Ultraceram Water Filter Maintenance: A Simple Guide

A good water filter is only as good as its maintenance. The Ultraceram is one of the most effective ceramic filtration systems available in Australia — removing fluoride, chloramines, bacteria, and heavy metals — but like any filter, it needs regular attention to keep performing at its best. Here’s everything you need to know.

For a broader look at benchtop filter options, see our Benchtop Water Filters Guide or browse our replacement cartridge range.

The Ultraceram Range

We stock three Ultraceram products suited to different filtration needs:

• Ultraceram Fluoride & Chloramines Removal Cartridge — removes fluoride, chloramines, bacteria, and heavy metals
• Benchtop Alkaline Water Purifier — multi-stage filtration with alkaline output
• Doulton Ultracarb Ceramic Filter Cartridge — up to 12 months lifespan, removes bacteria and sediment

How Often Should You Replace the Filter?

As a general rule, replace your Ultraceram cartridge every 6–12 months. The actual interval depends on three things:

• Water quality — harder water or higher contaminant loads shorten cartridge life. Adelaide and Perth users typically replace more frequently than Sydney or Melbourne.
• Household size and usage — larger households filtering water for drinking, cooking, and pets will exhaust cartridges faster.
• Filter type — the Doulton Ultracarb can last up to 12 months; the fluoride removal cartridge typically needs replacing at 6 months.

Don’t wait for the water to taste bad before replacing — an exhausted ceramic filter can harbour bacteria. Set a calendar reminder at the 6-month mark.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Your Ultraceram Filter

1. Turn off the water supply to the filter.
2. Unscrew the filter housing and remove the old cartridge.
3. Rinse the housing with warm water — no soap needed at this stage.
4. Insert the new cartridge, ensuring it seats correctly.
5. Screw the housing back on firmly (hand-tight is enough — don’t overtighten).
6. Turn the water supply back on and flush 2–3 litres through before drinking.
7. Check for leaks around the housing. If dripping, tighten slightly more or check the O-ring.

Cleaning the Filter Housing

Every time you replace the cartridge, clean the housing:

1. Remove the old cartridge and rinse the housing with warm water.
2. Use a soft brush to remove any sediment or biofilm from the inside.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before inserting the new cartridge.

Thorough drying matters — moisture left in the housing encourages bacterial growth.

System Sanitisation (Every 12 Months)

After every second or third cartridge replacement, sanitise the full system:

1. Turn off the water supply and remove the cartridge.
2. Mix a sanitising solution: 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per 4 litres of water.
3. Pour the solution into the housing, reattach, and open the water supply briefly to let it flow through.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush thoroughly with clean water.
5. Install a new cartridge and flush again before use.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Slow flow rate — usually a blocked or exhausted cartridge. Replace it. If flow is still slow, check your home’s water pressure.
• Leaking housing — tighten the housing. If still leaking, inspect the O-ring for damage and replace if worn.
• Unusual taste or smell after replacement — flush more water through (at least 5 litres). If it persists, sanitise the system.

Frequently Asked Questions