Clean water is something every Australian household should be able to rely on. For many families, achieving that starts with installing a quality water filtration system. However, ownership alone isn’t enough – without proper maintenance, even the most advanced system will fail to do its job.
In 2025, when environmental conditions, water quality standards and lifestyle needs continue to evolve, staying on top of your filter system maintenance is crucial. Whether you use a whole house filter, under-sink setup, reverse osmosis system or caravan unit, your system requires regular attention to keep performing as expected.
This guide explains everything you need to know about water filter maintenance, from recognising when something is not right, to system-specific care strategies that keep your system running smoothly and water tasting fresh.
Why Water Filter Maintenance Is Important
A water filtration system is designed to capture and remove unwanted substances, such as chlorine, heavy metals, sediments and bacteria, before they ever reach your glass. However, once filter cartridges become saturated or components start to degrade, the very contaminants you’re trying to eliminate can make their way back into your water supply. Consistent maintenance is the key solution to prevent this from occurring.
Proper upkeep supports:
- Protection: Ensures pollutants don’t slip through when filters are past their capacity.
- Quality: Preserves taste, clarity and odour by preventing stagnation or biofilm development.
- System Longevity: Reduces strain on seals, housings and connections, helping your system last longer.
- Efficiency: Avoid drops in pressure and improve flow, particularly for larger or multi-point systems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Replacing cartridges on time is far less expensive than replacing a damaged unit or correcting damage caused by leaks.
Neglecting maintenance doesn’t just compromise your water, but it also shortens the lifespan of your water filter system, eroding the value of your investment.
Common Signs Your Water Filter Needs Maintenance
Not all maintenance requirements stick to a nice schedule. Sometimes your water filter system will tell you something isn’t quite right – provided you know what to look for.
Here are a few key signs that it’s time to take action:
- Unusual Taste or Odour: A metallic or musty taste, or a chlorine smell, often indicates that the filter media is saturated and no longer removing contaminants effectively.
- Sediment or Discolouration in Water: Cloudiness or visible particles may point to cartridge fatigue or sediment filter failure.
- Reduced Water Pressure: Sluggish flow from taps or showers can be caused by clogged cartridges, restricting water flow.
- Spitting Taps or Noisy Pipes: Air bubbles or inconsistent water flow can signal that the system isn’t circulating properly.
- Filter Housing Discolouration: Mould, algae or rust stains inside the housing suggest it’s due for a clean or replacement.
Catching these issues early makes them easier to resolve and prevents wider spread damage to the filtration unit or plumbing.
How Do You Maintain Your Filter?
Maintaining a water filtration system isn’t a difficult task, but it does require consistency. Knowing what to do (and when) ensures your system continues to operate safely and effectively. Below, we outline a few core maintenance practices that all water filter owners should follow.
Understand Your System
No two filtration systems are exactly alike. A whole house water filtration systems that handles all water entering your property has different demands compared to a single-tap under sink filter or a caravan unit exposed to various water sources of differing qualities.
Before setting a maintenance routine, familiarise yourself with your system’s components:
- What type of cartridges does it use?
- How many stages of filtration are there?
- Does it rely on sediment, carbon or membrane filters?
- Is the unit installed at point-of-entry, under the sink or externally?
Knowing the system layout helps you identify which parts require attention and how often. If you’re unsure, consult your user manual or contact our team for system-specific guidance.
Replace Cartridges Regularly
The most critical maintenance task for any water filter system is cartridge replacement. Over time, filter media becomes saturated with contaminants and loses its ability to capture new ones. Continuing to use a spent cartridge risks allowing unwanted substances back into your water.
As a general rule:
- Whole House Systems: Replace every 6-12 months
- Under Sink & Benchtop: Every 3-6 months
- Reverse Osmosis Pre/Post Filters: Every 6-12 months
- RO Membranes: Annually to every two years
- Caravan Filters: Replacement schedule depends on water source and usage frequency
These timeframes will vary depending on usage levels, water quality and environmental conditions. If you’re wondering how often to replace your water filter cartridge, it’s best to err on the side of caution. A fresh filter cartridge not only ensures quality water, but it also protects the other components within the system from unnecessary strain.
Clean System Components
Cartridges aren’t the only parts that need attention. Many systems utilise housings, O-rings, hoses or tanks that should be cleaned and inspected during each maintenance cycle.
Standard cleaning practices include:
- Sanitising housings with a food-grade cleaning solution to prevent bacterial growth
- Inspecting and lubricating O-rings to maintain a watertight seal
- Flushing the system after cartridge changes to clear trapped air or loose carbon
- Wiping down connections and tubing to remove dust, scale or debris
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools as these can leave harmful residues or damage plastic components. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe cleaning methods, or get in touch with our friendly service team to discuss your system’s requirements.
Monitor Water Flow & Quality
In addition to scheduled maintenance, it’s a good idea to periodically assess the performance of your system.
Ask yourself:
- Has the water pressure dropped significantly?
- Does the water taste or smell different than it used to?
- Is the system making noise, or are the taps sputtering?
- Have you exceeded the expected service life of your current filter cartridge?
If you notice any red flags arise, investigate the dip in performance swiftly. A timely response is crucial for preventing long-term system damage.
Maintenance Tips By System Type
Different water filtration systems have different maintenance requirements. Below, we’ll breakdown some care practices for each of the most common system types we offer.
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house filters protect every outlet in your home. Due to the volume of water they process, these systems require durable cartridges and consistent attention.
- Replace cartridges every 6-12 months
- Monitor pressure gauges for signs of clogging
- Flush sediment pre-filters regularly
- Check for external leaks or corrosion at connection points
Bonus tip: Ask your plumbers about creating an outdoor water filter unit cover to protect it from weather damage and help the unit blend into your home exterior.
Under Sink Systems
Installed beneath kitchen or bathroom sinks, under sink systems offer targeted filtration of the water you use for drinking and cooking.
- Change cartridges every 3-6 months
- Clean filter housings during each change
- Inspect O-rings for wear or compression
- Ensure there are no leaks around fittings
Benchtop Systems
Benchtop filters are portable, accessible and ideal for small households and individuals who are renting.
- Replace cartridges every 6-12 months, or sooner for systems experiencing frequent use
- Wipe down housings and hoses
- Sanitise the internal chamber as required
- Check that the fittings remain secure after movement
Reverse Osmosis Systems
RO systems are highly effective but require a more involved maintenance approach.
- Replace pre-filters and post-filters every 6-12 months
- Replace the RO membrane every 1-2 years
- Sanitise the system annually
- Watch for reductions in flow
Caravan & Portable Filters
Used in mobile or off-grid setups, caravan / motorhome systems handle variable water sources and require more frequent care.
- Replace filters regularly, particularly after exposure to non-treated water
- Rinse and dry thoroughly between uses
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent microbial growth
- Flush before first use after storage
Final Thoughts
A water filtration system is only as good as the care it receives. Routine maintenance ensures your water filter system continues to perform optimally, delivering clean, great tasting water to your home.
Gaining an understanding of your particular system, replacing cartridges on time, cleaning components thoroughly and staying alert to signs of wear or failure help you to protect your water quality, while maximising the lifespan of your filtration system.
If you’d like to discuss your water filtration requirements or need help choosing the right filter components, our friendly service team is more than happy to assist you. Contact us today or explore our full range of systems and components.