Zerowater filters do a great job in purifying your tap water but how long does a zerowater filter last?
Do you need to replace the filter often? What happens if you do not replace the filter?
I will cover everything you need to know below.
How Long Does A Zerowater Filter Last
A zerowater filter will typically last for 15-25 gallons of water, or approximately 1-3 months of normal use, before needing to be replaced. However, if you have particularly hard water or high TDS levels, the filter may need to be replaced more frequently.
The lifespan of a ZeroWater filter largely depends on the quality of your tap water and the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in it. The higher the TDS level, the faster the filter will become saturated and need to be replaced.
To determine when your ZeroWater filter needs to be replaced, you can use a TDS meter to test the water before and after filtration. When the TDS reading after filtration reaches 006 or higher, it’s time to replace the filter.
What Happens To a Zerowater Filter If You Dont Replace It
If you don’t replace your ZeroWater filter when it has reached the end of its lifespan, the filter will eventually become completely saturated with dissolved solids and lose its ability to effectively remove contaminants from your water.
As a result, your filtered water may start to taste or smell different, and you may notice a decrease in the water’s clarity. In addition, the filter may start to release contaminants back into the water, which could potentially be harmful to your health.
It’s important to replace your ZeroWater filter regularly to ensure that you continue to receive clean, filtered water that is free of harmful contaminants.
Do ZeroWater Filters Go Bad
ZeroWater filters do not necessarily “go bad” in the traditional sense of the term. However, their effectiveness in removing contaminants from water will decrease over time as the filter becomes saturated with dissolved solids.
If you do not use your ZeroWater filter for an extended period of time, it may become clogged with sediment and other impurities, which can reduce its lifespan and effectiveness.
If you do not store your ZeroWater filter properly, it may become moldy or contaminated, which could also affect its performance.
Can Bacteria Grow In ZeroWater Filter
ZeroWater filters are designed to remove dissolved solids and impurities from tap water, including bacteria, so it is unlikely that bacteria will grow inside the filter.
Like any water filter, if the filter is not properly maintained or stored, there is a possibility that bacteria or other microorganisms could grow.
To reduce the risk of bacteria growth, it’s important to replace your ZeroWater filter regularly and to store it in a clean, dry location.
If you notice any unusual odors or discoloration in your filtered water, it’s a good idea to replace the filter and clean the pitcher or dispenser thoroughly with soap and water.
How Do You Test A ZeroWater Filter
To test a ZeroWater filter, you can use a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter to measure the level of impurities in the water before and after filtration. Here’s how:
- Fill a glass or container with tap water and use the TDS meter to take a reading. This will give you a baseline measurement of the TDS level in your tap water.
- Fill another glass or container with water that has been filtered through your ZeroWater filter. Again, use the TDS meter to take a reading.
- Compare the TDS readings from the two samples. The TDS reading of the filtered water should be significantly lower than that of the tap water, indicating that the filter is removing impurities from the water.
If the TDS reading of the filtered water is not significantly lower than that of the tap water, it may be time to replace the ZeroWater filter.
Below is a video showing you how to test the filter water
How Often Should You Wash Your ZeroWater Pitcher
It is recommended that you wash it regularly, ideally after each use. Here are some guidelines for washing your ZeroWater pitcher:
- Remove the filter from the pitcher and discard any remaining water.
- Wash the pitcher and lid with soap and warm water, using a soft sponge or cloth. Pay special attention to any hard-to-reach areas, such as the spout and handle.
- Rinse the pitcher and lid thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the pitcher and lid with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.
- Before reusing the pitcher, replace the filter and prime it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s also important to store your ZeroWater pitcher in a clean, dry location to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
If you notice any unusual odors or discoloration in your filtered water or the pitcher itself, it’s a good idea to replace the filter and clean the pitcher thoroughly with soap and water.
Can A Zerowater Filter Last 5 Years
No, While ZeroWater filters are designed to last for a certain amount of time, it’s unlikely that a filter would last for 5 years. The lifespan of a ZeroWater filter largely depends on the quality of your tap water and the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in it.
The higher the TDS level, the faster the filter will become saturated and need to be replaced.
According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, ZeroWater filters typically last for 15-25 gallons of water, or approximately 1-3 months of normal use, before needing to be replaced.
While it’s possible that a filter could last slightly longer or shorter than this depending on the specific circumstances, it’s unlikely that a filter would last for 5 years without needing to be replaced.
In addition to the filter lifespan, it’s important to consider the storage and maintenance of the filter and pitcher. If the filter is not stored properly or is not properly maintained, it could become clogged or contaminated, which could reduce its lifespan and effectiveness.
What Are The Main Issues With ZeroWater Filters
While ZeroWater filters are generally effective at removing impurities from tap water, there are a few issues that some users may experience. These include:
- Slow filtration: Some users have reported that the ZeroWater filter can take longer to filter water than other filters. This is due to the high level of dissolved solids that the filter is designed to remove. However, this slower filtration can be frustrating for some users.
- Cost: ZeroWater filters are more expensive than some other types of filters, such as activated carbon filters. While they are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, this higher cost can be a barrier for some users.
- Frequent filter replacement: Depending on the quality of your tap water, you may need to replace the ZeroWater filter more frequently than other types of filters. This can be inconvenient and costly, especially if you use the filter frequently.
- Wastewater generation: ZeroWater filters remove virtually all of the dissolved solids from tap water, which means that they generate a significant amount of wastewater during the filtration process. This can be wasteful and may not be practical for all users.
- Limited capacity: ZeroWater pitchers and dispensers have a limited capacity, which means that you may need to refill them frequently if you use a lot of filtered water. This can be inconvenient for some users.
While these issues may be a concern for some users, overall, ZeroWater filters are generally effective at removing impurities from tap water and can provide high-quality, clean drinking water.
Why My Zerowater Filter Only Lasts 2 Weeks
There could be several reasons why your ZeroWater filter only lasts for 2 weeks:
- Poor water quality: If your tap water contains a high level of impurities, such as minerals, chemicals, or heavy metals, it can quickly clog up the filter and reduce its lifespan.
- High water usage: If you use a lot of water or have a large family, you may need to replace the filter more frequently.
- Improper handling: If the filter is not rinsed and handled properly, it can become clogged or damaged, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.
- Defective filter: It’s possible that the filter itself is defective or damaged, which can cause it to wear out more quickly than expected.
If you’re experiencing short filter life with your ZeroWater filter, it may be helpful to test your tap water quality, ensure you’re following proper handling procedures, and contact the manufacturer if you suspect a defective filter.
Can You Refrigerate A ZeroWater Filter
No, It is not recommended to refrigerate a ZeroWater filter. The filter is designed to function effectively at room temperature, and refrigerating it could actually damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.
Additionally, refrigerating the filter is unnecessary as it will not provide any additional benefits to the filtration process or the quality of the filtered water.
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your ZeroWater filter, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
