In New Zealand, we’re lucky to have access to some of the best water in the world, but many households still choose to install a water filter system for that extra peace of mind. Whether it’s to improve the taste of town supply or to ensure the safety of bore or tank water, a good filter is a fantastic investment in your family’s health. However, simply installing a filter and forgetting about it isn’t enough. To ensure it continues to provide clean, fresh, and safe drinking water, regular and proper maintenance is absolutely essential.
Essential Care for Your NZ Water Filter System
The primary reason for diligent maintenance is to ensure your filter continues to do its job effectively. Over time, the filter cartridge becomes clogged with the very contaminants it’s designed to remove—sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and microorganisms. If left unchanged, a clogged filter not only reduces your water flow to a frustrating trickle but can also stop working effectively. In a worst-case scenario, a neglected filter can become a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially making your water quality even worse than it was before filtration.
Beyond just changing the cartridge, a little routine care goes a long way. Make it a habit to visually inspect your filter system every few months. Check the housing and the connections at either end for any signs of weeping, drips, or cracks in the plastic. Keeping the exterior of the unit clean is simple, and when you do change the filter cartridge, take the opportunity to give the inside of the filter housing (the sump) a good clean with warm, soapy water, rinsing it thoroughly before putting the new cartridge in. This prevents any biofilm or sediment buildup inside the system itself.
It’s also important to consider your specific water source here in NZ, as this directly impacts your maintenance schedule. A filter connected to a high-quality metropolitan supply like in Wellington or Christchurch might last its full recommended lifespan with ease. However, a system filtering rainwater from a tank or water from a rural bore may be dealing with much higher levels of sediment, tannins, or bacteria. In these cases, you might find your pre-filters need changing more frequently than the main carbon filter to maintain good water pressure and protect the more expensive downstream cartridges.
When and How to Change Your Filter Cartridges
Knowing when to change your filter is the most critical part of maintenance. The first rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is typically based on a time interval (e.g., every 6 or 12 months) or the volume of water filtered. However, your own senses are also a great guide. If you notice a significant drop in water pressure from the filter tap, or if the taste and odour of your water start to revert to how they were pre-filtration, it’s a clear sign that the cartridge is saturated and needs replacing.
The process of changing a standard under-bench filter cartridge is usually quite straightforward. First, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the filter, which is often a small valve on the cold water line under your sink. Next, release the pressure in the system by pressing the small red button typically found on top of the filter housing. Use the spanner that came with your system to unscrew the housing, remove the old cartridge, and pop in the new one. After cleaning the housing, screw it back on hand-tight, then turn the water supply back on slowly while checking for any leaks.
To make life easier, keep a couple of simple tips in mind. When you install a new cartridge, use a permanent marker to write the date on the side of the housing so you don’t have to rely on memory. It’s also a great idea to order your next replacement cartridge as soon as you’ve installed a new one, ensuring you always have it on hand when the time comes. If you have a more complex multi-stage or whole-house system, or if you simply don’t feel confident doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a local plumbing or water filtration specialist for assistance.
Ultimately, looking after your water filter system is a simple but vital task. Consistent maintenance ensures your initial investment continues to pay dividends in the form of pure, great-tasting water for you and your whānau. It’s a small effort that protects the system’s performance, safeguards your health, and provides the daily comfort of knowing every glass of water from your tap is as clean and fresh as it can possibly be.