7 signs your water cooler filter needs changing
As much as we’d like them to, water filters don’t last forever.
Once they start to clog and get dirty from sediment, they can no longer filter water as well as they used to, leading to odd tastes and grimy-looking water.
That’s why you need to change the filters in your mains-fed cooler regularly and consistently so you don’t end up swallowing a cupful of poorly filtered water or subjecting your staff or visitors to that.
Today, we’ll run you through all the most common signs that your water cooler filter needs changing, so you don’t get a nasty surprise the next time you fill up your water bottle.
Key takeaways
- Changes in the taste, smell, or appearance of your water can be signs that the filter is no longer working.
- Slower water flow can happen when sediment and other particles build up inside the filter and restrict how much water passes through.
- Don’t ignore filter warning lights or service reminders, even if the water still seems completely normal.
- We recommend changing your water cooler filter around every 6 months, although this can vary depending on the cooler, filter, and level of use.
- Keeping a record of filter changes and regular servicing makes it easier to stay on top of maintenance and catch potential problems early.
- If changing the filter doesn’t solve issues with taste, smell, appearance, or water flow, your cooler may need cleaning or servicing instead.
How can you tell when a water cooler filter needs changing?
A lot of people will tell you to change your water filter around every 6 months to make sure that everything is functioning properly and the filter is working as it should.
However, different manufacturers suggest different things, depending on their product, so it’s always best to ask after you’ve purchased a cooler.
At Cool Water Company, we provide regular servicing and filter check-ups to keep on top of your water cooler and catch any issues before they arise. Place an order today to find out why our customers love us.
1. The water tastes different
If you notice that your water tastes off or even just slightly different than it used to, then it’s time to start inspecting what’s going on inside the cooler.
You may notice a slightly stale, metallic, or chlorine-like taste, all of which indicate that your filter could be reaching the end of its life.
Water filters are designed to help reduce impurities and unwanted tastes from the mains water supply, so as their time runs out, they become less effective at doing their job, meaning you could start noticing flavours that weren’t there before.
2. There’s an unusual smell
The water from your water cooler shouldn’t have a distinct or unnatural smell (or any smell at all really).
If you’ve started picking up an unusual odour when filling your glass or bottle, it could be another indication that the filter needs some attention.
A filter that’s been in place for too long may no longer be as effective at reducing the substances responsible for certain smells. However, an unusual odour doesn’t always mean the filter is definitely to blame; your cooler may just be due for cleaning or servicing.
3. The water looks cloudy or discoloured
You shouldn’t ignore any changes in the appearance of your water.
If water that would normally run clear suddenly looks cloudy, slightly discoloured, or contains visible particles, your filter most likely needs replacing. A filter collects sediment and other material as water passes through it, so its performance can gradually decline over time, and these can start to appear in your cup.
That said, cloudy or discoloured water can also be caused by the mains water supply or another issue with the cooler, so it’s best to have someone else check.
4. Water is coming out of the cooler more slowly
No one likes a slow-dripping water dispenser, especially when you’re busy at work.
If your water bottle has started taking twice as long to fill up, the water filter could be to blame. As sediment and other particles build up inside the filter, water can’t pass through at its normal rate, causing the tap to run slower.
If changing the filter restores the usual flow, you’ve probably found the culprit. But if it’s still happening, get a maintenance person to look for other issues.
5. The filter indicator or service reminder has come on
Some water coolers make things nice and easy by telling you when the filter needs attention.
If so, you may see a filter warning light, service symbol, or notification letting you know you’ve reached the recommended replacement point and it’s time to switch out your filter.
These reminders are there to help you keep on top of routine maintenance, so don’t ignore one just because the water still seems to taste fine.
6. You can’t remember when the filter was last changed
If you can’t remember the last time you changed the filter, or someone came out to change it for you, then we’ve got a problem on our hands.
Even if you haven’t noticed any obvious changes in taste, smell or water flow, you should still replace them according to the recommended maintenance schedule.
We suggest keeping a log of the dates it’s checked and changed so you can keep up with when it’s next due.
7. The recommended replacement interval has passed
These are here for a reason, people, so don’t ignore them and assume your filter will be okay for a bit longer.
We generally recommend replacing your water filter every 6 months. If you hold on longer to save money because you don’t taste or spot anything different with the water, then you’re most likely drinking water that’s not been filtered properly; it’s just not gotten to the point where you can tell yet.
Staying on top of routine filter changes is a much easier way to keep your cooler performing as it should than waiting until something noticeably goes wrong and sometimes paying to fix issues that have accumulated from improper use.
Looking for a mains-fed water cooler?
Is your current water cooler just not doing what you need it to anymore?
A mains-fed water cooler offers a convenient way to provide fresh, filtered drinking water without storing or replacing bulky bottles.
At Cool Water Company, we supply a range of mains-fed water coolers for workplaces of all sizes, with options to suit different spaces and requirements.
Explore our mains-fed water coolers today or get in touch with our team to try out a 14-day free trial before you buy.