How Often Should You Replace Your Water Filter? (And What Happens If You Don't)

by Christina Neagu October 07, 2026

Whether you bought a bottleless cooler months ago or just installed a tankless undersink reverse osmosis (RO) system, there will come a time when filters need replacing.

How do you know how often to swap filters out? What happens if you go past the recommended filter replacement timeline? How much experience do you need to physically replace filters? These are all valid questions that should be addressed before you reach the end of your filter's lifespan.

This guide discusses replacement schedules by filter type, warning signs of an expired filter, and the risks of an overdue filter replacement.

Why Water Filters Need Replacing

If you have a water filtration system, you probably don’t give the filters much thought. You open your tap, and out comes fresh, filtered water, one glass after the next. But then months down the road, you start to think: when was the last time you changed the filter, if ever?

Depending on the water filtration system you have, it may be working hard to remove chlorine and sediment. A reverse osmosis (RO) system will take that filtration process one step further, targeting volatile organic compounds, total dissolved solids, heavy metals, and more.

Each filter has a set capacity. The more water it filters, the sooner it will reach its capacity. However, the source water quality also matters. The more your filter has to work to remove these impurities, the shorter its lifespan. If you go beyond the recommended replacement period, filters can clog and lose efficiency.

What Will Happen If I Don’t Replace Filters?

If your filters need to be replaced, the issues may start with dispensing rates. If you’ve noticed there is reduced water pressure in the shower, in addition to other warning signs, your filters may need replacing.

If contaminants are no longer being absorbed, you’ll notice a drop in water quality. Worse, clogged filters may strain refrigerators, ice makers, or whole-home plumbing systems, which can lead to damage because these appliances need to work harder than they should.

How Often Should You Replace Your Filters?

Depending on the water system you choose and your water usage, most standard and carbon filters typically last between 6 and 12 months before they need to be changed.

If you have an RO system, replace membranes every 12 to 24 months, depending on your source-water quality. The replacement schedule can vary by model. Some should be changed every 12 months or 3,600 liters, while others can last up to 24 months or 7,000 liters. Replace your sediment and carbon filters on time (between 6 and 12 months) to protect the main RO membrane.

So, how do you know if you need to replace your filter in 6 months, 12 months, or sometime in between?

Filter Replacement Warning Signs

If you notice these signs, it may be time to change your filter:

Slow water flow: If the filter is clogged with mineral buildup or sediment, your water flow will drop. A new filter will help you restore water pressure. If you have an ice maker, you’ll notice slow performance.
Bad taste or odor: Off flavors or smells are signs a carbon filter is worn out. When you replace the filter, contaminants like chlorine get trapped again, so your water tastes fresh.
Visible changes: If your water looks discolored or your filter is fully caked with dirt, it’s time for a new cartridge.

Brio helps take the guesswork out of filter replacement. Take the 730 3-Stage Bottleless Water Dispenser, for example. A modern panel features an LED display, digital clock, and clear visual indicators for filter replacements and UV cleaning status. The same applies to tankless undersink units, like the Brio AQUUS Tankless RO Under Sink Filtration System, which comes with a smart faucet. Its dual-lever design for filtered and reverse osmosis water features a bright display with a filter lifetime indicator and total dissolved solids (TDS) meter.

Are Filters Easy to Replace?

Water filters are generally easy to replace, though the exact difficulty depends on your system type.

Brio systems are designed for easy replacement and usually take only a few minutes. The same approach applies to Brio’s water filtration systems. DIY installation is intended to be straightforward. Since filter replacement is easy, ongoing maintenance requires little to no experience.

For most systems and associated filters, follow these steps:

Locate the filter: Open the cabinet door or remove the top cover depending on your Brio model.
Shut off water: Turn off the water supply line if your unit is connected directly to a water source.
Remove old filters: Twist the old filter counterclockwise to detach it from the filter head.
Install new filters: Push the new filter in and twist it clockwise until it locks into place.
Flush the system: Run water through the dispenser for a few minutes to clear out trapped air and carbon dust.

If you are replacing filters in your whole-house system, you’ll follow a few more steps. But again, the process is relatively simple.

Brio Makes Filter Replacement a Breeze

Every Brio replacement filter installs tool-free through a front-facing cartridge design, so replacing a filter takes seconds and requires no plumber or extensive system shutdown.

Ready to replace your filters? Browse Brio’s complete filter replacement collection today!

Clean Water

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