How to Replace Under Sink Water Filter Cartridge? with Steps

Water filters perform the job of removing contaminants from our water so that we consume healthy & clean water at all times. So, water filters have a system & its mechanism works to provide clean water.

Now, what if you don’t clean the water filter or don’t maintain it now and then? If not cleaned & sanitized every year, your water filter will fail to perform its job. 

In this guide, we will take you through the steps to install & replace under sink water filter cartridges and clean them properly. Let’s get started!

A Complete Guide to Replace Under Sink Water Filter Cartridge

To replace the under sink water filter cartridge successfully, you need to follow the step by step guide that we’ve created for you:

1. Look for the shut-off valve & close it as you would want to stop the flow of the water filter before hopping on step 2. 
2. Step 2 calls for relieving the pressure by opening the filter’s tap, which gives out filtered water. 
3. Use a housing wrench to loosen up your filter’s housings. Don’t forget to keep the housing in the upright position as there will be water in it. 
4. In this step, you need to remove all the cartridges & housings present in the filter. 
5. It depends upon which water filter you are using, but it is recommended to change the o-rings every year. To be safe, we suggest you go ahead and replace the o-rings of your filter. Don’t forget to fit the new ones perfectly, because if not, you won’t get a proper seal. 
6. Before you dispose of the old cartridges, check if they have sediment build-up in excess. If that is the case, you should consider changing your cartridges more often. Due to this, you may also want to look for inexpensive cartridges as you’ll be replacing them frequently. 
7. Use lukewarm soapy water along with a very soft brush to clean the filter’s housings. Don’t forget about the insides of the caps & finally, rinse them with fresh & clean water. 
8. Now, you’ll want to clean the filter’s lower part, also known as the housing sump. For this, take a clean bucket and fill it with 3.8 liters of water. Add 2-3 tablespoons of unscented bleach to this water, and then use 1 cup of this solution for cleaning every housing sump. This sanitizing solution is known to do wonders. 
9. Once cleaned, put the caps back on the housing sumps and then turn to the shut-off valve to open it. This will let the housings get filled with water. 
10. Once the water starts flowing out, close the filter’s faucet. 
11. Let the bleach and the water come in contact with your filter’s internal components for about 30 minutes. 
12. Then, remove the housing sumps once again using the procedure mentioned above and throw away the solution. 
13. This step calls for placing the cartridges back in the filter. 
14. Once placed, run water through the cartridges as well. Five minutes should be enough to activate the filter. 
15. Once done, close the filter’s faucet and check everything. And you’re done! 

Things Tips to Keep in Mind 

We suggest that it is vital to clean and sanitize the water filter every year, or even twice a year.  

Before you move ahead with the process in the previous section, keep in mind that you’ll need:

• A brush with soft bristles
• Unscented soap
• Unscented bleach

Conclusion 

In this guide, we provided you with the necessary steps to follow for changing the cartridge of your under sink water filter. If you go through the steps thoroughly, you will realize that they are straightforward. If you still find the process overwhelming, we suggest you take the help of a professional for the same. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)