latest product news & gear reviews. Once thats done, youre ready to fill your pitcher. To make things simpler, we've made two charts about how long each filter lasts. Amy Grant has a degree in journalism and has worked as a freelance writer and author for many years. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'freewateradvice_com-box-4','ezslot_32',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freewateradvice_com-box-4-0');You may use more or less water than your next-door neighbor, and your friend down the road may have very different water issues than you do. Do Brita filters work? Effectiveness and what they filter Brita makes two filters for its pitcher filter system: the standard filter and the Longlast filter. To wash the filter, remove it from the container (with clean hands), and rinse it under some warm water. What Affects the Lifespan of a Brita Filter? Are you concerned about the quality and safety of your drinking water? Maintaining your Brita filter is an important part of keeping yourself, and your family healthy. I found this highly rated and recommended Reverse Osmosis system at a great price. These holes allow contaminants trapped in the media to leak out of the filter, along with carbon particles or carbon dust (which look like black specks in your water). You go into your kitchen for a nice cool drink of refreshing water just to find that someone used the last of the water in your Brita dispenser. The only requirement for this very long shelf life is to keep the filter in the original packaging and protect the wrapper from being damaged. And the Brita Stream Filter (gray) should be replaced after every 40 gallons or about every two months. As you might guess, we always recommend replacing the filter when needed. Fits all Brita Water Filter Faucet Systems No pre-soak required Lasts 4 months (100 gallons) on average 100% recyclable through TerraCycle program* color: Chrome size: 2-pack Add To Cart - $39.99 I dont suggest putting the filter in the microwave. All you need to do to maintain your Brita filters properly is hand wash them occasionally. Chlorine in municipal water is one of the leading reasons why people choose to use a Brita water filter. The original Brita filter cartridges required pre-soaking before installation, so if you are still using the original style filters, pre-soak the filter in clean cold water as directed on the filter packaging. An expired filter may also fail to trap contaminants or develop holes, allowing contaminants to seep out of the filter and affecting the filtration technology. The service life of a Brita filter depends on the water quality and how much water you use. Brita Longlast Filter comes with a long-lasting lifespan. If you notice that the filter has dried out, replace it immediately. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'freewateradvice_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_25',186,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freewateradvice_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');The filter contains carbon which can have some carbon dust in it. If the person would be filtering a huge amount of water using the filters, then the filters may have to get replaced early. How long do Brita water pitcher filters last? So, how long do Brita filters really last? Plus, learn how to recycle those old filters and save them from the landfill. How To Gauge How Often You Should Change Your Brita Filter. This should be true, but is it? How Long Does a Brita Water Filter Last? Once you open the package, you need to use the filter within a few days. On average, Brita Standard and Stream filters remove chlorine for two months, and the Elite filter removes chlorine for six months. The price you'll pay for a Brita filter depends on the . The actual amount of service you get out of your Brita filters depends largely on the quality of your water. How long does a Brita filter last for four people? Keep your water pitcher in a cool, shaded area to avoid any algae or mold growth. Email: info@purewaterblog.com | 2023 Copyright Pure Water Blog | Telephone: 781-809-0350, link to Crystal Clear: The Ultimate Guide to Removing and Preventing Hard Water Spots, link to Is Spring Water Good for You? You should replace your Standard and Bottle filters every 2 months or after you process 40 gallons. Hear Us Out on This One. Brita filters last from two to six months, depending on which filter you have. You're just a few simple steps from enjoying great-tasting Brita filtered water. If you dont change the filter as recommended, youre leaving your health at risk. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thankfully, Brita has partnered with TerraCyle to recycle old filters. That is almost 4x longer than your typical Brita filter. Your water usage also affects the lifespan of your Brita filter. We hope you find this site informative and helpful. Mold and algae can start to grow in your filter if it has been in service for a long time. An Unbiased Deep Dive, US Cities with Hard Water: Surprising Facts, Does Chicago Have Hard Water? Once youve installed the new filter, youre ready to fill your pitcher. If youre working with a Longlast+ filter, you can skip the rinse and proceed straight to popping the thing into place. You and your family might use less, more or a lot more water. How Does the Brita Filter Indicator Work? If you dont change your filter regularly, the contaminants that are in your tap water chlorine or lead will end up in your pitcher. Time. Once your Brita water pitcher is spent, you need to properly dispose of it. Replacement Filter FAQ's | Brita A filter captures a substance from going through it. If you dont have the original packaging, you can store the filters in a zip-lock bag or other airtight container. To help you stay on top of the maintenance, here are some tips for changing your Brita filter: By following these steps, you can make sure your Brita filter is always in top condition, and providing you with clean, healthy drinking water. After cleaning the filter, replace it and run some water through it before you use it. Therefore, a standard Brita filter will last 2 months with two people using it. How Long Will A Brita Filter Remove Chlorine? If you do not feel that the filter is in all the way, remove it from the housing, make sure it is aligned correctly and re-insert again. Because activated carbon does not completely remove all the contaminants that can cause unpleasant tastes in your water, if you have high levels of metals, salt, or chemicals, you will be much better off using a reverse osmosis drinking water system to purify your drinking water. If you keep them in their original packaging, they wont be affected by the humidity. Some Indications That Your Brita Water Filter Needs To Be Changed: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'freewateradvice_com-banner-1','ezslot_16',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freewateradvice_com-banner-1-0');I recommend determining filter changes by days or weeks rather than by container fill-ups because if someone has a tendency to fill the container, and does not log in that they did, then you could be using the filter way longer than you should. And I decided to give it away FOR FREE! Watch on. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you use a Brita filter for too long, theres a risk that bacteria could accumulate in the filter. A Brita water pitcher filter will last roughly two months. Brita Filter Basics Filter Technology: Brita filters utilize a combination of carbon and ion exchange resin to reduce impurities in tap water. Discard the water (or use it to water plants). If youre using a Brita pitcher, it should be fairly obvious when you need a filter replacement. But dont fret! Make sure the filter is completely dry if it is being stored. And a red light indicates that your filter . Amy Grant has a degree in journalism and has worked as a freelance writer and author for many years. To sign up, simply fill out the request form on the Brita Recycling and youll be emailed a prepaid label; then, box up your Brita brand waste (a minimum of five pounds per shipment) and send it offjust be sure youve let your used filters thoroughly dry first, since wet and leaky packages will be declined. How long does a Brita water filter last? Will that kill possible bacteria? If your filter is nearing the end of its lifespan anyway, wed recommend saving yourself the hassle and replacing it. The table below summarizes the filter life and the amount of water it can treat. 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