Q: Do I need to replace my water filter after 6 months if I don’t use it?
Answer: Yes!
It is recommended that you change your refrigerator filter or reverse osmosis system filters every 6 months, but what if you don’t use them a lot?
Maybe you have a vacation home that is only inhabited for a couple months out of the year, maybe you have a water filter pitcher that you prefer or maybe you just haven’t been home or changed your filter in a while. Whatever your circumstance, it’s important that you change your water filter regularly regardless of whether you use it frequently.
Why?
The capacity of a water filter is dependent on water quality and usage, which is why it is recommended that you change them every 6 months.
The recommendation of changing your water filter in 6-month intervals is also given as a preventative measure to minimize bacterial growth. It is our understanding that filter media begins a consumption process when it becomes wet. It is possible for a filter in that condition to promote bacteria growth. The same can be said for pre- and post-filters for RO systems.
If you neglect changing your water filter, it can not only put you and your family at risk of drinking water that contains bacteria, it can also make it easier for bacteria to spread throughout your water filtration system!
For RO systems, we recommend removing the filters, sanitizing the system, and installing new filters. We also recommend that you replace the O-rings as necessary.
How often you change your water filter is ultimately up to you, but if you want guaranteed fresh, filtered water it is essential that you change your filters regularly.
Time to order your replacement refrigerator filter or water filter? Click here.
Do you have a water or air filtration question that you would like us to answer? Drop it in the comments below!
Katie says
Dana,
Thank you for reaching out to us. A filter can have bacteria growth over time. This is one of the reasons why there is a 6-month filter change interval. You may be able to disable the water supply and the water system in the refrigerator. We would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer for technical support.
Dana Duenzen says
I have disabled the ice maker as I no longer use it. I also do not have water to drink delivered through the refrigerator. Never had that feature. So why would I need to change this filter? No water is running through it any longer as I had a flood and I do not wish to risk another flood from the ice maker. It is such a common problem that every person with whom I spoke about the flood knew immediately what had caused the flood before I even got to the cause.