There are literally hundreds of different types and models of shower filters on the market today. So, naturally, one of the first questions people ask is, “How long do shower filters last?”.
It is good to know that there are a few factors that come into play when answering this question. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But as a guide, I can confidently say this:
Typically, a shower filter will last between 3 to 6 months of normal use. Some may last up to 12 months, but this is not common. Alternatively, I can say shower filters can handle up to 12,000 gallons of water but since it is almost impossible to measure the amount of water your household uses, 3 to 6 months is a more accurate estimate.
Let’s get some details out of the way.
Factors That Determine The Lifespan Of A Shower Filter
There are a number of reasons why your shower filter may not last as long as you want it to. The lifespan of a shower filter really depends on 4 things:
- The quality of the shower filter
- What is inside the shower filter cartridge
- The frequency of use
- The water hardness in your area
Now that we know the 4 main factors, let’s look at each one a little closer.
1. The Quality Of The Shower Filter
The quality of the shower filter is the number one factor in how long it will last. A cheaply made shower filter is going to have a much shorter lifespan than a high-quality one. This is because lower-quality materials and construction are more prone to breaking down and clogging faster.
A high-quality filter will trap more impurities, not break down as easily, and last much longer as compared to a cheap one.
In a nutshell, you can get away with changing your shower filter less often if you buy a high-quality one, to begin with.
2. What Is Inside the Shower Filter Cartridge
The next thing to consider is what type of filter media is inside the shower filter. This is important because different types of media have different lifespans.
For example, a shower filter with carbon inside is going to need to be changed more often than one with KDF (kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media. This is because carbon filters are only effective for a certain amount of time before they need to be replaced.
KDF, on the other hand, can last up to 3 times longer than carbon. This is because it does not break down and is not affected by water pressure or temperature changes.
Also, some filter media have tiny pores that can easily become clogged with impurities. This will cause the filter to become less effective and will need to be replaced sooner.
3. The Frequency Of Use
This is pretty self-explanatory. The more you use your shower, the faster the filter is going to clog up and need to be replaced because more water is passing through the filter.
If you have a family of 4 or more people showering daily, you are going to need to change your shower filter more often than someone who lives alone and only showers a few times a week.
Also, if you are the type that likes to spend long periods of time in the shower, your filter is going to need to be replaced more often than someone who takes a 5-minute shower.
4. The Water Hardness In Your Area
The last factor is the water hardness in your area. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in the shower filter and cause it to clog faster. If you have hard water, you may need to replace your shower filter more often.
On the other hand, if you have soft water, your shower filter will last longer because the levels of minerals are low and won’t cause the filter to clog as quickly.
How Often Do You Need to Replace a Shower Filter?
Now that we’ve looked at the 4 main factors that affect the lifespan of a shower filter, you’re probably wondering how often you need to replace it.
The answer really depends on all of the factors we’ve just discussed.
If you have a high-quality shower filter with KDF media and you live in an area with soft water, you may only need to replace your filter every 6 months to 1 year.
On the other hand, if you have a lower-quality shower filter with carbon media and you live in an area with hard water, you may need to replace it every two or three months.
As a general rule of thumb, you should check your shower filter every 3 months to see if it needs to be replaced. If it looks clean and isn’t clogged, you can wait a little longer before changing it.
If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it.
How to Extend the Life of Your Shower Filter
Now that you know how often to replace your shower filter, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything you can do to extend its lifespan.
Here are a few tips:
- Rinse the shower filter with clean water before use. This will remove any impurities that may be on the surface of the filter media and extend its lifespan.
- Make sure to install the shower filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that it is installed correctly and won’t become damaged or broken.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the shower filter. These can damage the filter media and shorten its lifespan.
- Buy quality shower filters. Higher-quality shower filters will last longer than lower-quality ones.
- Consider getting a water softener. This will reduce the levels of minerals in your water and extend the lifespan of your shower filter.
Can you reuse shower filters?
You might be thinking after six months, you will take out the shower filter to clean it, and you can use the shower filter again. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
You cannot reuse shower filters because they become clogged with impurities over time and will no longer work properly. This goes beyond the surface of the shower filter media.
The contaminants it has filtered out of the water will get trapped inside the shower filter media, and it will need to be replaced.
If you get advice anywhere that you can reuse your shower filter after it has done its job, don’t follow it. It’s not worth the risk of showering in contaminated water.
Final Thoughts
A shower filter is a valuable addition to any bathroom because it removes impurities from your water and makes your showers more enjoyable. To get the most out of your shower filter, it’s important to know how long it lasts and how often you need to replace the cartridge.
Most cartridges need to be replaced every three to six months, but this can vary depending on the type of water in your home and how much water you use.
You can continue using a shower filter as long as it’s still effective at filtering impurities from your water.
