If you’ve ever wondered why your water filter keeps clogging, even though you change it regularly, you’re not alone. There are a few different reasons why water filters can become clogged, but the good news is that there are also ways to prevent and fix the problem. The experts at White’s Plumbing in Youngsville, North Carolina have the answers to why you might have a water filter that keeps clogging. Keep reading to learn more about water filters and how to keep them from becoming clogged.
What is a Whole-House Water Filter?
A whole-house water filter is a type of water filtration system that is installed on the main water line entering your home. Whole-house water filters remove contaminants from all the water coming into your home, so every time you turn on the faucet or use the shower, you’re getting clean, filtered water. These contaminants include things like chlorine, iron, sulfur, dirt, debris and other things.
While there are many different types and brands of whole-house water filters available, they all work to do the same thing: remove impurities from your water supply. By filtering out contaminants at the point of entry, whole-house water filters provide clean, safe water for your entire home. This filtration system stops the contaminants much earlier in your pipes than a filter attached to a specific faucet will. By doing this, you are able to make sure all of your home’s water sources are clean – not just one.
What are the Causes for a Water Filter to Keep Clogging?
One of the main causes of water filter clogs is simply not changing the filter often enough. Over time, the filter becomes filled with contaminants and debris, which can eventually lead to a clog. Depending on the type of water filter you have, it should be changed every few months to ensure that it’s working properly.
Sometimes, the filter is simply too fine. Since less can get through the filter, it is likely to clog more quickly.
How do you change the filter on your whole house water filter?
Changing the filter on your water filter is actually pretty easy to do! Most water filters will have instructions on how to change the filter, but if you do not have those, don’t worry. Here are some easy steps to change the whole house water filter in your home:
- Turn off the main line’s water feed. This will stop water from continuing to try to run through the filter while you are changing it.
- Take out the casing and the large o-ring. You will want to clean the o-ring off first. If it is severely dirty or no longer functional, you can always pick up a new one.
- Take out the clogged filter and dispose of it properly.
- Clean the casing with warm water, kitchen soap, and either a cloth or sponge.
- Add silicone grease to the o-ring to help it sit in the casing properly and then put it back in its normal spot.
- Add the new water filter cartridge to the casing. Make sure it is inserted correctly and is the correct filter.
- Close the cap of the casing, put it back where it belongs, and turn the water back on.
- Regularly check the water filter to make sure that it is not clogged again.
What Happens When your Water Filter Clogs?
When your water filter clogs, it can cause a decrease in water pressure and water quality. This is because the water isn’t able to flow through the filter as easily. If you notice a decrease in water pressure or water quality with no other explanation as to why, it’s a good idea to check your water filter to see if it needs to be changed. Follow the steps above – or the ones that came with the filter – and see if this fixes your water pressure issue.
How Do You Prevent Your Water Filter from Clogging in Your Home?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your water filter from clogging in the first place. First, be sure to change the filter regularly – as we mentioned before, this is key to preventing clogs. Finally, if you generally have low water pressure in your home, this can also lead to clogs, so be sure to have the water pressure checked.
Mineral Buildup in Hard Water
One of the most common reasons your water filter keeps clogging is mineral buildup from hard water. If your home’s water supply contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, it can quickly clog your filter. This is because these minerals form tiny solid particles that accumulate in the filter over time, leading to reduced water flow and increased pressure inside the filter.
How Does Hard Water Clog Filters?
Hard water carries dissolved minerals that can crystallize as they pass through your filter. Over time, these small crystals gather, forming a dense buildup that blocks the filter’s pores. This is more likely if you live in an area known for hard water, which is common in many parts of the United States. When your filter is clogged with mineral deposits, it can reduce the efficiency of your filtration system, which can also affect water quality in your home.
How to Prevent Mineral Buildup
If hard water is clogging your water filter, consider installing a water softener. A water softener works by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water before it reaches your whole-house filter, significantly reducing the chance of mineral buildup. Additionally, regular maintenance and changing the filter more frequently can help prevent hard water from overwhelming your filtration system.
Sediment or Debris in Water Supply
Another common cause of a frequently clogged water filter is the presence of sediment or debris in your water supply. Dirt, sand, rust, and other small particles can enter your water system, especially if you rely on a well or live in an area with older plumbing infrastructure. These particles can collect in the filter and block it more quickly than usual.
Sources of Sediment and Debris
If your water comes from a well, it’s especially prone to picking up sediment, as groundwater can carry dirt, silt, and sand from underground sources. Even municipal water supplies can sometimes contain sediment, especially if the pipes are old or if there’s been recent maintenance work. This debris can clog your filter fast, causing low water pressure and reduced water flow throughout your home.
How to Address Sediment Clogs
To combat sediment buildup, you might consider installing a pre-filter. A pre-filter is designed to catch large particles like dirt and sand before the water reaches your main filter. This can significantly reduce the load on your primary water filter and help it last longer between changes. Additionally, if your home has an older plumbing system, you may want to consider having your pipes checked to see if they’re contributing to the debris problem.
Bacterial Growth in the Filter
Bacteria can sometimes grow inside a water filter, especially if the filter isn’t changed regularly. This is often referred to as biofilm buildup. If your filter is clogged due to bacterial growth, you might notice a strange smell or taste in your water, and the flow rate could become noticeably slower.
Why Bacterial Growth Happens
Water filters are designed to trap contaminants, and sometimes this can include bacteria. If the filter becomes too wet or stays in place for too long without being changed, it can create an environment where bacteria thrive. The bacteria can form a biofilm, a sticky layer of microorganisms that clog the filter. This can not only reduce water quality but also pose health risks.
Preventing Bacterial Clogs
To avoid bacterial growth in your water filter, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to change the filter. In some cases, installing a UV water purifier alongside your filtration system can help kill bacteria before they reach the filter. Regular cleaning of the filter housing, along with maintaining a dry and clean environment around the system, can also help prevent biofilm buildup.
Contact White’s Plumbing About Your Clogged Water Filter
We hope this article has helped you understand why water filters can become clogged and how to prevent it from happening. water filters are an important part of keeping your home’s water supply clean, so be sure to take care of them!
If you are located near the Youngsville, North Carolina area and are having trouble with your home’s water filter clogging, contact us here at White’s Plumbing! Our expert plumbing staff is able to help you figure out why your filter has clogged and if there is an issue with the filter itself. Feel free to fill out the form on this page or give us a call at your convenience. We will send a plumber to your home as soon as we can and get your water filter up and running in no time.
