.product_section .product_form, .product_gallery { opacity: 1; } .multi_select, form .select { display: block !important; } .image-element__wrap { display: none; }

Water Filters & Purifiers

8 STAGE WATER FILTERS

large-blue-stripe-porcelain-water-dispenser-bottle-set-water-filter

Bottle Set w/ Filter

Awesome Ceramic Dome Filter

97% Fluoride Removal Ceramic Filter

Awesome Magnesium Prill Beads

When to Change a Whole House Water Filter Cartridge

July 10, 2021 2 min read

Whole house filter cartridges don’t last forever — and a clogged or exhausted cartridge provides little to no filtration. Here’s a clear guide to replacement intervals and what to watch for.

Browse our replacement cartridge range or see our guide: How to Replace a Water Filter Cartridge.

Replacement Intervals by Cartridge Type

Cartridge Type	Typical Interval	Notes
Sediment pre-filter	Every 2–6 months	Replace sooner if water pressure drops noticeably
Carbon block filter	Every 4–6 months	Replace sooner if chlorine taste/smell returns
Sub-micron post-filter	Every 9–12 months	Removes fine particles and protozoa
Iron filter	When flow rate drops	Replace immediately if water discolouration occurs

These are general guidelines — actual replacement frequency depends on your water quality and household usage. High-sediment water (bore, tank, or some regional supplies) will exhaust sediment cartridges faster.

Signs Your Cartridge Needs Replacing

Reduced water pressure throughout the house — the most common sign of a clogged sediment cartridge
Returning chlorine taste or smell — indicates the carbon cartridge is exhausted
Visible discolouration in the cartridge (if using a clear housing)
Water discolouration — replace immediately and check for iron or sediment issues

Tips for Remembering to Replace

Set a recurring calendar reminder on your phone at the time of each replacement
Write the replacement date on the cartridge housing with a marker
Order replacement cartridges in advance so you always have a spare on hand

Browse our replacement cartridge range — we stock cartridges for all Big Blue housing sizes with Australia-wide delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse a whole house filter cartridge?

Polyester sediment cartridges can be rinsed and reused a limited number of times. Cellulose (paper) cartridges should not be reused — the surface can tear and allow sediment through. Carbon cartridges cannot be regenerated and must be replaced. When in doubt, replace.

What micron rating should I use for my whole house filter?

For most Australian town water supplies, a 5–10 micron sediment pre-filter paired with a carbon block is the standard choice. Lower micron ratings (1–5 micron) provide finer filtration but reduce flow rate and require more frequent replacement. Use a lower micron rating only if your water has very fine sediment or you’re filtering bore/tank water.

How do I change a whole house filter cartridge?

See our step-by-step guide: How to Replace a Water Filter Cartridge. You’ll need the filter housing wrench that came with your system.

```html

```

When to Change a Whole House Water Filter Cartridge

Replacement Intervals by Cartridge Type

Signs Your Cartridge Needs Replacing

Tips for Remembering to Replace

Frequently Asked Questions

Subscribe

Let customers speak for us