How often should you replace a filter element?

There is no universal replacement period

The actual service life of the filters depends on several factors, such as: the quality of the water, the contaminants present and their concentrations, daily water consumption, the substances you specifically want to filter and the construction of the filter. Manufacturers often give a general replacement recommendation, based on a broad group of users and water qualities. In practice, the optimal replacement period can differ from user to user. Based on experience with Dutch tap water, Alternatievemiddelen.nl currently advises as follows (with average use and the use of tap water): Black Berkey filters: replace the filters after a maximum of three years, BOROUX Foundation Black filters: replace the filters after a maximum of three years, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition filters: replace the filters after a maximum of one year, Coldstream FTO PLUS filters: replace the filters after a maximum of 6 months, Berkey PF-2 fluoride filters: replace the filters after a maximum of one year and BOROUX ProActive fluoride filters: replace the filters after a maximum of one year. This is a practical guideline and not a fixed replacement period. If you use water with higher concentrations of certain contaminants (for example water from other sources), have a high water consumption or want to retain maximum certainty for specific substances, you are better off replacing the filters sooner. If you want to determine exactly when replacement is needed, only periodic analysis of the filtered water can give a definitive answer. Please note: the test results and maximum capacities differ per contaminant. Always consult the most up-to-date information and test results of each brand for this.

How to tell it is time sooner

The first signal is slowness: the upper chamber noticeably takes longer to empty. With the black filters (Black Berkey, BOROUX Foundation and Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition), priming again (saturating with water) should make them flow through properly again. If that does not help, a clean (followed by priming again) should provide a better flow. With ceramic elements (Coldstream FTO PLUS and ProOne) you only need to clean them, and that should raise the speed again somewhat. You clean by rinsing the filters briefly under a cold tap and then lightly scouring them with a scouring sponge. If none of this helps, it is a signal that replacement is due. Of course, also always keep an eye on the taste of the filtered water, because that is naturally the best indication of whether replacement is needed.

The handiest habit

Link replacement to a fixed moment, for example spring, and write the date of installation with a waterproof marker on the box of the filter element. A note in your diary is of course handy too, and who does not have a phone these days. There is no more admin than that. Below you can see all the filters (with their current stock status) that are currently available.