How to Replace Under Sink Water Filter Cartridge Quickly and Easily

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

With this quick guide, you will discover just how to replace an under sink water filter cartridge. At first, people are wary that this may be a tricky job, but you will see how installing a replacement cartridge is a lot easier than expected.

FAQs When Replacing Your Cartridge

How Do You Know the Filter Needs Changing?

You may find the water pressure drops when the filter has an issue. The flow rate is the main indicator, as it slows when there’s an issue and it’s time to change your water filter.

What Are Some Reasons Why It Needs Replacing?

A filter cartridge only has a certain lifespan. They become contaminated with everything they have to filter, which means they need replacing from time to time. This is essential if you want to have clean and fresh drinking water.

How Long Do They Last?

The problem with water filters is the length of time they last depend on the manufacturing company. In general, you are looking at replacing these cartridges around every four weeks if you want your filtered water to remain clean.

Can It Save You Money?

Changing a water filter is easy, and there’s no doubt it will help you save money on professional fees in the long run.

Do You Need Specialist Knowledge to Change Your Filter?

Changing the filter in your kitchen sink is simple and convenient. It does not require any specialist knowledge, so you will be able to complete the task in no time.

Changing Your Water Filter

To help you. We have created a step by step guide on how to replace an under sink water filter cartridge.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

The first step with changing water filter cartridges is to turn off the water supply. Check this has been done correctly, as you need to close the valve to prevent water from flooding under your sink.

Step 2: Check the Water Pressure

Next, you must check the water pressure is non-existent. Once again, this helps you to know that it’s safe to remove the old water filter cartridge. Do this by opening the tap and allow the water that’s already in the system to drain. You need the pressure to drop to change the filters, or you will run into problems.

Step 3: Loosen the Housing for the Filter System

Next, loosen the filter housing. The way you can do this depends on the water filter system you have installed. Some can be done by hand, while others require a wrench to get things moving.

Step 4: Keep the Housing Vertical

It’s important at this point to keep the housing upright. Chances are it will be full of water, so you don’t want that water to flood your kitchen. Don’t rush it, and keep a steady hand to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Remove the Housing and All Cartridges

Exactly how many cartridges to be removed depends on the system you have installed. However, you need to slowly remove the housing along with each cartridge at this point.

Step 6: Check the Seals

You may have a version that contains an O-ring as a seal. Check if this looks worn and if it needs replacing. This prevents leaks from the water filter, and they may need to be replaced once a year in some cases.

Step 7: Examine the Old Filter Cartridge

Examining the old filter will let you see if there is too much sediment coming through your water. If this is the case, you may need to change your filters more often to maintain the high quality of water.

Step 8: Clean Inside the Housing

You should then clean inside the water filter housing. This takes just a few minutes, and you can use soap and water to clear any sediment.

Step 9: Add the Replacement Filter

Once everything is clean, you need to add the new water filter. This may screw into place depending on the version you have installed. Check if it needs to click into place.

Step 10: Reattach the Housing

After installing the new water filters, you need to reattach the housing. Check everything is tight with the connections. A wrench could make life easier, as you need that tight seal before you deal with the water flow.

Step 11: Turn the Water On

Depending on the system you have in place, you will need to turn the water on at your sink to test it. Pay attention to any leak from the filter under your sink, and keep things running for a few minutes.

Step 12: Use Water to Flush the Filters

This is part of the flushing out system, but you need to keep that water running through the water filters for at least five minutes. This will effectively activate the filter in your system to then allow it to deliver quality drinking water.

You can use your water filters as normal now that you have added a brand new filter cartridge. You should notice a real difference with your filtration system, with it working more smoothly than before.

Change Your Own Filter with Caution

The only thing we recommend is to take great care when doing it for the first time. If you are too anxious, then get help, and please don’t just try and fumble your way through the process.

Changing a water filter cartridge is straightforward enough to do. However, companies out there offer help with this as part of their services, so consult them if required.